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lurker_stalker's review
5.0
This. This is what I want in a romance novel. Characters with chemistry, humor, family, and angst that wasn't just an obvious plot point and something that shouldn't have been a problem for grown-ups who talk with each other.
It's no secret that Amanda Radley is one of my favorite romance authors and Reading Her is just one reason why I will grab her books as soon as I see them available. Of course, it's also no secret that I'm the worst ARC reader in the world since I regularly am running so far behind that there's nothing advanced about my reviews. But I am good for a "Hey! Did you miss this one when it came out? Read it now!" sort of review…
I'm not always a fan of age-gap romances because so much time is spent discussing how it can't work specifically due to the age difference. That wasn't the case in Reading Her. The issues were more class and occupation/education based. I liked that. These women felt well matched and complementary to each other. And the son, Hugo, wasn't an afterthought that sometimes happens with kids in romance novels. He was central to the story but never overshadowed what us readers are really there for - the romantic relationship. This one ticked all the boxes for me. I freaking loved this book and it will absolutely go on my reread/funk reading list.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the chance to bask in the glow of a wonderfully done HEA.
It's no secret that Amanda Radley is one of my favorite romance authors and Reading Her is just one reason why I will grab her books as soon as I see them available. Of course, it's also no secret that I'm the worst ARC reader in the world since I regularly am running so far behind that there's nothing advanced about my reviews. But I am good for a "Hey! Did you miss this one when it came out? Read it now!" sort of review…
I'm not always a fan of age-gap romances because so much time is spent discussing how it can't work specifically due to the age difference. That wasn't the case in Reading Her. The issues were more class and occupation/education based. I liked that. These women felt well matched and complementary to each other. And the son, Hugo, wasn't an afterthought that sometimes happens with kids in romance novels. He was central to the story but never overshadowed what us readers are really there for - the romantic relationship. This one ticked all the boxes for me. I freaking loved this book and it will absolutely go on my reread/funk reading list.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the chance to bask in the glow of a wonderfully done HEA.
tortello_alla_zucca's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rachelslacey's review
5.0
Amanda Radley is one of my favorite sapphic authors. Her words are so compelling, her characters so complex and endearing, and her storylines are so unique that I can't flip the pages fast enough. If you haven't read one of her books yet, this would be a great one to start with - it's a new favorite!
ghostlycreature's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
agentkp's review
Not to make a rage review because I have bo energy for it a bunch of things just felt waaay too unrealistic for me to keel reading. Main character also had only two personality traits that were just very boring.
elizatanner's review
5.0
This was a surprise that grabbed me and I couldn't stop reading. Didn't want to stop reading, but wanted to save more for the next day.
I was skeptical in the beginning due to all the bravado, but soon learned there was more than met the eye. Loved the barrister. Great plot and moved more in depth than I thought it would. I look forward to the next by this author.
I was skeptical in the beginning due to all the bravado, but soon learned there was more than met the eye. Loved the barrister. Great plot and moved more in depth than I thought it would. I look forward to the next by this author.
khylabevibin's review
4.0
I’d take a break from reading books by Amanda Radley, her books had gotten too PG and Disney like for me to find more interest in them. But it’s been a while so I said, why not? I’m not that disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still be recommending this story to younger readers but there’s a small but noticeable heart warming factor to this book that helped me enjoy it.
Hugo Whittaker is struggling with the typical teenage angst and insecurities, to deal with this he lies and sneaks his way into a gym where he meets fitness instructor, Lauren Evans. Dealing with her own problems and secrets, Lauren is pretty shaken when the mother of the boy she’s been helping at the gym shows up and threatens said gym at the revelation that her son joined without her permission. Allegra Whittaker is a headstrong, stubborn and loud barrister but all Lauren could think about is…how hot she is. Allegra on the other hand, hasn’t dated in forever to the point where she doesn’t even know where to begin to deal with Lauren Whittaker.
As I said before, it’s been hard for me to get into Amanda Radley these days and while this book wasn’t the most exciting upturn, it wasn’t difficult. Definitely a cute light read. Nothing too serious or depressing, slight hotness, good humor and romance.
My problem would be that there’s nothing… special. This book is forgettable, no impression whatsoever. Compared to “Flight SQA016” and it’s sequels, it really makes you wonder if it’s the same author. No disrespect meant but it’s just a bit baffling.
Overall a short read for a casual day.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still be recommending this story to younger readers but there’s a small but noticeable heart warming factor to this book that helped me enjoy it.
Hugo Whittaker is struggling with the typical teenage angst and insecurities, to deal with this he lies and sneaks his way into a gym where he meets fitness instructor, Lauren Evans. Dealing with her own problems and secrets, Lauren is pretty shaken when the mother of the boy she’s been helping at the gym shows up and threatens said gym at the revelation that her son joined without her permission. Allegra Whittaker is a headstrong, stubborn and loud barrister but all Lauren could think about is…how hot she is. Allegra on the other hand, hasn’t dated in forever to the point where she doesn’t even know where to begin to deal with Lauren Whittaker.
As I said before, it’s been hard for me to get into Amanda Radley these days and while this book wasn’t the most exciting upturn, it wasn’t difficult. Definitely a cute light read. Nothing too serious or depressing, slight hotness, good humor and romance.
My problem would be that there’s nothing… special. This book is forgettable, no impression whatsoever. Compared to “Flight SQA016” and it’s sequels, it really makes you wonder if it’s the same author. No disrespect meant but it’s just a bit baffling.
Overall a short read for a casual day.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review.
emxsk's review against another edition
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
00leah00's review
4.0
“Reading Her” by Amanda Radley is an age-gap, opposites-attract romance.
Lauren Evans is a 30-something fitness instructor when she meets Hugo Whittaker. He’s a teen wanting to lose some weight and get fit because of some bullies at school. Unfortunately for Hugo, he stole his mom’s (Allegra) credit card to sign up for the gym and she has some words to say to Lauren about it.
Radley is pretty well known for writing ice queens and this was a departure from that. While Lauren is a bit cocky in the beginning, once you get to know her, she grows on you and is very likable. Allegra is a wealthy barrister in her early 50’s and hasn’t dated in years. She’s attracted to Lauren right off and is surprised when she learns the feeling is mutual. Lauren hasn’t had a serious relationship in years because of a personal issue that she has to deal with so neither one is ready for their undeniable chemistry.
This was a heartwarming romance with family and communication at its core. Allegra and Lauren actually communicate with one another aside from the one thing that Lauren keeps to herself. It doesn’t have anything to do with the Allegra or their relationship but it’s something she lets get in the way of her future. Lauren’s process was eye opening for me as a reader and was something she had to be honest about if she wanted a future with Allegra and Hugo. I mention Hugo here because he does play a pretty important role in the book.
Also, Radley didn’t go her usual route of fade to black intimate scenes (if that.) There were one or two actual steamy scenes so if that has stopped you from reading Radley before, don’t let it now.
I recommend this for fans of heartwarming romances with a small dose of angst.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Evans is a 30-something fitness instructor when she meets Hugo Whittaker. He’s a teen wanting to lose some weight and get fit because of some bullies at school. Unfortunately for Hugo, he stole his mom’s (Allegra) credit card to sign up for the gym and she has some words to say to Lauren about it.
Radley is pretty well known for writing ice queens and this was a departure from that. While Lauren is a bit cocky in the beginning, once you get to know her, she grows on you and is very likable. Allegra is a wealthy barrister in her early 50’s and hasn’t dated in years. She’s attracted to Lauren right off and is surprised when she learns the feeling is mutual. Lauren hasn’t had a serious relationship in years because of a personal issue that she has to deal with so neither one is ready for their undeniable chemistry.
This was a heartwarming romance with family and communication at its core. Allegra and Lauren actually communicate with one another aside from the one thing that Lauren keeps to herself. It doesn’t have anything to do with the Allegra or their relationship but it’s something she lets get in the way of her future. Lauren’s process was eye opening for me as a reader and was something she had to be honest about if she wanted a future with Allegra and Hugo. I mention Hugo here because he does play a pretty important role in the book.
Also, Radley didn’t go her usual route of fade to black intimate scenes (if that.) There were one or two actual steamy scenes so if that has stopped you from reading Radley before, don’t let it now.
I recommend this for fans of heartwarming romances with a small dose of angst.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.