Reviews

Mr. H.O.A. by Carina Taylor

dorisede's review

Go to review page

3.0

While, this book was funny in some places. I don't think it really earned the title of romantic comedy. I initially liked Nola and Bane but at some point I stopped caring about them. And, at some point, Nola's lies were just ridiculous. Why couldn't she come out and say the truth. She just kept on lying for no good reason. She basically made a fool of Bane and he forgave her that easily, I am not buying it.

My main issue with this book was that it was simply not capitivating enough to hold my interest for a long time.So, it took me three days to finish this book and that was torture. The first thing I said when I finished this book was "finally". This book tried to put me in a slump. I am giving it three stars because it made me laugh sometimes.

bookish_kayy's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was a cute read with an intriguing premise. I figured it would be a nice change of pace for me. There were some giggle worthy moments. Their conflict wasn’t an overly complex one.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with either of the main characters. Nola was a little too immature for me, and Bane unfortunately fell a bit flat as well.
However, it may be a case of ‘it’s not you, it’s me’.

chelseadenn34's review

Go to review page

4.0

Oh man this was such a cute read. I thought this was such an interesting spin on the fake marriage trope. A lot of times I feel like the fake marriage trope is to gain an inheritance or because one party is broke and needs money. In this story, the fake marriage is to keep suspicions off of Bane and Nola since they’re basically squatting in someone else’s house and I thought that was so fun. Nola and Bane were a fun pair that had some great banter. And it became quickly apparent that the two were forgetting the marriage was fake.

This book also had some elements that were a little bit deeper that I didn’t expect. I loved how much of a helper Nola was and the love she had for the kids at the foster home where she helped out. I am also excited to keep reading this series, because the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and I need to know more about a certain character’s story.

All in all I thought this one was fun and it’s a series I’m excited to read more of!

4⭐️

donnareadathon2021's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The story
Bane gets an eviction notice and needs to get out of his apartment urgently. He’s a successful real estate agent but now he’s homeless. His upstairs neighbour Nola suggests a property she knows is empty, but she won’t say who the owner is. One thing leads to another (as they do!) and next thing Bane and Nola are roommates sharing the lovely home, pretending to be married and Bane is elected as the president of the H.O.A. Yikes!

My thoughts
This is the sweetest story, with a dual POV so you get to see the story from both Bane and Nola’s sides. I enjoyed how they each settled into their domestic roles with zero fuss, accepting each other’s foibles and just getting on with it. The attraction is there, but there is zero steam. This easy-to-read story played like a sweet movie in my head

janelabro's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

No spark, no connection. Nola is childish and a liar. Not for me.

gnomeskillet's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

ebgracie77's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is a light fluff of a book. It’s a fun story but feels a bit unrealistic and the conflict is resolved way too easily. But if you’re looking for something light and upbeat, check it out.

lindseyreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

neffcannon's review

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-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

3.25

karenthornell's review against another edition

Go to review page

Carina's books are so cute! From the adorable covers (seriously, look at that thing!) to the fun characters and banter, you are sure to enjoy your read :)

I loved the tension, the story, and the characters. I loved the quirky ways Nola messed up Bane's name. I enjoyed the nosey neighbors and the way Bane became "Mr. HOA" did not feel forced at all. Nola and Bane had very different personalities, which led to great banter.

There were a few things in the story that were repeated, though the second time it was as if they were supposed to be a large revelation (such as Bane's backstory), and there was one scene that pushed the heat level of a sweet romance, but overall I really loved this book and can't wait for more from Carina! It was fresh, light, and enjoyable!

*Thank you to the author and Give Me Books for an ARC of this book!