Scan barcode
bridgett's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the first romances I've read in years and I really enjoyed it! Feels like the genre has come a long way since the late nights that I hid my closet with stacks of Harlequins and a flashlight when I was supposed to be sleeping.
audreyloopy's review against another edition
3.0
I continue to find Sosa’s narrative voice really engaging, and oh my, the chemistry! She’s also a very funny writer, which I love.
alwaysfullybooked's review against another edition
3.0
Read this on impulse but it didn’t really deliver. It really lost the plot on the last 7 or 8 chapters, that’s around the time I lost interest and wasn’t as invested in the relationship as I had been in the beginning. I didn’t like the fact that the characters weren’t described properly (very generic) and mediocre smut. Thus I’m not really interested in continuing on with the next books in the series as I didn’t get enough insight into the other characters to feel invested. The only character I wouldn’t mind reading from is Tori’s sister Bianca (who’s kinda bitter) and Eva but she’s the typical out going fun best friend so *shrug*. The conflict wasn’t exactly solved in my opinion but just continently handled and this leads me to my next point. It had the two in one book syndrome where the first half and second have are not cohesive and just loses the plot. Overall it was ok but uninspired . 5/10
reader_fictions's review against another edition
4.0
Acting on Impulse is so cute and engaging. I binged through this one pretty quickly. I love finding new contemporary romance authors, particularly ones who write about diverse casts of characters.
This is a celebrity romance, and a pretty believable one so far as celebrity romances go. I love this subgenre, but lbr. Carter Stone's an actor trying to make the jump from television comedies to serious films, but he's struggling because his first agent was a dickwad who is trying to blackball him. On a flight to Aruba for vacation to let a scandal die down, he's seated next to an incredibly hot girl he immediately wants to marry someday.
My favorite thing about this book I think was the fact that Carter's such a goofy cheeseball. Most romance heroes are strong and manly and hate commitment, and I'm really tired of that. Carter's a romantic who is writing this script in his head of his epic romance with the cute girl he saw, which tbh is just like a number of guys I know. I love romances where the guy is the romantic one and the girl's a bit less sure about committing to a relationship. It also really offset the cool factor of him being a celebrity in a nice way.
Tori isn't commitment-phobic either, but she's newly out of (or almost out of) a relationship in the public eye and very much does not want another one. She has to weigh her desire to be with him with the unfortunate nature of his career bringing all the paps to the yard. I found it pleasantly surprising that Tori makes all of her choices very aware of the downsides, rather than the publicity being a shocking surprise. Before they start a relationship, she works with him in her capacity as a personal trainer, and they really take time to get to know one another.
The characters didn't quite leap off the page with vibrancy like in my favorite books, but Acting on Impulse was thoroughly fun, and I'm excited to read more from Sosa.
This is a celebrity romance, and a pretty believable one so far as celebrity romances go. I love this subgenre, but lbr. Carter Stone's an actor trying to make the jump from television comedies to serious films, but he's struggling because his first agent was a dickwad who is trying to blackball him. On a flight to Aruba for vacation to let a scandal die down, he's seated next to an incredibly hot girl he immediately wants to marry someday.
My favorite thing about this book I think was the fact that Carter's such a goofy cheeseball. Most romance heroes are strong and manly and hate commitment, and I'm really tired of that. Carter's a romantic who is writing this script in his head of his epic romance with the cute girl he saw, which tbh is just like a number of guys I know. I love romances where the guy is the romantic one and the girl's a bit less sure about committing to a relationship. It also really offset the cool factor of him being a celebrity in a nice way.
Tori isn't commitment-phobic either, but she's newly out of (or almost out of) a relationship in the public eye and very much does not want another one. She has to weigh her desire to be with him with the unfortunate nature of his career bringing all the paps to the yard. I found it pleasantly surprising that Tori makes all of her choices very aware of the downsides, rather than the publicity being a shocking surprise. Before they start a relationship, she works with him in her capacity as a personal trainer, and they really take time to get to know one another.
The characters didn't quite leap off the page with vibrancy like in my favorite books, but Acting on Impulse was thoroughly fun, and I'm excited to read more from Sosa.
heathermassa's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I did like broth the characters but this guy sent up some REAL red flags and ...I don’t know. Problematic for me.
teakturn's review against another edition
3.0
A very fun, entertaining book. The hero and heroine are very likable and have great chemistry. Though I didn’t like how a conflict would be introduced and then kind of forgotten until 80% where it’s resolved in a page after literal CHAPTERS of this conflict causing angst. Then the ending seemed very out of character and over the top to me.
From what I remember the Hero never had a problem voicing his feelings to the Heroine and even when she was mad at him, he always let her know that no matter what he’s there for her and wants to be with her. This is why the grand gesture at the end of the story seemed so out of character.
The heroines main conflict was not wanting a relationship with a public figure after a bad experience but the hero isn’t even that far in his career for a fear of a public relationship to matter. And THEN the grand gesture totally spits in the face of that fear and makes no fucking sense in the long run
Otherwise I really enjoyed the story. I don’t think I’ll be reading the other books in the series though.
From what I remember the Hero never had a problem voicing his feelings to the Heroine and even when she was mad at him, he always let her know that no matter what he’s there for her and wants to be with her. This is why the grand gesture at the end of the story seemed so out of character.
The heroines main conflict was not wanting a relationship with a public figure after a bad experience but the hero isn’t even that far in his career for a fear of a public relationship to matter. And THEN the grand gesture totally spits in the face of that fear and makes no fucking sense in the long run
Otherwise I really enjoyed the story. I don’t think I’ll be reading the other books in the series though.
harmony's review against another edition
3.0
Cute but not exceptional. The resolution felt almost too easy and the declarations of love and serious intent came before the heroine had even consented to a fling, much less a relationship. I didn't dislike the book, but it was very much a fluff book and not one that had me on the emotional hook.
samnreader's review against another edition
4.0
Goodreads is so dangerous. I finish a book...off to review!! Then after a solid time scrolling through updates remember what I was really here for...
So...my expectations were pretty low for this. I couldn't tell ya why. They were though. So when this novel cleverly starts off with an actor (must be said in Tobias voice from arrested development, ty) on an airplane, getting away...I still wasn't expecting much. Until I was. Something about Carter's voice hit that Lauren Blakely feel for me-I like her male POVs-but this was kind of really cute. It was insta-lust, but with Carter imagining his future in a not-sappy but totally has the hots for the woman in 12D (or whatever). Sometimes we see people and I make up an entire future or backstory. I have, in fact, seen men that I've been attracted to and thought "hmm, in a parallel universe here's what happens." What saved this book from a case of insta-lust/insta-attraction/insta-insanity was that though Carter was quite interested, it was all kind of a lark too. And basically precisely fit the title "Acting on impulse." Sure, he was totally into her, and really wanted her--but it was a connection and he didn't over sap-ify or romanticize or alpha-male his way in there. He didn't even really pursue her aggressively. He was just charming, they had fun....she calls him on mansplaining, and basically things do not unfold in a predictable way.
Maybe coming here wasn't a terrible idea after all. The woman I like is meeting my parents under circumstances that won't induce stress. Years from now, Tori will thank me for being forward-thinking. This future-invested hero was done so cheekily, it really saved it from that shallow insta feeling that would normally plague a novel of this kind.
My comparisons to Lauren Blakely, my trusted palate cleanser, ends there. This is a higher caliber romance with more development than that if you ask me. A Puerto Rican heroine who is a personal trainer and shows plenty of all of that. An actor who loves his craft, his friends, and his family. Their families are in this book. The finesse in this book was building two characters who are good at showing their respect and admiration for each other honestly, and through gestures. (Tori telling him he has value as a rom-com actor because of how romance novels were her only escape when her father had a stroke because he felt like he had to be "more" than that. Carter checking out her community exercise class.)
"What part of 'don't call attention to yourself' did you not understand?"
I shrug. "Most of it."
Totally weird, some of the humor relied on a second person narrative style. Thankfully, it was just glimmers, and I felt the whole book was so charming I kind of loved it. Other than some gimmicks at the end I wish weren't employed cause this book didn't need them, I was super happy and surprised by the whole thing.
So...my expectations were pretty low for this. I couldn't tell ya why. They were though. So when this novel cleverly starts off with an actor (must be said in Tobias voice from arrested development, ty) on an airplane, getting away...I still wasn't expecting much. Until I was. Something about Carter's voice hit that Lauren Blakely feel for me-I like her male POVs-but this was kind of really cute. It was insta-lust, but with Carter imagining his future in a not-sappy but totally has the hots for the woman in 12D (or whatever). Sometimes we see people and I make up an entire future or backstory. I have, in fact, seen men that I've been attracted to and thought "hmm, in a parallel universe here's what happens." What saved this book from a case of insta-lust/insta-attraction/insta-insanity was that though Carter was quite interested, it was all kind of a lark too. And basically precisely fit the title "Acting on impulse." Sure, he was totally into her, and really wanted her--but it was a connection and he didn't over sap-ify or romanticize or alpha-male his way in there. He didn't even really pursue her aggressively. He was just charming, they had fun....she calls him on mansplaining, and basically things do not unfold in a predictable way.
Maybe coming here wasn't a terrible idea after all. The woman I like is meeting my parents under circumstances that won't induce stress. Years from now, Tori will thank me for being forward-thinking. This future-invested hero was done so cheekily, it really saved it from that shallow insta feeling that would normally plague a novel of this kind.
My comparisons to Lauren Blakely, my trusted palate cleanser, ends there. This is a higher caliber romance with more development than that if you ask me. A Puerto Rican heroine who is a personal trainer and shows plenty of all of that. An actor who loves his craft, his friends, and his family. Their families are in this book. The finesse in this book was building two characters who are good at showing their respect and admiration for each other honestly, and through gestures. (Tori telling him he has value as a rom-com actor because of how romance novels were her only escape when her father had a stroke because he felt like he had to be "more" than that. Carter checking out her community exercise class.)
"What part of 'don't call attention to yourself' did you not understand?"
I shrug. "Most of it."
Totally weird, some of the humor relied on a second person narrative style. Thankfully, it was just glimmers, and I felt the whole book was so charming I kind of loved it. Other than some gimmicks at the end I wish weren't employed cause this book didn't need them, I was super happy and surprised by the whole thing.
melonreads's review against another edition
5.0
Refreshing, sharp witty banter, two incredibly likable, engaging, fun leads, I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read anything else by this author but judging by how much I enjoyed this book, I'm definitely going to be rectifying that.
melinda's review against another edition
5.0
This book is So. Freaking. GOOD. On the one hand I’m mad that I didn’t find out about it until now because it released last fall. On the other hand I finished it and basically book 2 came out the same week…so yay! This book is seriously so cute, funny, and just what I needed to read. I can’t recommend it enough.
Right away the opening of this book had me loving it. I am not a fan of insta-love in books at all but the beginning of Acting on Impulse has Hollywood actor Carter Stone seeing Tori Alvarez on a plane and vowing to marry her. His voice was fresh and funny – especially when it’s revealed to readers that he is ‘undercover’ for a a new part so it’s not exactly great timing to meet a woman. It’s not exactly insta-love either, it’s more insta-puppy lusting.
That opening pretty much sets the stage for the rest of the book and a great romantic comedy. Which I think is incredibly hard to do well! I haven’t read many that made me smile or laugh as much as this one did. Carter is genuinely a good guy who wants to do the right thing and is kind of a cinnamon roll – which is the kind of hero I love. I’m not a fan of super alpha heroes. Been there, read that. About 857 times now. But Carter is also flawed, he lies to Tori from the beginning, knowing that he should be honest with her. I can appreciate that as this made him seem at least a little human to me. There are actually quite a few things about him which endeared him more and more as the book goes on.
And Tori! Swoon. I loved her. The more romance books I read, the more I realize that if I can’t fall in love with the heroine and want her to be my best friend then the book doesn’t work for me. Not the case here. At first I was thinking that Tori might be too perfect, and I can’t exactly get behind a too perfect heroine. Because…ugh. I’m not perfect and I don’t need perfection everywhere. Tori’s life is definitely all together – she is escaping a kind of public breakup at the beginning of the book. But she is also gorgeous, kind, and a kick-ass personal trainer.
The first half of the book takes place on vacation – which is great, I loved it. But my favorite parts of the book take place when they comes home. Because then we get to see more of who these characters truly are. And that is where they both shine. We get to see all of Tori – her family, which is both her source of pain and love. They own a restaurant and I love it so much because we get to see this amazing Puerto Rican family who has this complex family dynamic revolving around and loving food, but also the heroine being a personal trainer so obviously wanting her family to be healthy. This creates a tension that gives Tori so many more layers and depth to her and is why, for me, she is the true star of this book.
I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, which is always important to me. I thought that the author used the setting and locations very well which was interesting to me because for most boos that doesn’t play a huge part to me. But here we move from vacation to Philadelphia to Los Angeles and each plays a key role in the story.
All this to say – I loved this book. I immediately made one of my closest book friends read it, pretty much demanded it. And we’re planning on buddy reading book 2 as soon as possible. I’ve heard it’s just as cute. So I can’t wait, I’ll be watching for other books by Mia Sosa!
Right away the opening of this book had me loving it. I am not a fan of insta-love in books at all but the beginning of Acting on Impulse has Hollywood actor Carter Stone seeing Tori Alvarez on a plane and vowing to marry her. His voice was fresh and funny – especially when it’s revealed to readers that he is ‘undercover’ for a a new part so it’s not exactly great timing to meet a woman. It’s not exactly insta-love either, it’s more insta-puppy lusting.
That opening pretty much sets the stage for the rest of the book and a great romantic comedy. Which I think is incredibly hard to do well! I haven’t read many that made me smile or laugh as much as this one did. Carter is genuinely a good guy who wants to do the right thing and is kind of a cinnamon roll – which is the kind of hero I love. I’m not a fan of super alpha heroes. Been there, read that. About 857 times now. But Carter is also flawed, he lies to Tori from the beginning, knowing that he should be honest with her. I can appreciate that as this made him seem at least a little human to me. There are actually quite a few things about him which endeared him more and more as the book goes on.
And Tori! Swoon. I loved her. The more romance books I read, the more I realize that if I can’t fall in love with the heroine and want her to be my best friend then the book doesn’t work for me. Not the case here. At first I was thinking that Tori might be too perfect, and I can’t exactly get behind a too perfect heroine. Because…ugh. I’m not perfect and I don’t need perfection everywhere. Tori’s life is definitely all together – she is escaping a kind of public breakup at the beginning of the book. But she is also gorgeous, kind, and a kick-ass personal trainer.
The first half of the book takes place on vacation – which is great, I loved it. But my favorite parts of the book take place when they comes home. Because then we get to see more of who these characters truly are. And that is where they both shine. We get to see all of Tori – her family, which is both her source of pain and love. They own a restaurant and I love it so much because we get to see this amazing Puerto Rican family who has this complex family dynamic revolving around and loving food, but also the heroine being a personal trainer so obviously wanting her family to be healthy. This creates a tension that gives Tori so many more layers and depth to her and is why, for me, she is the true star of this book.
I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, which is always important to me. I thought that the author used the setting and locations very well which was interesting to me because for most boos that doesn’t play a huge part to me. But here we move from vacation to Philadelphia to Los Angeles and each plays a key role in the story.
All this to say – I loved this book. I immediately made one of my closest book friends read it, pretty much demanded it. And we’re planning on buddy reading book 2 as soon as possible. I’ve heard it’s just as cute. So I can’t wait, I’ll be watching for other books by Mia Sosa!