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beckyyreadss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my book’s club pick of the month for December as well as Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey. I read Wreck the Halls in November and was excited to pick this up after how much it hype it got last year. It was a cute and fast-paced read.
This book has two points of view. The first is Abbie Keller. She thought that Richard Bartholemew Benson the Third would be her life partner and together forever. In their four years of dating, she never doubted that she wouldn’t end up with his grandmother’s engagement ring on her finger. Sure, she’s been told to change a few things about herself to fit the mold, like dying her hair, dressing more conservatively and finding golf enjoyable, but she was sure that it would be worth it in the end. But that all changes on Halloween, when he leaves her crying outside her apartment wearing a bunny costume. He has broken it off with her because she’s just not serious enough. She was just fun, according to Richard. Richard tells her he has his sights on becoming a partner at his law firm so he needs to focus on work. Abbie does what every girl does once her heart has been broken, she calls her best friends, gets super drunk, dyes her hair and formulates a plan for revenge. She has been acting like Richard’s personal assistant for too long and now it’s time for payback – she is going to glitter his car vents, mess up his coffee order and lunch order, leak his phone number online and then the perfect match pops up to prove to Richard that he has made a huge mistake – his boss. Abbie starts dating the founding partner of Richard’s law firm, Damien Martinez, with one thing in her mind – to be invited to the Christmas party as his date. Will she be able to date him without feeling romantically involved? Will she want Richard back by the end? The second point of view is Damien Martinez, he hates going to work function where his colleagues either want to kiss his ass or gossip, he is getting sick of it. To avoid talking to people at the function, he went on a dating app to look for a bit of fun and matched with Abigail Keller, they both agree for a no-strings attached arrangement, but it’s turns into something pretty serious pretty quickly. Damien doesn’t want to let her go and wants everyone to see her sparkle. He can tell she has been screwed over by an ex and he is determined to heal her in more ways than one. Abigail continues to surprise him and wonders how anyone can let her go. Damien is thinking about the future, and he wants it to include Abigail but can tell something is holding her back.
I don’t know what the hell was in this book to make it so addicting, but I didn’t want it to end. The writing wasn’t the best, but the storyline and the characters were adorable and fluffy but also damn right sexy. I wanted to hug Abbie so damn hard throughout this whole book. The way that Richard made her feel makes me want to cry. I’m so glad that Damien was a sweetheart from the beginning and not some hard-ass on a character arc. Both of these characters had a personality and both had a storyline with their own issues of their own and helped each other as they grew together. I was squealing when both of them punched Richard in the space of five minutes, like go on guys! Yes this book was a bit cliche, but I didn’t care, it was adorable and christmassey and just uhhhhh.
I just wanted it longer and to go on for longer than over a year. I wanted to see them exploring and being the funcle and funtie to the kids and them working together and just being a basic couple.
As I'm writing this review, I’ve noticed it says book 1, I’m intrigued to see what book 2 is about and definitely will be checking it out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Abandonment
grace33's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, and Domestic abuse
aamaanddaa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Fast-paced, fun read! This book had me giggling and kicking my feet. I adore Abbie and Damien’s relationship. Great banter! It was a cheesy-read, but it was expected and enjoyable.
Abbie’s character was surprisingly very likeable. She’s an real-life Barbie in her all pink lifestyle, who wishes for an all encompassing love and marriage. I loved watching her rediscover rather than reinvent herself! Also, Damien’s character *chef’s kiss.*
I appreciate how Morgan Elizabeth addressed deeper topics, such as Abbie’s experience and the effects of her previous relationship on her self-worth.
It wasn’t a complete 5 Star read, as I wished we would’ve gotten more conflict resolution (e.g., more grovelling) from Abbie and Damien. I expected a larger argument or discussion after the reveal. I also felt there were plot holes that weren’t entirely addressed, such as Abbie’s friendship with her two friends. There was a disagreement between the girls before the Christmas Party, and while some of it was loosely discussed, I would’ve wanted to see more between the girls after the Christmas Party.
Overall, a great, one-sitting read!
Abbie’s character was surprisingly very likeable. She’s an real-life Barbie in her all pink lifestyle, who wishes for an all encompassing love and marriage. I loved watching her rediscover rather than reinvent herself! Also, Damien’s character *chef’s kiss.*
I appreciate how Morgan Elizabeth addressed deeper topics, such as Abbie’s experience and the effects of her previous relationship on her self-worth.
Overall, a great, one-sitting read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
laurencesheedy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Very cute “Christmas” book! It was my second holiday spirit romance book and I really enjoyed it. Definitely for somebody that loved Legally Blonde. Not too much spice which I liked. Would love to read more of Abigail!
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Misogyny
colorcrystals's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, and Cursing
Minor: Body shaming and Abandonment
circe813's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
harmony822's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Cursing, Violence, Sexual content, Abandonment, Classism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
bakergirlsbooks1999's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Body shaming, Cursing, Physical abuse, Violence, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
yarisbooksandbevs's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I devoured this book. I didn’t think I was going to like it but I ate it up.
I loved Damien. Sweet, kind, loving, with a touch of possessiveness. He showed Abbie what true love was when she had no clue. Richard was a grade A dick and abuser I hope he rots. Abbie’s story was emotional and heartbreaking.I wish her entire personality wasn’t based on wanting be like her sister. It makes me wonder who is Abbie at her core. Also the entire time she refused to tell Damien I felt so bad for him! I was honestly here for the vibes and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved Damien. Sweet, kind, loving, with a touch of possessiveness. He showed Abbie what true love was when she had no clue. Richard was a grade A dick and abuser I hope he rots. Abbie’s story was emotional and heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
Minor: Pregnancy
melist6's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: Sexism and Infidelity