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maryanne210's review against another edition
5.0
Cal and Lucia...sigh. I had a hard time getting my thoughts together to tell you why you HAVE to read this book. Cal is a very shy "nerdy" guy who keeps his desires hidden, fearing others reaction to them. Lucia is a supermodel who is hiding her dreams of writing poetry and being tired of the modeling world.
In each other, they find the other half of themselves. Without giving too much away, I'll simply say - it was so refreshing that both chose their path without the other pressuring them to do it. Both were stronger than they think and perfect together.
Kathryn Nolan's writing is among the best out there. Her words flow and captivate the reader, jumping off the page to make you think you're standing with them on a cliff in Big Sur. I can't recommend this book enough!!!
In each other, they find the other half of themselves. Without giving too much away, I'll simply say - it was so refreshing that both chose their path without the other pressuring them to do it. Both were stronger than they think and perfect together.
Kathryn Nolan's writing is among the best out there. Her words flow and captivate the reader, jumping off the page to make you think you're standing with them on a cliff in Big Sur. I can't recommend this book enough!!!
bagelpapi's review against another edition
4.0
I walked into this book not even checking the synopsis. I downloaded it from KU because I saw an author I like post it on their instagram and thought I needed a new author to read. I think that benefitted me because I had zero expectations. Because my goodness was this book entertaining. I usually hate insta-love plot lines but I really liked how this grew. It worked with this.
I won’t lie, Lucia irritated me greatly with the obsession with attention equating to love for her, but on the other hand that’s what she grew up with. Her entire adolescence was about getting validation from outside sources.
But Calvin. Oooooooh Calvin you naughty minx. I did NOT see that coming (lol) and I don’t want to spoil it for others but let me just say it’s always the quiet ones
I won’t lie, Lucia irritated me greatly with the obsession with attention equating to love for her, but on the other hand that’s what she grew up with. Her entire adolescence was about getting validation from outside sources.
But Calvin. Oooooooh Calvin you naughty minx. I did NOT see that coming (lol) and I don’t want to spoil it for others but let me just say it’s always the quiet ones
bethoftheburgh's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
sistal's review against another edition
5.0
A Masterpiece
Lucia and Cal are such a brilliant couple. The chemistry is evident from their first meeting and, it is off the charts. I felt every emotion these 2 experienced. Grab a box of tissues and prepare to be transported to Big Sur, the best place on Earth!
Lucia and Cal are such a brilliant couple. The chemistry is evident from their first meeting and, it is off the charts. I felt every emotion these 2 experienced. Grab a box of tissues and prepare to be transported to Big Sur, the best place on Earth!
always_anxious's review against another edition
I’m not going to rate this because I don’t think I can give it a fair rating. I don’t like reading about celebrities so this story didn’t really work for me, especially with the FMC’s internal thoughts about her social media following and her need for attention.
I thought the FMC’s initial meeting with the MMC was also kinda rude, telling him she wanted a latte like he was her personal assistant instead of the shop owner.
I thought the FMC’s initial meeting with the MMC was also kinda rude, telling him she wanted a latte like he was her personal assistant instead of the shop owner.
halfpintreads's review
4.0
Somewhere close to 4 stars. So many things I loved, but not without some flaws.
When his beloved grandfather passes a way, Calvin Ellis inherits his struggling, eclectic bookstore in Big Sur. The book store he would visit over the summer as a child and loved. Convinced selling it is the right thing to do, he agrees to honor one of the last engagements his grandfather booked, a modeling photo shoot.
When supermodel Lucia Bell arrives for the photo shoot, she didn't expect the impact that "The Mad Ones" bookstore would have on her. Nor did she expect the impact that the new owner. Secretly a poet at heart, she has been increasingly disenchanted with modeling and her career. But admits she is hooked on the fame and quest for more.
Both Calvin and Lucia are living lives that they are content with, but that aren't honoring their true selves. The story of them finding themselves and finding each other was beautiful. It was a slower burn, but whoa did the flames fly high once it got going!!
While there were little things that really threw me out of the story, like comments about not being able to take a picture since they couldn't post it to social media... um you have camera phones? And the complete lack of internet service, but I just threw them in a closet, locked the door and enjoyed the ride.
There were moments of really wonderful writing in this. Moments of referencing poems or books that really spoke to this readers heart. Not to mention the beauty of Big Sur and the ocean and the redwoods. This broke a tiny book slump for me and I'm so glad I read it!
When his beloved grandfather passes a way, Calvin Ellis inherits his struggling, eclectic bookstore in Big Sur. The book store he would visit over the summer as a child and loved. Convinced selling it is the right thing to do, he agrees to honor one of the last engagements his grandfather booked, a modeling photo shoot.
When supermodel Lucia Bell arrives for the photo shoot, she didn't expect the impact that "The Mad Ones" bookstore would have on her. Nor did she expect the impact that the new owner. Secretly a poet at heart, she has been increasingly disenchanted with modeling and her career. But admits she is hooked on the fame and quest for more.
Both Calvin and Lucia are living lives that they are content with, but that aren't honoring their true selves. The story of them finding themselves and finding each other was beautiful. It was a slower burn, but whoa did the flames fly high once it got going!!
While there were little things that really threw me out of the story, like comments about not being able to take a picture since they couldn't post it to social media... um you have camera phones? And the complete lack of internet service, but I just threw them in a closet, locked the door and enjoyed the ride.
There were moments of really wonderful writing in this. Moments of referencing poems or books that really spoke to this readers heart. Not to mention the beauty of Big Sur and the ocean and the redwoods. This broke a tiny book slump for me and I'm so glad I read it!
malreads86's review
4.0
Calvin and Lucia. Nerd and super model. Opposites attract in a sizzling way.
This story was more about two people finding out who they truly were and how they complemented each other in their discoveries. This was about how meeting each other opened themselves up to their authentic selves and really leaning into living your most authentic life. Their love story was beautiful and I found myself enraptured in their passion.
I would say it’s very light BDSM, kinda a slow burn. It takes awhile to get into it but around 50% it really picks up. But the nerdy guy turned dominant was fucking hot!! I really enjoyed the writing. I loved that the heroine was a writer and found her passion in writing again. Very thought provoking lines about living life to the fullest. I really enjoyed it!!
Steam level: 3/5
Angst level: 2/5
Overall: 4 stars
This story was more about two people finding out who they truly were and how they complemented each other in their discoveries. This was about how meeting each other opened themselves up to their authentic selves and really leaning into living your most authentic life. Their love story was beautiful and I found myself enraptured in their passion.
I would say it’s very light BDSM, kinda a slow burn. It takes awhile to get into it but around 50% it really picks up. But the nerdy guy turned dominant was fucking hot!! I really enjoyed the writing. I loved that the heroine was a writer and found her passion in writing again. Very thought provoking lines about living life to the fullest. I really enjoyed it!!
Steam level: 3/5
Angst level: 2/5
Overall: 4 stars
sophieannalysa's review
2.0
I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself. The supermodel falls in love with the nerdy hunky programmer/bookstore owner in 3 days and then quits her modeling career to move in with him and go to college to be a poet because she secretly wanted to do that the whole time.
readwithrach's review
5.0
Bohemian was the first book I read from Kathryn Nolan and it absolutely hooked me. I love Kathryn's writing style so much - she is such a fantastic storyteller. I read it for the first time in May and reread it over the weekend because I enjoyed it so much.
The backdrop for Bohemian is wonderful. I honestly can't imagine anyplace better than a bookstore in beautiful Big Sur. Calvin, the hero of this story and the bookstore owner, made me swoon. While he comes across as somewhat nerdy we quickly realize that he has all kinds of layers. Our heroine, Lucia, also has layers. Lucia is a beautiful career model with a somewhat secret love of books. One week without internet and cell phone service forces Lucia and Calvin to get to know each other and really cause both of them to think about the future.
Lucia and Calvin were absolute FIRE together. I loved their chemistry so much. This books honestly brought forth so many emotions for me and caused a definite book hangover of the best kind. I loved this book so much and can't wait to read more from Kathryn Nolan!
The backdrop for Bohemian is wonderful. I honestly can't imagine anyplace better than a bookstore in beautiful Big Sur. Calvin, the hero of this story and the bookstore owner, made me swoon. While he comes across as somewhat nerdy we quickly realize that he has all kinds of layers. Our heroine, Lucia, also has layers. Lucia is a beautiful career model with a somewhat secret love of books. One week without internet and cell phone service forces Lucia and Calvin to get to know each other and really cause both of them to think about the future.
Lucia and Calvin were absolute FIRE together. I loved their chemistry so much. This books honestly brought forth so many emotions for me and caused a definite book hangover of the best kind. I loved this book so much and can't wait to read more from Kathryn Nolan!