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thepostman96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia, Car accident, and Death of parent
mabellene's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
wilybooklover's review
3.75
While I enjoyed the antics and craziness from the side characters, there were just a few too many of them to keep straight. And Jonathan's Granddad Del was clearly a carbon copy of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses, right down to the name and dodgy deals. My favourite character was actually Gollum, Sam's ugly cat who was hilariously adorable and kind of stole the show from the main characters. His scenes with Jonathan were so cute.
There were a couple of inaccuracies about the steel industry in South Yorkshire, although I appreciate that it's a bit of a niche subject. But I can look past that part because it it was so nice to read a queer, working-class northern MC in a romance novel set in the UK. I loved that it was a romcom that was actually funny and lighthearted for once, while still being touching and grounded in real life and somehow pulling off a fake amnesia plot. And I cannot stress enough how good the humour is. Overall a very charming and enjoyable Christmassy romcom!
Graphic: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident and Homophobia
bookcheshirecat's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
“Jonathan recoils slightly. "That is..." Being nice doesn't come easy to Jonathan Forest, but being nice about Gollum doesn't come easy to anybody. "an interesting-looking pet," he finishes.”
➽ 10 Things That Never Happened is another hilarious Alexis Hall Romance! I have been intrigued by this book ever since I read the premise. The story is about Sam, who manages the branch of a bath and body retailer but isn't really good at taking charge. The numbers of their branch aren't looking good. When his boss threatens to drastically change the branch and let go of some of its employees, Sam pretends to have fake amnesia. It's a stupid, desperate idea as Sam doesn't want his team to face eviction, but it ends up making Jonathan more sympathetic towards him. Instead of coming clean, Sam decides to play along and show Jonathan that his branch can still do some good! The premise was hilarious and chaotic and I loved the ensuing shenanigans! The writing style is upbeat and funny, so I was fully invested in Sam's efforts to get out of this situation with the best possible outcome.
➽ The hate-to-love, opposites-attract romance was also swoonworthy! Jonathan is a strict, disciplined person who takes the management of his bath and body company very seriously. He's not one for emotions, but can't help but feel guilty for Sam's (apparent) amnesia, as he was present for the accident. He urges Sam to move in with him, as he's got no one else to look out for any complications. Beneath his stubborn, gruff facade, Jonathan is much more and has a good heart. Sam's good at getting him to show a softer side, as he's chaotic, enthusiastic and much more open!
Graphic: Classism and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
fuzzywilson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Classism, Cursing, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Car accident and Blood
just_one_more_paige's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Cursing
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Death, Medical content, and Sexual content
iamamyyyyy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
skudiklier's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Idk. There were so many things Jonathan did in the very beginning of the book that had me thinking "yeesh they're going to have to do a really good job of convincing me to like this guy for this to work." And....they didn't. It didn't work. Yes I felt for him in a lot of moments, yes I could see what Sam saw in him in some moments. Part of me *was* rooting for the relationship to work. But that same part of me was also desperately hoping for there to be even unconvincing proof that Jonathan was changing as a boss and wouldn't be so controlling and terrible towards his employees. And that just didn't happen.
So while I liked some things about this book, and was engaged, it was far more frustrating than satisfying for me.
One thing I will say for the book's credit is that I appreciated it debunked Stockholm Syndrome (briefly). It infuriates me when people act as if that's a real thing and so I was glad to see pushback on that in the book.
If you're fine with romances where the love interest is genuinely a terrible person to people he has power over, then I'd recommend this to you (genuinely--that's not even sarcastic. I know that wouldn't be a dealbreaker for some people). Otherwise, you might just be frustrated and wish this could have been as good as you wanted it to be.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Graphic: Medical content, Cursing, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Minor: Car accident, Homophobia, and Bullying
redheadorganist's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
angelfireeast24's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Excrement
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
This is a delight book. I couldn't put it down. I laughed so many times reading this. I got so wrapped up in the story. I listened to the audio book, Will Watt really made the characters feel alive. Recommend the audio book. The story has 'While you Were Sleeping' vibe. Character A lies & falls for character B while keeping the surraid up with a huge loud family thrown into the mix.