Reviews with content warning for Classism - 10 Things That Never Happened

Reviews tagging 'Classism'

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

7 reviews

binevolentbookworm's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad 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

4.0

alexis hall is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, writing charismatic characters with banter that absolutely jumps off the page, and 10 things that never happened is no exception. hall manages to make even the most gnarliest bits of someone's most inner workings into the moldable clay of growth. very pleased with this final read of my year, and the audio was superb.

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wilybooklover's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

My main issue with this book was that I felt like I didn't really get to know either hero very well — even the POV MC, Sam, was a bit of a mystery since he's lying and misdirecting for most of the book. Because of that the romance aspect fell a tiny bit flat for me. I loved the softer moments where the characters connected (like when they were appalled over the price of Fortnum's decorations) and when they would show they cared in small ways, but they weren't enough to carry a whole romance on their back, especially given how much conflict these two characters had. I also found the ending a bit rushed; if there was another chapter or two after

the graveyard scene

I think it would've gone a long way in fleshing out the romance more.

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!

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bookcheshirecat's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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!

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fuzzywilson's review

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emotional funny medium-paced

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

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skudiklier's review

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funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

Honestly I'm not sure what to say about this book. In general there were a lot of things I liked about it, but there was a huge roadblock for me in the fact that Jonathan just....is actually a horrible boss? Like I know a lot of this was supposed to be showing that he has "hidden depths" and isn't really a terrible person, but he's still a terrible boss? I don't know how Sam can separate that from how he is *towards* Sam. It feels really shitty, like, the moral is that terrible people also have emotions and aren't *always* horrible to *everyone* around them? Like. Duh.

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.

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aileron's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

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meganpbennett's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I went into this book with extreme hesitation: I loved Boyfriend Material and Husband Material was the most disappointing book I read in 2022. I also had some mixed experiences with other Alexis Hall books in 2022 and 2023. But, the summary was just too good to pass up, and I really enjoy Hall's writing style. While amnesia is not a trope I go for, *faked* amnesia was very interesting. It was very a very interesting read, though, like all of the Alexis Hall books I've read, has an incredibly rushed ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC!.

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