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princess424's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
Where can I get an Aaron, because my book boyfriend list is getting longer. All, thoughts of Aaron aside, for now, this book was really good. It had the romance, comedy, realism and spice that we all love. The fake dating was executed beautifully, and Lina’s situation was something that unfortunately to many people go through and it was nice to see a book portray that and show that there can be hope. Aaron yet again was amazing, he was always there for Lina and didn’t need anything back, as someone who has an overthinking problem the fact that Aaron didn’t push her to tell him anything but just let her know that he was there is she wanted to was amazing. The only thing I really wish this book had would be more descriptions while they were in Spain as a cultural aspect. We don’t get enough book that with Spanish characters and I wish we got to see more while they were in Spain but I loved this book and would totally recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
camillehince's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Toxic relationship
tannerlauren's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Toxic relationship
bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Sexism, Sexual content, and Misogyny
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cancer, and Eating disorder
now_booking's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
4-4.5 Stars!
I admittedly am not the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers romances. They stress me out and I personally don’t understand the point of investing so much banter and negative energy in someone you purportedly despise but here we are. I decided to read this and I actually really enjoyed it. Perhaps it’s because I listened to it in audio and Scarlette Hayes did such a good job on it, or perhaps it’s because from the beginning, it is beyond obvious that the hero is gone over the heroine and is being the trope of “somewhat emotionally-stunted character struggles to show their feelings.” Nonetheless, there’s something in this that really worked for me and I loved it.
The premise is that Catalina needs a fake date to attend her sister’s wedding in Spain after lying to her family about being in a relationship so they wouldn’t worry about her still being broken after a devastating break up back home. Her only option seems to be the incongruous offer from her work nemesis, Aaron, who agrees to play the part of her boyfriend in front of her family. But being thrown together makes them dig deep into the animosity between them.
I think my favourite part of this is the exploration of sexism in academia and in the work place. There are scenes where Catalina’s experience reflects the inherent bias and misogyny that exists in professional spheres where women are expected to fulfill certain roles or tropes just because of their gender, or they’re subject to gossip and innuendo if they are succeeding in their careers. I also really enjoyed the discussion around “staying neutral” versus how best to support those that are being harassed in the workplace. I did not necessarily agree with Aaron’s conclusion but I thought it was a good conversation and it made me think. I think this theme was a really important part of this novel and that the author did a good job discussing this within the plot and making the trauma Lina had experienced around this really tangible.
I found the writing especially in Lina’s stream-of-consciousness mind to be cute and laugh out loud funny. There is a lot of internal monologuing in this and Lina’s mental voice is strong, and so if this is not something that you typically like, consider if this might be the book for you. I would almost say that most of this book is Lina’s internal monologue. In audio, it was fine, the narrator did a fantastic job interpreting the character, but if you’re reading it on the page, I suppose it would be a matter of taste. I typically don’t like the deception-fake relationship trope but it worked here for me. Consent was also dealt with in a stellar way, as well as workplace relationships. As a multicultural romance, I thought this did a fair job reflecting the cultural dichotomies that existed between Lina and Aaron. I think it did matter that she was from Spain and it was integral to her character.
For me, I wish we had gotten a bit more Aaron. This was mostly Lina’s book which was fine, but sometimes I was missing Aaron getting a word in edgewise. I mean admittedly Aaron is quiet and what he did have to say was impactful but I think this could have done with much more of him either having a voice or feeling more like this was his book as well. Again the author may have made the decision to focus on Lina’s story but taste-wise, I wanted more Aaron. I also think that some of the big resolution points were a little rushed and disempowering for Lina in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this. It made me laugh and I thought it was cute and funny and enjoyable. I do recommend it!
I admittedly am not the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers romances. They stress me out and I personally don’t understand the point of investing so much banter and negative energy in someone you purportedly despise but here we are. I decided to read this and I actually really enjoyed it. Perhaps it’s because I listened to it in audio and Scarlette Hayes did such a good job on it, or perhaps it’s because from the beginning, it is beyond obvious that the hero is gone over the heroine and is being the trope of “somewhat emotionally-stunted character struggles to show their feelings.” Nonetheless, there’s something in this that really worked for me and I loved it.
The premise is that Catalina needs a fake date to attend her sister’s wedding in Spain after lying to her family about being in a relationship so they wouldn’t worry about her still being broken after a devastating break up back home. Her only option seems to be the incongruous offer from her work nemesis, Aaron, who agrees to play the part of her boyfriend in front of her family. But being thrown together makes them dig deep into the animosity between them.
I think my favourite part of this is the exploration of sexism in academia and in the work place. There are scenes where Catalina’s experience reflects the inherent bias and misogyny that exists in professional spheres where women are expected to fulfill certain roles or tropes just because of their gender, or they’re subject to gossip and innuendo if they are succeeding in their careers. I also really enjoyed the discussion around “staying neutral” versus how best to support those that are being harassed in the workplace. I did not necessarily agree with Aaron’s conclusion but I thought it was a good conversation and it made me think. I think this theme was a really important part of this novel and that the author did a good job discussing this within the plot and making the trauma Lina had experienced around this really tangible.
I found the writing especially in Lina’s stream-of-consciousness mind to be cute and laugh out loud funny. There is a lot of internal monologuing in this and Lina’s mental voice is strong, and so if this is not something that you typically like, consider if this might be the book for you. I would almost say that most of this book is Lina’s internal monologue. In audio, it was fine, the narrator did a fantastic job interpreting the character, but if you’re reading it on the page, I suppose it would be a matter of taste. I typically don’t like the deception-fake relationship trope but it worked here for me. Consent was also dealt with in a stellar way, as well as workplace relationships. As a multicultural romance, I thought this did a fair job reflecting the cultural dichotomies that existed between Lina and Aaron. I think it did matter that she was from Spain and it was integral to her character.
For me, I wish we had gotten a bit more Aaron. This was mostly Lina’s book which was fine, but sometimes I was missing Aaron getting a word in edgewise. I mean admittedly Aaron is quiet and what he did have to say was impactful but I think this could have done with much more of him either having a voice or feeling more like this was his book as well. Again the author may have made the decision to focus on Lina’s story but taste-wise, I wanted more Aaron. I also think that some of the big resolution points were a little rushed and disempowering for Lina in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this. It made me laugh and I thought it was cute and funny and enjoyable. I do recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death of parent, Misogyny, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, and Eating disorder
abicotti's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
hemmr3252's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Cancer, and Toxic relationship
hapalyn'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cursing, Eating disorder, Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
kennyscoffee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
3.75
Overall, a quick and easy romance read. I'm not the biggest fan of first person POVs but this one was nice. The guy falls first in this book and boy does he fall hard! I wish we could have seen more of Catalina returning Aaron's affection since it seemed very one sided towards the end of the book. If you are looking for a strong female main character, you might find one in Lina but I felt like she could have been stronger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Toxic relationship and Child abuse
evicteline's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Cursing
Moderate: Eating disorder, Cancer, Sexism, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Medical content