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amateur_bookworm's review against another edition
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
My summary: Dahlia is a successful interior designer and had her own design show with her fiancé, Oliver, until he dumped her. In a haze of depression and an attempt to hide from the gossip reporters, Dahlia returns to her hometown. And—of course—the first person she runs into is Julian, her rival since childhood and her first love. Julian is a billionaire after designing an app with his cousin and runs his late father’s construction business. Dahlia and Julian have barely spoken since Julian pushed Dahlia away when he dropped out of Stanford to move back home after his dad’s unexpected death, especially once Dahlia ended up dating his ex-roommate, Oliver. Since Dahlia’s and Julian’s mothers are best friends, Julian and Dahlia find themselves forced to be around each other. With everything being a competition between them, Julian and Dahlia teaming up on a renovation may just make them or break them as they both confront their deeply buried feelings for each other.
My thoughts: I immediately liked this book right off the bat. This was my first book by Lauren Asher and my only regret is not finding her sooner. I enjoyed the little details in the book like the designs at the start of the chapters—construction for his and design for hers. My Spanish isn’t great so I appreciated the translations right there at the bottom of the page. Overall I found it to be a very swoony, steamy, happy-ending romance. I love the billionaire, small town, and enemies-to-lovers tropes and this combined all three perfectly in a satisfyingly slow burn. I did buy the book but it’s also on Kindle Unlimited, so I loved that I could switch between both mediums and continue on my Kindle app when I was out and about with a few minutes to spare here and there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Sexual content, Cursing, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage
kiwij96's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
A super easy story to read, even if it is over 500 pages. There is absolutely 0 plot for the most part, just two adults who have seemingly been in love with each other since they were kids. Yes, at times it got a bit repetitive. Yes, at times I felt it dragged on a bit (Julian definitely could have called in his favour earlier than he did). Yes, sometimes I was hoping for more plot about remodelling the Founder's House. And yes, they definitely should have communicated their thoughts and feelings like actual grown ups.
However, I enjoyed reading this despite some of the criticisms. A lot of romance books that I have read in the past have always ended with children, even when originally characters didn't want them, so to read something that held discussions on infertility and miscarriages and the grief and trauma that comes with them was refreshing.
However, I enjoyed reading this despite some of the criticisms. A lot of romance books that I have read in the past have always ended with children, even when originally characters didn't want them, so to read something that held discussions on infertility and miscarriages and the grief and trauma that comes with them was refreshing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child death and Miscarriage
tenderbench's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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: Infertility, Medical content, Mental illness, Alcohol, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Sexual content, and Death of parent
finnickdeservedbetter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
Tropes & Themes
- Small town
- Billionaire romance
- Childhood rivals to lovers
- Friends with benefits
- Second chance
- Carpenter x interior designer
- One bed
- Witty banter
- Mexican-American FMC & MMC
- Infertility/genetic illness struggles
- Mental health rep (anxiety & depression)
- Dead dad trauma
Spice:
Medium (4+ explict scenes)
My Thoughts:
To absolutely no one's shock, I loved yet another Lauren Asher book.
I took me a second to warm up the Dahlia but I ended up loving her. I really liked seeing not only anxiety and depression representation that was realistic and non-stigmatizing, but also infertility/genetic illness talked about. That's not super common in contemporary romance. I really admired her strength in healing from what Oliver did to her, as well as accepting that she'll always struggle with mental illness. Sometimes it iz what it iz. Anxiety and major depression gang ✌🏻😘
I also loved Julian of course. I too, am a petty and spiteful asshole. I loved seeing his growth and journey learning to be emotionally vulnerable. I also really appreciated seeing a MMC that was adamant about adopting and that adoptive kids are no less part of their family (although conversations about the adoption industry are also very important).
That being said, I'm very excited for Rafe and Ellie's book. Fingers crossed book three will be Lorenzo and Lily 🤞🏻
Favourite Quote:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Infertility, and Grief
Minor: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Death of parent
faraway_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
Even though I think this one is not some of her best work my queen Lauren never disappoints people !
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Infertility
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Toxic relationship
lemonsforyu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Infertility, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
poupimali's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-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
Hi!
I would like to order a Julian. To go.
Thank you.
Beside that, it is a slow burn, friends to enemies to lovers, a lot of beautiful declarations, a lot of struggles for the MC (grief, depression), diverses characters (mexicans), billionaire MMC and successful FMC.
I would like to order a Julian. To go.
Thank you.
Beside that, it is a slow burn, friends to enemies to lovers, a lot of beautiful declarations, a lot of struggles for the MC (grief, depression), diverses characters (mexicans), billionaire MMC and successful FMC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, and Infertility
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Gaslighting and Miscarriage
merlesstorys'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
5.0
Okay, why are rich men, who adore their love interests so much that they buy them everything at the drop of a hat, so hot? That petty scene at the party where he buys her a house because her ex wanted it? Perfection.
Anyway, I really loved this book. There wasn’t a external conflict breaking them up, rather they stayed together and worked together on their flaws, which was so nice and healthy.
This book was so freaking wholesome in general, even though it dealt with some heavy topics like depression, stillbirths and more.
She was the grumpy one for once, he was the sunshine, but both weren’t just that. They had actual loveable layers that made them vulnerable.
Him going up from second to first choice in her contacts was my second-best revelation throughout this book.
Anyway, I really loved this book. There wasn’t a external conflict breaking them up, rather they stayed together and worked together on their flaws, which was so nice and healthy.
This book was so freaking wholesome in general, even though it dealt with some heavy topics like depression, stillbirths and more.
She was the grumpy one for once, he was the sunshine, but both weren’t just that. They had actual loveable layers that made them vulnerable.
Him going up from second to first choice in her contacts was my second-best revelation throughout this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Infertility, Medical content, Death of parent, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Miscarriage
domoniquesav's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Infertility
siijayreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
4.75
"Some people are worth the risk."
I really enjoyed reading this! This is my first childhood rivals book and I honestly didn't know what to expect but I'm pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed this trope! The history, the banter, the reminiscing, the pining!! I ate them all up!! Lauren Asher did her thing again and absolutely slayed with this one!! She is the queen of creating perfect swoony MMC and inspiring knows-her-own-worth FMC and I eat it all up every. single. time!! She has officially become one of my auto buy favorite romance authors!! 🥰
Dalhia and Julian are just the cutest slash the silliest slash the swooniest!! I was giggling kicking my feet and their chemistry is EVERYTHING!! I am obsessed!!
I also really loved the world building of this new series! It felt authentic and I can just imagine the beauty of Lake Wisteria! The overall vibes was just so fresh and cozy and I loved how the author vividly described the places! The map is also one of my fav things! It's so cute and amazing! I loved Dahlia and Julian's moms OMG they are SO hilarious!! Their family reminds me so much of my own culture and tradition in the Philippines and I absolutely LOL'ed at the Vicks VapoRub can cure anything part because that is so Filipino moms coded 😭 Their family just felt like a familiar warm hug and I find myself enjoying their presence in the book!
Dahlia is such an inspiring woman! I have a lot of respect for creative people who can create from scratch and spark new ideas and make it into a concrete tangible thing and then put it out into the world knowing that it's going to be perceived with every bit of its being. I absolutely love her passion as a interior designer and it's so interesting living and having a glimpse of her mind as an artist and as a woman that has been wounded by her past and is slowly regaining her confidence in herself as well as working on trusting herself. Her depression was also tackled and the way I appreciate how it was handled and I can't help but root for her success every step of the way! She showed that she is way better than her asshole ex and his equally weird family.
Julian is the most perfect gentleman ever. His devotion to Dahlia is straight from every girl's dream of a perfect man who will take every risk for the love of his life. It's really the small things (and big things if you're fortunate enough to date a billionaire xD) that matters 🥺. Get yourself a man who pays attention and who cares- REALLY CARES- for you!! Because the idea of not settling for less becomes stronger the moment you realize there are men out there who would really give the world to you because THEY 👏 CARE 👏. If they wanted to they would!! Everything this man does is so swoony that I legit gasp at one point. I can just feel my standards in men go even HIGHER 📈 because of Mr. Julian Lopez so thanks for that unrealistic hopes and dreams Mister.
Dahlia and Julian's relationship works because they are also phenomenal as team partners, and even with their creative differences, I can sense that they have so much respect and admiration for each other. They work so well as a team!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this! I wish there were more moments that showed and highlighted Dahlia's character development and I kinda wished the whole thing with he-who-shall-not-be-named ex of Dahlia was addressed more.
This was a swoony, emotional, heartfelt, fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who digs a second chance trope filled with funny banters, swoony perfect gentleman bf, and equally interesting side characters ;) can't wait for book two OMG!!
I really enjoyed reading this! This is my first childhood rivals book and I honestly didn't know what to expect but I'm pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed this trope! The history, the banter, the reminiscing, the pining!! I ate them all up!! Lauren Asher did her thing again and absolutely slayed with this one!! She is the queen of creating perfect swoony MMC and inspiring knows-her-own-worth FMC and I eat it all up every. single. time!! She has officially become one of my auto buy favorite romance authors!! 🥰
Dalhia and Julian are just the cutest slash the silliest slash the swooniest!! I was giggling kicking my feet and their chemistry is EVERYTHING!! I am obsessed!!
I also really loved the world building of this new series! It felt authentic and I can just imagine the beauty of Lake Wisteria! The overall vibes was just so fresh and cozy and I loved how the author vividly described the places! The map is also one of my fav things! It's so cute and amazing! I loved Dahlia and Julian's moms OMG they are SO hilarious!! Their family reminds me so much of my own culture and tradition in the Philippines and I absolutely LOL'ed at the Vicks VapoRub can cure anything part because that is so Filipino moms coded 😭 Their family just felt like a familiar warm hug and I find myself enjoying their presence in the book!
Dahlia is such an inspiring woman! I have a lot of respect for creative people who can create from scratch and spark new ideas and make it into a concrete tangible thing and then put it out into the world knowing that it's going to be perceived with every bit of its being. I absolutely love her passion as a interior designer and it's so interesting living and having a glimpse of her mind as an artist and as a woman that has been wounded by her past and is slowly regaining her confidence in herself as well as working on trusting herself. Her depression was also tackled and the way I appreciate how it was handled and I can't help but root for her success every step of the way! She showed that she is way better than her asshole ex and his equally weird family.
Julian is the most perfect gentleman ever. His devotion to Dahlia is straight from every girl's dream of a perfect man who will take every risk for the love of his life. It's really the small things (and big things if you're fortunate enough to date a billionaire xD) that matters 🥺. Get yourself a man who pays attention and who cares- REALLY CARES- for you!! Because the idea of not settling for less becomes stronger the moment you realize there are men out there who would really give the world to you because THEY 👏 CARE 👏. If they wanted to they would!! Everything this man does is so swoony that I legit gasp at one point. I can just feel my standards in men go even HIGHER 📈 because of Mr. Julian Lopez so thanks for that unrealistic hopes and dreams Mister.
Dahlia and Julian's relationship works because they are also phenomenal as team partners, and even with their creative differences, I can sense that they have so much respect and admiration for each other. They work so well as a team!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this! I wish there were more moments that showed and highlighted Dahlia's character development and I kinda wished the whole thing with he-who-shall-not-be-named ex of Dahlia was addressed more.
This was a swoony, emotional, heartfelt, fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who digs a second chance trope filled with funny banters, swoony perfect gentleman bf, and equally interesting side characters ;) can't wait for book two OMG!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Grief, and Car accident