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elaineofastolat's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't enjoy this very much. Too many cliches and too much cringe worthy dialogue.
kelliereadsalot's review against another edition
2.0
The main characters were pretty charming and easy to relate to. And I love the idea of a little antique shop super cute.
There was very little Christmas content in this Christmas themed book.
The writing was done well and the book flowed easily and transitioning was fantastic.
Spoiler alert! This is the only thing that confused me. The whole entire book she kept saying how this man clearly had his secrets and she would accept them when he was ready to tell her. Then she gets upset that he didn't tell her.
I think the writing was great and gotta give props to the author for great writing skills.
There was very little Christmas content in this Christmas themed book.
The writing was done well and the book flowed easily and transitioning was fantastic.
Spoiler alert! This is the only thing that confused me. The whole entire book she kept saying how this man clearly had his secrets and she would accept them when he was ready to tell her. Then she gets upset that he didn't tell her.
I think the writing was great and gotta give props to the author for great writing skills.
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
Vance needed an escape from his stressful, busy life in DC so buying and fixing up a house in the mountains is the perfect way to lose himself. He doesn't want to interact with anyone, he's happiest being alone and grumpy, but his personable and happy neighbor Shane just won't let him. Shane is fixing up her Grandmother's home, turning it in to a museum and antique shop, but can't seem to keep her mind off her grumpy next door neighbor. There was a spark between them at first sight and Shane is ready to fall in love, she just needs to convince Vance of it. A really sweet story of finding personal forgiveness and a second chance. Some light conflict but really a sweet, sexy story. Fun read!
bookishalli's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars only for First Impressions. I did not like Blithe Images.
hnm2015's review against another edition
5.0
oh this book! I have never found myself so caught up in a book. I never wanted it to end!! the relationship between once and shane is identical to the relationship that I have. I love how much vance cares for shane even though he has been hurt. I also love how head strong shane is and goes for her dreams. Amazing book!!!
merlesstorys's review against another edition
3.0
Nice novella, although they changed the names in German? lol
diz_tn's review against another edition
2.0
First Impressions:
A very slow starting story. I didn't know if I was going to be able to get through it at first. However, there were a few unexpected and interesting plot turns towards the middle of the story. After that, the story went downhill again. The main conflict was obvious from the very beginning and nothing saved the story after that.
Blithe Images:
This story creeped me completely out and then just annoyed me. It felt like I was reading a romance novel from the 70s - you know the type, where the heroine just gets walked all over by the male lead (I refuse to call him a hero) and no one seems to think anything is wrong with that picture. But the creepy part came because everyone treated the heroine in this story like a child. They would pat her on the head, tell her what was best for her, ignore her protests, etc. There's even a scene where she is modeling dressed up as a girl (in pigtails and everything) and the male lead gets turned on by this...CREEPY! This story should be given a negative rating.
A very slow starting story. I didn't know if I was going to be able to get through it at first. However, there were a few unexpected and interesting plot turns towards the middle of the story. After that, the story went downhill again. The main conflict was obvious from the very beginning and nothing saved the story after that.
Blithe Images:
This story creeped me completely out and then just annoyed me. It felt like I was reading a romance novel from the 70s - you know the type, where the heroine just gets walked all over by the male lead (I refuse to call him a hero) and no one seems to think anything is wrong with that picture. But the creepy part came because everyone treated the heroine in this story like a child. They would pat her on the head, tell her what was best for her, ignore her protests, etc. There's even a scene where she is modeling dressed up as a girl (in pigtails and everything) and the male lead gets turned on by this...CREEPY! This story should be given a negative rating.
tiredcat's review against another edition
2.0
I know that both of these stories are from the early 80's and they read like that.
First Impressions was a good story. It was sweet and a good read. The problem that I had was with Blithe Images and the way that it skirted around images of rape and sexual assault. He called her a tease when she won't have sex with him, became angry, and suggested that he wasn't above forcing the issue when it was something that he wanted. This is not romantic or fun. Love is not having a guy want you so much that he is willing to cross your boundaries to get what he wants. I am not a prude and enjoy all sort of romantic fiction from the tame to the very steamy but there is nothing fun about this old story that promotes dangerous images about sex and respect. I did not read the whole story because I couldn't stomach it but it is time for this story to be retired.
First Impressions was a good story. It was sweet and a good read. The problem that I had was with Blithe Images and the way that it skirted around images of rape and sexual assault. He called her a tease when she won't have sex with him, became angry, and suggested that he wasn't above forcing the issue when it was something that he wanted. This is not romantic or fun. Love is not having a guy want you so much that he is willing to cross your boundaries to get what he wants. I am not a prude and enjoy all sort of romantic fiction from the tame to the very steamy but there is nothing fun about this old story that promotes dangerous images about sex and respect. I did not read the whole story because I couldn't stomach it but it is time for this story to be retired.
kitsunesakura's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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