Reviews

Name Your Price by Holly James

readwithkait's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really enjoyed the first 80% of this book. I thought the premise was unique - while I’ve read (and loved) a bunch of reality show or second chance romances, this was the first that combined it in this way. It was VERY angst and slow burn, but the author did a great job not making it feel boring or repetitive. 

I didn’t love the back half. I though the reality show

exit was underwhelming and a disappointing and abrupt finish

. I also had a hard time rooting for the MCs to get together - it felt like they really only had good chemistry, but on an emotional and partner level didn’t mesh. And for the conclusion with Olivia’s parents,

it was interesting but felt really rushed.

 

I was provided a complimentary ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

ladyalireadsalot's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring 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

4.5

beththrolson's review against another edition

5.0

Cute and fast paced rom-com. The game show idea in this book was unique and funny as well as an interesting concept for a forced proximity trope. I will for sure be checking out the other books by Holly James.

Thank you to Netgally for providing this ARC.

jenneroni's review against another edition

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

Olivia and Chuck's story is unique, funny and engaging! From the moment we meet them during their very public, viral-video breakup all the way through the ensuing conflicts and character development, their chemistry and internal motivations brought their story to life. The elements of forced proximity, second-chance romance and a really fun game show concept pair well with the unfolding backstories that both Chuck and Olivia have. There were twists and turns that kept me turning the page even when I found myself wondering how I managed not to see what was coming next! 

I would have liked to see a little more depth to the game-show portion of the plot, but the ending was enjoyable nonetheless, even though the last portion of the book felt a tad slow. As well developed and emotionally interesting as the characters were, I was hoping for more "show-don't-tell" storytelling, and it fell flat in this area compared to the interesting plot idea and character depth.

(Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Publishing House & Holly James for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

rhack05's review

3.5

The concept of this book is great. Put two recently broken up fiery personalities in a house together for a chance to win $1M and they cannot touch each other or lose money. The sexual tension is on high right from the start. The challenges were fun. I love that they learned to talk to one another and learn more about each other that lets them move on from their anger for one another. I also loved Chuck"s "grand gesturing". I do wish the MMC had a different name because Chuck just doesn't do it for me lol.

This was a fun, sexy read.

Thank you NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Dutton and Holly James for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

rosska22's review against another edition

5.0

I received an ARC from the publisher.

I really liked this book! The characters were well-written and well-rounded. They seemed like real people, which is something that I really appreciate in my rom-coms. I didn't find any loose plot threads by the time it was done, so I felt like this book was given a lot of time and attention by the author and the editors. I really have no complaints.

Chuck is swoon worthy and Olivia has one of the most realistic character progression arcs of any female romance lead in recent memory.

5/5 stars

cozynoveltea's review against another edition

4.0

[Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Group Dutton for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinions]

If you were offered a million dollars to live with your ex for a month and be filmed for a reality tv show, would you do it?

Holly James has this uncanny ability to take a "can you imagine if..." situation, and cleverly transform it into a story.

We meet Olivia and Chuck as they're breaking up in a very dramatic and public manner. At no point does it feel like the relationship's demise can be pinned on one person. Both characters have flaws that have prevented them from understanding each other but their sexual chemistry allowed them to ignore those issues for a while (they literally cannot keep their hands off of each other). As a reader, you're given little glimpses of their relationship and you can't help but feel hopeful for Olivia and Chuck's relationship to be repaired.

This book feels like a quick read, most likely thanks to the chemistry and banter between Olivia and Chuck. It's the perfect Summer read.

Perfect if you love:
Forced proximity
Only one bed
MCs in their 30's
Hollywood romance
Second chance romance

sophiereviewsromance's review

emotional funny lighthearted 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

vixen13's review

3.0

This was a little rough at the beginning, didn't seem much to it, but hit its stride and ended up being really sweet. Recommend. 😊

brynnayers's review

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

5.0