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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.)
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.
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
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
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
mobena's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one- and i’m not a huge reality tv show person!
Olivia and Chuck’s breakup goes viral and they get a once in a lifetime opportunity to be on a reality tv show where they must live together for 30 day- the worst possible thing.
I enjoyed the banter, the tension and the back and forth between them - but what really caught me off guard was how well the author was able to bring out the good AND bad sides of the characters/ one minute i’m rooting for one of them, the next I hate them etc!!
I did feel like the ending was could have been a bit more spaced out, but I still enjoyed it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Olivia and Chuck’s breakup goes viral and they get a once in a lifetime opportunity to be on a reality tv show where they must live together for 30 day- the worst possible thing.
I enjoyed the banter, the tension and the back and forth between them - but what really caught me off guard was how well the author was able to bring out the good AND bad sides of the characters/ one minute i’m rooting for one of them, the next I hate them etc!!
I did feel like the ending was could have been a bit more spaced out, but I still enjoyed it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
juanat77's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Car accident, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
4rossfarm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First thank for trusting and allowing me the chance to read this for a honest review!
At first I had a real issue with the way the book started. It was all fighting and running until about halfway then I started getting the whole picture. In honest truth I probably would have been a runner too. It was just hard to get to that point because I had no idea what was going on. After finishing the book I’m glad I stuck around and finished it! Chuck I loved from page 1, Olivia I didn’t even like till the end. In all the story was cute and all of my questions have been answered. It was definitely worth the read and I’m glad to have read it. I’m also glad everyone in the story got the happy ever after!
Olivia and Chuck have a lot of issues, some hot chemistry but they definitely lack in the talking with your mouth instead of with your body issues! Take that HOT chemistry and hate and then forbid them to touch and then lock them up for a month for a million dollars so a broke Olivia can pay for her grandma’s nursing home bill and a broke black listed Chuck can pay his rent. What do ya get? A huge explosion that leads to walls being knocked down and Olivia actually using her mouth to speak the truth instead of hiding away where she can’t be hurt.
A good read, hard to get into but worth it in the end
At first I had a real issue with the way the book started. It was all fighting and running until about halfway then I started getting the whole picture. In honest truth I probably would have been a runner too. It was just hard to get to that point because I had no idea what was going on. After finishing the book I’m glad I stuck around and finished it! Chuck I loved from page 1, Olivia I didn’t even like till the end. In all the story was cute and all of my questions have been answered. It was definitely worth the read and I’m glad to have read it. I’m also glad everyone in the story got the happy ever after!
Olivia and Chuck have a lot of issues, some hot chemistry but they definitely lack in the talking with your mouth instead of with your body issues! Take that HOT chemistry and hate and then forbid them to touch and then lock them up for a month for a million dollars so a broke Olivia can pay for her grandma’s nursing home bill and a broke black listed Chuck can pay his rent. What do ya get? A huge explosion that leads to walls being knocked down and Olivia actually using her mouth to speak the truth instead of hiding away where she can’t be hurt.
A good read, hard to get into but worth it in the end