152 reviews for:

Love & Other Scams

Philip Ellis

3.72 AVERAGE


at times funny, but there's too much space and time between the funny bits. In spite of the premise - which I thought sounded fun and thrilling - I couldn't get into this book, I didn't connect with the characters or manage to really care about them at all. The story it self is so-so, not as original and quirky as I hoped it would be, but it would have been enough to entertain IF only I'd felt something for any of the characters. I don't have to like the characters in order to enjoy a book, so the whole villain thing isn't the problem for me. I think maybe I found all the characters a bit under developed and lacking in depth. The rich people were simply rich and spoiled, seemingly without any personality traits beyond having money, and with no "other" sides to them than the shallow one on display. And Cat's story, her past, felt like one big cliché and excuse for being an asshole. as if her asshole-ness is fine because she's not rich? again, I don't usually mind if there's not a good moral to the story, and I don't mind characters having bad sidens to them (i rather find that refreshing) - but I didn't really see Cat at all because everything about her was TOLD and not shown. her actions and behaviours towards people didn't seem to fit her thoughts and feelings and so I just didn't get her. at all.
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I remember very little from this book, but I know I read it in one sitting

4.5 stars. A ton of fun if you love heists and romance! Two petty thieves team up to steal a priceless diamond ring from an upcoming wedding, and their relationship heats up as their plans coalesce. Highly recommend!
funny 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
adventurous funny 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
funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a fun read, great for summer. I really wanted to love this one - I think it had so much potential. In the end, it's an enjoyable story.

This was a lot of fun! The storyline is cute and there were a lot of moments that seemed primed for a film/TV adaptation. However, for me, the character development left a lot to be desired. Most of the characters seemed to be quite flat and even the one character from whose perspective we see the events is not fully fleshed out. Overall, it is a good book to get out of a slump but likely not one that I'll remember long term.

Really enjoyed the plot idea!

However probably because I had other reads that I enjoyed more at the time, I felt this one was a bit slow paced.

Main character is Cat, she is interesting. Her story and how she is who she is today can be heartbreaking.

I found the relationship between her and her father very well written and explains how she is who she is today.

The elements of the novel involving a heist but with a funny twist without too many characters was quite enjoyable.

I do definitely recommend this read for a lighter read.
Thanks to the publishers for sending this in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Review: https://clife.blog/2023/02/24/book-review-love-other-scams-by-phillip-ellis/