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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
fast-paced
I've turned into the human version of the now tell each other you're in love meme
Degrees of Engagement is a fast-paced read with a spicy romance centred about a bit of a revenge fake engagement plot that was entertaining, but casts off into a whirlwind romance that neither the main characters, Bianca Dimitriou and Xavier Byrne, can control. Well-written and engaging with some enjoyable funny moments and heart-warming romantic scenes to make your toes curl.
The premise is a bit absurd, but I rolled with it because it sounded fun. I’ve been in Bianca’s shoes in my life more than I can count with friends and family focusing on more traditional big life events to celebrate like marriages, births and buying houses. My heart twisted for Bianca when her family and friends failed to be there for her biggest achievement of her life getting her PhD. Her pain over this was something readers in similar boats will connect to and vibe with.
Bianca and Xavier’s characters are nicely developed, relatable with some insightful characters arcs helping build their feelings for each other. Their chemistry is a nice sweet and spicy balance with fun banter in their fake revenge engagement ploy, which quickly turns the tables on them both with both of them secretly harbouring feelings for each other.
The miscommunication trope felt like the only conflict in this story - Bianca seem incapable of speak to anyone about how she felt or how they made her feel with their actions. It gets a little old by the midpoint of the book; especially when the same problem creeps with regard to her feelings with Xavier. Communication isn’t everyone’s strong point – but in this world of digital communication writing it down has never been easier – send a text or an email. Over use of the miscommunication trope cost this book some rating points from me as I nearly DNF twice, I pushed through and things did improve but I felt there could have been some better plot points explored to remove the need to rely on the miscommunication to carry the plot.
A nice rom-com with wild card plot with a sweet and spicy romance that will keep you turning the page with Jennifer Hennessy easy to read writing style. I keep my eye out for more books by her in the future, hopefully we’ll see a little less of the miscommunication trope in the next book.
The premise is a bit absurd, but I rolled with it because it sounded fun. I’ve been in Bianca’s shoes in my life more than I can count with friends and family focusing on more traditional big life events to celebrate like marriages, births and buying houses. My heart twisted for Bianca when her family and friends failed to be there for her biggest achievement of her life getting her PhD. Her pain over this was something readers in similar boats will connect to and vibe with.
Bianca and Xavier’s characters are nicely developed, relatable with some insightful characters arcs helping build their feelings for each other. Their chemistry is a nice sweet and spicy balance with fun banter in their fake revenge engagement ploy, which quickly turns the tables on them both with both of them secretly harbouring feelings for each other.
The miscommunication trope felt like the only conflict in this story - Bianca seem incapable of speak to anyone about how she felt or how they made her feel with their actions. It gets a little old by the midpoint of the book; especially when the same problem creeps with regard to her feelings with Xavier. Communication isn’t everyone’s strong point – but in this world of digital communication writing it down has never been easier – send a text or an email. Over use of the miscommunication trope cost this book some rating points from me as I nearly DNF twice, I pushed through and things did improve but I felt there could have been some better plot points explored to remove the need to rely on the miscommunication to carry the plot.
A nice rom-com with wild card plot with a sweet and spicy romance that will keep you turning the page with Jennifer Hennessy easy to read writing style. I keep my eye out for more books by her in the future, hopefully we’ll see a little less of the miscommunication trope in the next book.
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
I absolutely loved the characters, though I didn’t care much for Bianca’s friends and family at first. Thankfully, they redeemed themselves as the story progressed. The dynamic between Bianca and Xavier was a highlight for me—I couldn’t get enough of it! Xavier being a feminist through and through made their relationship even more endearing.
I just adore how smart they both are and how they complement each other perfectly. I completely related to Bianca’s frustrations as a woman, which added so much depth to her character. As for the spicy moments—there were more than five! During the first few, all I could think was, “Wow, they got cockblocked again.” There were also moments that made me teary-eyed and others that had me laughing out loud.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it. Here’s hoping I can find someone like Xavier someday!
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As a lover of academic romance and the fake dating trope, this book was exactly what I was looking for: funny, sweet, and a little spicy. I loved the “will they, won’t they” tension throughout the book, as well as the dynamic between Xavier and Bianca in terms of them making each other better academics through their discussions and debates. The only reason this book wasn’t 5 ⭐️ is because I was left wanting to hear them talk more about themselves and their relationship and feelings.
This was my first time reading Hennessy's novel, and I loved the writing style as it hooked me from the first page. I love reading books where the characters fake date/ engage, but what I loved most about this one was that the plot was something I hadn't read before. Bianca and Xavier decide to fake an engagement after her family fails to make the effort and celebrate her milestone of receiving a PhD. I also liked how the characters had communicated about the potential setbacks that would occur in their relationship. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Xavier and Bianca's family, as you could see how perfect he was for both Bianca and her family. Bianca gives her all for the people that she loves, and I loved that Xavier was written to show Bianca what she deserved.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No