Scan barcode
kaydanielsromance's review
4.0
A cynic of love and a believer of all things romance bring the fire in this opposites attract story.
Max is a divorce attorney and his brother, James, is getting married. Oh, the horror!! Max is already lining up all the reasons why James' marriage will fail before he's watched his bride walk down the aisle, but that is just the jaded side of what Max's job has done to him. What I loved about this book is that Max is actually a big softie underneath all that cynical lawyerness and all it took was meeting the right woman to squish it out of him.
Charlie is the wedding planner for James' wedding and to say she didn't exactly hit it off of Max right way is an understatement. However, with the more time they spend together their slow burn builds into something more than just antagonistic acquaintances, which eventually explodes into burning passion.
A 4.5 read overall.
Max is a divorce attorney and his brother, James, is getting married. Oh, the horror!! Max is already lining up all the reasons why James' marriage will fail before he's watched his bride walk down the aisle, but that is just the jaded side of what Max's job has done to him. What I loved about this book is that Max is actually a big softie underneath all that cynical lawyerness and all it took was meeting the right woman to squish it out of him.
Charlie is the wedding planner for James' wedding and to say she didn't exactly hit it off of Max right way is an understatement. However, with the more time they spend together their slow burn builds into something more than just antagonistic acquaintances, which eventually explodes into burning passion.
A 4.5 read overall.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
I love, love, love Kate Meader's witty voice, and her skill at creating characters, which is why I keep requesting and reading her books. But I often find some annoying antifeminist stuff in them, which always makes me pick up a new one with some caution.
In this opposites attract romance, cynical divorce lawyer Max Henderson can't believe his younger brother is getting married—or that he and his bride to be have hired the hottest, yet snarkiest, wedding planner he's ever had the bad luck to encounter. [Both characters are white]
The amusingly-named Charlie Love is ready for marriage herself. But after some entertaining bantering sessions that strike sparks, Max persuades her that it shouldn't be a problem to engage in some hot sex with him while she's searching. To his surprise, it is he, rather than Charlie, who slowly yearns to turn their hot-hate-sex thing into something more.
Charlie protests that she doesn't want Max to rescue her, or act protectively toward her, but he does so anyway. And she likes it. And as Max gradually shows that he's more than such a rich white boy know-it-all, she starts to fall for him, too.
Least favorite scene: Charlie gets thrown into "Cubs jail" for verbally going at it with an official at the ballpark. In the aftermath, this conversation between Max & Charlie:
"So I should have just zipped my mouth and acted like the quiet little woman?"
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Make this about feminism or getting beaten down by the patriarchy. It's about common sense and respect."
He's right. I know this, but I hate it. I hate feeling like that angry girl again, even if the stakes are as low as screaming invective at a ballgame official. I'm never going to find a man if I can't rein in that part of myself that's unpalatable to the segment fo the human race I need to impress. (Kindle Loc 1063)
And this: "So you're here because I rained all over your girl power parade?"
Really hate it when mansplaining heroes tell heroines how their feminism isn't really feminist.
On the other hand, Max appreciates Charlie's bossiness (even in bed), even while her stepmother keeps cautioning her that she needs to tone herself down if she ever wants to catch a husband. And he hates how she thinks she has to repress herself. So thumbs up there.
All in all, Meader's typical mixed bag.
In this opposites attract romance, cynical divorce lawyer Max Henderson can't believe his younger brother is getting married—or that he and his bride to be have hired the hottest, yet snarkiest, wedding planner he's ever had the bad luck to encounter. [Both characters are white]
The amusingly-named Charlie Love is ready for marriage herself. But after some entertaining bantering sessions that strike sparks, Max persuades her that it shouldn't be a problem to engage in some hot sex with him while she's searching. To his surprise, it is he, rather than Charlie, who slowly yearns to turn their hot-hate-sex thing into something more.
Charlie protests that she doesn't want Max to rescue her, or act protectively toward her, but he does so anyway. And she likes it. And as Max gradually shows that he's more than such a rich white boy know-it-all, she starts to fall for him, too.
Least favorite scene: Charlie gets thrown into "Cubs jail" for verbally going at it with an official at the ballpark. In the aftermath, this conversation between Max & Charlie:
"So I should have just zipped my mouth and acted like the quiet little woman?"
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Make this about feminism or getting beaten down by the patriarchy. It's about common sense and respect."
He's right. I know this, but I hate it. I hate feeling like that angry girl again, even if the stakes are as low as screaming invective at a ballgame official. I'm never going to find a man if I can't rein in that part of myself that's unpalatable to the segment fo the human race I need to impress. (Kindle Loc 1063)
And this: "So you're here because I rained all over your girl power parade?"
Really hate it when mansplaining heroes tell heroines how their feminism isn't really feminist.
On the other hand, Max appreciates Charlie's bossiness (even in bed), even while her stepmother keeps cautioning her that she needs to tone herself down if she ever wants to catch a husband. And he hates how she thinks she has to repress herself. So thumbs up there.
All in all, Meader's typical mixed bag.
beckyrendon's review against another edition
4.0
With a title like Down With Love, I feel like I should be sporting a picket sign and yelling at someone. So here is me trying to at least fufill half of the expectations...
DOWN WITH LOVE!
DOWN WITH LOVE!
You know those feelings you get when a certain someone walks in the room. (It's indigestion.Take some Pepto.)
You know the wistful sigh and dreamy eyes that result from thinking of that same someone. (Its actually a wheeze brought on by allergies. See an allergist or your local pharmacist for the correct medicine for you.)
You know the empty void in your chest when terrible thoughts or longing to see that certain someone seem to consume your day. ( It's just gas build up.)
That feels like an anti-love ad, right? Well if you are looking for love haters anonymous, you came to the wrong book. Down With Love may give off that vibe in the title but it couldn't be further from the truth. Even with a divorce lawyer and a wedding planner as the main characters, never did this book turn into a brutal MMA style fight. (I can't say that certain people did not behave aggressively or violently but no one was physically harmed in the making of this book. The only destruction was emotionally charged.)
Look I can keep giving you my snark and pretty words (I say they are pretty-wise guy!) or you can unwad your panties, grab a glass of whatever, and enjoy the ride. These two are entertaining and will definitely have you watching your step, Cujo or not!
DOWN WITH LOVE!
DOWN WITH LOVE!
You know those feelings you get when a certain someone walks in the room. (It's indigestion.Take some Pepto.)
You know the wistful sigh and dreamy eyes that result from thinking of that same someone. (Its actually a wheeze brought on by allergies. See an allergist or your local pharmacist for the correct medicine for you.)
You know the empty void in your chest when terrible thoughts or longing to see that certain someone seem to consume your day. ( It's just gas build up.)
That feels like an anti-love ad, right? Well if you are looking for love haters anonymous, you came to the wrong book. Down With Love may give off that vibe in the title but it couldn't be further from the truth. Even with a divorce lawyer and a wedding planner as the main characters, never did this book turn into a brutal MMA style fight. (I can't say that certain people did not behave aggressively or violently but no one was physically harmed in the making of this book. The only destruction was emotionally charged.)
Look I can keep giving you my snark and pretty words (I say they are pretty-wise guy!) or you can unwad your panties, grab a glass of whatever, and enjoy the ride. These two are entertaining and will definitely have you watching your step, Cujo or not!
nonibe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
amym84's review against another edition
5.0
Max Henderson likes his job as a divorce attorney. It probably helps that he's suffered through a broken heart, like his clients, and he's developed a bit of cynicism when it comes to love. The truth is, he stands for his clients and works hard to make sure whatever decision is made is the best one for them. So when his younger brother announces his engagement to his girlfriend of only a few months, Max is ready to step in to ensure his brother's happiness if needed. If that means going head-to-head with the wedding planner, so be it.
Despite going through a rough break up a few years ago, Charlie Love hasn't given up on finding the one. She believes it with all her heart that true, lasting love is possible and she loves being able to help give couples a special day. Despite what a certain divorce lawyer would have you think, her optimism for love is not a shtick to get the bride and groom to shell out more money on her wedding planning services.
As these two are quick to spar with one another, their chemistry is explosive. What starts out as a fling, just a good time, while waiting (or not waiting in Max's case) for the right one to come along, turns into something far more serious for both Charlie and Max and both end up questioning their preconceived notions on love and relationships.
A divorce lawyer and a wedding planner (i.e. opposites attracting) is not an unfamiliar plot twist in romance. But I'd say Kate Meader has hands down done the best job with it that I've read anyway.
Typically the divorce lawyer is almost viewed as the villain. The one responsible for putting the final nail in the coffin of people's ended relationships. But Max shows readers a different side. A caring compassionate side, a side that is no less valid than the person who brings a couple together on their happy day. Maybe he's not ended a relationship, more that he's allowing someone to find a love that will compliment them better, make them happier. I loved that despite his cynicism Max is clearly a hopeless romantic at heart as shown through his love of classic movies and knowledge of famous romantic movie quotes. I'd say the reason for Max's reticence on love is a little more developed than Charlie's. Max was, essentially used and discarded by a woman he thought he cared for deeply. It undoubtedly shaped his perception on love and relationships. Not until Charlie does he understand what he kept hidden, or pushed aside of himself, his ability to want to love.
Charlie has a brighter outlook on marriage. She wants the family, love, and commitment. But her broken relationship left her unable to express all that she really wants. Leaves her almost settling for ok rather than perfect. Because if she settles for ok, she'll be fine if it breaks again, but if she goes for perfect, and it breaks, she won't recover from that again.
It's an interesting dynamic that Charlie and Max have. He being the surprising one and wanting more than just a one-night-stand and she wanting to cut and run after the first time their together. The balance of figuring out their relationship is subtle and sweet, but not overly saccharine. I'd say Kate Meader shows reader a more realistic view of love and relationships and it was kind of refreshing to read, honestly.
So, if you couldn't tell, I loved Down with Love, and it's clear that Max's partners Grant and Lucas are prime candidates for their own stories and I can't wait.
Kate Meader is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, highly recommended reading!
Despite going through a rough break up a few years ago, Charlie Love hasn't given up on finding the one. She believes it with all her heart that true, lasting love is possible and she loves being able to help give couples a special day. Despite what a certain divorce lawyer would have you think, her optimism for love is not a shtick to get the bride and groom to shell out more money on her wedding planning services.
As these two are quick to spar with one another, their chemistry is explosive. What starts out as a fling, just a good time, while waiting (or not waiting in Max's case) for the right one to come along, turns into something far more serious for both Charlie and Max and both end up questioning their preconceived notions on love and relationships.
A divorce lawyer and a wedding planner (i.e. opposites attracting) is not an unfamiliar plot twist in romance. But I'd say Kate Meader has hands down done the best job with it that I've read anyway.
Typically the divorce lawyer is almost viewed as the villain. The one responsible for putting the final nail in the coffin of people's ended relationships. But Max shows readers a different side. A caring compassionate side, a side that is no less valid than the person who brings a couple together on their happy day. Maybe he's not ended a relationship, more that he's allowing someone to find a love that will compliment them better, make them happier. I loved that despite his cynicism Max is clearly a hopeless romantic at heart as shown through his love of classic movies and knowledge of famous romantic movie quotes. I'd say the reason for Max's reticence on love is a little more developed than Charlie's. Max was, essentially used and discarded by a woman he thought he cared for deeply. It undoubtedly shaped his perception on love and relationships. Not until Charlie does he understand what he kept hidden, or pushed aside of himself, his ability to want to love.
Charlie has a brighter outlook on marriage. She wants the family, love, and commitment. But her broken relationship left her unable to express all that she really wants. Leaves her almost settling for ok rather than perfect. Because if she settles for ok, she'll be fine if it breaks again, but if she goes for perfect, and it breaks, she won't recover from that again.
It's an interesting dynamic that Charlie and Max have. He being the surprising one and wanting more than just a one-night-stand and she wanting to cut and run after the first time their together. The balance of figuring out their relationship is subtle and sweet, but not overly saccharine. I'd say Kate Meader shows reader a more realistic view of love and relationships and it was kind of refreshing to read, honestly.
So, if you couldn't tell, I loved Down with Love, and it's clear that Max's partners Grant and Lucas are prime candidates for their own stories and I can't wait.
Kate Meader is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, highly recommended reading!
amym84's review against another edition
5.0
Max Henderson likes his job as a divorce attorney. It probably helps that he's suffered through a broken heart, like his clients, and he's developed a bit of cynicism when it comes to love. The truth is, he stands for his clients and works hard to make sure whatever decision is made is the best one for them. So when his younger brother announces his engagement to his girlfriend of only a few months, Max is ready to step in to ensure his brother's happiness if needed. If that means going head-to-head with the wedding planner, so be it.
Despite going through a rough break up a few years ago, Charlie Love hasn't given up on finding the one. She believes it with all her heart that true, lasting love is possible and she loves being able to help give couples a special day. Despite what a certain divorce lawyer would have you think, her optimism for love is not a shtick to get the bride and groom to shell out more money on her wedding planning services.
As these two are quick to spar with one another, their chemistry is explosive. What starts out as a fling, just a good time, while waiting (or not waiting in Max's case) for the right one to come along, turns into something far more serious for both Charlie and Max and both end up questioning their preconceived notions on love and relationships.
A divorce lawyer and a wedding planner (i.e. opposites attracting) is not an unfamiliar plot twist in romance. But I'd say Kate Meader has hands down done the best job with it that I've read anyway.
Typically the divorce lawyer is almost viewed as the villain. The one responsible for putting the final nail in the coffin of people's ended relationships. But Max shows readers a different side. A caring compassionate side, a side that is no less valid than the person who brings a couple together on their happy day. Maybe he's not ended a relationship, more that he's allowing someone to find a love that will compliment them better, make them happier. I loved that despite his cynicism Max is clearly a hopeless romantic at heart as shown through his love of classic movies and knowledge of famous romantic movie quotes. I'd say the reason for Max's reticence on love is a little more developed than Charlie's. Max was, essentially used and discarded by a woman he thought he cared for deeply. It undoubtedly shaped his perception on love and relationships. Not until Charlie does he understand what he kept hidden, or pushed aside of himself, his ability to want to love.
Charlie has a brighter outlook on marriage. She wants the family, love, and commitment. But her broken relationship left her unable to express all that she really wants. Leaves her almost settling for ok rather than perfect. Because if she settles for ok, she'll be fine if it breaks again, but if she goes for perfect, and it breaks, she won't recover from that again.
It's an interesting dynamic that Charlie and Max have. He being the surprising one and wanting more than just a one-night-stand and she wanting to cut and run after the first time their together. The balance of figuring out their relationship is subtle and sweet, but not overly saccharine. I'd say Kate Meader shows reader a more realistic view of love and relationships and it was kind of refreshing to read, honestly.
So, if you couldn't tell, I loved Down with Love, and it's clear that Max's partners Grant and Lucas are prime candidates for their own stories and I can't wait.
Kate Meader is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, highly recommended reading!
Despite going through a rough break up a few years ago, Charlie Love hasn't given up on finding the one. She believes it with all her heart that true, lasting love is possible and she loves being able to help give couples a special day. Despite what a certain divorce lawyer would have you think, her optimism for love is not a shtick to get the bride and groom to shell out more money on her wedding planning services.
As these two are quick to spar with one another, their chemistry is explosive. What starts out as a fling, just a good time, while waiting (or not waiting in Max's case) for the right one to come along, turns into something far more serious for both Charlie and Max and both end up questioning their preconceived notions on love and relationships.
A divorce lawyer and a wedding planner (i.e. opposites attracting) is not an unfamiliar plot twist in romance. But I'd say Kate Meader has hands down done the best job with it that I've read anyway.
Typically the divorce lawyer is almost viewed as the villain. The one responsible for putting the final nail in the coffin of people's ended relationships. But Max shows readers a different side. A caring compassionate side, a side that is no less valid than the person who brings a couple together on their happy day. Maybe he's not ended a relationship, more that he's allowing someone to find a love that will compliment them better, make them happier. I loved that despite his cynicism Max is clearly a hopeless romantic at heart as shown through his love of classic movies and knowledge of famous romantic movie quotes. I'd say the reason for Max's reticence on love is a little more developed than Charlie's. Max was, essentially used and discarded by a woman he thought he cared for deeply. It undoubtedly shaped his perception on love and relationships. Not until Charlie does he understand what he kept hidden, or pushed aside of himself, his ability to want to love.
Charlie has a brighter outlook on marriage. She wants the family, love, and commitment. But her broken relationship left her unable to express all that she really wants. Leaves her almost settling for ok rather than perfect. Because if she settles for ok, she'll be fine if it breaks again, but if she goes for perfect, and it breaks, she won't recover from that again.
It's an interesting dynamic that Charlie and Max have. He being the surprising one and wanting more than just a one-night-stand and she wanting to cut and run after the first time their together. The balance of figuring out their relationship is subtle and sweet, but not overly saccharine. I'd say Kate Meader shows reader a more realistic view of love and relationships and it was kind of refreshing to read, honestly.
So, if you couldn't tell, I loved Down with Love, and it's clear that Max's partners Grant and Lucas are prime candidates for their own stories and I can't wait.
Kate Meader is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, highly recommended reading!
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
4.0
He’s a divorce lawyer. She’s a wedding planner. These two are a rom-com just waiting for a script.
Charlie Love cannot stand Max Henderson from the moment she meets him. She’s crafting couples’ dreams of wedded bliss and he’s tearing them apart. And she’s set on believing that Max and her worldviews are so fundamentally opposed that she can’t – or refuses to – see Max as a good guy and not The Cynic™, disbeliever of wedding bliss and destroyer of happily-ever-afters. But in reality, Max isn’t ripping marriages apart but acting as lawyer, counselor and shoulder-to-cry-on for his clients – helping them find closure, the strength to move on, and freeing them to find love again. He no longer believed that he can find love for himself and lets his past experience color his worldview with trepidation and caution, but the more time he spends sparing (It’s so entertaining to watch these two opposites meet their match and volley quips back and forth with equal fervor) with Charlie Love, the more Max is putting his heart on the line.
Fun, humorous, sexy, witty, opposites attract contemporary romance.
3.5 stars
Charlie Love cannot stand Max Henderson from the moment she meets him. She’s crafting couples’ dreams of wedded bliss and he’s tearing them apart. And she’s set on believing that Max and her worldviews are so fundamentally opposed that she can’t – or refuses to – see Max as a good guy and not The Cynic™, disbeliever of wedding bliss and destroyer of happily-ever-afters. But in reality, Max isn’t ripping marriages apart but acting as lawyer, counselor and shoulder-to-cry-on for his clients – helping them find closure, the strength to move on, and freeing them to find love again. He no longer believed that he can find love for himself and lets his past experience color his worldview with trepidation and caution, but the more time he spends sparing (It’s so entertaining to watch these two opposites meet their match and volley quips back and forth with equal fervor) with Charlie Love, the more Max is putting his heart on the line.
Fun, humorous, sexy, witty, opposites attract contemporary romance.
3.5 stars
xjennoe's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Down with Love had the potential to be a great love story.. but in the end, it was just okay. I loved Max and Charlie together but their wasn't anything special or exciting about their relationship. Max is a divorce attorney and doesn't have the same views on love as Charlie, who's a wedding planner and looking for Mr. Right.
Even though they view love differently, once they meet each other their views start to change. Max heart starts to grow three times bigger (like the grinch) and it's all because of our girl Charlie. Then there's Charlie who definitely saw Max as Mr. Wrong. Of course, he's determined to change her mind. Somewhere along the way he becomes Mr. Perfect for her and vice versa for him.
I honestly love enemies-to-lovers kind of books.. but this was just kind of fell flat for me. It was missing something.. but I just can't put my finger on it. Maybe its because they are getting too predictable for me.. or I've read way too many of them. I will still try book #2 though because I'm optimistic it will get better.
Down with Love had the potential to be a great love story.. but in the end, it was just okay. I loved Max and Charlie together but their wasn't anything special or exciting about their relationship. Max is a divorce attorney and doesn't have the same views on love as Charlie, who's a wedding planner and looking for Mr. Right.
Even though they view love differently, once they meet each other their views start to change. Max heart starts to grow three times bigger (like the grinch) and it's all because of our girl Charlie. Then there's Charlie who definitely saw Max as Mr. Wrong. Of course, he's determined to change her mind. Somewhere along the way he becomes Mr. Perfect for her and vice versa for him.
I honestly love enemies-to-lovers kind of books.. but this was just kind of fell flat for me. It was missing something.. but I just can't put my finger on it. Maybe its because they are getting too predictable for me.. or I've read way too many of them. I will still try book #2 though because I'm optimistic it will get better.