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annabananadel's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
“If I had a heart to give, it would be all yours. Free of cost.”
I had high hopes when I went into this book given the fact that the series is all over the internet. Unfortunately, it wasn't met and I just simply just enjoyed this book not thinking that it would be up there with the other books that are actually good.
It has been so long for me since I've read a employee x boss workplace romance - in fact, I can't even think about a book with that trope at the top of my head, so I guess this might be my first. To be honest, not much has retained from my memory and that’s already a pretty depressing fact. The only things I can remember is that I love workplace romance in this setting - boss and employee. I love how both of them took a vacation and how he actually planned a book signing event just for her. I mean, if you have gazillions of moolah, why not spend it, right? That’s like one the of highest point for me as a book reader (my boyfriend bought me one book in the span of our 3.5 years together so that’s saying a lot).
I think one of the plus points is that they focus so much on work employee’s problems and what benefit they get from the work - this itself redeemed a lot of stars because it’s so relatable especially in the Philippines where health insurance is very limited. I’m thankful that the company I work for has it as a benefit but with the rising expenses, my wage is legit can’t keep up. Will I recommend this to my boss? Definitely no (lol).
The romance between the two MCs are pretty cute considering that it’s grumpy x sunshine so it did make me smile a lot. Also, Rowan is just too cute but kinda dumb for letting Zahra go but he got smarter by the end so everything’s good between us now. I’m happy to see the epilogue too because ugh it’s just so cute to imagine where they would be in a few years time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, and Mental illness
Minor: Terminal illness
marygg3's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
This actually blew my mind. I was not expecting such a good book.
It's like, of course you're familiar with the plot, it is generally predictable, at least in what the outcome will be, but just because you know what your favorite ice cream tastes like, doesn't mean it's not still completely enjoyable. And the way in which we got to the outcome I expected was so beautiful and not at all predictable! I really really enjoyed this book!
I'm not sure what comes next, but of course it's going to focus on the other brothers and I'm here for it!
It's like, of course you're familiar with the plot, it is generally predictable, at least in what the outcome will be, but just because you know what your favorite ice cream tastes like, doesn't mean it's not still completely enjoyable. And the way in which we got to the outcome I expected was so beautiful and not at all predictable! I really really enjoyed this book!
I'm not sure what comes next, but of course it's going to focus on the other brothers and I'm here for it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Cancer
Minor: Grief, Ableism, and Suicidal thoughts
bbygirl21's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was a little disappointed in this book. Don't get me wrong I still quite enjoyed reading this book. I liked the Disneyland type aspect of the story and I loved how it talked about inclusivity and diversity in all ways. It's just the pacing of the whole story was too slow in my opinion.
And I didn't like that there were two major conflicts/break up scenes in this book and I think it could've only done with one at most. I can't tell you which one I would get rid of, because quite frankly I didn't like either of them, but I do know having two portions of the book focused on that was unnecessary when they're could've only been one section focusing on a conflict/breakup period.
I also have mixed feelings on both MC's. Rowan (MMC) was an asshole through and through for a giant portion of this book. And while I'm understanding of Zahra's feelings on the things Rowan said and did to her, I felt a bit frustrated with her. The way she didn't let Rowan explain anything and the way she jumped to conclusions a lot made me very anxious and frustrated. Like I said, I'm not excusing Rowan's actions/behavior, because it was quite unforgivable even coming from a place of understanding of his past, but I just felt like they should've talked things out like adults and that's what Rowan was trying to do, whereas Zahra wasn't. In my opinion it seemed she just wanted to avoid things until they're unavoidable.
There are things I liked about both characters, like I loved that Zahra had a very sunshine outlook on life. Yes it is sometimes just a way to cover up her true feelings, but for the most part, she tries to exude positive energy especially around others so she doesn't negatively affect others. And I love how deep down Rowan has this sweet caring nature for others. Despite the way he presents himself to the general public, he has this deep seeded care for people in less fortunate situations. You can clearly see that with how he is with Ani and how he immediately helped Martha when he found out she has to work to jobs with a hurt foot/leg. But for the most part Rowan and Zahra were a big letdown to what I was expecting going into this. And how much I like the MC's plays a big part into my overall enjoyment of book.
I think my favorite part of this book were the side characters and the theme park storyline. I loved seeing the progression toward making the park more inclusive and diverse. I loved Ani, she's such a little sweetheart, wanting to help her sister be happy. And she's so adorable with her boyfriend JP. I also really liked Martha as well.
So would I recommend this, maybe, I'd like to say yes but I'm not entirely sure. I'll let the other two books decide for whether it's worth it to read this one or not. I'll most likely say yes, but will see. I thought it was an enjoyable for the most part. Enough for me to keep going until I finished it. It had a great plotline and some great character development in the long run. I loved the ending seeing how Rowan's final plans for Dreamland start to come into effect and I loved seeing him and Zahra together despite their toxic and rocky beginning.
And I didn't like that there were two major conflicts/break up scenes in this book and I think it could've only done with one at most. I can't tell you which one I would get rid of, because quite frankly I didn't like either of them, but I do know having two portions of the book focused on that was unnecessary when they're could've only been one section focusing on a conflict/breakup period.
I also have mixed feelings on both MC's. Rowan (MMC) was an asshole through and through for a giant portion of this book. And while I'm understanding of Zahra's feelings on the things Rowan said and did to her, I felt a bit frustrated with her. The way she didn't let Rowan explain anything and the way she jumped to conclusions a lot made me very anxious and frustrated. Like I said, I'm not excusing Rowan's actions/behavior, because it was quite unforgivable even coming from a place of understanding of his past, but I just felt like they should've talked things out like adults and that's what Rowan was trying to do, whereas Zahra wasn't. In my opinion it seemed she just wanted to avoid things until they're unavoidable.
There are things I liked about both characters, like I loved that Zahra had a very sunshine outlook on life. Yes it is sometimes just a way to cover up her true feelings, but for the most part, she tries to exude positive energy especially around others so she doesn't negatively affect others. And I love how deep down Rowan has this sweet caring nature for others. Despite the way he presents himself to the general public, he has this deep seeded care for people in less fortunate situations. You can clearly see that with how he is with Ani and how he immediately helped Martha when he found out she has to work to jobs with a hurt foot/leg. But for the most part Rowan and Zahra were a big letdown to what I was expecting going into this. And how much I like the MC's plays a big part into my overall enjoyment of book.
I think my favorite part of this book were the side characters and the theme park storyline. I loved seeing the progression toward making the park more inclusive and diverse. I loved Ani, she's such a little sweetheart, wanting to help her sister be happy. And she's so adorable with her boyfriend JP. I also really liked Martha as well.
So would I recommend this, maybe, I'd like to say yes but I'm not entirely sure. I'll let the other two books decide for whether it's worth it to read this one or not. I'll most likely say yes, but will see. I thought it was an enjoyable for the most part. Enough for me to keep going until I finished it. It had a great plotline and some great character development in the long run. I loved the ending seeing how Rowan's final plans for Dreamland start to come into effect and I loved seeing him and Zahra together despite their toxic and rocky beginning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Death of parent, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Addiction, Cancer, and Death
takarakei's review against another edition
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
3.25
I went into this knowing nothing besides having read this author before so being familiar with their style. I was not expecting a ‘family that owns basically disneyworld’ billionaire romance. I didn’t personally jive with setup for the relationship and there being two times the Rowan betrayed Zahra (the justification was lackluster). I’ll continue the series cause I think the premise of this relationship just didn’t do it for me especially as a workplace romance. I also personally did not need two epilogues.
4/5🌶️
4/5🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
Minor: Ableism, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
vreyna20_2004's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
The sex scenes made me blush and crack a smile almost caused me to jump and run around my room when he told Zahra to say that she was his. But this book has A LOT of dick jokes or mentions of dicks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Mental illness
bmhafelein78's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Infidelity, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Mental illness
thebookaddict's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
🇳🇱: Damn dit boek heeft mij gebroken.... ik zat helemaal in het verhaal en had hem zo uit. Ik was helemaal invested in het liefdes verhaal en werd zelf geirriteerd van de acties van Rowan. Ik heb tijdens dit boek echt af en toe een traantje gelaten! Ik ben ook echt door het boek gevlogen! Dit boek is zo makkelijk geschreven dat je niet eens doorhebt dat je al zoveel bladzijdes gelezen hebt. Ik kan echt niet wachten om in deel twee te beginnen.
🇬🇧: Damn this book broke me. I was totally invested in the story and I finnished it in no-time. I was also totally invested in love stories and I was irritated at Rowans actions sometimes. I even cried during this book.. it is so easily written that you don't notice that you already read a lot of pages! I can't wait to start in part two
🇬🇧: Damn this book broke me. I was totally invested in the story and I finnished it in no-time. I was also totally invested in love stories and I was irritated at Rowans actions sometimes. I even cried during this book.. it is so easily written that you don't notice that you already read a lot of pages! I can't wait to start in part two
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Medical content, Sexual content, Cancer, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, and Blood
Moderate: Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Suicidal thoughts
isabellelle_11's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Alcoholism, Cancer, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Cursing, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Pregnancy and Injury/Injury detail
worldofv33's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cancer, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Death, Alcoholism, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Addiction, Pregnancy, Blood, and Suicidal thoughts
mrsalexisrjones's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
This book is basically about one of Walt Disney’s grandsons trying to earn his inheritance. He is a grumpy who has to be a sunshine if he wants his shares in the company. He just so happens to meet a girl who embodies the sun. Would have given it more stars if physical/sexual attraction was not as prevalent in the writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming, Classism, Death of parent, Mental illness, Medical content, Fatphobia, Suicide, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse