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obsessionwithbooks_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
nikitanavalkar's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet second chance romance
This book had all my favorite elements, second chance, enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, and it worked for me on a lot of levels. I liked the sexual tension and the crazy screaming matches between Ian and London, I liked that Ian was actually flawed and kinda immature, which made him more real to me.
That also meant his immaturity was a reason for some of the more unconvincing storylines, I did not buy some of the choices he made, nor did I support some of the ones London wanted to make. We got a lot of hints about his failed marriage, but no real story to empathize with. I wish we got that.
For a woman who loved and worked hard for her career, I feel like both times London was rather flippant about it. Second time, I got it; first time, not so much. The story gives the interesting different perspective when it comes to women’s choices, but it still left me slightly distasteful. Especially since he also stopped being super into his career as soon as they got together. I mean, we didn’t even get to see what she was doing eventually after giving up the promotion. Well, that’s a me thing though.
Overall, a sweet, sexy, and emotional romance, which made me laugh, swoon, and even cry a little, but also left me wanting more.
This book had all my favorite elements, second chance, enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, and it worked for me on a lot of levels. I liked the sexual tension and the crazy screaming matches between Ian and London, I liked that Ian was actually flawed and kinda immature, which made him more real to me.
That also meant his immaturity was a reason for some of the more unconvincing storylines, I did not buy some of the choices he made, nor did I support some of the ones London wanted to make. We got a lot of hints about his failed marriage, but no real story to empathize with. I wish we got that.
For a woman who loved and worked hard for her career, I feel like both times London was rather flippant about it. Second time, I got it; first time, not so much. The story gives the interesting different perspective when it comes to women’s choices, but it still left me slightly distasteful. Especially since he also stopped being super into his career as soon as they got together. I mean, we didn’t even get to see what she was doing eventually after giving up the promotion. Well, that’s a me thing though.
Overall, a sweet, sexy, and emotional romance, which made me laugh, swoon, and even cry a little, but also left me wanting more.
bookbruin's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook Review
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 2 stars
I am a huge fan of both Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels. I have read/listened to many of their individual books and loved them. Perhaps that set my expectations too high, because this book was a big miss for me. The narration by Andi Arndt and Tor Thom is the only thing that kept me going. Both did superb jobs voicing both male and female characters and I especially enjoyed Andi Arndt's performance as London. She delivered London's barbs and taunts to Ian perfectly, but also showed such emotion and vulnerability during the more difficult scenes.
Honestly, my biggest problem with the book was Ian. I kept waiting and hoping that he would be redeemed, but sadly it never really happened. He was incredibly frustrating and acted like a huge jerk for the majority of the book. Throw in the fact that he's completely an unapologetic manwhore and I was pretty much done. We're supposed to feel sympathy for him because he sacrificed his happiness and broke his own heart so that London could follow her dreams, but all I felt for him was rage and annoyance. He lived his life, enjoying it to the fullest, even married (and divorced), but you want me to believe that he did all that and treated her so poorly over the years because of his love for her? That if he couldn't have her the way he wanted, then hate was the only solution? Come on.
All the back and forth got old quick and for people who are in their mid to late 30's, they were often very immature. I wish I could say that I loved London, but sadly her willingness to be a doormat and accept any scraps of affection Ian threw her way made me lose a lot of respect for her. Every time it seemed like she was going to grow a spine or when she actually stood up to Ian, the very next scene would have her saying sorry, forgiving him, or enabling his selfish behavior. On top of all this, of course she was also essentially celibate for the 17-18 YEARS her and Ian were separated. The only time her sexual history comes up is when Ian is making a crude comment or joke about it (or rather the lack of it).
The best part of the book was probably Chris, Morgan, and Ruby, even though the circumstances that brought them together as a family was tragic. The epilogue was sweet, but overall the ending felt rushed and forced. The impromptu detour was very cliche for a story set in Vegas and had me rolling my eyes (again) at Ian's complete 180. Unfortunately, it was all just too little, too late for this second chance/enemies to lovers romance.
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 2 stars
I am a huge fan of both Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels. I have read/listened to many of their individual books and loved them. Perhaps that set my expectations too high, because this book was a big miss for me. The narration by Andi Arndt and Tor Thom is the only thing that kept me going. Both did superb jobs voicing both male and female characters and I especially enjoyed Andi Arndt's performance as London. She delivered London's barbs and taunts to Ian perfectly, but also showed such emotion and vulnerability during the more difficult scenes.
Honestly, my biggest problem with the book was Ian. I kept waiting and hoping that he would be redeemed, but sadly it never really happened. He was incredibly frustrating and acted like a huge jerk for the majority of the book. Throw in the fact that he's completely an unapologetic manwhore and I was pretty much done. We're supposed to feel sympathy for him because he sacrificed his happiness and broke his own heart so that London could follow her dreams, but all I felt for him was rage and annoyance. He lived his life, enjoying it to the fullest, even married (and divorced), but you want me to believe that he did all that and treated her so poorly over the years because of his love for her? That if he couldn't have her the way he wanted, then hate was the only solution? Come on.
All the back and forth got old quick and for people who are in their mid to late 30's, they were often very immature. I wish I could say that I loved London, but sadly her willingness to be a doormat and accept any scraps of affection Ian threw her way made me lose a lot of respect for her. Every time it seemed like she was going to grow a spine or when she actually stood up to Ian, the very next scene would have her saying sorry, forgiving him, or enabling his selfish behavior. On top of all this, of course she was also essentially celibate for the 17-18 YEARS her and Ian were separated. The only time her sexual history comes up is when Ian is making a crude comment or joke about it (or rather the lack of it).
The best part of the book was probably Chris, Morgan, and Ruby, even though the circumstances that brought them together as a family was tragic. The epilogue was sweet, but overall the ending felt rushed and forced. The impromptu detour was very cliche for a story set in Vegas and had me rolling my eyes (again) at Ian's complete 180. Unfortunately, it was all just too little, too late for this second chance/enemies to lovers romance.
bribookish's review against another edition
5.0
My goodness. Where do I begin? I'm not new to either of these fabulous authors. Especially to Corinne and how I've managed to shed a tear (or hundreds) in every book she has written. I thought this would be different, because hey, it's a co-written book right? Nope. It may have been not full on tears.... But twice I had tears in my eyes and MAN! It's impossible with Corinne! Even with a co-written!
Melanie and Corinne are amazing writers, but put them together and you get this amazing story! Ian and London were everything. AND it fits some of my favorite tropes... I mean, what more do I need?!
Ian was everything. Man, did he frustrate me and make me mad, but MAN could he be a sweetheart and be so kind and loving. My heart melted so many times that I could deal with the bickering and fighting between Ian and London. They were literally everything.
If this is your first time reading either or both of these authors, I highly recommend them both! They are AMAZING together and just as equally fantastic as individual authors! I am so happy they got together to write a book, because man... It's gonna take some time to get over this book!
Melanie and Corinne are amazing writers, but put them together and you get this amazing story! Ian and London were everything. AND it fits some of my favorite tropes... I mean, what more do I need?!
Ian was everything. Man, did he frustrate me and make me mad, but MAN could he be a sweetheart and be so kind and loving. My heart melted so many times that I could deal with the bickering and fighting between Ian and London. They were literally everything.
If this is your first time reading either or both of these authors, I highly recommend them both! They are AMAZING together and just as equally fantastic as individual authors! I am so happy they got together to write a book, because man... It's gonna take some time to get over this book!
bookreviewsbyria's review against another edition
2.0
I have read some individual works of both authors and they are great but this collab is a let down for me. I had to give myself an award for finishing the story, I guess I wanted to give them a chance until the end.
Why the harsh comment/review!?
The Hero - a major douche. I can’t even imagine his reasoning, for breaking the heroine’s heart! He is a major coward!
The Heroine - what a dumb character, That’s it. She stayed single for 2 decades and just take all the rude and despicable ways the Hero Puts her through.
There’s no Groveling in the Hero’s part.
Anyways, what a nice book cover.
Why the harsh comment/review!?
The Hero - a major douche. I can’t even imagine his reasoning, for breaking the heroine’s heart! He is a major coward!
The Heroine - what a dumb character, That’s it. She stayed single for 2 decades and just take all the rude and despicable ways the Hero Puts her through.
There’s no Groveling in the Hero’s part.
Anyways, what a nice book cover.
melooo's review against another edition
4.0
When two of your favorite authors met and write a book 👌
connyale's review against another edition
2.0
1,5?
No hubo caso. La historia la encontré muy fanfiction. Te amo, dejo todo por ti, me engañas, me voy.
No sentí ningún desarrollo, los personajes muy vacíos. La historia en sí, tenía potencial, pero la sentí muy básica. Teniendo tantas escenas que pudieron ser explotadas, nada de nada.
La protagonista cero aporte. Para la edad que tenía, no encuentro sentido su comportamiento, sobre todo cuando indica que su trabajo lo es todo, junto a la responsabilidad de este.
El protagonista … nada. Ni su personalidad tuvo algún impacto.
Pucha, sentí todo tan pobre. Me siento hasta estafada con el audiolibro jajaja
Next
No hubo caso. La historia la encontré muy fanfiction. Te amo, dejo todo por ti, me engañas, me voy.
No sentí ningún desarrollo, los personajes muy vacíos. La historia en sí, tenía potencial, pero la sentí muy básica. Teniendo tantas escenas que pudieron ser explotadas, nada de nada.
La protagonista cero aporte. Para la edad que tenía, no encuentro sentido su comportamiento, sobre todo cuando indica que su trabajo lo es todo, junto a la responsabilidad de este.
El protagonista … nada. Ni su personalidad tuvo algún impacto.
Pucha, sentí todo tan pobre. Me siento hasta estafada con el audiolibro jajaja
Next
randi_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This was just okay for me. Quick, easy read, but super predictable.
stephsromancebooktalk's review against another edition
5.0
Corinne Michaels is one of my FAVORITE authors so when I saw that she was releasing a new co-authored book I had to get my hands on it! In normal tear my heart out fashion of Corinne and the angsty frustrating fashion of Melanie this story did what I expected the two of them hoped to give the reader. This story is all about the love between two people that are so very giving. Ian and London suffer a really big tragedy right at the beginning of the book so I was in tears from the start. Throughout the story you find out Ian and London's history together and why there is so much tension between them. The story provided comic relief during some very difficult moments of grief and sexy spiciness that made me root for these two. I loved the meaning behind the title and how it played within the story as well.
This specific video reviw will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video reviw will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
chrissycracksabook's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a great story about second chance romance. With such a sad beginning I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Ian and London went through so much to finally achieve their HEA.