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maggiemaggio's review
3.0
3.5 stars
A short book gets a short review, but Ruthie Knox is spot-on with this one. I don't want to say my favorite part of the book was Knox's author's note at the beginning, but I also really freaking liked the author's note. It was funny and set a great tone for the serializations, but it also had me worried. Knox talks about how the main character, Ashley, is flighty and I cannot stand a flighty main character. Especially a flighty woman.
When I started reading I was still worried. I like Ashley, I thought chaining herself to a tree to try to protect her recently deceased grandmother's former property was admirable, but she also really annoyed me. Who does that without planning? And, realistically, how long can she really stay? With water, which they start giving her, she can probably last for around a week without food, but after 24 hours without food she would really start to feel it (problems with being reading books about people not eating while going to school for nutrition).
After the first chapter from Ashley's perspective, we switch to Roman's perspective and I was happier. I liked Roman a lot. I hate the whole Roman-has-a-secret-past thing, but I liked the rest of his story, especially the parts about building his own business, to not mind too much.
When we went back to Ashley's perspective I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked her. Like Roman I had sold her short and I loved that she absolutely surprised me. I can't want to see how the rest of their story ends up and I highly recommend picking this up for something quick and fun.
A short book gets a short review, but Ruthie Knox is spot-on with this one. I don't want to say my favorite part of the book was Knox's author's note at the beginning, but I also really freaking liked the author's note. It was funny and set a great tone for the serializations, but it also had me worried. Knox talks about how the main character, Ashley, is flighty and I cannot stand a flighty main character. Especially a flighty woman.
When I started reading I was still worried. I like Ashley, I thought chaining herself to a tree to try to protect her recently deceased grandmother's former property was admirable, but she also really annoyed me. Who does that without planning? And, realistically, how long can she really stay? With water, which they start giving her, she can probably last for around a week without food, but after 24 hours without food she would really start to feel it (problems with being reading books about people not eating while going to school for nutrition).
After the first chapter from Ashley's perspective, we switch to Roman's perspective and I was happier. I liked Roman a lot. I hate the whole Roman-has-a-secret-past thing, but I liked the rest of his story, especially the parts about building his own business, to not mind too much.
When we went back to Ashley's perspective I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked her. Like Roman I had sold her short and I loved that she absolutely surprised me. I can't want to see how the rest of their story ends up and I highly recommend picking this up for something quick and fun.
erinarkin20's review
4.0
Ashley has lost her grandmother and one of her favorite places on earth is targeted for demolition by Roman Diaz, a Miami real estate developer. To stop him from destroying Sunnyvale Vacation Rentals, Ashley decides to chain herself to a tree in protest.
This installment is mostly the introduction of these two characters and a bit of their background. I can already tell I am going to love this story. Roman and Ashley are complete opposites and I can't wait to see just how much she turns his world upside down.
Knox introduces us to an interesting concept with these stories as they are a serial novel. As with my favorite tv shows, I can't wait for the next episode to dive back into this story.
This installment is mostly the introduction of these two characters and a bit of their background. I can already tell I am going to love this story. Roman and Ashley are complete opposites and I can't wait to see just how much she turns his world upside down.
Knox introduces us to an interesting concept with these stories as they are a serial novel. As with my favorite tv shows, I can't wait for the next episode to dive back into this story.
merlin_reads's review
4.0
I had been seeing this book pop up all over my feed on Goodreads, but it wasn't until my blog partner pushed me to read it that I finally did it. And I'm very happy with that outcome. Roman Holiday was exactly what I needed after reading both an extremely long book and one that didn't live up to its hype. It was short, sweet, sassy and left me wanting more.
When Ashley discovers that her Grandmother sold the apartment complex where she grew up before she died to an up and coming developer, she decides to take a stand - or rather a sit. She chains herself to a tree in protest, with no food or water or any extra clothes to protect her from the elements. Just the bikini and cover-up she has on. She might not have though this through entirely.
Enter Roman, our up and coming developer. He sees this site as a perfect addition to his plans for a huge resort on the Keys. The only thing standing (or sitting) in the way of his dream - the woman chained to a tree. The first is a serialized novel, Roman Holiday sets up the initial meeting between our two main characters and the trip that will ultimately bring them together (or so I presume).
Through Knox's writing, we get to see inside both Ashley and Roman's heads and begin to understand why they are both so set in their ways. Ashley's mind is almost an open book: the complex is dear to her because of her past there. Roman, however, is more of a mystery. Something happened in his past and we are only getting glimpses of what makes him, well, him.
I feel like this was a little teaser because all it did was make me want to read more. I've never read a serialized novel before, but I'm definitely going to stick with this one.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.
When Ashley discovers that her Grandmother sold the apartment complex where she grew up before she died to an up and coming developer, she decides to take a stand - or rather a sit. She chains herself to a tree in protest, with no food or water or any extra clothes to protect her from the elements. Just the bikini and cover-up she has on. She might not have though this through entirely.
Enter Roman, our up and coming developer. He sees this site as a perfect addition to his plans for a huge resort on the Keys. The only thing standing (or sitting) in the way of his dream - the woman chained to a tree. The first is a serialized novel, Roman Holiday sets up the initial meeting between our two main characters and the trip that will ultimately bring them together (or so I presume).
Through Knox's writing, we get to see inside both Ashley and Roman's heads and begin to understand why they are both so set in their ways. Ashley's mind is almost an open book: the complex is dear to her because of her past there. Roman, however, is more of a mystery. Something happened in his past and we are only getting glimpses of what makes him, well, him.
I feel like this was a little teaser because all it did was make me want to read more. I've never read a serialized novel before, but I'm definitely going to stick with this one.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.
jbquinn's review
5.0
Eeeep....I love this! We have our heroine Ashley who's trying to save her grandmothers little Florida Keys resort called Sunnyvale. So, she chains herself to a palm tree to stop the demolition. Ashley's grandmother died & sold the resort without Ashley knowing. She ended up selling it to Roman Diaz. He wants to knock Sunnyvale down and make a big time resort. After a few days of being chained to the palm tree & the threat if a hurricane, Ashley offers a truce with Roman with the exception of some little stipulations. Roman agrees but, he doesn't realize he's just met his match! Off to start Episode #2 now!
pms's review
2.0
I have read several stories by Ruthie Knox and loved them all. This one on the other hand I did not enjoy. This Roman Holiday broken up into different parts I could not get into. Sorry, I will try definitely try another one of Ruthie's stories.
alleskelle's review
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So glad to discover this series after every parts has been released!
Addictive, cute, sweet, irresistible!
So glad to discover this series after every parts has been released!
Addictive, cute, sweet, irresistible!
liz_schoenthal's review
I want to wait to really review/rate this until all of the sections are out. For obvious reasons (this is only the first installment of the story) both characters seem fairly dislikeable at this point, but I understand we have to have a jumping off point. Knox is great at character development, so I want to see what she has in store for us.
stephtregear's review
4.0
In this first episode of Ruthie Knox's Roman Holiday serialisation, we are introduced to our main characters, Ashley and Roman: one of whom is chained to a palm tree, the other one being the cause. Roman is about to demolish Ashley's beloved Sunnyvale Accommodation Rentals in the Florida Keys, so in an act of desperation, Ashley chains herself to a tree in protest. But this really isn't the smartest idea, because there's a hurricane on its way.
By way of plot developments, not a lot really happens in Chained. This is perhaps the only drawback of this first episode. We're immediately introduced to Ashley as she's chained to a tree, and by the end of the episode, she's unchained herself. That's the only real development, but Knox makes sure it's enough; she uses this first episode to introduce us to her characters through her magic writing wit, and gives us enough back story to understand the situation and want to read on.
The characters are the real stars of this first episode.
I liked Ashley upon first impression, and my love for her only grew as I read further on into Chained. A few people have expressed their dislike and intolerance for Ashley over on Knox's forum for Roman Holiday, and although I can understand their reasoning, I can't bring myself to think of Ashley the same way. Ashley is very much a free spirit, and doesn't like to be bossed around. Especially not by Roman. She holds her ground, by literally chaining herself to a tree, and doesn't let up until she has reached an agreement with Roman that is to her satisfaction - to halt the demolition of her beloved Sunnyvale.
I admire Ashley's tenacity to stand up to the big guys, the people who intimidate us little guys. And although she's acting on her impulsive desperation, Ashley's morals and ideals are well-founded and ones that I can easily identify with myself. I'm intrigued to see how these ideals stand up to Roman's influence over subsequent episodes, just as I'm interested to see Ashley's influence on Roman.
One of my favourite quotes from the series comes from chapter one: "Even though Roman Díaz was about to destroy the only place in the world that mattered to her, she wouldn't hate him. Hate was poisonous." This says a lot about Ashley and her morals, and her perception of Roman. Despite his cool and powerful façade, she knows he's just another person. A person that can hopefully be reasoned with...
Oh, Roman, Roman, Roman. He's a man with a big ego, and a body and bank account to match. He drives a Cadillac - so go figure. He's rich, he's powerful, and he's goddamn sexy. And, boy, does he know it. To Roman, Sunnyvale is just a set of run-down shacks in the way of his million-dollar idea. He doesn't appreciate Ashley's lack of respect for him, and will do just about anything to get rid of her. "She didn't respect his power, and he didn't respect her ideals." So he negotiates with Ashley, and comes to an agreement to evacuate her to her friend's house, and to halt the demolition until after the hurricane and when they have both regrouped.
In comparison to Ashley, we don't see much into Roman in this episode. We know that he has had a troubled past that he doesn't like to talk about, and that he hopes to marry Carmen - a savvy businesswoman who is about a boring and dull as a slab of concrete. Despite his hard exterior, I do like Roman. His caring of Ashley, no matter how reluctant, tugs at my heart because men doing sweet things always does. I'm anticipating some more attention to Roman's character development in the subsequent episodes. And of course I'm looking forward to further mentions of his bits and bobbles...
By way of plot developments, not a lot really happens in Chained. This is perhaps the only drawback of this first episode. We're immediately introduced to Ashley as she's chained to a tree, and by the end of the episode, she's unchained herself. That's the only real development, but Knox makes sure it's enough; she uses this first episode to introduce us to her characters through her magic writing wit, and gives us enough back story to understand the situation and want to read on.
The characters are the real stars of this first episode.
I liked Ashley upon first impression, and my love for her only grew as I read further on into Chained. A few people have expressed their dislike and intolerance for Ashley over on Knox's forum for Roman Holiday, and although I can understand their reasoning, I can't bring myself to think of Ashley the same way. Ashley is very much a free spirit, and doesn't like to be bossed around. Especially not by Roman. She holds her ground, by literally chaining herself to a tree, and doesn't let up until she has reached an agreement with Roman that is to her satisfaction - to halt the demolition of her beloved Sunnyvale.
I admire Ashley's tenacity to stand up to the big guys, the people who intimidate us little guys. And although she's acting on her impulsive desperation, Ashley's morals and ideals are well-founded and ones that I can easily identify with myself. I'm intrigued to see how these ideals stand up to Roman's influence over subsequent episodes, just as I'm interested to see Ashley's influence on Roman.
One of my favourite quotes from the series comes from chapter one: "Even though Roman Díaz was about to destroy the only place in the world that mattered to her, she wouldn't hate him. Hate was poisonous." This says a lot about Ashley and her morals, and her perception of Roman. Despite his cool and powerful façade, she knows he's just another person. A person that can hopefully be reasoned with...
Oh, Roman, Roman, Roman. He's a man with a big ego, and a body and bank account to match. He drives a Cadillac - so go figure. He's rich, he's powerful, and he's goddamn sexy. And, boy, does he know it. To Roman, Sunnyvale is just a set of run-down shacks in the way of his million-dollar idea. He doesn't appreciate Ashley's lack of respect for him, and will do just about anything to get rid of her. "She didn't respect his power, and he didn't respect her ideals." So he negotiates with Ashley, and comes to an agreement to evacuate her to her friend's house, and to halt the demolition until after the hurricane and when they have both regrouped.
In comparison to Ashley, we don't see much into Roman in this episode. We know that he has had a troubled past that he doesn't like to talk about, and that he hopes to marry Carmen - a savvy businesswoman who is about a boring and dull as a slab of concrete. Despite his hard exterior, I do like Roman. His caring of Ashley, no matter how reluctant, tugs at my heart because men doing sweet things always does. I'm anticipating some more attention to Roman's character development in the subsequent episodes. And of course I'm looking forward to further mentions of his bits and bobbles...
booksuperpower's review
4.0
Roman Holiday: Chained by Ruthie Knox is a part one of a series. This is a short story/novella published by Random House / LoveSwept, and released in 2013.
Set in the Florida Keys, Ashley is overcome by grief for the loss of her grandmother and the shock of finding out that she had been sick and hadn't said anything to her about it. Not only that she has sold her property to land developer, Roman Diaz.
In an emotional and angry frame of mind, Ashley chains herself to a tree on her grandmother's property and refuses to leave.
At first Roman doesn't really take Ashley all that seriously. He thinks she will get hot, hungry and thirsty and give up before too long. Well, he doesn't know Ashley.
Meanwhile, while two of them negotiate the situation, a certain attraction to each other is undeniable.
This first installment of five sets the stage for what promises to be a really good story. Ashley is determined to keep the property in her family. She takes drastic measures and then finds that it maybe wasn't the smartest thing she's ever done, but her pride wouldn't let her give up.
Roman actually shows remarkable patience with her and proves he may not be as ruthless as Ashley believes him to be.
I am really looking forward to the next installment. (We were treated to a sneak peek of the second chapter). Ruthie Knox is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.
Overall this one gets an A.
Set in the Florida Keys, Ashley is overcome by grief for the loss of her grandmother and the shock of finding out that she had been sick and hadn't said anything to her about it. Not only that she has sold her property to land developer, Roman Diaz.
In an emotional and angry frame of mind, Ashley chains herself to a tree on her grandmother's property and refuses to leave.
At first Roman doesn't really take Ashley all that seriously. He thinks she will get hot, hungry and thirsty and give up before too long. Well, he doesn't know Ashley.
Meanwhile, while two of them negotiate the situation, a certain attraction to each other is undeniable.
This first installment of five sets the stage for what promises to be a really good story. Ashley is determined to keep the property in her family. She takes drastic measures and then finds that it maybe wasn't the smartest thing she's ever done, but her pride wouldn't let her give up.
Roman actually shows remarkable patience with her and proves he may not be as ruthless as Ashley believes him to be.
I am really looking forward to the next installment. (We were treated to a sneak peek of the second chapter). Ruthie Knox is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.
Overall this one gets an A.