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haddy's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Easy quick read.
Don’t think the fake relationship or miscommunication tropes were done particularly well. None of the characters seemed to be particularly fleshed out either.
Lots of flip flopping of emotions & overreactions.
I did like that she seemed to be more real than a lot of FMCs you read in romances usually though. It was nice to see some PCOS rep but I feel like it didn’t affect her life at all other than the infertility
why did things go from low stakes to someone trying to threaten an kill them with little to no explanation though? And why did he FaceTime her to show her he was burning the place down? Hahahaha
Don’t think the fake relationship or miscommunication tropes were done particularly well. None of the characters seemed to be particularly fleshed out either.
Lots of flip flopping of emotions & overreactions.
I did like that she seemed to be more real than a lot of FMCs you read in romances usually though. It was nice to see some PCOS rep but I feel like it didn’t affect her life at all
mefromson's review
5.0
This was wonderful. I was prepared for the fake boyfriend romance I thought I was getting, but this had so much more involved! Him hiring her as his nurse/homemaker felt a little contrived, but the longer it went on, especially with his family then involved, I liked it more and more. That he wasn't just a rich dude but an introspective and awkward loner made for a lot more interest than just another fake billionaire boyfriend story. She was great; I loved her caring and compassion, and how they contrasted both her ex and her new boyfriend.
jigsawgirl's review
3.0
I struggled with this book a bit like Mark and Abby's relationship struggled. This book can be read as a standalone although it is book 3. At least I had no problems with it.
My problem was with Mark. After finding out why love wasn't for him, I really didn't understand why it was necessary for him to be so grumpy, especially with people in which he was not romantically involved.
Abby and Mark seemed to have a connection in spite of his bad behavior. They were able to work through their issues to get to their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book provided by Hidden Gems.
My problem was with Mark. After finding out why love wasn't for him, I really didn't understand why it was necessary for him to be so grumpy, especially with people in which he was not romantically involved.
Abby and Mark seemed to have a connection in spite of his bad behavior. They were able to work through their issues to get to their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book provided by Hidden Gems.
mlcreads's review
3.0
Abby and Mark's journey to their HEA is not traditional. Abby has body issues leftover from her previous relationship and Mark has trust issues from his. What starts out as a lie soon turns into something else and before they realise it these two have fallen in love even if they don't admit it to themselves. There are twists with the return of their respective exes but love triumphs in the end and we get to visit with other Thorntons and see how their stories are progressing.
chaos_goddess's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
profromance's review
4.0
This is my second Iris Morland The Thornstons book. The first book I read in the series was the second book, Cade and Meghan’s story. I have to admit. I love stories that center around families and the different people in those families. And this book, If I Can’t Have You, doesn’t disappoint. Yes, it’s a story of broken people struggling against each other as they fall in love. Mark Thornton, the sullen hermitted rancher, and Abbey, the nurse, meet through a lie. Abbey is trying to avoid her mother’s matchmaking, so she lies to her, suggesting that Mark is her boyfriend. Most comfortable by himself, Mark is surprised by his attraction to Abbey. He overhears the conversation between Abbey and her mother and takes the opportunity to get closer to her by agreeing to be her boyfriend. As they push against each other’s broken parts, they find a greater attraction, and they eventually fall in love. Will they be able, however, to overcome their broken parts and find a wholeness in each other? That is the question of this story.
Yes, the characters have chemistry. They are undeniably attracted to each other, but Mark can be a difficult character to like. He struggles to share his feelings, which causes a frustration with the progression of the story. Abbey is a likeable character, and as a reader, you hope she can reach Mark or find happiness elsewhere.
The story isn’t incredibly original, but it is a heartfelt one. It also gives you a glimpse into the lives of the characters from Morland’s first and second books. You are able to continue to follow the characters you have grown to love. Even more, we are invited into the next book of the series, a preview of things to come. Overall, I recommend this book.
Yes, the characters have chemistry. They are undeniably attracted to each other, but Mark can be a difficult character to like. He struggles to share his feelings, which causes a frustration with the progression of the story. Abbey is a likeable character, and as a reader, you hope she can reach Mark or find happiness elsewhere.
The story isn’t incredibly original, but it is a heartfelt one. It also gives you a glimpse into the lives of the characters from Morland’s first and second books. You are able to continue to follow the characters you have grown to love. Even more, we are invited into the next book of the series, a preview of things to come. Overall, I recommend this book.
thebritishbibliophile_'s review
5.0
I've had the pleasure of reading books 1 & 2 from 'The Thorntons' series prior to reading 'If I Can't Have You', now I have the even bigger pleasure of continuing the series with Abby & Mark, having won this wonderful read from one of Iris' giveaways in her private readers Facebook group, Iris Morland's Mermaids. Thank you Iris for the signed paperback!
If you have or haven't read any of the books in this series, you might or might not know what they are about. Please continue reading ahead if you aren't afraid of spoilers! Here we go. The Thorntons series follows the children of Dave & Lisa Thornton. They are; Caleb, Seth, Lizzie, Jubilee, Harrison and Mark. 'If I Can't Have You' is where Mark & Abby's story begins!
Mark and Abby have known each other for a short while, but their paths cross one night when Abby is on shift at the hospital as a nurse. Mark had been thrown off his horse, Samson, resulting in a broken arm. Prior to his spell in the hospital, he'd overheard Abby tell her mother that she and he were an item, not that Abby knew he knew this. So, he propositions her. He needs someone to look after him and his home while he's laid up and unable to work, in return for his mouth staying shut and not telling anyone that her lie to placate her mother was anything other than the 'truth'. With Abby reluctantly agreeing, she moves into his house under the agreement that when his arm is fully healed and the cast off, she would not need to live with him anymore. From this moment on, neither of their lives would ever be the same again. Both for the better and worse.
Being already familiar with Iris and her work, I wasn't surprised to find that I was unable to put this read down as each page went by. Only so much can physically happen in a cowboy romance as it does in real life, without a read turning to the more paranormal/fantasy-based realm, where anything could happen. Iris though, she managed to keep this read far from boring or mundane. Full of hilarity, drama and stubborn-headed cowboys, you'll find this read just has hard to put down as I did.
Settle down for one of the best reads from one of the sweetest authors around, weather you're continuing on from book 2, or reading this as your first Iris Morland read, it'll be one hell of a ride! Can't wait to get 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me', Lizzie & Trent's story!
If you have or haven't read any of the books in this series, you might or might not know what they are about. Please continue reading ahead if you aren't afraid of spoilers! Here we go. The Thorntons series follows the children of Dave & Lisa Thornton. They are; Caleb, Seth, Lizzie, Jubilee, Harrison and Mark. 'If I Can't Have You' is where Mark & Abby's story begins!
Mark and Abby have known each other for a short while, but their paths cross one night when Abby is on shift at the hospital as a nurse. Mark had been thrown off his horse, Samson, resulting in a broken arm. Prior to his spell in the hospital, he'd overheard Abby tell her mother that she and he were an item, not that Abby knew he knew this. So, he propositions her. He needs someone to look after him and his home while he's laid up and unable to work, in return for his mouth staying shut and not telling anyone that her lie to placate her mother was anything other than the 'truth'. With Abby reluctantly agreeing, she moves into his house under the agreement that when his arm is fully healed and the cast off, she would not need to live with him anymore. From this moment on, neither of their lives would ever be the same again. Both for the better and worse.
Being already familiar with Iris and her work, I wasn't surprised to find that I was unable to put this read down as each page went by. Only so much can physically happen in a cowboy romance as it does in real life, without a read turning to the more paranormal/fantasy-based realm, where anything could happen. Iris though, she managed to keep this read far from boring or mundane. Full of hilarity, drama and stubborn-headed cowboys, you'll find this read just has hard to put down as I did.
Settle down for one of the best reads from one of the sweetest authors around, weather you're continuing on from book 2, or reading this as your first Iris Morland read, it'll be one hell of a ride! Can't wait to get 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me', Lizzie & Trent's story!
nomomstayandread's review
3.0
But like...why did the stalker ex boyfriend show up a year after they quit dating?
thebritishbibliophile's review
5.0
I've had the pleasure of reading books 1 & 2 from 'The Thorntons' series prior to reading 'If I Can't Have You', now I have the even bigger pleasure of continuing the series with Abby & Mark, having won this wonderful read from one of Iris' giveaways in her private readers Facebook group, Iris Morland's Mermaids. Thank you Iris for the signed paperback!
If you have or haven't read any of the books in this series, you might or might not know what they are about. Please continue reading ahead if you aren't afraid of spoilers! Here we go. The Thorntons series follows the children of Dave & Lisa Thornton. They are; Caleb, Seth, Lizzie, Jubilee, Harrison and Mark. 'If I Can't Have You' is where Mark & Abby's story begins!
Mark and Abby have known each other for a short while, but their paths cross one night when Abby is on shift at the hospital as a nurse. Mark had been thrown off his horse, Samson, resulting in a broken arm. Prior to his spell in the hospital, he'd overheard Abby tell her mother that she and he were an item, not that Abby knew he knew this. So, he propositions her. He needs someone to look after him and his home while he's laid up and unable to work, in return for his mouth staying shut and not telling anyone that her lie to placate her mother was anything other than the 'truth'. With Abby reluctantly agreeing, she moves into his house under the agreement that when his arm is fully healed and the cast off, she would not need to live with him anymore. From this moment on, neither of their lives would ever be the same again. Both for the better and worse.
Being already familiar with Iris and her work, I wasn't surprised to find that I was unable to put this read down as each page went by. Only so much can physically happen in a cowboy romance as it does in real life, without a read turning to the more paranormal/fantasy-based realm, where anything could happen. Iris though, she managed to keep this read far from boring or mundane. Full of hilarity, drama and stubborn-headed cowboys, you'll find this read just has hard to put down as I did.
Settle down for one of the best reads from one of the sweetest authors around, weather you're continuing on from book 2, or reading this as your first Iris Morland read, it'll be one hell of a ride! Can't wait to get 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me', Lizzie & Trent's story!
If you have or haven't read any of the books in this series, you might or might not know what they are about. Please continue reading ahead if you aren't afraid of spoilers! Here we go. The Thorntons series follows the children of Dave & Lisa Thornton. They are; Caleb, Seth, Lizzie, Jubilee, Harrison and Mark. 'If I Can't Have You' is where Mark & Abby's story begins!
Mark and Abby have known each other for a short while, but their paths cross one night when Abby is on shift at the hospital as a nurse. Mark had been thrown off his horse, Samson, resulting in a broken arm. Prior to his spell in the hospital, he'd overheard Abby tell her mother that she and he were an item, not that Abby knew he knew this. So, he propositions her. He needs someone to look after him and his home while he's laid up and unable to work, in return for his mouth staying shut and not telling anyone that her lie to placate her mother was anything other than the 'truth'. With Abby reluctantly agreeing, she moves into his house under the agreement that when his arm is fully healed and the cast off, she would not need to live with him anymore. From this moment on, neither of their lives would ever be the same again. Both for the better and worse.
Being already familiar with Iris and her work, I wasn't surprised to find that I was unable to put this read down as each page went by. Only so much can physically happen in a cowboy romance as it does in real life, without a read turning to the more paranormal/fantasy-based realm, where anything could happen. Iris though, she managed to keep this read far from boring or mundane. Full of hilarity, drama and stubborn-headed cowboys, you'll find this read just has hard to put down as I did.
Settle down for one of the best reads from one of the sweetest authors around, weather you're continuing on from book 2, or reading this as your first Iris Morland read, it'll be one hell of a ride! Can't wait to get 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me', Lizzie & Trent's story!
kersley's review
2.0
tl;dr: It's a story of a gruff, surly and aloof Mark who repeatedly fucks up with Abby whose he's head over heels for and apologises every time. As expected the girl forgives him every damn time. That's the running theme.
**SPOILER BELOW**
Long story:
Pros:
This book will make a teenage girl swoon over the cuteness and the classic boy loves girl and girl loves boy but...
It's a super easy read. Easily read in one day if you commit to it
A simple storyline with no complicated conflict.
Cons:
Boy, grammar! Difference between "then" and "than" and "there".
The plot???
1) So a guy likes a girl and instead of asking for her number or talks to her (like he already does) he decides to blackmail her? What kind of unsociable person are you?
2) He loves her but repeatedly insults her and apologises and messes up again and apologises again.
3) He meets his ex and says he finally feels like he's moved on. He meets his ex again (this time in front of Abby) and he then proceeds to tell Abby he feels hurt cause he hasn't moved on but his ex did?
4) Abby says he loves him but he proceeds to tell Abby to stay away from him?
5) Mark tells Abby that her ex is acting like an asshole because he couldn't handle the rejection. Hence, the insults, threats and blackmails. Obviously he then proceeds to say "I know I'd feel the same, if you told me we were over". WHAAT???
6) A nurse is paid $2000 a week to basically cook and buy groceries and have sex with the guy. Basically that's what she did. How dumb do you have to be to read a book on this. The rancher is physically able enough to chop wood, work on the ranch and look after the animals and feed them and buy bags of feed, but cooking? He can't, he has an injured left hand.
7) They both have sex and the girl realises she has feelings for him, instead of asking the guy how he feels about her, she tells him "it's just casual sex, i dont have feelings". I feel like if they both said what they feel, this book would have ended as soon as it started. Girls develops feelings but tell the guy she doesn't so the guys thinks the girl doesn't like him. But when the girl says she loves him, the guy says "you shouldn't love a guy like me". Then why the fuck have you been after her if you didn't want her?? If you didn't want her to love you?
I think I had an aneurysm reading this book.
Honestly, as this might be a fun read, the message it sends to young girl is astounding and pretty sad. A mother whose goal is for her daughter to be happy, how you may ask? By being with a man, because that's what defines a girl's happiness. A girl who keeps getting red flags from a man and easily forgives because...he apologised.
**SPOILER BELOW**
Long story:
Pros:
This book will make a teenage girl swoon over the cuteness and the classic boy loves girl and girl loves boy but...
It's a super easy read. Easily read in one day if you commit to it
A simple storyline with no complicated conflict.
Cons:
Boy, grammar! Difference between "then" and "than" and "there".
The plot???
1) So a guy likes a girl and instead of asking for her number or talks to her (like he already does) he decides to blackmail her? What kind of unsociable person are you?
2) He loves her but repeatedly insults her and apologises and messes up again and apologises again.
3) He meets his ex and says he finally feels like he's moved on. He meets his ex again (this time in front of Abby) and he then proceeds to tell Abby he feels hurt cause he hasn't moved on but his ex did?
4) Abby says he loves him but he proceeds to tell Abby to stay away from him?
5) Mark tells Abby that her ex is acting like an asshole because he couldn't handle the rejection. Hence, the insults, threats and blackmails. Obviously he then proceeds to say "I know I'd feel the same, if you told me we were over". WHAAT???
6) A nurse is paid $2000 a week to basically cook and buy groceries and have sex with the guy. Basically that's what she did. How dumb do you have to be to read a book on this. The rancher is physically able enough to chop wood, work on the ranch and look after the animals and feed them and buy bags of feed, but cooking? He can't, he has an injured left hand.
7) They both have sex and the girl realises she has feelings for him, instead of asking the guy how he feels about her, she tells him "it's just casual sex, i dont have feelings". I feel like if they both said what they feel, this book would have ended as soon as it started. Girls develops feelings but tell the guy she doesn't so the guys thinks the girl doesn't like him. But when the girl says she loves him, the guy says "you shouldn't love a guy like me". Then why the fuck have you been after her if you didn't want her?? If you didn't want her to love you?
I think I had an aneurysm reading this book.
Honestly, as this might be a fun read, the message it sends to young girl is astounding and pretty sad. A mother whose goal is for her daughter to be happy, how you may ask? By being with a man, because that's what defines a girl's happiness. A girl who keeps getting red flags from a man and easily forgives because...he apologised.