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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5/5 stars
Finding Mr. July is a charming, feel-good rom-com full of heart and humor. When Holly is rescued from a supply closet by her quiet, handsome co-worker Jonathan, sparks fly—and only intensify when they’re paired for a workplace competition to create a “sexy guys with dogs” pin-up style calendar. Holly coordinates the models and pups while Jonathan handles the photography, and their chemistry quickly grows.
Obstacles threaten both their project and potential romance, but the journey is sweet, funny, and satisfying. Perfect for fans of light-hearted workplace romances, this is a delightful read worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Anna E. Collins for the ALC of this book.
Finding Mr. July is a charming, feel-good rom-com full of heart and humor. When Holly is rescued from a supply closet by her quiet, handsome co-worker Jonathan, sparks fly—and only intensify when they’re paired for a workplace competition to create a “sexy guys with dogs” pin-up style calendar. Holly coordinates the models and pups while Jonathan handles the photography, and their chemistry quickly grows.
Obstacles threaten both their project and potential romance, but the journey is sweet, funny, and satisfying. Perfect for fans of light-hearted workplace romances, this is a delightful read worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Anna E. Collins for the ALC of this book.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5 stars
Finding Mr. July was a fun and quick read, perfect for summer! I really enjoyed the premise of this book—in order to obtain a position at her current workplace, Holly needs to come up with a winning fundraiser for her nonprofit. She has the idea to create a calendar of hot men with their dogs in the great outdoors, and is forced to team up with a grumpy creative at the company. They fall in love throughout the project, despite some ups and downs. The romance felt a little forced at the beginning but grew on me as the book went on. The end wrapped the story up nicely!
My Ratings:
🧍🏽♀️ 3.5/5 Characters
🌶️ 2.5/5 Spice
🎬 4/5 Ending
🧩 3.5/5 Plot
💫 4/5 Overall
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Finding Mr. July was a fun and quick read, perfect for summer! I really enjoyed the premise of this book—in order to obtain a position at her current workplace, Holly needs to come up with a winning fundraiser for her nonprofit. She has the idea to create a calendar of hot men with their dogs in the great outdoors, and is forced to team up with a grumpy creative at the company. They fall in love throughout the project, despite some ups and downs. The romance felt a little forced at the beginning but grew on me as the book went on. The end wrapped the story up nicely!
My Ratings:
🧍🏽♀️ 3.5/5 Characters
🌶️ 2.5/5 Spice
🎬 4/5 Ending
🧩 3.5/5 Plot
💫 4/5 Overall
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
I’m a total sucker for a romance that involves dogs! They are always so cute! I loved the premise and thought a calendar with hot men and cute dogs would make for a great rom-com. I found Holly’s hunt for men for the calendar to be entertaining and made for some funny moments throughout the book! Obviously, the only man who really matters is the one who ends up being Mr. July!
The FMC, Holly, was a difficult character to love. She’s a bit juvenile and often lets her emotions get the best of her. It’s surprising since she is supposed to be a former attorney. Also, the opening scene with her is a bit over the top!
The MMC, Johnathon, was oddly grumpy, but started to grow on me as the story progressed. He adopted a senior dog and I thought it was so sweet! I love when an older dog finds a good home. Plus it made for the perfect lead up to being in the calendar!
Holly and Johnathon were cute together. I do wish that Holly had been a bit nicer to Johnathon, but they still had their cute moments and fun banter.
Overall, this is a cute romance that involves dogs, romance, and philanthropy.
lighthearted
slow-paced
This is my first time reading something by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The story’s premise was really interesting: a former lawyer is now an intern in a non-profit foundation, trying to find the “perfect job” in a different country. I liked that the main character, the MMC, is in her thirties. Jonathan is the typical grumpy MMC, but when the FMC actually talks to him and convinces him to work with her for the calendar project, she actually discovers how nice he is and all the reasons why he’s so grumpy because of all his trauma and past experience. At the end it was a cute HEA story.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an ARC.
3.5 stars - I came for the hot guys with animals concept but stayed for the sweet romance. The concept here is the real selling point- a disgraced early 30-something forced to work as an intern and compete with other interns on the best fund raising project. And of course she's stuck with a partner she doesn't want to work with (cause even in your 30's group projects are no fun)- the grumpy designer. Cue all the workplace, forced proximity, figure out your life in your 30's fun.
AS someone who (voraciously) loves to consume those Australian firefighters with kittens and puppies calendar content, I immediately was pulled in by this idea. As someone who only until recently was also in her 30's, I also love a romance that centers on a more mature heroine, particularly one who is in a place of rebirth- romantically, professionally, personally. That kind of character arc really resonates with me- someone who felt like her life didn't even really begin until my mid-3o's, so I was really excited to dive in.
I loved the first half of this book. The playful concept, the opposites attract energy, the grumpy but lovable leading man (cause we just KNOW there's more to him), the quest for delicious shirtless dudes to hold even more adorable puppies. So fun. The back half fizzled for me a bit- in part because I felt like our 30something characters started acting much younger and emotionally immature and the ending conflict felt a bit contrived. Overall, though, this is a cute and charming story- and the fun concept alone makes it worth the read.
AS someone who (voraciously) loves to consume those Australian firefighters with kittens and puppies calendar content, I immediately was pulled in by this idea. As someone who only until recently was also in her 30's, I also love a romance that centers on a more mature heroine, particularly one who is in a place of rebirth- romantically, professionally, personally. That kind of character arc really resonates with me- someone who felt like her life didn't even really begin until my mid-3o's, so I was really excited to dive in.
I loved the first half of this book. The playful concept, the opposites attract energy, the grumpy but lovable leading man (cause we just KNOW there's more to him), the quest for delicious shirtless dudes to hold even more adorable puppies. So fun. The back half fizzled for me a bit- in part because I felt like our 30something characters started acting much younger and emotionally immature and the ending conflict felt a bit contrived. Overall, though, this is a cute and charming story- and the fun concept alone makes it worth the read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.25 stars
-
A grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance, and men with adorable dogs - what more could you want from a book?
Holly is starting over. After a scandal leaves her blacklisted from the world of law, she finds herself working as an intern for an environmental non-profit. At the the of her internship, she must compete against four other interns for the position of their dreams. The task at hand? Come up with a fundraiser idea that will bring in the most money, and whoever wins will get relocated to a position in Scotland. No big deal for Holly - except she's forced to team up with grumpy and brooding Jonathan.
Holly comes up with the brilliant idea of selling a calendar a la firefighter style, except her version will feature men and their adorable dogs. As the project progresses, Holly finds herself getting to see the true Jonathan, who isn't as grumpy as everyone thinks. I liked the concept of the book and how Holly and Jonathan had more in common than we think. In another life, Jonathan was a photographer - travelling around the globe, getting wonderful shots, that is, until an unfortunate incident lands him on a no-fly list.
Although this may seem like a fluffy read about dogs, the story dives into some deeper content and real-life emotions. This project is everything for Holly, she needs this job. She's currently living with her brother and his daughter, but when he announces he's looking to move to be closer to their parents, Holly begins to panic.
I think my favourite part of the book is the onslaught of adorable dogs and their owners. The author does a great job of writing unique characters and their traits, but also matching those same traits and oddities to a dog. As much as I loved the book, I wasn't a fan of the third-act breakup. I don't think the book needed the additional conflict to get our main characters to the happily ever after they deserve.
-
A grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance, and men with adorable dogs - what more could you want from a book?
Holly is starting over. After a scandal leaves her blacklisted from the world of law, she finds herself working as an intern for an environmental non-profit. At the the of her internship, she must compete against four other interns for the position of their dreams. The task at hand? Come up with a fundraiser idea that will bring in the most money, and whoever wins will get relocated to a position in Scotland. No big deal for Holly - except she's forced to team up with grumpy and brooding Jonathan.
Holly comes up with the brilliant idea of selling a calendar a la firefighter style, except her version will feature men and their adorable dogs. As the project progresses, Holly finds herself getting to see the true Jonathan, who isn't as grumpy as everyone thinks. I liked the concept of the book and how Holly and Jonathan had more in common than we think. In another life, Jonathan was a photographer - travelling around the globe, getting wonderful shots, that is, until an unfortunate incident lands him on a no-fly list.
Although this may seem like a fluffy read about dogs, the story dives into some deeper content and real-life emotions. This project is everything for Holly, she needs this job. She's currently living with her brother and his daughter, but when he announces he's looking to move to be closer to their parents, Holly begins to panic.
I think my favourite part of the book is the onslaught of adorable dogs and their owners. The author does a great job of writing unique characters and their traits, but also matching those same traits and oddities to a dog. As much as I loved the book, I wasn't a fan of the third-act breakup. I don't think the book needed the additional conflict to get our main characters to the happily ever after they deserve.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
This is a cute contemporary romance - Jonathan is a hot, grumpy main male character and Holly is a 30 something working on her second career after a bad breakup with her lawyer ex. There are fun dog photoshoots, some spice, and interesting family and friend dynamics. It was predictable in that easy, light rom-com way. I felt the third act didn’t flow with both of how both main characters had been maturing through the book.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
⭐️5 stars!
Things to expect:
♦️ grumpy x sunshine
♦️ office romance
♦️ slow burn
♦️ sweet, romantic spice🌶️
♦️ FMC in her 30s
Summary: Holly is a 34 year old trying to start over. Working as an intern at a nonprofit, she is competing against 4 others interns for a paid position in Scotland: the catch? She is forced to work with the brooding office grump, Jonathan, to pull it off.
✨I really loved this book! It’s a feel good read that kept me engaged the whole time.
The slow burn between the characters was well done and kept me hooked in the story. The chemistry felt genuine and believable. Spice was tasteful, sweet, romantic which was refreshing to read!! Ultimately the relationship between the characters was a blend of sweet, soft, and passionate which is my FAVORITE kind of romance.
I also appreciated seeing a FMC in her 30s navigating both career and personal growth. Holly’s journey to rediscover herself added emotional depth to the story without making it feel heavy.
The writing style was light and engaging, with witty dialogue and great pacing. I also adored Jude, Holly’s brother, and would love a spinoff featuring him!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Things to expect:
♦️ grumpy x sunshine
♦️ office romance
♦️ slow burn
♦️ sweet, romantic spice🌶️
♦️ FMC in her 30s
Summary: Holly is a 34 year old trying to start over. Working as an intern at a nonprofit, she is competing against 4 others interns for a paid position in Scotland: the catch? She is forced to work with the brooding office grump, Jonathan, to pull it off.
✨I really loved this book! It’s a feel good read that kept me engaged the whole time.
The slow burn between the characters was well done and kept me hooked in the story. The chemistry felt genuine and believable. Spice was tasteful, sweet, romantic which was refreshing to read!! Ultimately the relationship between the characters was a blend of sweet, soft, and passionate which is my FAVORITE kind of romance.
I also appreciated seeing a FMC in her 30s navigating both career and personal growth. Holly’s journey to rediscover herself added emotional depth to the story without making it feel heavy.
The writing style was light and engaging, with witty dialogue and great pacing. I also adored Jude, Holly’s brother, and would love a spinoff featuring him!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Finding Mr. July was such a fun, warm, and surprisingly emotional read. Anna E. Collins delivers a workplace romance that has some of my favorite tropes and themes: grumpy/sunshine dynamic, reluctant coworkers turned late night tequila confidants, and a calendar full of hot guys and cute dogs? Say less.
Holly is thirty four, fresh out of a toxic relationship and an exhausting legal career. She’s starting over as an unpaid intern at a nonprofit and vying for a life changing position in Scotland. She’s smart, ambitious, and delightfully chaotic. Enter Jonathan, who is her broody, closed off coworker that gets reluctantly paired with Holly to create a fundraiser for their office competition. He’s grumpy. He’s guarded. He’s also extremely attractive. And did I mention he’s good with dogs?
Their banter is hilarious and really works for them as characters, their partnership messy but effective, and one tequila fueled night leaves them questioning whether something more happened between them. As they hustle toward the deadline, sparks fly, walls come down, and the calendar isn’t the only thing heating up.
I loved the emotional depth. Both characters in this book are carrying baggage, but the way they challenge and support each other was beautiful. Plus, the side plot with Holly’s BFF and her widowed brother adds just the right amount of drama and sweetness (I needed that slow burn resolved!).
Read if you enjoy:
✨ Workplace romance
✨ Grumpy x sunshine
✨ Men who love dogs
✨ Thirty something characters starting fresh
✨ Slow burn with great payoff
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the eARC of this book.
Holly is thirty four, fresh out of a toxic relationship and an exhausting legal career. She’s starting over as an unpaid intern at a nonprofit and vying for a life changing position in Scotland. She’s smart, ambitious, and delightfully chaotic. Enter Jonathan, who is her broody, closed off coworker that gets reluctantly paired with Holly to create a fundraiser for their office competition. He’s grumpy. He’s guarded. He’s also extremely attractive. And did I mention he’s good with dogs?
Their banter is hilarious and really works for them as characters, their partnership messy but effective, and one tequila fueled night leaves them questioning whether something more happened between them. As they hustle toward the deadline, sparks fly, walls come down, and the calendar isn’t the only thing heating up.
I loved the emotional depth. Both characters in this book are carrying baggage, but the way they challenge and support each other was beautiful. Plus, the side plot with Holly’s BFF and her widowed brother adds just the right amount of drama and sweetness (I needed that slow burn resolved!).
Read if you enjoy:
✨ Workplace romance
✨ Grumpy x sunshine
✨ Men who love dogs
✨ Thirty something characters starting fresh
✨ Slow burn with great payoff
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the eARC of this book.