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achoward's review
2.0
I definitely haven't had the best luck with books these past few weeks. I am certainly in the minority on some of them - like this one - so take that as you will.
One evening, Flora Buchanan is hurrying to her car when a group of men start hassling her. Mack Sharkey, enforcer for a crime family, happens to see it on one of the cameras inside the establishment and hurries out with some of her people to rescue Flora. Before Mack can check on Flora, she's gone.
Then Mack spends a year and a half in prison, and it's two years later. Is the prison part important? Nope. It seems to be there just to provide a gap, and to tell us how noble Mack is, by taking the rap and serving the time so her sister, who is head of the family, does not have to. Message received.
The Sharkeys have been legit for ages, it seems, but still police their territory in Glasgow. Mack, with some seed money fro the family, starts up a barber shop. And guess who has opened a candy shop right next door? Of course, it's Flora. I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed it wasn't a flower shop, for obvious reasons.
We find out that Flora is a bundle of mental health issues: social anxiety (same, girl!), OCD, PTSD. This was first thing to stop and wonder about: why on earth does someone with social anxiety open a store where interactions with people are not expected, but required? Not just adults, either: kids. And kids are right little monsters sometimes. It's never really explained what the PTSD stems from, and I guess it doesn't make any difference anyway, but I'd have liked to have known.
In any case, Mack starts up her barbering and the word starts getting out that she's there, so business picks up fairly quickly. Flora's shop also starts drawing people in, including Mack, who remembers saving her from the dudes in the parking lot that night. Little by little, Mack helps Flora work on her mental health issues (and later in the book, helps convince her to get to a therapist).
A pause here, and one of my complaints about the genre (or course). Mack is an (of course) superbutch. Do they all need to have superdudenames? Mack, Ben (another I read right after this), etc. Mack's also the enforcer for the family - but we get no sense at all of what she looks like beyond her eyes, really. How tall is she? Is she a fairly large person? I mean, I know we can fill in the blanks and assume so, but every so often, I wonder what would happen if someone wrote a superbutch character with the name Gloria, who was nicknamed Glo, an who was the enforcer for a crime family, because if you got out of line or did something to the family, she'd light you up. I'd read that. I love gangster stories. But here we have Mack, a solid, one syllable named woman who is not unused to violence, caring for the shrinking violet, Flora, and getting into savior complex territory.
Second pause, this time about Flora and the obvious codependence that was ramping up. It's not a favorite of mine, because it's unbalanced and also toxic in general. I also find it odd that Mack deals with the uncivilized dudes who live above Flora and their harassment of her with a small spot of violence, bu Flora seems to have no real issues with that.
Third pause: I didn't get the romance between these two. Mack references this as what got her through prison. Really? A meeting,if you can even call it that, that lasted less than ten seconds and in which the two of you shared nothing at all? I'd buy it if Mack were some kind of philosopher-warrior type, and it was the ideal of the (perhaps) true love carrying her through, but no, it's Flora, herself, and I didn't buy that at all.
But on we go with the story, and somewhere before chapter ten, we get the first instance of the phrase guardian angel - a phrase I came to hate because it was repeated so very many times, and spoke to that codependence. I stopped here and searched it on my Fire: 13 times! Too many, editor! But as with the last one I read, way to go, editor, with no constant drumbeat of heads snapping up!
Mack promises to always protect Flora, but actually does not: due to another crime family wanting to expand and sell drugs in Sharkey territory, the head of that family tells some lowlife that Mack tuned up before (not in the book) to go grab Flora and Isy, who has been helping out at the candy shop. He does so, and then is stuck with the two, when the boss tells him to kill them both, something he doesn't want to do, but he knows that his boss will kill him or Mack will when she finds him.
But Flora saves herself and Isy by distracting the thug and then whacking him in the head - nothing preventing her from doing these things with adrenaline flooding her body.
No sexytimes of note, explicit or otherwise that made a blip on the page. If you're looking for that, it isn't here. If you're looking for more of a slower evolution without a bunch of sex scenes that sound like human anatomy or gyno classes, though, this could do it.
HEA, etc.
My favorite character: Mack's dachsund, Dexter.
Two stars of five. Not my thing.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Expected publication date: December 14, 2021
One evening, Flora Buchanan is hurrying to her car when a group of men start hassling her. Mack Sharkey, enforcer for a crime family, happens to see it on one of the cameras inside the establishment and hurries out with some of her people to rescue Flora. Before Mack can check on Flora, she's gone.
Then Mack spends a year and a half in prison, and it's two years later. Is the prison part important? Nope. It seems to be there just to provide a gap, and to tell us how noble Mack is, by taking the rap and serving the time so her sister, who is head of the family, does not have to. Message received.
The Sharkeys have been legit for ages, it seems, but still police their territory in Glasgow. Mack, with some seed money fro the family, starts up a barber shop. And guess who has opened a candy shop right next door? Of course, it's Flora. I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed it wasn't a flower shop, for obvious reasons.
We find out that Flora is a bundle of mental health issues: social anxiety (same, girl!), OCD, PTSD. This was first thing to stop and wonder about: why on earth does someone with social anxiety open a store where interactions with people are not expected, but required? Not just adults, either: kids. And kids are right little monsters sometimes. It's never really explained what the PTSD stems from, and I guess it doesn't make any difference anyway, but I'd have liked to have known.
In any case, Mack starts up her barbering and the word starts getting out that she's there, so business picks up fairly quickly. Flora's shop also starts drawing people in, including Mack, who remembers saving her from the dudes in the parking lot that night. Little by little, Mack helps Flora work on her mental health issues (and later in the book, helps convince her to get to a therapist).
A pause here, and one of my complaints about the genre (or course). Mack is an (of course) superbutch. Do they all need to have superdudenames? Mack, Ben (another I read right after this), etc. Mack's also the enforcer for the family - but we get no sense at all of what she looks like beyond her eyes, really. How tall is she? Is she a fairly large person? I mean, I know we can fill in the blanks and assume so, but every so often, I wonder what would happen if someone wrote a superbutch character with the name Gloria, who was nicknamed Glo, an who was the enforcer for a crime family, because if you got out of line or did something to the family, she'd light you up. I'd read that. I love gangster stories. But here we have Mack, a solid, one syllable named woman who is not unused to violence, caring for the shrinking violet, Flora, and getting into savior complex territory.
Second pause, this time about Flora and the obvious codependence that was ramping up. It's not a favorite of mine, because it's unbalanced and also toxic in general. I also find it odd that Mack deals with the uncivilized dudes who live above Flora and their harassment of her with a small spot of violence, bu Flora seems to have no real issues with that.
Third pause: I didn't get the romance between these two. Mack references this as what got her through prison. Really? A meeting,if you can even call it that, that lasted less than ten seconds and in which the two of you shared nothing at all? I'd buy it if Mack were some kind of philosopher-warrior type, and it was the ideal of the (perhaps) true love carrying her through, but no, it's Flora, herself, and I didn't buy that at all.
But on we go with the story, and somewhere before chapter ten, we get the first instance of the phrase guardian angel - a phrase I came to hate because it was repeated so very many times, and spoke to that codependence. I stopped here and searched it on my Fire: 13 times! Too many, editor! But as with the last one I read, way to go, editor, with no constant drumbeat of heads snapping up!
Mack promises to always protect Flora, but actually does not: due to another crime family wanting to expand and sell drugs in Sharkey territory, the head of that family tells some lowlife that Mack tuned up before (not in the book) to go grab Flora and Isy, who has been helping out at the candy shop. He does so, and then is stuck with the two, when the boss tells him to kill them both, something he doesn't want to do, but he knows that his boss will kill him or Mack will when she finds him.
But Flora saves herself and Isy by distracting the thug and then whacking him in the head - nothing preventing her from doing these things with adrenaline flooding her body.
No sexytimes of note, explicit or otherwise that made a blip on the page. If you're looking for that, it isn't here. If you're looking for more of a slower evolution without a bunch of sex scenes that sound like human anatomy or gyno classes, though, this could do it.
HEA, etc.
My favorite character: Mack's dachsund, Dexter.
Two stars of five. Not my thing.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Expected publication date: December 14, 2021
khylabevibin's review
4.0
This book follows the story of retired gang banger, Mack Sharkey, from the notorious Sharkey clan and Flora Buchanan, the owner of a sweetshop. After taking the fall for her Cousin (leader of Sharkey gang) Mack is looking forward to a simple life running her own small barbershop which happens to be right next to Flora's shop. Immediately infatuated with the shy Flora, Mack yearns to get closer to her except Flora may just be more than she bargained for. Dealing with her own problems of OCD, PTSD and anxiety Flora is instantly flustered by the charming Mack.
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. Flora is adorable and deserves the world and I liked how Mack was willing to give her that. They had amazing chemistry that I genuinely think Frame did a good job at writing. However, I do have a small problem with it but I'll get to that in a bit. Mack was a nice enough character but does seemingly have a bit of a saviour complex which did get a bit annoying but I still liked her character. That saviour complex definitely wasn't intentional, most likely an exaggerated attempt to make her a caring character.
I think this genre definitely works with Frame's writing and I'd love to see more crime filled stories by her. But a big problem that I've always had with her books, is her pacing. Specifically with the relationship portion of her books. The characters get together and are immediately ready for everlasting commitment and they're exchanging "I love yous". This type of insta-love type story doesn't really work for her and it kind of ruined the tension between Mack and Flora. Also would've liked the conflict to have last a bit longer and see a bit more fallout from it. I will say this book does have significant improvement from the last book I read by her! It's amazing to see her continue growing.
That being said, I do recommend this book. Likable characters, interesting storyline and good writing.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. Flora is adorable and deserves the world and I liked how Mack was willing to give her that. They had amazing chemistry that I genuinely think Frame did a good job at writing. However, I do have a small problem with it but I'll get to that in a bit. Mack was a nice enough character but does seemingly have a bit of a saviour complex which did get a bit annoying but I still liked her character. That saviour complex definitely wasn't intentional, most likely an exaggerated attempt to make her a caring character.
I think this genre definitely works with Frame's writing and I'd love to see more crime filled stories by her. But a big problem that I've always had with her books, is her pacing. Specifically with the relationship portion of her books. The characters get together and are immediately ready for everlasting commitment and they're exchanging "I love yous". This type of insta-love type story doesn't really work for her and it kind of ruined the tension between Mack and Flora. Also would've liked the conflict to have last a bit longer and see a bit more fallout from it. I will say this book does have significant improvement from the last book I read by her! It's amazing to see her continue growing.
That being said, I do recommend this book. Likable characters, interesting storyline and good writing.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review
blacet1's review
5.0
Loved it!! I really hope Jenny Frame makes this a sequel. I absolutely loved Mack and Flora as a couple! Jenny Frame did a fabulous job with Flora's mental health issues. My heart went out to her so many times. I enjoyed seeing her grow and seeing her strengths/bravery as she dealt with her issues . I loved how protective Mack was and how loyal she is to the people she loves. As I said, I really really hope this becomes a series. I want more of Mack and Flora and I'd love to see Nikki find love :-)
kjanie's review against another edition
2.0
2/5 stars
I wish I enjoyed this book more, and I really dislike giving critical reviews, but this certainly was not for me. I think this was at least partly a ‘it’s me not you’ situation, but I also think the story could have been improved in general. I say it’s partly me because I’m not a fan of romances where one character is clearly portrayed as a saviour/protector of the other. For me, it reads very much of toxic masculinity, with many of the ‘typical’ masculine characteristics you find books are embedded in Mack. She loves to eat but definitely not salad, she is all about chivalry/ being the one in charge, she uses violence to ‘protect’ Florals and she even says a quote along the lines of ‘she doesn’t know she’s beautiful’. While I’m not suggesting that any of this is problematic, for me it feels quite outdated and just isn’t what I’m looking for in my romance.
I think adding to me dislike of these characteristics is that it was included in a book about a character with mental illnesses, with Flora having OCD, PTSD and anxiety. As a woman with anxiety myself, I am always extra watchful of books that are representing this mental health condition. For me personally, the idea of a saviour character and the many moments in which other people speak for Flora, even without her consent (for example Sandra speaking to Mack about what Flora is feeling early in the book), is not something I like to see. In saying this, in general I think that the feelings of anxiety and struggling with a mental illness are portrayed quite honestly through Flora. I also like that this book didn’t fall into the trap of ‘curing’ mental health issues just because Flora found love, instead the idea of a process and avocation for therapy was a focus.
I would like to finish this review with some positives, because I certainly didn’t think the book was all bad. As I said, I enjoyed the mental health rep and advocation for therapy. I also loved the side characters in this book, they brought a real life and vibrancy to the story, especially little Dexter and Isy (as well as Mack’s other family). I also think Jenny Frame is really great at setting up a romance and making the reader hooked from the beginning.
I wish I enjoyed this book more, and I really dislike giving critical reviews, but this certainly was not for me. I think this was at least partly a ‘it’s me not you’ situation, but I also think the story could have been improved in general. I say it’s partly me because I’m not a fan of romances where one character is clearly portrayed as a saviour/protector of the other. For me, it reads very much of toxic masculinity, with many of the ‘typical’ masculine characteristics you find books are embedded in Mack. She loves to eat but definitely not salad, she is all about chivalry/ being the one in charge, she uses violence to ‘protect’ Florals and she even says a quote along the lines of ‘she doesn’t know she’s beautiful’. While I’m not suggesting that any of this is problematic, for me it feels quite outdated and just isn’t what I’m looking for in my romance.
I think adding to me dislike of these characteristics is that it was included in a book about a character with mental illnesses, with Flora having OCD, PTSD and anxiety. As a woman with anxiety myself, I am always extra watchful of books that are representing this mental health condition. For me personally, the idea of a saviour character and the many moments in which other people speak for Flora, even without her consent (for example Sandra speaking to Mack about what Flora is feeling early in the book), is not something I like to see. In saying this, in general I think that the feelings of anxiety and struggling with a mental illness are portrayed quite honestly through Flora. I also like that this book didn’t fall into the trap of ‘curing’ mental health issues just because Flora found love, instead the idea of a process and avocation for therapy was a focus.
I would like to finish this review with some positives, because I certainly didn’t think the book was all bad. As I said, I enjoyed the mental health rep and advocation for therapy. I also loved the side characters in this book, they brought a real life and vibrancy to the story, especially little Dexter and Isy (as well as Mack’s other family). I also think Jenny Frame is really great at setting up a romance and making the reader hooked from the beginning.
blacksentai's review
4.0
No puns, this book is very sweet. Any issues I have with the writing are kind of put to the sidebecause I think the core of it is just very good. The one complaint I have is that one of the two people does the "she doesn't know how beautiful she is" thing way too much and I'm just not a fan of that.
barbrokatrin's review
4.0
Thanks to the publisher and Netally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'll be honest, out of the three books I requested from Bold Strokes in November I predicted that this would be my least favorite but it ended up being the book I loved the most.
I loved the build up and that Mack tried so hard to understand Flora's things. I love that they all tried to understand both Flora and Isla. There was very little romance in this but I actually preferred it that way. It was nice to just get know the characters and see them evolve as a person, friends and couple before anyhting really happened. And the side characters were nicely written too.
I actually finished this in 5 hours.
I'll be honest, out of the three books I requested from Bold Strokes in November I predicted that this would be my least favorite but it ended up being the book I loved the most.
I loved the build up and that Mack tried so hard to understand Flora's things. I love that they all tried to understand both Flora and Isla. There was very little romance in this but I actually preferred it that way. It was nice to just get know the characters and see them evolve as a person, friends and couple before anyhting really happened. And the side characters were nicely written too.
I actually finished this in 5 hours.
kieranl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I really liked this! It was considerate and sweet. One of the MCs has OCD & social anxiety & the other belongs to a mafia family gone legal; match made in heaven obviously!
khieeae's review
4.0
This book follows the story of retired gang banger, Mack Sharkey, from the notorious Sharkey clan and Flora Buchanan, the owner of a sweetshop. After taking the fall for her Cousin (leader of Sharkey gang) Mack is looking forward to a simple life running her own small barbershop which happens to be right next to Flora's shop. Immediately infatuated with the shy Flora, Mack yearns to get closer to her except Flora may just be more than she bargained for. Dealing with her own problems of OCD, PTSD and anxiety Flora is instantly flustered by the charming Mack.
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. Flora is adorable and deserves the world and I liked how Mack was willing to give her that. They had amazing chemistry that I genuinely think Frame did a good job at writing. However, I do have a small problem with it but I'll get to that in a bit. Mack was a nice enough character but does seemingly have a bit of a saviour complex which did get a bit annoying but I still liked her character. That saviour complex definitely wasn't intentional, most likely an exaggerated attempt to make her a caring character.
I think this genre definitely works with Frame's writing and I'd love to see more crime filled stories by her. But a big problem that I've always had with her books, is her pacing. Specifically with the relationship portion of her books. The characters get together and are immediately ready for everlasting commitment and they're exchanging "I love yous". This type of insta-love type story doesn't really work for her and it kind of ruined the tension between Mack and Flora. Also would've liked the conflict to have last a bit longer and see a bit more fallout from it. I will say this book does have significant improvement from the last book I read by her! It's amazing to see her continue growing.
That being said, I do recommend this book. Likable characters, interesting storyline and good writing.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. Flora is adorable and deserves the world and I liked how Mack was willing to give her that. They had amazing chemistry that I genuinely think Frame did a good job at writing. However, I do have a small problem with it but I'll get to that in a bit. Mack was a nice enough character but does seemingly have a bit of a saviour complex which did get a bit annoying but I still liked her character. That saviour complex definitely wasn't intentional, most likely an exaggerated attempt to make her a caring character.
I think this genre definitely works with Frame's writing and I'd love to see more crime filled stories by her. But a big problem that I've always had with her books, is her pacing. Specifically with the relationship portion of her books. The characters get together and are immediately ready for everlasting commitment and they're exchanging "I love yous". This type of insta-love type story doesn't really work for her and it kind of ruined the tension between Mack and Flora. Also would've liked the conflict to have last a bit longer and see a bit more fallout from it. I will say this book does have significant improvement from the last book I read by her! It's amazing to see her continue growing.
That being said, I do recommend this book. Likable characters, interesting storyline and good writing.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review
hhcordell's review against another edition
2.0
This story is a f/f romance that follows a candy shop owner and a (kind of?) gang member. Okay I have to be honest, this book was so cringe I was literally unable to take it seriously. The dialogue was so awkward and the story itself was just too random. If you’re able to get past that it was a fun read. 2/5