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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
The reviews are correct: this book is completely missold. But in a twist no one saw coming - it's not the publisher's fault, it's the book itself.
'Morewood Family Rules' is about nothing, despite its grandiose blurb. It has all the makings of an action-packed, smart heist thriller - and does absolutely nothing with those component parts. It largely follows Gillian, with some unnecessary cuts to other characters which did very little but emphasise how pissed they were at the main character, who has just done jail time on behalf of her scam-artist family. Now, she's returned for a revenge plot that lacks any urgency and is rather convoluted in its reasonings.
This book reads like a vomit first draft. It can't decide whether it's a heist, a comic revenge, a romantic drama or even a romantic comedy. There are so many different threads being pulled at the same time and it makes the book come off as chaotic, unstructured and in desperate need of a thorough editing. There's no actual story to the plot - it's just people going to places and having conversations full of one-liners and not doing anything. There are too many characters with very little to differentiate them, so much so that I felt like I'd blacked out while listening to certain chapters because I had no memory of shifting to a different perspective.
In the hands of a better author, this book could have been everything. The underlying concept is fantastic - but it's ruined by a family drama that's written into a corner (i.e. everything's set in one house) and the author throwing as many tropes and ideas as they can at the plot, hoping it'll become something interesting. But a lack of development in both characters and plot, an unintriguing goal for the protagonist and a weird romance angle that was horribly cliché at best -- you're better off just watching Knives Out.
'Morewood Family Rules' is about nothing, despite its grandiose blurb. It has all the makings of an action-packed, smart heist thriller - and does absolutely nothing with those component parts. It largely follows Gillian, with some unnecessary cuts to other characters which did very little but emphasise how pissed they were at the main character, who has just done jail time on behalf of her scam-artist family. Now, she's returned for a revenge plot that lacks any urgency and is rather convoluted in its reasonings.
This book reads like a vomit first draft. It can't decide whether it's a heist, a comic revenge, a romantic drama or even a romantic comedy. There are so many different threads being pulled at the same time and it makes the book come off as chaotic, unstructured and in desperate need of a thorough editing. There's no actual story to the plot - it's just people going to places and having conversations full of one-liners and not doing anything. There are too many characters with very little to differentiate them, so much so that I felt like I'd blacked out while listening to certain chapters because I had no memory of shifting to a different perspective.
In the hands of a better author, this book could have been everything. The underlying concept is fantastic - but it's ruined by a family drama that's written into a corner (i.e. everything's set in one house) and the author throwing as many tropes and ideas as they can at the plot, hoping it'll become something interesting. But a lack of development in both characters and plot, an unintriguing goal for the protagonist and a weird romance angle that was horribly cliché at best -- you're better off just watching Knives Out.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
engaging read! characters’ sense of humor did not miss a beat. Jillian was most appealing. Loved her chemistry with her body guard <3
It was a cute, romantic, family struggles with thievery book. It was very lighthearted and fluffy. Not a lot of depth to the characters but it was a cute read.
Meh. Just meh. Fun story line I guess but pretty anticlimactic. Kept waiting for some major twist or zinger and got nothing. The bodyguard relationship was pretty anticlimactic too.
Enjoyed this one, but the comparison to Oceans 11 or Knives out is not a good one. This is definitely more of a family drama story and while I enjoyed it… I was also a little disappointed since I was expecting something else.
That said I’d love a sequel!
That said I’d love a sequel!
This was quite a fun romp of a book. There was a crazy family, a twisty (in a fun way) premise, and a short, sweet romance. There were some things that I didn't love about it, but overall it was an entertaining reading experience!
The Moorewood family is made up of con artists, but their leader, Jillian, is back from a 39 month jail sentence after taking the fall for the rest of them, and she's ready to put them on the straight and narrow. With the help of a sexy bodyguard, Jillian has to try to get her crazy family to give up the life of crime.
This book was really engaging. It had a cast of characters that I want to spend more time with. These people were humorous, bold, and often ridiculous. I really liked the family leader, Jillian, and her no-nonsense way of approaching her family. The cousins and uncle were reckless and spunky, but at times had a bit of depth to them. Beck, the bodyguard/love interest was a grumpy, sexy presence on the page. I liked their chemistry. The story itself, while meandering, was lively and fast paced.
As stated above, there were some things I didn't love. First, the vagueness that plagued the entire book. This family is bad at communication and so many conversations started but never went anywhere. Second, I could have done without the sister character entirely because I don't feel like she added much to the book. I didn't like her love interest at all. The cousins and their antics were much more entertaining. Finally, the romance was given almost no time. I also could have used a bit more spice.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours and I wouldn't mind revisiting this family. I would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Moorewood family is made up of con artists, but their leader, Jillian, is back from a 39 month jail sentence after taking the fall for the rest of them, and she's ready to put them on the straight and narrow. With the help of a sexy bodyguard, Jillian has to try to get her crazy family to give up the life of crime.
This book was really engaging. It had a cast of characters that I want to spend more time with. These people were humorous, bold, and often ridiculous. I really liked the family leader, Jillian, and her no-nonsense way of approaching her family. The cousins and uncle were reckless and spunky, but at times had a bit of depth to them. Beck, the bodyguard/love interest was a grumpy, sexy presence on the page. I liked their chemistry. The story itself, while meandering, was lively and fast paced.
As stated above, there were some things I didn't love. First, the vagueness that plagued the entire book. This family is bad at communication and so many conversations started but never went anywhere. Second, I could have done without the sister character entirely because I don't feel like she added much to the book. I didn't like her love interest at all. The cousins and their antics were much more entertaining. Finally, the romance was given almost no time. I also could have used a bit more spice.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours and I wouldn't mind revisiting this family. I would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
✨ "Is it possible, despite everything, a tiny part of you cares about what happens to this wrecking ball of a family? That you'll always rush in to save them?"
Is it possible for a con artist story to be any more boring?
The writing style is extremely passive, with more showing than telling. So much so that neither the plot nor characters have life in them. It really grated on me. But at the same time, I love family stories. Especially dysfunctional ones.
Anika was fascinating and Jillian was very likeable, but everyone else... ehh. There were some good surprises along the way and the romance was okay, I suppose.
I totally get the low rating and agree with some of the reviews here because overall, this was a very muted and underwhelming read. Like many have said, it's not a thriller nor chick lit nor romance. I'm not sure how to categorize it but at least I didn't completely hate it or feel too bored, so a neutral 3 stars for me.
I feel like the same story in different hands with a more vibrant writing style would do wonders, but who knows.
Is it possible for a con artist story to be any more boring?
The writing style is extremely passive, with more showing than telling. So much so that neither the plot nor characters have life in them. It really grated on me. But at the same time, I love family stories. Especially dysfunctional ones.
Anika was fascinating and Jillian was very likeable, but everyone else... ehh. There were some good surprises along the way and the romance was okay, I suppose.
I totally get the low rating and agree with some of the reviews here because overall, this was a very muted and underwhelming read. Like many have said, it's not a thriller nor chick lit nor romance. I'm not sure how to categorize it but at least I didn't completely hate it or feel too bored, so a neutral 3 stars for me.
I feel like the same story in different hands with a more vibrant writing style would do wonders, but who knows.
Didn't really love any of the characters, though the premise was interesting. Ended up skimming most of it to get to the end.
I absolutely LOVED this book! The crazy family drama and shenanigans. The relationship between Jillian and Beck was one that I wish for everyday! I seriously hope there is a second book in the works because I need to get my hands on it!