Reviews

Overall: 3.75/5
Spice level: 1.5/5
Tropes: slow burn, enemies to lovers, coworkers to lovers

Representation: Ely is a plus size, Latine FMC

Ok, I'm still somewhat of a newbie to this author's work, but I have to say this isn't quite my favorite. The characters were mostly likeable, even Alex's grumpy self.

I always appreciate how Soliz has her characters open about bettering their mental health, and this one was no different.

I just felt like the pacing of this book was inconsistent in some places, and I wasn't a fan of Ely's nickname for Alex. And I found the friendship between Ely and Liam, her best friend's partner, was a little more informal than I thought was normal. Now I'm accustomed to her slow burn style of writing and the coziness of her stories.

Overall, I didn't dislike the story, and I've definitely appreciated how the author's writing style and skills have grown through her further books.

glennau's review against another edition

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4.0

It's been a while since I've read a contemporary romance and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. You have a plus size main character in a story where that isn't the main issue and the depth of coverage of mental health, personal growth, and working on a relationship was well done.
Sometimes it feels like you have to suspend belief when reading romance novels. This wasn't the case here. It was refreshing to see Ely's and Alex's relationship to grow and develop. I connected with Alex's struggle with depression and Ely's issues as well.
I will definitely recommend this book to others!

bookfortbuilder's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

literatiglitterati's review against another edition

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3.75

I liked the angst and I liked the positive growth and the healthy discourse around therapy (we love to see it!!!!) but honestly there was something missing here… I felt like I couldn’t picture them or the settings all that well, something in the descriptions was lacking for me.

withadreamy_farofflook's review against another edition

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DNF for now. I will be back later.

katethegreat92's review against another edition

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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

2.0

zaineylaney's review

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3.0

Are you looking for a book with Plus Size representation?
Sequel Standalone - This book is the 3rd book in the series of Hollywood Love. Kind of. While the first book is about Ana and Liam, the second book, Love in the Times of Contempt is more of a .5 book which overlaps Ana and Liam’s story while introducing you to Ely, Ana’s best friend, and Alex, Liam’s brother. You see what happens from Ana and Liam’s side in that book. This book, it’s what happens on Ely and Alex’s side.
Co-workers - Ana and Liam have started a production company and hired Alex and Ely to run it.
Hate to Love - But after a hookup session that only started because Alex was quitting, the pair has to learn to work together while fighting the fact that they might just have feelings.

So I am sorry if this whole premise sounds complicated. I do have to say that while book .5 left me feeling slightly complicated because a lot of things weren’t explained until this book, it was very interesting to see what made these characters tick. Even though a lot of the time it was frustrating to see them fighting what we all knew to be true. Also this book is spicy so if that is not your thing, you may want to steer clear. I most love Ely because of the plus size representation in such a confident character. It was really refreshing.

Thank you to Leonor for sending me this book to read and share!

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