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kindlemmromancereader's review
5.0
This book was so addictive, I couldn’t put it down! I loved the banter between Ellis and Luca. If you like an age gap romance, than this book is for you! The pacing is well executed, there’s engaging dialogue, and the character portrayals are stellar! This book really held my interest.
Ellis has been down on his luck for most of his life. Ellis has lots of snark and attitude. He’s used to being left behind by everyone he cares about in his life. His parents. Foster homes. The social worker who wants to adopt him. Ellis is scrappy but he’s also a really thoughtful and determined individual. He takes on a stray dog, despite not having a steady place to live. He’s had a hard life and needs a soft place to land. After getting fired from his job and after his friend and roommate decides to move to another state with a companion, Ellis decides to do the one thing he didn’t want to do - be a sex worker. His friend Jamie leaves him a list of clients that are easy enough to handle. Ellis meets Luca and the rest is history.
Luca is trying to divorce his ex, Colin, but Colin is making it rather difficult. Luca has taken over his father’s restaurant and debts after his dad’s sudden passing in a car accident. Luca lives for food and family. He’s a natural caretaker and his love language is cooking for people. Luca is strong and loyal. He’s intrigued by Ellis and immediately captivated by him. Ellis is so brusque at first, it’s a wonder he keeps any clients. Ellis and Luca are drawn to one another and can’t explain the budding connection they feel. Almost from the start, they both treat each other differently than their arrangement should allow.
I loved the connection between these two. They are so real with one another. It’s obvious they care for one another but don’t want to blur any lines. I thought it was admirable of Luca to not want Ellis to think that he was taking advantage of him after he offered him a job in his restaurant. While Luca pumps the brakes on their physical relationship, their emotional connection continues to grow. Eventually the pair find their way back to one another and their chemistry is pure fire! I loved how Luca refused to let Ellis (or anyone else) look down on himself.
There’s naturally some insecurities and uncertainty because of how they met and their different stages in life, but once this pair lock it in as a couple, they stay super committed. I loved their dynamic. Hayden, Gio, and Luca’s family are a nice addition to the cast of characters. Charlie, the stray dog, is such a scene stealer. I really enjoyed Ellis and Luca’s journey to figuring out their dreams and how to make them a reality. The epilogue was super cute and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Ellis has been down on his luck for most of his life. Ellis has lots of snark and attitude. He’s used to being left behind by everyone he cares about in his life. His parents. Foster homes. The social worker who wants to adopt him. Ellis is scrappy but he’s also a really thoughtful and determined individual. He takes on a stray dog, despite not having a steady place to live. He’s had a hard life and needs a soft place to land. After getting fired from his job and after his friend and roommate decides to move to another state with a companion, Ellis decides to do the one thing he didn’t want to do - be a sex worker. His friend Jamie leaves him a list of clients that are easy enough to handle. Ellis meets Luca and the rest is history.
Luca is trying to divorce his ex, Colin, but Colin is making it rather difficult. Luca has taken over his father’s restaurant and debts after his dad’s sudden passing in a car accident. Luca lives for food and family. He’s a natural caretaker and his love language is cooking for people. Luca is strong and loyal. He’s intrigued by Ellis and immediately captivated by him. Ellis is so brusque at first, it’s a wonder he keeps any clients. Ellis and Luca are drawn to one another and can’t explain the budding connection they feel. Almost from the start, they both treat each other differently than their arrangement should allow.
I loved the connection between these two. They are so real with one another. It’s obvious they care for one another but don’t want to blur any lines. I thought it was admirable of Luca to not want Ellis to think that he was taking advantage of him after he offered him a job in his restaurant. While Luca pumps the brakes on their physical relationship, their emotional connection continues to grow. Eventually the pair find their way back to one another and their chemistry is pure fire! I loved how Luca refused to let Ellis (or anyone else) look down on himself.
There’s naturally some insecurities and uncertainty because of how they met and their different stages in life, but once this pair lock it in as a couple, they stay super committed. I loved their dynamic. Hayden, Gio, and Luca’s family are a nice addition to the cast of characters. Charlie, the stray dog, is such a scene stealer. I really enjoyed Ellis and Luca’s journey to figuring out their dreams and how to make them a reality. The epilogue was super cute and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
sabrina7's review
3.25
this was overall a super cute story. it wasn’t a really impactful book for me but still glad i read it :)
elizabethbaker's review
5.0
S.E. Harmon is a one click author for me so I was definitely buying this book no matter what it was about, but it's like she took a handful of my very favourite things and put them all in this amazing, beautiful story. Addicted to Ellis D (what a great title!) has the snark and sass I expect from S.E., along with great characters and a wonderful sense of found family.
Ellis is an unenthusiastic escort, barely making it due to bad circumstances and bad luck. Luca is a brilliant chef with a struggling restaurant. He's running himself into the ground trying to keep the restaurant afloat after his father's death. Together with a dog named Dog, they discover the courage to reach for their dreams and find happiness together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am really hoping for a followup from 2 fascinating side characters.
Ellis is an unenthusiastic escort, barely making it due to bad circumstances and bad luck. Luca is a brilliant chef with a struggling restaurant. He's running himself into the ground trying to keep the restaurant afloat after his father's death. Together with a dog named Dog, they discover the courage to reach for their dreams and find happiness together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am really hoping for a followup from 2 fascinating side characters.
imme_van_gorp's review
2.0
|| 2.0 stars ||
I honestly found this to be incredibly underwhelming. I just expected something different. I expected heated passion, emotional depth, an all-consuming love and an intense story, but I ended up getting none of that. Instead, this was a rather simple love story that I didn’t really have a lot of feelings towards.
I want to start out by saying I positively adored the premise of this book; I really like the hurt/comfort trope and I also enjoy the sex worker/client dynamic. Something felt off about it though, and I blame Luca for that. Ellis was fine, but Luca just didn’t do it for me. I got pretty annoyed with his wishy-washy attitude, and it also frustrated me that he kept holding Ellis off for no reason at all. Especially since he kept acting like they were in a relationship, anyway? So, he was just playing martyr without really making any of the sacrifices. It was silly. And it was disappointing, since he started out much better; he was absolutely obsessed with Ellis from the get-go, and I adored seeing the way he wanted more and more of him. But then, it seemed like a switch flipped and he just became... off. I didn’t like it. And I especially didn’t like how Ellis had to fight for their relationship, while Luca refused to do so. Like, sir, Ellis is the one who should have trust and commitment issues, YOU need to get a grip.
Also, I didn’t appreciate the way this book was written. It glossed over many conversations and situations, which meant it was all very much tell, not show. The writing also didn’t have much depth to it, and it felt very simple, stale and superficial. Especially considering the heavy content and themes of this book, I was hoping for more with regards to the emotional aspect. I actually ended up getting a little bored because of the lack of depth the further the book went. It also became super repetitive to me.
Lastly, I truly did not like the ending. I legitimately hated the fact that Ellis randomly got a lot of money from his horrid grandfather. It felt like such a cheap cop-out, especially considering all the horrors Ellis had to go through due to his lack of money and support previously. It just felt weird that when he was finally getting back on his feet ON HIS OWN, the author decided to make his happily ever after dependent on his horrible rich family. Not only was it unrealistic, but it also ruined the power that could be drawn from the story otherwise. It went from a story about an unfortunate guy finding a healthy and happy life by fighting for it himself, to a story about a guy who randomly got saved by money that fell out of the sky. Such a shame.
In any case, I didn’t hate this book because I actually enjoyed the beginning and I also thought there were a few cute moments. Nonetheless, I had quite a lot of complaints, and in general, I thought it was just a waste of potential.
RECOMMENDATION: If you want to read a story similar to this, I would recommend you check out [b:Home|43583390|Home (Camassia Cove, #1)|Cara Dee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547591762l/43583390._SY75_.jpg|50609949] by [a:Cara Dee|6936449|Cara Dee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1618239463p2/6936449.jpg]. It has the same premise, but that one was actually really good and was pretty much exactly what I wanted this book to be.
I honestly found this to be incredibly underwhelming. I just expected something different. I expected heated passion, emotional depth, an all-consuming love and an intense story, but I ended up getting none of that. Instead, this was a rather simple love story that I didn’t really have a lot of feelings towards.
I want to start out by saying I positively adored the premise of this book; I really like the hurt/comfort trope and I also enjoy the sex worker/client dynamic. Something felt off about it though, and I blame Luca for that. Ellis was fine, but Luca just didn’t do it for me. I got pretty annoyed with his wishy-washy attitude, and it also frustrated me that he kept holding Ellis off for no reason at all. Especially since he kept acting like they were in a relationship, anyway? So, he was just playing martyr without really making any of the sacrifices. It was silly. And it was disappointing, since he started out much better; he was absolutely obsessed with Ellis from the get-go, and I adored seeing the way he wanted more and more of him. But then, it seemed like a switch flipped and he just became... off. I didn’t like it. And I especially didn’t like how Ellis had to fight for their relationship, while Luca refused to do so. Like, sir, Ellis is the one who should have trust and commitment issues, YOU need to get a grip.
Also, I didn’t appreciate the way this book was written. It glossed over many conversations and situations, which meant it was all very much tell, not show. The writing also didn’t have much depth to it, and it felt very simple, stale and superficial. Especially considering the heavy content and themes of this book, I was hoping for more with regards to the emotional aspect. I actually ended up getting a little bored because of the lack of depth the further the book went. It also became super repetitive to me.
Lastly, I truly did not like the ending. I legitimately hated the fact that Ellis randomly got a lot of money from his horrid grandfather. It felt like such a cheap cop-out, especially considering all the horrors Ellis had to go through due to his lack of money and support previously. It just felt weird that when he was finally getting back on his feet ON HIS OWN, the author decided to make his happily ever after dependent on his horrible rich family. Not only was it unrealistic, but it also ruined the power that could be drawn from the story otherwise. It went from a story about an unfortunate guy finding a healthy and happy life by fighting for it himself, to a story about a guy who randomly got saved by money that fell out of the sky. Such a shame.
In any case, I didn’t hate this book because I actually enjoyed the beginning and I also thought there were a few cute moments. Nonetheless, I had quite a lot of complaints, and in general, I thought it was just a waste of potential.
RECOMMENDATION: If you want to read a story similar to this, I would recommend you check out [b:Home|43583390|Home (Camassia Cove, #1)|Cara Dee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547591762l/43583390._SY75_.jpg|50609949] by [a:Cara Dee|6936449|Cara Dee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1618239463p2/6936449.jpg]. It has the same premise, but that one was actually really good and was pretty much exactly what I wanted this book to be.
frenchpressbookworm's review
5.0
sweet
This was all kinda of sweet and cute with a lovely amount of spice. I enjoyed the life of these characters. Their love felt easy and it was great.
This was all kinda of sweet and cute with a lovely amount of spice. I enjoyed the life of these characters. Their love felt easy and it was great.
purple676's review
2.0
2.5
I’ve read better romances by S.E Harmon.
This was just fine. I wasn’t a big fan of Luca, he felt controlling and too jealous to me. I only finished it because of Ellis. Honestly Ellis deserved better.
I’ve read better romances by S.E Harmon.
This was just fine. I wasn’t a big fan of Luca, he felt controlling and too jealous to me. I only finished it because of Ellis. Honestly Ellis deserved better.
jamie_w's review
5.0
This was an absolutely beautiful story or strength and resilience.
Ellis was truly given a bad hand in life. He had no one, he been thru the foster care system, homeless a few times and depended on sex work just to feed himself. But he never gave up. He never quit. He was a hard worker and while life kept throwing him grenades, he never complained. He just kept moving.
Luca found himself running a family business he had no passion for and responsible for severe debt incurred by his deceased father. He felt trapped and isolated. He was also going thru a divorce. He had no room for a relationship, or even romance.
While this book had minimal spice, it was packed full of emotion. The MCs were both dealing with so much and not looking for anything but they couldn’t stay away from each other. They found such comfort in just being around the other. They felt seen and valued. They were so wonderful together!!
I will say that the bit with the loan shark should’ve been more complicated or wrapped up in some way. I also think Lucas divorce with Colin wasn’t adequately explored or resolved.
Ellis was truly given a bad hand in life. He had no one, he been thru the foster care system, homeless a few times and depended on sex work just to feed himself. But he never gave up. He never quit. He was a hard worker and while life kept throwing him grenades, he never complained. He just kept moving.
Luca found himself running a family business he had no passion for and responsible for severe debt incurred by his deceased father. He felt trapped and isolated. He was also going thru a divorce. He had no room for a relationship, or even romance.
While this book had minimal spice, it was packed full of emotion. The MCs were both dealing with so much and not looking for anything but they couldn’t stay away from each other. They found such comfort in just being around the other. They felt seen and valued. They were so wonderful together!!
I will say that the bit with the loan shark should’ve been more complicated or wrapped up in some way. I also think Lucas divorce with Colin wasn’t adequately explored or resolved.
jengirlreads's review
4.0
Addicted to Ellis D is a love story full of snark and steam and all the bits of life that make it hard and all the joys of love that make getting through the hard bits easier. It’s wonderful.
Luca Alessi’s life isn’t going quite as he planned — he’s back home running his father’s restaurant and dealing with his father’s mistakes. Money is tight, but so is time, so he turns to sex workers when he needs some stress relief. When Luca’s regular leaves town, he leaves Ellis as a possible contact. Ellis may be the grumpiest sex worker ever, but since his roommate left town, he’s out of a place to live and a job — so he does what he has to do. When he meets Luca, things feel different, and a fledgling connection begins to develop. But when Luca discovers just how dire things are for Ellis, he has to try to help — offering him a job at his restaurant and a place to stay. But those developments complicate how things stand between the two of them. Luca tries to be hands off, but Ellis wants Luca as more than a client and more than a friend.
I’m a big fan of S.E. Harmon’s work, so I wasn’t surprised by how much I loved this book. Many elements did surprise me, though — I really liked how things weren’t easy for Luca, and he couldn’t just throw money at all of Ellis’s (and his) problems. I loved the grumpy and snarky and klutzy Ellis, and I loved how he fought for their relationship. They get their well-deserved happy ending, and we get a satisfying and sexy romance. Definitely recommend.
Luca Alessi’s life isn’t going quite as he planned — he’s back home running his father’s restaurant and dealing with his father’s mistakes. Money is tight, but so is time, so he turns to sex workers when he needs some stress relief. When Luca’s regular leaves town, he leaves Ellis as a possible contact. Ellis may be the grumpiest sex worker ever, but since his roommate left town, he’s out of a place to live and a job — so he does what he has to do. When he meets Luca, things feel different, and a fledgling connection begins to develop. But when Luca discovers just how dire things are for Ellis, he has to try to help — offering him a job at his restaurant and a place to stay. But those developments complicate how things stand between the two of them. Luca tries to be hands off, but Ellis wants Luca as more than a client and more than a friend.
I’m a big fan of S.E. Harmon’s work, so I wasn’t surprised by how much I loved this book. Many elements did surprise me, though — I really liked how things weren’t easy for Luca, and he couldn’t just throw money at all of Ellis’s (and his) problems. I loved the grumpy and snarky and klutzy Ellis, and I loved how he fought for their relationship. They get their well-deserved happy ending, and we get a satisfying and sexy romance. Definitely recommend.
writtenechoes's review
5.0
Wow. A damn perfect romance. This made my stomach hurt, gave me butterflies, made me laugh out loud, and made me choke back tears. What more could I ask for? I’m rather partial to stories like these although I only ever seem to find them in fanfic. But this was a pleasant surprise. Also, shout out to Nicole for letting me know this released today because I had no clue! Sneaky SE Harmon.
Luca and Ellis meet when Ellis’ friend Jamie hands over his client list when he quits sex work for a more permanent arrangement with a client. Ellis is so FUNNY even when his world is crumbling. The way him and Luca just immediately meshed together, laughing and hot for one another. I melted. And the pain through the first 50% of this novel my god
Luca and Ellis meet when Ellis’ friend Jamie hands over his client list when he quits sex work for a more permanent arrangement with a client. Ellis is so FUNNY even when his world is crumbling. The way him and Luca just immediately meshed together, laughing and hot for one another. I melted. And the pain through the first 50% of this novel my god
alexisisreading's review
5.0
This was just the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump!
All the characters were likeable, there was banter that was actually funny, no miscommunication trope, and the hurt/comfort was so sweet. I really think that fact that this book was genuinely funny was what really made me give it 5 stars. Ellis and Luca's POV's were just so distinct and had such good humor it was impossible not to like them.
Ellis pretty much has no concern for his own wellbeing which just brought out all the protective instincts in Luca. I expected a lot more pushback from Ellis on accepting that care but Ellis was pretty receptive and open to it which I think helped play into their easy dynamic. Ellis has been through some shit to say the least and Luca was struggling with his own stressors but whenever they were together it seemed like nothing else mattered than them being with each other.
Some of my favorite lines:
They said struggle builds character. That was fine, but the universe could stop sending challenges my way—my character was officially a fortified brick structure.
He took a big bite of his burger, almost too big for his mouth. He groaned in ecstasy as he chewed, and his eyes even rolled back in his head for a few seconds. I stared in fascination. “You don’t even sound like that when we had sex.” “You never treated me like this burger does,” he said fervently.
“And I have more good news for you.” “Yeah?” I wasn’t sure my poor heart could take any more of that kind of news. “What’s that?” “I love you,” he said softly. “I know it’s the same news, but I thought you deserved to hear it twice.”
Also a message for S.E Harmon - this is my official plea for a Hayden/Jamie book. Pleaaaaaaase! Please x 100. omg.
All the characters were likeable, there was banter that was actually funny, no miscommunication trope, and the hurt/comfort was so sweet. I really think that fact that this book was genuinely funny was what really made me give it 5 stars. Ellis and Luca's POV's were just so distinct and had such good humor it was impossible not to like them.
Ellis pretty much has no concern for his own wellbeing which just brought out all the protective instincts in Luca. I expected a lot more pushback from Ellis on accepting that care but Ellis was pretty receptive and open to it which I think helped play into their easy dynamic. Ellis has been through some shit to say the least and Luca was struggling with his own stressors but whenever they were together it seemed like nothing else mattered than them being with each other.
Some of my favorite lines:
They said struggle builds character. That was fine, but the universe could stop sending challenges my way—my character was officially a fortified brick structure.
He took a big bite of his burger, almost too big for his mouth. He groaned in ecstasy as he chewed, and his eyes even rolled back in his head for a few seconds. I stared in fascination. “You don’t even sound like that when we had sex.” “You never treated me like this burger does,” he said fervently.
“And I have more good news for you.” “Yeah?” I wasn’t sure my poor heart could take any more of that kind of news. “What’s that?” “I love you,” he said softly. “I know it’s the same news, but I thought you deserved to hear it twice.”
Also a message for S.E Harmon - this is my official plea for a Hayden/Jamie book. Pleaaaaaaase! Please x 100. omg.