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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I don’t think there has ever been a more patient or understanding man than Sebastian! What a sweetheart. Normally I like reading about alpha males, but he won me me over. I enjoyed Chelsea and Sebastian’s story. Oh and the roller derby names were so original and clever
This one is by far the best in this spin off/companion series. There is a legitimate bad past for the female lead and the male lead isn't a complete idiot or jerk. I was excited to see how their relationship grew and how Sebastien help Chelsea past her bad history.
**4.5 Stars**
I always know when I pick up a Jessica Clare book that I am going to love it. I’ve yet to be let down. Her billionaire series are some of her best for the sheer fact that they are tender, light-hearted, and spicy. Her writing is quirky, believable, and fun, leading you to fall headfirst into the story.
Chelsea is living in constant fear of her past. The only time that she allows herself to be confident and comfortable is when she’s on the derby floor. There, she’s sexy. There, she’s strong. But off the skates? She’s afraid of the dark, scared of men who approach her, and scared of being alone. This beautiful, brave woman has become a mere shell of who she used to be. When her roommate moves out suddenly, she’s left floundering to be saved, but also strong enough to be willing to endure it on her own the best she can.
Sebastian, the young, rich bachelor, has been fighting the craziness that is his mother and her reality show ever since it started. He wants nothing to do with it, but especially not with their new hook to get him on the show by bringing in his crazy ex. Meeting the incredibly sexy Chelsea at the engagement pre-party for Gretchen and Hunter (along with a few other parties), there’s an instant comfortableness between the two that develops each time they cross paths. Sebastian realizes that this sweet girl (who appears to need a friend) could be the answer to his problems, as well as hers even if he doesn’t quite know what those are yet. A quickie wedding is proposed, strictly a platonic one, and it begins.
What I fully enjoyed, besides the main storyline, was that Chelsea was realistically struggling. It wasn’t a quick fix, put-on-a-bandaid type of thing. Her emotional issues were a hurdle that they tackled together. She found herself again, with his support, by allowing the burden to be lessened by another person. Their friendship grew over time, blossoming into a deep affection for one another and you really, really felt it. You felt their love grow and yearned for them to cross that line. You loved Sebastian for his patience, his heart, and his soul. You felt she deserved that kind of man who loved her for everything inside of her. It was romantic, sexy, and fully enjoyable. If you ever need a sweet and sexy read, look no further than Ms. Clare.
**Received an early copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I always know when I pick up a Jessica Clare book that I am going to love it. I’ve yet to be let down. Her billionaire series are some of her best for the sheer fact that they are tender, light-hearted, and spicy. Her writing is quirky, believable, and fun, leading you to fall headfirst into the story.
Chelsea is living in constant fear of her past. The only time that she allows herself to be confident and comfortable is when she’s on the derby floor. There, she’s sexy. There, she’s strong. But off the skates? She’s afraid of the dark, scared of men who approach her, and scared of being alone. This beautiful, brave woman has become a mere shell of who she used to be. When her roommate moves out suddenly, she’s left floundering to be saved, but also strong enough to be willing to endure it on her own the best she can.
Sebastian, the young, rich bachelor, has been fighting the craziness that is his mother and her reality show ever since it started. He wants nothing to do with it, but especially not with their new hook to get him on the show by bringing in his crazy ex. Meeting the incredibly sexy Chelsea at the engagement pre-party for Gretchen and Hunter (along with a few other parties), there’s an instant comfortableness between the two that develops each time they cross paths. Sebastian realizes that this sweet girl (who appears to need a friend) could be the answer to his problems, as well as hers even if he doesn’t quite know what those are yet. A quickie wedding is proposed, strictly a platonic one, and it begins.
What I fully enjoyed, besides the main storyline, was that Chelsea was realistically struggling. It wasn’t a quick fix, put-on-a-bandaid type of thing. Her emotional issues were a hurdle that they tackled together. She found herself again, with his support, by allowing the burden to be lessened by another person. Their friendship grew over time, blossoming into a deep affection for one another and you really, really felt it. You felt their love grow and yearned for them to cross that line. You loved Sebastian for his patience, his heart, and his soul. You felt she deserved that kind of man who loved her for everything inside of her. It was romantic, sexy, and fully enjoyable. If you ever need a sweet and sexy read, look no further than Ms. Clare.
**Received an early copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This was such a great story, really entertaining and super hot! Sebastian is the sweetest! I love him. :-)
I think Sebastian has got to be one of the most amazing guys ever. He was awesome! So supportive and loving and I just wanted to squeeze him and hug him. I loved Chelsea. She was so strong and a little broken but her heart was in the right place and she got stronger every day, she had a great attitude. I love how Sebastian was there for her. They had such a great attraction but on different levels, I loved everything building, learning all the details, and them coming together… and when they do, it’s swoony hot!
I thought this was a really fun, enjoyable read. There were some really cute parts that made me smile and laugh. There was a bit of drama but not super heavy but there was a tough subject matter involved and I greatly appreciate how the author dealt with it. Not to in depth but it was emotional and made you feel for Chelsea.
Sebastian's mother was a piece of work. The kind of woman you want to slap and also think, is this chic for real?! I really liked her character though, she was a great addition to the story. Definitely whack job material though, lol!
I flew through this! It was fast paced but loaded with details really drawing you in. I thought it had a decent balance between the lighter moments, the sexy times, and emotion. It had a great mix of everything!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I think Sebastian has got to be one of the most amazing guys ever. He was awesome! So supportive and loving and I just wanted to squeeze him and hug him. I loved Chelsea. She was so strong and a little broken but her heart was in the right place and she got stronger every day, she had a great attitude. I love how Sebastian was there for her. They had such a great attraction but on different levels, I loved everything building, learning all the details, and them coming together… and when they do, it’s swoony hot!
I thought this was a really fun, enjoyable read. There were some really cute parts that made me smile and laugh. There was a bit of drama but not super heavy but there was a tough subject matter involved and I greatly appreciate how the author dealt with it. Not to in depth but it was emotional and made you feel for Chelsea.
Sebastian's mother was a piece of work. The kind of woman you want to slap and also think, is this chic for real?! I really liked her character though, she was a great addition to the story. Definitely whack job material though, lol!
I flew through this! It was fast paced but loaded with details really drawing you in. I thought it had a decent balance between the lighter moments, the sexy times, and emotion. It had a great mix of everything!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
This was pretty darn good. We have a heroine that went through a pretty traumatic experience and a hero that is willing to wait for her and work with her in the way she needs. I love the “there is no script for how to be a survivor” thing in this book. There is no “right way” to recover and enter into a romantic relationship when you’re struggling (or ever, really). The consent and celebration of personal agency is strong in this story. Sure, there’s some bizarre over-the-top drama with the mom, but it took second place to two people who are unsure and willing to try for themselves and their partner.
Loved it!
Loved it!
OMG - Love Jessica Clare’s books. They are witty and full of awesome bantering between the hero and heroine. While this is the third book in the “Billionaires and Bridesmaids” series it can be read as a standalone.
Both Sebastian and Chelsea have one thing in common, they do not like parties, but it is for very different reasons. Upon meeting under very interesting and rather hysterical circumstances, they both hit it off as friends. I loved seeing the friendship blossom. You could tell they both really meant it when they said they were friends. I read the entire book in one sitting. Couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
Sebastian’s family is funny. Sad, but funny. He has dealt with them and the situation the best way he knows how until this point. Chelsea provides him with the perfect end-all solution! He is super sweet and funny and you can’t help but fall for him. And he is extremely talented even if he keeps it hidden from everyone.
Chelsea is fun-loving and sweet as well. However, it’s obvious from the beginning of the story that something bad has happened to her and we hope she can allow Sebastian in.
While they may have started out as friends with the intent to remain only friends there is definitely more there and Sebastian is willing to put his heart on the line and he hopes she will as well.
Jessica continues to write stories with characters readers can relate to and will fall in love with!
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group InterMix via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Both Sebastian and Chelsea have one thing in common, they do not like parties, but it is for very different reasons. Upon meeting under very interesting and rather hysterical circumstances, they both hit it off as friends. I loved seeing the friendship blossom. You could tell they both really meant it when they said they were friends. I read the entire book in one sitting. Couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
Sebastian’s family is funny. Sad, but funny. He has dealt with them and the situation the best way he knows how until this point. Chelsea provides him with the perfect end-all solution! He is super sweet and funny and you can’t help but fall for him. And he is extremely talented even if he keeps it hidden from everyone.
Chelsea is fun-loving and sweet as well. However, it’s obvious from the beginning of the story that something bad has happened to her and we hope she can allow Sebastian in.
While they may have started out as friends with the intent to remain only friends there is definitely more there and Sebastian is willing to put his heart on the line and he hopes she will as well.
Jessica continues to write stories with characters readers can relate to and will fall in love with!
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group InterMix via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
OMG. This was fucking amazing. Chelsea was a bad ass to the world, though shattered on the inside. The roller derby shit was actually a pretty cool part of the story, since it made Chelsea into who she wanted to be, almost like having an alter ego. I felt her fear and terror as I was the one experiencing it, and if making the reader feel that way along with the character doesn't make a book good, then I know fucking nothing about feelings. I loved the fast paced 'safety date-turned-marriage-in-the-platonic-sense'. I knew Sebastian was head over heels for Chelsea basically the moment she crawled up between his legs at the pre-engagement party. They clicked in almost every way that now when I think of 'perfect book couples'. they will be at the top of the list for me. It melted my ovaries when I was shown how calming, romantic, and patient that Sebastian was towards Chelsea, after getting to know her secret and trying to help her back to where and who she wanted to be. I am sad that I finished this book so fast, but I was so engrossed that I could hardly put it down. God dammit, Clare, you are fucking amazing. Bravo.
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Billionaire Sebastian Cabral has a family he loves but at the same time cannot stand. His family is the famous "Cabral's" they are a reality tv star. Sebastian has made it clear he wants no part of it, he only has a few appearances and that is always when he wants to see them. When Sebastian finds out that they are bringing back his annoying ex who he wants nothing to do with, he has to come up with a plan to keep her away.
Chelsea Hall is all about becoming her close friend Gretchan's bridesmaid, however a lot has happened since they were roommates and Chelsea is carrying a couple of secrets. When she meets groomsman Sebastian, she makes an offer to Sebastian to be his pretend hookup, that way both of them will be off the hook for getting hit on and have a friend to hang with during the festivities.
Sebastian takes it one step farther though, he suggests they have a pretend marriage and with what Chelsea is dealing with it is a win win. Neither expected to have anything more than a marriage of friendship, but Sebastian finds he is falling hard for his wife and he hopes she feels the same. Can two opposites connect?
You had me at roller derby which is a hobby for Chelsea. I loved Chelsea she is a fascinating and so warm it radiates off the pages. Sebastian is an enigma he is a bit of a loner and yet is so welcoming to Chelsea he becomes an instant favorite for me. I am anxious to read the next in the series and loved all the Gretchen moments. Excellent read.
Chelsea Hall is all about becoming her close friend Gretchan's bridesmaid, however a lot has happened since they were roommates and Chelsea is carrying a couple of secrets. When she meets groomsman Sebastian, she makes an offer to Sebastian to be his pretend hookup, that way both of them will be off the hook for getting hit on and have a friend to hang with during the festivities.
Sebastian takes it one step farther though, he suggests they have a pretend marriage and with what Chelsea is dealing with it is a win win. Neither expected to have anything more than a marriage of friendship, but Sebastian finds he is falling hard for his wife and he hopes she feels the same. Can two opposites connect?
You had me at roller derby which is a hobby for Chelsea. I loved Chelsea she is a fascinating and so warm it radiates off the pages. Sebastian is an enigma he is a bit of a loner and yet is so welcoming to Chelsea he becomes an instant favorite for me. I am anxious to read the next in the series and loved all the Gretchen moments. Excellent read.
Billionaire Sebastian Cabral loves his family, he just doesn't love their reality TV show, The Cabral Empire. So when his ex-girlfriend tries to rekindle their relationship on camera, Sebastian decides that drastic measures are in order.
By day, Chelsea Hall is a happy-go-lucky, rough and tumble roller derby skater. By night, she's still living in fear of her past. Most of all, she just doesn't want to be alone. And she really, really doesn't want to date.
So when their mutual friends' upcoming wedding turns Chelsea and Sebastian into fast friends, they realize they can solve both of their problems with one life-changing lie: a quick trip down the aisle.
But with one kiss, Chelsea and Sebastian suddenly realize that their pretend relationship is more real than either of them expected...
I actually really liked the last like half/third-ish of this book. I was a little frustrated in the beginning, but once Chelsea realized the way she was able to actually feel things and Sebastian helped her open up, it was a lot better.
I absolutely loved the way Sebastian was so protective of Chelsea at the beginning. And then as things came to light he became even more protective of her, but he was also willing to let her take the lead on everything. He might have pushed a couple of times, but he still let her take the lead. He was also super supportive of everything she did, even if he maybe didn't fully understand the rules. I was glad that he finally had it out with his mother. I just wish it hadn't been over something as horrible as that. The flip side of that is that I really liked how he obviously cared for his father and even his siblings and mother to an extent.
Chelsea frustrated me at the beginning. I get the whole not wanting to talk about her trauma. But that meant that she didn't tell people a couple of things which made for some interesting interactions. Even without telling Gretchen what happened, she could have told her that she didn't drink, that would have been just fine and then she wouldn't have had to have Greer down the champagne. Or she could have said that she was having trouble with crowds/unknown people. Look at Gretchen's character, if Chelsea had just SAID SOMETHING, Gretchen would have wound her arm through Chelsea's and dragged around to every single person at the party there at the beginning, introduced her and then told everyone else to be nice. Granted, the fact that she didn't led to what turned out to be a great introduction, but still. I really liked as she started to explore her feelings and why she'd joined Roller Derby and what that made her feel. And how she used it when things heated up with Sebastian.
I absolutely loathed his mother. I mean, god, personally, I hate reality shows like that in general. Again, that is a personal choice and maybe that biased me the slightest bit, but still. She was just an utter bitch. I hated the way she constantly referred to Chelsea as a whore and refused to listen to Sebastian's requests to be left out of the show. Lisa was high on my shit list too. At least his mother kind of leaned towards redeeming herself although I still don't like her. And I hated the way she snuck behind Sebastian's back to get Chelsea to leave.
By day, Chelsea Hall is a happy-go-lucky, rough and tumble roller derby skater. By night, she's still living in fear of her past. Most of all, she just doesn't want to be alone. And she really, really doesn't want to date.
So when their mutual friends' upcoming wedding turns Chelsea and Sebastian into fast friends, they realize they can solve both of their problems with one life-changing lie: a quick trip down the aisle.
But with one kiss, Chelsea and Sebastian suddenly realize that their pretend relationship is more real than either of them expected...
I actually really liked the last like half/third-ish of this book. I was a little frustrated in the beginning, but once Chelsea realized the way she was able to actually feel things and Sebastian helped her open up, it was a lot better.
I absolutely loved the way Sebastian was so protective of Chelsea at the beginning. And then as things came to light he became even more protective of her, but he was also willing to let her take the lead on everything. He might have pushed a couple of times, but he still let her take the lead. He was also super supportive of everything she did, even if he maybe didn't fully understand the rules. I was glad that he finally had it out with his mother. I just wish it hadn't been over something as horrible as that. The flip side of that is that I really liked how he obviously cared for his father and even his siblings and mother to an extent.
Chelsea frustrated me at the beginning. I get the whole not wanting to talk about her trauma. But that meant that she didn't tell people a couple of things which made for some interesting interactions. Even without telling Gretchen what happened, she could have told her that she didn't drink, that would have been just fine and then she wouldn't have had to have Greer down the champagne. Or she could have said that she was having trouble with crowds/unknown people. Look at Gretchen's character, if Chelsea had just SAID SOMETHING, Gretchen would have wound her arm through Chelsea's and dragged around to every single person at the party there at the beginning, introduced her and then told everyone else to be nice. Granted, the fact that she didn't led to what turned out to be a great introduction, but still. I really liked as she started to explore her feelings and why she'd joined Roller Derby and what that made her feel. And how she used it when things heated up with Sebastian.
I absolutely loathed his mother. I mean, god, personally, I hate reality shows like that in general. Again, that is a personal choice and maybe that biased me the slightest bit, but still. She was just an utter bitch. I hated the way she constantly referred to Chelsea as a whore and refused to listen to Sebastian's requests to be left out of the show. Lisa was high on my shit list too. At least his mother kind of leaned towards redeeming herself although I still don't like her. And I hated the way she snuck behind Sebastian's back to get Chelsea to leave.