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dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really liked Max and Sara! This book and their relationship was really cute! I found myself really rooting for them through their stubbornness about not having a real relationship. This book had a lot more emotion than I was anticipating and was great to read! I love when I get to watch a couple slowly fall for each other while trying to convince themselves that it’s only temporary.
My favorite part was the third act conflict. Not because I particularly liked what broke them up (because I didn’t), but because of how much emotion I felt in the scene in the apartment (iykyk), which I would definitely include quotes of here if they weren’t major spoilers!
Does this book hold up in 2024? Not really, but if you suspend your disbelief, it’s great!
My favorite part was the third act conflict. Not because I particularly liked what broke them up (because I didn’t), but because of how much emotion I felt in the scene in the apartment (iykyk), which I would definitely include quotes of here if they weren’t major spoilers!
Does this book hold up in 2024? Not really, but if you suspend your disbelief, it’s great!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Moderate: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
literarybutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful Stranger was a bit shocking for me compared to Beautiful Bastard with all the public sex scenes. I'm not a huge fan of friends-with-benefits to lovers but I did enjoy the dynamic between Max and Sara. With that said, I didn't like all the parts of the book that referenced Sara's ex. I tend to not like romance stories where one person has just gotten out of a relationship, especially when there's a lot of unresolved trauma. Overall, I was pretty entertained with this one.
lacecarol's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
erin_doh's review against another edition
4.0
It was fine very predictable but like a good read if you’re feeling a romance. I liked how it connected to the first book, but I don’t know if I would really call it a series because those characters were mentioned but this book had completely different main characters so but I think I like these guys better then the first books main characters lol I would give a 3.75 tbh
pamgodwin's review against another edition
5.0
Pervy, angsty, but irresistibly charming and entertaining. I fell in love with these characters. This book is surprisingly fresh, unpredictable, and features one of the sweetest, sexiest heroes I've experienced in a long time.
Max Stella is delightful in his evolution. From his abs to his heart, the man is layered with courage. What a brilliant change from the playboy-who-can't-commit staleness. In this book, it's the heroine pulling away. But her aversion to commitment is sympathetic and appreciated.
When the plot thrusts through the H/h's exploratory sexapades, taking you on naked adventures in exhibition, you'll find it's impossible to look away. But despite all the eroticism, this is a story with its heart on the line, and its imagination an ever-expressive participant.
The POV depth is vivid and the dialogue is sharp. I can't find a single nit in the writing, plot, or character development. It's absolutely smashing.
Max Stella is delightful in his evolution. From his abs to his heart, the man is layered with courage. What a brilliant change from the playboy-who-can't-commit staleness. In this book, it's the heroine pulling away. But her aversion to commitment is sympathetic and appreciated.
When the plot thrusts through the H/h's exploratory sexapades, taking you on naked adventures in exhibition, you'll find it's impossible to look away. But despite all the eroticism, this is a story with its heart on the line, and its imagination an ever-expressive participant.
The POV depth is vivid and the dialogue is sharp. I can't find a single nit in the writing, plot, or character development. It's absolutely smashing.
mandyrobitaille's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Loved this! Was grinning like a fool while watching Max and Sara fall in love. A few times I did get a little frustrated with Sara's character, but I get that working through trauma can be hard. Max was 🥵 Love a good British bloke! 🔥
This was steamy, funny, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
This was steamy, funny, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
dirtyrottenfink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ally_sen's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty short read. I liked it. Smut with a decently good plot.