Scan barcode
A review by nymphie
Married to my Grumpy Minotaur Boss by Ami Wright
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I absolutely loved the first half of the book. The adorable interactions had me giggling and kicking my feet. I loved the reality TV setting. I was on the edge of my seat to see where this couple went next. I couldn’t wait to see how they grew closer. This was shaping up to easily be a 5-star read.
But just over halfway through, it’s like a switch flipped. Once the cameras were mostly gone, the facade fell away. The MMC completely changed into this horrible, manipulative beast. He suddenly developed a temper problem, screaming at people and threatening to break things. He was closed-off before, but he became downright cruel.
He purposefully leads the FMC on, acting as if he’s the perfect husband and would do anything for her happiness, to get what he wants from her. He showers her with gifts and compliments, but once they’re finished in bed, he immediately shuts her out again. It’s heartbreaking to watch her get her hopes up over and over, only for him to slam the door closed in her face every single time until the very end. He forces into the box that HE wants their relationship to be without any concern for her own wants and needs. I did not enjoy these developments at ALL, and nearly DNF’d this book because of these scenes.
He’s also completely self-aware of his abusive behavior. He frequently expresses guilt and shame, but then continues to manipulate and gaslight her anyway. It’s truly sickening. I read romance books to ESCAPE self-centered, narcissistic men like this MMC. I’m devastated that he changed so drastically in the second half. I was so looking forward to the ending, but I’m left frustrated and disappointed.
When he eventually does come around, it’s for all of the wrong reasons. His change of heart is near instantaneous and he doesn’t do anywhere near enough groveling for my tastes. His explanation of his behavior and apology isn’t even done to her face. Pathetic. He doesn’t deserve the FMC or the happy ending.
The spicy scenes are also insanely unrealistic. Eight times in quick succession? Don’t make me laugh. Or vomit.
This book is also marketed as an office romance, but…where’s the office? They leave the workplace only a few chapters in and it quickly becomes a fake marriage/forced proximity on a tropical island story. And they never return to the same office. A small complaint in comparison, but I adore office romances and this was very clearly NOT an office romance.
But just over halfway through, it’s like a switch flipped. Once the cameras were mostly gone, the facade fell away. The MMC completely changed into this horrible, manipulative beast. He suddenly developed a temper problem, screaming at people and threatening to break things. He was closed-off before, but he became downright cruel.
He purposefully leads the FMC on, acting as if he’s the perfect husband and would do anything for her happiness, to get what he wants from her. He showers her with gifts and compliments, but once they’re finished in bed, he immediately shuts her out again. It’s heartbreaking to watch her get her hopes up over and over, only for him to slam the door closed in her face every single time until the very end. He forces into the box that HE wants their relationship to be without any concern for her own wants and needs. I did not enjoy these developments at ALL, and nearly DNF’d this book because of these scenes.
He’s also completely self-aware of his abusive behavior. He frequently expresses guilt and shame, but then continues to manipulate and gaslight her anyway. It’s truly sickening. I read romance books to ESCAPE self-centered, narcissistic men like this MMC. I’m devastated that he changed so drastically in the second half. I was so looking forward to the ending, but I’m left frustrated and disappointed.
When he eventually does come around, it’s for all of the wrong reasons. His change of heart is near instantaneous and he doesn’t do anywhere near enough groveling for my tastes. His explanation of his behavior and apology isn’t even done to her face. Pathetic. He doesn’t deserve the FMC or the happy ending.
The spicy scenes are also insanely unrealistic. Eight times in quick succession? Don’t make me laugh. Or vomit.
This book is also marketed as an office romance, but…where’s the office? They leave the workplace only a few chapters in and it quickly becomes a fake marriage/forced proximity on a tropical island story. And they never return to the same office. A small complaint in comparison, but I adore office romances and this was very clearly NOT an office romance.