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A review by drops_everything_and_reads
Charlie, Love and Clichés by Ella Maise
4.0
I have read and enjoyed a few books by Ella Maise so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her newest book.
This was a fun book to read, albeit sad at times because holy heck is Charlie’s family (dad, sister, grandmother) awful, especially to her. I really appreciated how their abuse was acknowledged for what it was and how William stood up for her.
The not-quite second chance, slow burn, friends to lovers romance for Charlie and William was so good. Over the course of the book, we learn about how a Charlie and William previously knew each other, why they didn’t stay in touch, and the feelings they had for one another years before. But we also see how they become good friends, really talking honestly with each other, supporting one another, and just hanging out.
The third act breakup was well done, with Charlie putting herself first and making a choice that will help her realize her dreams. The reunion is lovely and really helps to wrap up a couple of the conflicts the characters are dealing with.
I admit, I was a bit hesitant about the workplace setting since workplace romance can often involve some intense power dynamics, but I thought this book handled that well. Power dynamics were acknowledged and addressed, which was good.
I will add that the first sex scene had a different tone than the rest of the book. It threw me off and I can’t quite pin point what it is, but it just has a different pacing and vibe. I don’t know if the author wrote the scene separately and then added it in, and maybe other readers don’t see any difference.
Thanks to Valentine PR for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This was a fun book to read, albeit sad at times because holy heck is Charlie’s family (dad, sister, grandmother) awful, especially to her. I really appreciated how their abuse was acknowledged for what it was and how William stood up for her.
The not-quite second chance, slow burn, friends to lovers romance for Charlie and William was so good. Over the course of the book, we learn about how a Charlie and William previously knew each other, why they didn’t stay in touch, and the feelings they had for one another years before. But we also see how they become good friends, really talking honestly with each other, supporting one another, and just hanging out.
The third act breakup was well done, with Charlie putting herself first and making a choice that will help her realize her dreams. The reunion is lovely and really helps to wrap up a couple of the conflicts the characters are dealing with.
I admit, I was a bit hesitant about the workplace setting since workplace romance can often involve some intense power dynamics, but I thought this book handled that well. Power dynamics were acknowledged and addressed, which was good.
I will add that the first sex scene had a different tone than the rest of the book. It threw me off and I can’t quite pin point what it is, but it just has a different pacing and vibe. I don’t know if the author wrote the scene separately and then added it in, and maybe other readers don’t see any difference.
Thanks to Valentine PR for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.