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ri_ri 's review for:
Charlie, Love and Clichés
by Ella Maise
4.5 Stars
This book felt like a warm hug after reading so many heart-shattering books. I loved and enjoyed every second of it. A feel-good and refreshing romance story that will make you laugh and smile all the time. The story had me giggling, screaming, squealing, smiling, and kicking my feet in the air. William and Charlie had a hold over me from the moment I started reading—their never-ending banter and interactions were everything. And then there were scenes that made me hold my breath because the slow burn and tension were palpable. It was written so perfectly that I just wanted to throw them at each other so they would finally kiss.
There are books that you either want to devour or savour every second of. All I wanted was to savour this book and keep it in my heart forever because it made me so happy. This book was full of love, hope, clichés, cuteness, and fluff. Even if it was full of cheese and clichés, I loved all of them because, as Charlie said—and I quote:
Charlie Davis is beautiful, kind, sweet, and funny. She cares so much about people that she sometimes forgets what she needs. I love how unabashedly honest she is—how she owns her feelings, even the messiness of them, and never backs down. She’s the most relatable character I’ve ever read about, and I adored her for her honesty. Even when it made her feel vulnerable, she always tried her best to figure things out and push forward. I learned so much from her in this book, and I love her for everything she is.
“She said I looked at her in a certain way, but she had no idea how expressive her eyes were. She was stunning. Top to bottom, she was just stunning.”
William Carter is caring, thoughtful, charming, and a little grumpy without his morning coffee, and I love his grumpy side. He never let anyone control him and handled things perfectly. I loved how he always supported Charlie, took her side, and was so sweet and gentle with her—yet not a gentleman in the bedroom. He’s perfect. And every time he spoke to Charlie, I just melted. Like I already said, he has a way with words—both sweet and hot, and also a very illegal mouth. Don’t I deserve a William to my Charlie—someone who would leave sweet notes for me, bring me my favourite food, and look at me like I’m everything he’s ever wanted?
“My heart is full of you. I wouldn’t know what to do with it anymore without you. You can’t leave me now. I promise to hold your hand and be there for you and with you for as long as I breathe, Charlie. I want you.”
Charlie and William were always meant to be together from the moment they met, but timing was a bitch. They had the most easygoing, relaxed, and healthy relationship. Honesty was their foundation—they shared everything, no miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. If sharing her thoughts made Charlie feel vulnerable, William was always there, beside her, making sure she felt safe. They encouraged each other to grow but never changed who they were just for the sake of being with someone. Their chemistry was delicious—full of longing looks, stolen glances, fleeting touches, funny banter, and deep emotional connection. I want what they have! All the clichés and all the cheese. I love how they never gave up on each other, understood each other so well, and gave their relationship a real chance.
The jealousy scenes? Perfection. William looks adorably sexy when he’s jealous. It was beautiful to see how William knew all the little things Charlie loved and how he made her feel safe and cherished—through his words and the sweetest gestures. Holding her hand, resting his hand at the small of her back, and constantly reminding her how amazing she is. And Charlie? She was always there for him when he needed her.
Pepperoni is the cutest dog ever! This review would be incomplete without mentioning Pepperoni—the big puppy with adorable doe eyes who loves the pepperoni on pizza. The number of times I wanted to steal him from Charlie was insane. He’s just so adorable, like his name!
Ella Maise is one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her books always make me feel good—they’re captivating with their simple yet realistic stories and swoon-worthy characters. I love her writing; it’s beautifully effortless, and she crafts her characters with so much depth and growth. This book was medium-paced and well written, and I can’t thank her enough for this amazing story and these lovely characters.
The ending made me so happy, despite the frustrating third-act breakup. It was simply beautiful, and I loved every bit of it. This couple and their dog have my heart.
This is definitely my comfort read and my comfort couple, and I’m never getting over them anytime soon.
Thanks to Valentine Pr and Ella Maise for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
“What do you want from me?” I repeated her words softly.
“You,” she replied just as softly, eyes stuck on my lips.
This book felt like a warm hug after reading so many heart-shattering books. I loved and enjoyed every second of it. A feel-good and refreshing romance story that will make you laugh and smile all the time. The story had me giggling, screaming, squealing, smiling, and kicking my feet in the air. William and Charlie had a hold over me from the moment I started reading—their never-ending banter and interactions were everything. And then there were scenes that made me hold my breath because the slow burn and tension were palpable. It was written so perfectly that I just wanted to throw them at each other so they would finally kiss.
“Is there even a right person? The one? Or a perfect one?”
“Depends on how you look at things. I don’t believe there is somebody perfect out there, but there could be someone perfect for you. Who complements you, who fits you, who is flawed– because we’re all flawed– but is perfect for you.”
There are books that you either want to devour or savour every second of. All I wanted was to savour this book and keep it in my heart forever because it made me so happy. This book was full of love, hope, clichés, cuteness, and fluff. Even if it was full of cheese and clichés, I loved all of them because, as Charlie said—and I quote:
“A cliché is a cliché for a reason. It works on those who have a romantic heart and even on some who don’t.”
Charlie Davis is beautiful, kind, sweet, and funny. She cares so much about people that she sometimes forgets what she needs. I love how unabashedly honest she is—how she owns her feelings, even the messiness of them, and never backs down. She’s the most relatable character I’ve ever read about, and I adored her for her honesty. Even when it made her feel vulnerable, she always tried her best to figure things out and push forward. I learned so much from her in this book, and I love her for everything she is.
“She said I looked at her in a certain way, but she had no idea how expressive her eyes were. She was stunning. Top to bottom, she was just stunning.”
William Carter is caring, thoughtful, charming, and a little grumpy without his morning coffee, and I love his grumpy side. He never let anyone control him and handled things perfectly. I loved how he always supported Charlie, took her side, and was so sweet and gentle with her—yet not a gentleman in the bedroom. He’s perfect. And every time he spoke to Charlie, I just melted. Like I already said, he has a way with words—both sweet and hot, and also a very illegal mouth. Don’t I deserve a William to my Charlie—someone who would leave sweet notes for me, bring me my favourite food, and look at me like I’m everything he’s ever wanted?
“My heart is full of you. I wouldn’t know what to do with it anymore without you. You can’t leave me now. I promise to hold your hand and be there for you and with you for as long as I breathe, Charlie. I want you.”
Charlie and William were always meant to be together from the moment they met, but timing was a bitch. They had the most easygoing, relaxed, and healthy relationship. Honesty was their foundation—they shared everything, no miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. If sharing her thoughts made Charlie feel vulnerable, William was always there, beside her, making sure she felt safe. They encouraged each other to grow but never changed who they were just for the sake of being with someone. Their chemistry was delicious—full of longing looks, stolen glances, fleeting touches, funny banter, and deep emotional connection. I want what they have! All the clichés and all the cheese. I love how they never gave up on each other, understood each other so well, and gave their relationship a real chance.
“Is everything okay?” she asked quietly.
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.
“You’re not trying hard enough.”
“Trying hard enough to do what?”
“To be alone with me.”
I lowered my voice and said, “I like it when you call me baby, love, babe, sweetheart… I like everything you do or say, Charlie. And I definitely like it when you tell me I’m your man.”
The jealousy scenes? Perfection. William looks adorably sexy when he’s jealous. It was beautiful to see how William knew all the little things Charlie loved and how he made her feel safe and cherished—through his words and the sweetest gestures. Holding her hand, resting his hand at the small of her back, and constantly reminding her how amazing she is. And Charlie? She was always there for him when he needed her.
“You’re in love with me,” I repeated for the third time.
“Head over heels. And I want us to live together if that’s okay with you.”
Pepperoni is the cutest dog ever! This review would be incomplete without mentioning Pepperoni—the big puppy with adorable doe eyes who loves the pepperoni on pizza. The number of times I wanted to steal him from Charlie was insane. He’s just so adorable, like his name!
Ella Maise is one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her books always make me feel good—they’re captivating with their simple yet realistic stories and swoon-worthy characters. I love her writing; it’s beautifully effortless, and she crafts her characters with so much depth and growth. This book was medium-paced and well written, and I can’t thank her enough for this amazing story and these lovely characters.
The ending made me so happy, despite the frustrating third-act breakup. It was simply beautiful, and I loved every bit of it. This couple and their dog have my heart.
This is definitely my comfort read and my comfort couple, and I’m never getting over them anytime soon.
Thanks to Valentine Pr and Ella Maise for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.