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ratetheromance's Reviews (659)
Trigger Warning: Severe Spousal Abuse
This is a book about survival and love. I really liked the thoughtfulness with which the author tackled spousal abuse and recovery. And the romance in this book is equal parts sweet and seriously steamy.
However, the characters in this book are all one-dimensional. Literally, every single one is a caricature of a person with only one quality. Our heroine, Erin, is the tortured victim. The hero is a 100% pure good guy. There is not even one minor flaw in him at all. The best friend is supportive. The hero's little brother is a rascal. I could go on and on.
The only character who ever steps out of their type-cast is the heroine's father who has such a sudden and unrealistic change of heart that it feels fake. You don't act like a total a**hol* for the first 30 years of your daughter's life and then after one come-to-Jesus talk turn into a caring and involved father over the course of 2 days.
Catherine Bybee is a skilled writer, but this one felt phoned in.
This is a book about survival and love. I really liked the thoughtfulness with which the author tackled spousal abuse and recovery. And the romance in this book is equal parts sweet and seriously steamy.
However, the characters in this book are all one-dimensional. Literally, every single one is a caricature of a person with only one quality. Our heroine, Erin, is the tortured victim. The hero is a 100% pure good guy. There is not even one minor flaw in him at all. The best friend is supportive. The hero's little brother is a rascal. I could go on and on.
The only character who ever steps out of their type-cast is the heroine's father who has such a sudden and unrealistic change of heart that it feels fake. You don't act like a total a**hol* for the first 30 years of your daughter's life and then after one come-to-Jesus talk turn into a caring and involved father over the course of 2 days.
Catherine Bybee is a skilled writer, but this one felt phoned in.
3.5 STARS
I can't remember how I came across this book and downloaded it (perhaps an insomnia fueled midnight purchase?), but I really liked the premise-and I adore a good Enemies to Lovers Romance-so I dove in.
Hazel and Corban are both research scientists at the same University. Corban has written an algorithm for matching couples and believes in it whole-heartedly while Hazel believes he is making unsubstantiated claims about the Love-Quiz he developed. They clash professionally, but are soon paired together on a project. Sparks fly, panties drop, hate sex ensues....I'm here for it all.
While I thought a lot of this book was really good, there was a very long stretch in the middle where the same few chapters repeated over and over again. Chapter: main characters have hot hate sex. Next chapter: male lead monologues and/or talks to friends about meaning of relationship. Next chapter: female lead monologues and/or talks to friends about meaning of relationship. REPEAT 5 MORE TIMES in a row. It started to feel utterly ridiculous. Had that happened once or twice and then the story had headed towards its resolution this book could have been 4 or 5 stars.
If you don't mind that repetitiveness then this book has a lot of great parts. Super-smart and epically nerdy, but hot, leads. Seriously steamy love scenes. Great banter. Lots of sweetness. And good female friendships.
I can't remember how I came across this book and downloaded it (perhaps an insomnia fueled midnight purchase?), but I really liked the premise-and I adore a good Enemies to Lovers Romance-so I dove in.
Hazel and Corban are both research scientists at the same University. Corban has written an algorithm for matching couples and believes in it whole-heartedly while Hazel believes he is making unsubstantiated claims about the Love-Quiz he developed. They clash professionally, but are soon paired together on a project. Sparks fly, panties drop, hate sex ensues....I'm here for it all.
While I thought a lot of this book was really good, there was a very long stretch in the middle where the same few chapters repeated over and over again. Chapter: main characters have hot hate sex. Next chapter: male lead monologues and/or talks to friends about meaning of relationship. Next chapter: female lead monologues and/or talks to friends about meaning of relationship. REPEAT 5 MORE TIMES in a row. It started to feel utterly ridiculous. Had that happened once or twice and then the story had headed towards its resolution this book could have been 4 or 5 stars.
If you don't mind that repetitiveness then this book has a lot of great parts. Super-smart and epically nerdy, but hot, leads. Seriously steamy love scenes. Great banter. Lots of sweetness. And good female friendships.
So this is what total disappointment feels like.
It feels grossly unfair to compare two books by the same author, and yet, here we are. I'm gunna be unfair. I'm committing to the comparison angle. I feel okay doing this because even if I didn't compare the two books I still would not have liked THIS book.
I was one of those readers who LOVED The Hating Game. I adored it. I read it twice in one weekend. I was ready to cut off my ear and mail it to Sally Thorne (Just kidding, Sally. *laughs nervously* Please don't get a restraining order. I'm a very stable genius).
99% Mine has the same writing style, the same endearingly obsessive characters, the same quirky female lead with manic internal dialogue as The Hating Game. But it's missing the lightness, the Paintball Day moments, the funny office politics, the magic.
While The Hating Game had a premise that naturally pitted the two main characters against each other (being workplace competition for the same promotion), 99% Mine has main characters who are consistently awful to each other for no real reason. It's just scene after scene of sexual tension paired with them acting like total dicks to each other. And not just TWO characters get this treatment, but a third main character is also a total a**hole.
These three characters (who grew up together) also like to continually point out how awful the other is in conversation as often as possible. You end up with a cast of characters so completely unlikable that it gets hard to read. Add to that the fact that the story itself has no brevity, no light parts, no comic relief, and no JOY and you've got a sad 2-stars from me.
It feels grossly unfair to compare two books by the same author, and yet, here we are. I'm gunna be unfair. I'm committing to the comparison angle. I feel okay doing this because even if I didn't compare the two books I still would not have liked THIS book.
I was one of those readers who LOVED The Hating Game. I adored it. I read it twice in one weekend. I was ready to cut off my ear and mail it to Sally Thorne (Just kidding, Sally. *laughs nervously* Please don't get a restraining order. I'm a very stable genius).
99% Mine has the same writing style, the same endearingly obsessive characters, the same quirky female lead with manic internal dialogue as The Hating Game. But it's missing the lightness, the Paintball Day moments, the funny office politics, the magic.
While The Hating Game had a premise that naturally pitted the two main characters against each other (being workplace competition for the same promotion), 99% Mine has main characters who are consistently awful to each other for no real reason. It's just scene after scene of sexual tension paired with them acting like total dicks to each other. And not just TWO characters get this treatment, but a third main character is also a total a**hole.
These three characters (who grew up together) also like to continually point out how awful the other is in conversation as often as possible. You end up with a cast of characters so completely unlikable that it gets hard to read. Add to that the fact that the story itself has no brevity, no light parts, no comic relief, and no JOY and you've got a sad 2-stars from me.
3.5 STARS
Writing book reviews sucks because reading is subjective. Unless a book is truly awful then everything else is opinion. Having said that, this boom is an Insta-Love book and that is not my favorite. Now, it's one of the best Insta-Loves I have read. So if you love that trope thus might well be a 5-star read for you.
Claire is the more quiet and introspective of identical twins. I loved that. Most heroines in romance are ball-busting, sassy, women (and I adore them), but Claire was decidedly refreshing! It's not that she's a mousy doormat, but she's a compassionate and level-headed character.
Bauer is a great bad boy hero with his flippant remarks and giving-zero-f**ks attitude. And I loved his relationship with his snowboarding coach. This is such a great example of mentorship that was needed despite the character not being from a totally broken home situation.
I didn't love that the main conflict in this story was so ridiculously petty. And, yes, the book addresses what a small issue it is and that it's being blown way out of proportion, but the fact remains. That and the 5 day Insta-Love is why I didn't adore this book, but this is a GREAT book if you like Insta-Love. The chemistry is amazing and the steamy scenes are off-the-charts hot!
Writing book reviews sucks because reading is subjective. Unless a book is truly awful then everything else is opinion. Having said that, this boom is an Insta-Love book and that is not my favorite. Now, it's one of the best Insta-Loves I have read. So if you love that trope thus might well be a 5-star read for you.
Claire is the more quiet and introspective of identical twins. I loved that. Most heroines in romance are ball-busting, sassy, women (and I adore them), but Claire was decidedly refreshing! It's not that she's a mousy doormat, but she's a compassionate and level-headed character.
Bauer is a great bad boy hero with his flippant remarks and giving-zero-f**ks attitude. And I loved his relationship with his snowboarding coach. This is such a great example of mentorship that was needed despite the character not being from a totally broken home situation.
I didn't love that the main conflict in this story was so ridiculously petty. And, yes, the book addresses what a small issue it is and that it's being blown way out of proportion, but the fact remains. That and the 5 day Insta-Love is why I didn't adore this book, but this is a GREAT book if you like Insta-Love. The chemistry is amazing and the steamy scenes are off-the-charts hot!
Wowza! Can someone hose me off? Talk about freaking HOT SCENES in this book!
Okay...*fans self with hand like a swooning Southern Belle*...let's talk about these characters.
Rob is a chef and restauranteur who owns and runs upscale restaurants in LA and NYC. When his sister's marriage ends in divorce, Rob moves back to New York to be close to her and her daughter. So sweet, right?! He buys a house in the suburbs next door to Skye and the sparks start immediately.
I love a slow burn romance, but it has to have mad-hot chemistry from the get go. Rob and Skye had the perfect amount of immediate attraction and heat, but you have to wait for them to finally get together and that makes the payoff that much more HOT. These two will FLOOD. YOUR. BASEMENT.
My only issue with this book (and it's a pretty small issue) is it's heavy on STEAM, but light on STORY. There is not really a conflict between the leads besides being really busy with work and not having tons of time to spend together during the early stages of their romance. I like a little bit more conflict in a romance. I like it when characters have a larger hurdle to overcome than internal doubt or conflicting work schedules.
This book is perfectly sweet and insanely steamy! I am a fan of Layla Hagen books and this is a great one!
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange fir my honest review.
Okay...*fans self with hand like a swooning Southern Belle*...let's talk about these characters.
Rob is a chef and restauranteur who owns and runs upscale restaurants in LA and NYC. When his sister's marriage ends in divorce, Rob moves back to New York to be close to her and her daughter. So sweet, right?! He buys a house in the suburbs next door to Skye and the sparks start immediately.
I love a slow burn romance, but it has to have mad-hot chemistry from the get go. Rob and Skye had the perfect amount of immediate attraction and heat, but you have to wait for them to finally get together and that makes the payoff that much more HOT. These two will FLOOD. YOUR. BASEMENT.
My only issue with this book (and it's a pretty small issue) is it's heavy on STEAM, but light on STORY. There is not really a conflict between the leads besides being really busy with work and not having tons of time to spend together during the early stages of their romance. I like a little bit more conflict in a romance. I like it when characters have a larger hurdle to overcome than internal doubt or conflicting work schedules.
This book is perfectly sweet and insanely steamy! I am a fan of Layla Hagen books and this is a great one!
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange fir my honest review.
DNF: 21%
I'm giving this book one big W. T. A. F.?
Let's just get right to the huge, glaring, awful, problem with this book. In the second chapter of this book our "heroine" sleeps with her best friend/long time crush when she KNOWS that he is engaged. He didn't trick her. He didn't claim to be on a break. He is ON HIS WAY TO A VISIT WITH HIS FIANCE'S PARENTS when his layover has him visit Bea. I'm sorry, what?! And you want me to root for this woman to find love?!!
I don't know why none of the 5-star reviews have acknowledged this. Imagine a male lead slept with his best friend while engaged to the book's female lead. Readers would be
I'm giving this book one big W. T. A. F.?
Let's just get right to the huge, glaring, awful, problem with this book. In the second chapter of this book our "heroine" sleeps with her best friend/long time crush when she KNOWS that he is engaged. He didn't trick her. He didn't claim to be on a break. He is ON HIS WAY TO A VISIT WITH HIS FIANCE'S PARENTS when his layover has him visit Bea. I'm sorry, what?! And you want me to root for this woman to find love?!!
I don't know why none of the 5-star reviews have acknowledged this. Imagine a male lead slept with his best friend while engaged to the book's female lead. Readers would be
Oh, geez. The heroine in this book leaves a marriage to a man who blames her for everything and treats her like crap only to fall in love with the "hero" of this book who blames her for everything and treats her like crap.
There is almost nothing positive about the relationship between Austin and Sara. He is not kind to her, he questions every decision she makes, and picks fights with her (during which he says very hurtful things to her). Then in the end, after one grand gesture, all is forgiven.
I want to scream, "Get some backbone, girl!" and then throw the book across the room.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There is almost nothing positive about the relationship between Austin and Sara. He is not kind to her, he questions every decision she makes, and picks fights with her (during which he says very hurtful things to her). Then in the end, after one grand gesture, all is forgiven.
I want to scream, "Get some backbone, girl!" and then throw the book across the room.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The first book in this series was such a refreshing take on a Contemporary Romance. That fresh take didn't carry over to this second book in the series. UNDERCOVER BROMANCE read more like a book you have read before a dozen times. It's still really GOOD, but not nearly as innovative.
We get the Bromance Bookclub, but without the Bookclub. Yes, there were still great male friendships and meaningful discussions, but I missed the actual Bookclub being the vehicle for those moments.
I was annoyed by The Russian side character in the first book and was even MORE annoyed this go around. He is just a comedic place marker and nothing else. And this book really leaned into the unfair stereotypes about Russians that were both petty and predictable.
Having said that, the hero and heroine in this book are good characters with complex back stories, sexy banter, and great chemistry. I loved how flawed, but so damn likable they each were. And Liv has the best, most cutting, dialog that I was so here for!
This book had plenty of laughs, tackled some tough issues, and brought some seriously steamy scenes. That all makes for a great read!
TW: Workplace sexual harassment
We get the Bromance Bookclub, but without the Bookclub. Yes, there were still great male friendships and meaningful discussions, but I missed the actual Bookclub being the vehicle for those moments.
I was annoyed by The Russian side character in the first book and was even MORE annoyed this go around. He is just a comedic place marker and nothing else. And this book really leaned into the unfair stereotypes about Russians that were both petty and predictable.
Having said that, the hero and heroine in this book are good characters with complex back stories, sexy banter, and great chemistry. I loved how flawed, but so damn likable they each were. And Liv has the best, most cutting, dialog that I was so here for!
This book had plenty of laughs, tackled some tough issues, and brought some seriously steamy scenes. That all makes for a great read!
TW: Workplace sexual harassment
Well, first I should say that this book is definitely NOT a stand-alone romance. There is an entire plot-line dedicated to a bizarre story that has nothing to do with the romance in this book, but is clearly a segue to a book to be written later in the series. It really muddled this story and threw the pace off in this book.
Otherwise, this story is okay, but very predictable. There is a scandal that the reader is supposed to discover the perpetrator of and it was so obvious from so early on that it starts to just get annoying to read the unsubtle clues.
Overall, not a great book for my liking, but others who read the entire series might enjoy it.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Otherwise, this story is okay, but very predictable. There is a scandal that the reader is supposed to discover the perpetrator of and it was so obvious from so early on that it starts to just get annoying to read the unsubtle clues.
Overall, not a great book for my liking, but others who read the entire series might enjoy it.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
It's gunna happen when you read a series that some books you will love and others won't do it for you. This one was fine. Just...fine.
This is a story of Denver, a man who has been a total man-whore his entire life. When his mentor passes away he leaves his outdoor adventure business 50/50 to his estranged daughter, Cleo, and Denver.
This is a classic enemies-to-lovers, but my issue was really with Denver. The way his transformation from man-whore to monogamist seems way too effortless. The moment he starts hanging out with Cleo he is suddenly caring, sweet, attentive, and a champion of monogamy. No more flirting with any women at all. No old habits tempting him. No hesitation when asked by Cleo to start a relationship. It came off as formulaic and unrealistic.
We've all known men and women who are serial flirters, even when they are in a loving and monogamous relationship. The thought that this guy suddenly becomes a completely different person overnight? Not buying it.
Otherwise, this book is pretty good. The themes of what makes someone "family" and dealing with grief after losing a loved one were great. It's a pretty good read, just not a GREAT read.
This is a story of Denver, a man who has been a total man-whore his entire life. When his mentor passes away he leaves his outdoor adventure business 50/50 to his estranged daughter, Cleo, and Denver.
This is a classic enemies-to-lovers, but my issue was really with Denver. The way his transformation from man-whore to monogamist seems way too effortless. The moment he starts hanging out with Cleo he is suddenly caring, sweet, attentive, and a champion of monogamy. No more flirting with any women at all. No old habits tempting him. No hesitation when asked by Cleo to start a relationship. It came off as formulaic and unrealistic.
We've all known men and women who are serial flirters, even when they are in a loving and monogamous relationship. The thought that this guy suddenly becomes a completely different person overnight? Not buying it.
Otherwise, this book is pretty good. The themes of what makes someone "family" and dealing with grief after losing a loved one were great. It's a pretty good read, just not a GREAT read.