So cute and fluffy. Romance novels are usually about two people getting together; this book is about what happens after the "happily ever after.” Liz So cute and fluffy. Romance novels are usually about two people getting together; this book is about what happens after the "happily ever after.” Liz is newly engaged to her dream guy Landon but feels like sex isn’t as exciting as it was in the beginning of their relationship. In hopes of bringing back that spark and excitement from their early days she suggests no sex until their wedding night and to up the game, whoever holds out the longest gets to pick out the honeymoon destination. It’s also about a little more than the bet. They face very realistic and relatable “hurdles” like money struggles, family issues, and personal insecurities. Even with the strains there was always no doubt that they loved each other. It was refreshing to see a book following a character in an established relationship just facing everyday hardships, no extreme drama or twists. At the heart, it was a fun, flirty, sweet story that made me smile countless times. I love those kind of books.
Merged review:
So cute and fluffy. Romance novels are usually about two people getting together; this book is about what happens after the "happily ever after.” Liz is newly engaged to her dream guy Landon but feels like sex isn’t as exciting as it was in the beginning of their relationship. In hopes of bringing back that spark and excitement from their early days she suggests no sex until their wedding night and to up the game, whoever holds out the longest gets to pick out the honeymoon destination. It’s also about a little more than the bet. They face very realistic and relatable “hurdles” like money struggles, family issues, and personal insecurities. Even with the strains there was always no doubt that they loved each other. It was refreshing to see a book following a character in an established relationship just facing everyday hardships, no extreme drama or twists. At the heart, it was a fun, flirty, sweet story that made me smile countless times. I love those kind of books....more
First off, I'd like to put it out there that it'd be fantastic if there was a prequel featuring Gray and Penny. I 4.5 stars. I really loved this one!
First off, I'd like to put it out there that it'd be fantastic if there was a prequel featuring Gray and Penny. I love those two so much. Also, Gray wins at everything for the hilarious stage-whisper commentary at the end. So funny.
Bailey was fantastic and one of my favorite heroines from Jill Shalvis. Her spirit is infectious and her heart is big. Also, personally I also found her relatable. Hud was an idiot but I still like the guy. I don't know if being in a bad mood with his family and driving around for hours is any real punishment for not groveling sooner but whatever. I think these two were perfect together. It was a great fluff read. ...more
Bittersweet. There were a lot of things that frustrated me like all the unforunate circumstances and "what ifs" but both the past and present relationBittersweet. There were a lot of things that frustrated me like all the unforunate circumstances and "what ifs" but both the past and present relationships were wonderful and felt very genuine. ...more
Ahh. Okay, 4 stars for the first 75% of the book. It was a heartbreaking but beautiful story about healing from a loss and finding love again. I’d reaAhh. Okay, 4 stars for the first 75% of the book. It was a heartbreaking but beautiful story about healing from a loss and finding love again. I’d really like to erase that last fourth of the book from my mind though. There was a twist that turned into a secret. Okay, I could handle that, I even expected that with the hint or two I read in the beginning. But no, there was more crazy to add on that already dramatic twist. I didn’t understand the need to escalate it that much. It kind of ruined it for me. Overall, I liked it, besides the obvious I just mentioned, and I'll look out for the next book in this series. ...more
I shouldn't have read this since Ember and Josh's story was pretty damn perfect but I did because I'm a selfish reader that wanted more from these chaI shouldn't have read this since Ember and Josh's story was pretty damn perfect but I did because I'm a selfish reader that wanted more from these characters. I knew to expect a lot of heartache so no surprise that I cried. Several times. I hated some things and other parts I loved. It was frustrating at times and dragged a little. But in the end after everything they went through I had a smile on while reading that last chapter. ...more
This was really great. The friends-to-lovers trope was done so well. It was also nice to read a new adult book that was simple and more on the fun, liThis was really great. The friends-to-lovers trope was done so well. It was also nice to read a new adult book that was simple and more on the fun, light-hearted side. ...more
3.5 stars. Not much to say. I knew what to expect and it delivered. Pretty interesting premise on Emily and Lizzy. The best stuff was the island commu3.5 stars. Not much to say. I knew what to expect and it delivered. Pretty interesting premise on Emily and Lizzy. The best stuff was the island community. I've always loved the small-town atmosphere in romances. (view spoiler)[I think Lisa's romance was with Ryan's brother so I'll look out for that in future books. (hide spoiler)]...more
Jacob should have been introduced in the last book to get readers used to him as an adult rather than a hotheaded stubborn teen. I couldn't get over hJacob should have been introduced in the last book to get readers used to him as an adult rather than a hotheaded stubborn teen. I couldn't get over his stupid reasoning for leaving. Sure, heat of the moment but put your pride and hurt aside and make amends. It's such a poor excuse to stay away for that many years. He visited his mom but couldn't bother with his brother, his twin brother. It's such an asshole move. Kenna did a 180 and since when was she that super close to Jacob? I can't recall that it was ever alluded to. She and Mitch could have been developed more than what was in here. Mitch talking about Kenna in Aidan's book does not count, okay. Sadly, I didn't feel that fun family dynamic like I did in the past books. Those parts were always the best. Last but not least, once I read a few chapters of the romance I ended up skipping all those parts. I couldn't get behind the couple. I feel a little bad rating it so low but I didn't enjoy anything about this book. The only reason why I skimmed through to finish it was to read the sections with Jacob and Hud. ...more
3.5 stars. The beginning of this book was pretty fantastic. The chemistry between Grayson and Sam was incredible. I loved their first meeting and then3.5 stars. The beginning of this book was pretty fantastic. The chemistry between Grayson and Sam was incredible. I loved their first meeting and then seeing how easily she was able to affect to him and get a reaction. They fit so well together, there was no doubt about that. Then comes the drama. Talk about complicated-it was even more than the last book which is really saying something. Comatose girlfriend, extreme studying, and his family. Oh, his family. They were the worst and it was tough to see how much they guilt-tripped him when he, himself, was doing just fine on his own. Not only that but they didn't believe in him which I get in a way but it was still tough to see. It was hard at times because these characters frustrated me-Sam giving in so easily and Grayson with his hot and cold moods. But at the end of the day I still believed in the relationship. I loved the over-the-top grand gesture at the end too. Could you imagine if that didn't work out? Yikes. Anyway, solid writing, shaky on the excessive hurdles. ...more
Um, a little boring? "It's not my turn" was a ridiculous self-imposed excuse for avoiding committed relationships. Also, I wasn't feeling this couple.Um, a little boring? "It's not my turn" was a ridiculous self-imposed excuse for avoiding committed relationships. Also, I wasn't feeling this couple. Sorry, Jesse. I do like you though. ...more
And that's why you don't hold off telling a secret especially if it involves someone you want to date. But I am glad that (view spoiler)[th2.5 stars.
And that's why you don't hold off telling a secret especially if it involves someone you want to date. But I am glad that (view spoiler)[the fallout was over quickly and it wasn't too big of a deal. I was dreading that it'd drag with lots of drama for a good couple of chapters. But then the real drama came from Mandy. Everything with that gave me a headache. Did not feel okay with that brutal end either. (hide spoiler)]
Anyway...
Honestly I'm only reading this series because the kids of these characters have their own series that I'm interested in reading. I wanted the backstory, so sue me. And for how it seems like a good choice because Cohen, who's going to be paired with Axel and Izzy's daughter Dani in the new series, was such an adorable ninja-fighting boy, only three-years-old. There were some hilarious moments with this little guy and I know for sure they'll be brought up in his own book. ...more
This entire book was a waste of my time. It bums me out to say that since I loved Rowen and Jesse’s first book. The second one wasn’t exactly necessarThis entire book was a waste of my time. It bums me out to say that since I loved Rowen and Jesse’s first book. The second one wasn’t exactly necessary but I can see why it was written. Everything after that I wish I never read because it went downhill with each book. After having to endure Garth’s self-loathing for two whole books, I wanted a fresh breath of air with Jesse and Rowen but nope, I got Jesse worrying and Rowen faking being fine. This last book I felt nothing except annoyance for these characters. Instead of being satisfied for the HEA all I felt was relief it was finally over. ...more