Enjoyed this so much at first, because with her amnesia and not remembering their past relationship/break-up, it seemed primed to be a great modern coEnjoyed this so much at first, because with her amnesia and not remembering their past relationship/break-up, it seemed primed to be a great modern contemporary romance version of an angsty Harlequin Presents book. And it was, for awhile, but it just got progressively more ridiculous (I really, really did not enjoy the amount of time and space devoted to her Comicon shenanigans, even as someone who enjoys pop culture and some fan events) and the dialogue/relationship more annoying. It also skipped over a lot of their past relationship and needed more explanations for the break-up aside from the one scene, it just felt very sketched in....more
I like Clare Connelly’s HPs, but the two Dares I’ve read have been far below her usual standard. This one has a guy who is an unbelievably selfish, hoI like Clare Connelly’s HPs, but the two Dares I’ve read have been far below her usual standard. This one has a guy who is an unbelievably selfish, hot-cold asshole, all supposedly because he’s still in love with his dead wife? I never bought it. This heroine deserved way better....more
This ended up being really great. A bit of a chaotic start, and there is at least 60% more theater/play talk than I wanted. But!
— She is awesome. I loThis ended up being really great. A bit of a chaotic start, and there is at least 60% more theater/play talk than I wanted. But!
— She is awesome. I love a heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn’t give in at the first sign of the H wanting her/wanting her back.
— Secondary characters are great. His siblings and her friend/boss/partner in particular.
— Historical romance done right with a modern eye. The author did her research, and it shows, but it doesn’t feel like a woke 21st century couple dropped into a period drama.
— The theater backdrop is interesting and different, there’s just too damned much of it. These are the parts I got tired of most and I started skimming lot of that after awhile. I get the parallels with Shakespeare’s “Winter’s Tale” to their story, but the constant hammering was annoying. I did like his tinkering with props, how it played into his making amends, and the melodramatic but satisfying comeuppance of the villain.
— Such gratifying angst porn. Deep remorse and suitable taking of responsibility for the consequences of his behavior towards her, as well as sincere dedication to making things right to the best of his ability.
My only other quibble, aside from it being maybe a bit long (easily solved by editing down those theater parts!!), is that I wish there had been a touch more about their earlier relationship. I don’t need flashbacks, mind, but just a bit more foundation on why they were attracted to each other, their history together, etc. What’s there is nice, but it would have been good to see more of it.
But what a nice surprise from a Kindle freebie, especially one I almost didn’t get because of the cheesy cover. New to me author, but I’ll definitely be seeking out her other books....more
Beginning was a bit chaotic, but this ended up being such a great enemies to lovers story. Because:
— he’s a genuine grump, but so is she, kinda! — theBeginning was a bit chaotic, but this ended up being such a great enemies to lovers story. Because:
— he’s a genuine grump, but so is she, kinda! — their arguments felt genuine. They are cutting, they are clever, and they are committed to winning (but they’re never mean). They continue to fight after they get together, because it’s in their nature. — their dynamic, within a hospital setting, felt a bit Ali Hazelwood, except less scattered and zany. — both of them deal matter-of-factly with her disordered eating — a fun, supportive friend group —these friends also have a group text in the middle of his despairing, mopey angst over her not knowing whether she wants to commit to him, and they refer to him as Eyeore. — sexy sex — the best use of exasperated, affectionate nicknames I’ve ever read, the best of which is his referring to her as his screech owl.
Then they reach the point when he is completely and utterly smitten with her; he takes care of her when she’s sick, he stands up for her, he sees her. His feelings are described so well and so endearingly, and the book sidesteps mistakes of the usual nonsense over misunderstandings and such.
Anyway. I’ve read Kate Canterbary before, but I had no idea she had this in her! Imma have to add some additions to my TBR. ...more
This is the most casually cruel romance I’ve ever read. It starts with her rape by the H’s twin brother, the H marries her BUT GETS UPSET when she shoThis is the most casually cruel romance I’ve ever read. It starts with her rape by the H’s twin brother, the H marries her BUT GETS UPSET when she shows reluctance at making nice with her rapist, they have really brief, boring sex, and if all that weren’t enough, he also spends 90% of the book screwing a French whore. But he does it for king and country, you know, so it’s fine.
Everyone behaves illogically and the romance angst isn’t good enough to justify any of it.
So icky, from beginning to end. I hated it....more
Nice role reversal for once, with him falling for her at first sight and her needing lots of persuasion to give him a chance. He is super tortured intNice role reversal for once, with him falling for her at first sight and her needing lots of persuasion to give him a chance. He is super tortured into her from beginning to end (without being too problematic), which makes for some nice angst porn....more