This is a nice, funny and light Christmas story. One with plenty of steam and yum. I mean, how could it not be with Declan and Shannon taking centre stage? A couple that is definitely unorthodox and has some dramas… but one that always ends with a happily ever after and a smile on my face.
I love how, although Shannon lost her job, she manages to continuously get sucked into some seriously questionable secret shopper moments. I mean, there haven’t been many in this series that she’s actually enjoyed. Or had much pleasure in achieving, so having her say yes, yet again… you know its going to be hilarious. And filled with nonsense that, quite honestly, no one should really deal with. The fact that Declan ends up going along with it just makes it all that much better.
Sexy Santa and how quickly it goes viral online and attracts, well, the desperate, was kind of hilarious. The fact that he’s paired with the busty elf (poor Shannon) had me outright laughing. I mean, how is that not a hilarious situation? Also a reminder of how damn… creepy some people can be in their pursuit of others.
As someone who has a toddler, I’m honestly dreading the days when I have to go line up so that she can have a picture with Santa. Partly because creepy. But also because of the sheer insanity of Christmas. This story just supports that feeling… seriously dreading that in the future.
I love that throughout this series, Shannon just seems to make one dopey mistake after another. None are really her fault, but they are still not necessarily great decisions… and mostly just have some not-so-great and very entertaining consequences. I get a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment from this, but mostly I just get pure and unadulterated joy and entertainment.
Although it’s the first five books in this series that are really that first major story arc, this fourth instalment kind of acted as a finale. The next book is more of a Christmas epilogue if I’m being honest. I love that Kent is able to not only resolve all of the issues throughout this, but also find a way to want you to keep diving into Shannon and Declan’s relationship.
There are a lot more epiphanies and truth-sharing than awkward moments throughout this story. At least in comparison to the first three. I like that some of those secrets are actually about Shannon’s mum and Declan’s dad. They give a little more context to the struggles that Declan and Shannon face. And also just remind us all that parents have a past that happened before they did – one that can still impact the future.
It’s nice to have the majority of the questions you’re left with at the end of Shopping for a Billionaire 3 tied up in a nice, neat bow at the end of this. Particularly, finding out just why Declan does such a full 180 on Shannon in a completely unexpected way. This story definitely gave me the feels and comfort to not just dive straight into the next book in this series (although I still want to).
I love that this moment in the courtship of Shannon and Declan starts with a date that almost ends in death. It’s a hell of a way to experience a first date and to find out about Shannon’s allergies. There are also a lot of bits of Declan’s past unravelling as they’re racing to salvage literally the worst date ever.
Declan and Shannon are working really well throughout this story (death-adjacent dates not withstanding). I mean, they manage to find a way to be close to one another and embrace their new love. That, and the fact that they are both falling in love with one another. It’s kind of sweet and cute. I definitely enjoyed the ride, and spent the whole time trying to figure out just what was about to go haywire – since there is one more Shopping for a Billionaire story before the titles and blurbs begin to change tone.
Steve is honestly still a knob throughout this. I mean, wow, what an annoying and horrible ex. Seriously, he manages to constantly be horrible and undermining towards Shannon, whilst still hinting that he wants to get back with her. Chaotic and horrible behaviour to begin with. Then, there’s the whole idea that he starts to act connivingly with Jessica and his horrible mother. I mean, how can you say you want to be with someone, but constantly work at undermining them? Bleugh, truly horrible.
Of course, with things that were working so damn well, it was inevitable that things were going to come crashing down. The fact that instead of having a huge, spectacular crash. But, instead one that is so damn ambiguous. I mean, it’s a misunderstanding and a lack of response to a text message. I can’t wait to find out just how bad the fall out is going to actually be from all of this.
Following on from the first part of this story, this is really all about Shannon getting ready for her big date with Declan. And trying not to let that nagging voice in her head (which sounds much like her ex) from derailing the enjoyment she’s going to experience. It’s fun to get to experience the nerves along with her and how she deals with the anxiety that she’s experiencing.
Shannon’s family is legitimately insane. I really didn’t like her mother in Shopping for a Billionaire 1, but as the story unfolds and you get to know her better, she’s kind of growing on me. Maybe because she is just so damn comedic and, although kind of harmful in her actions, is also kind of well-meaning. She might not be the best or most supportive of mums, but she’s definitely one that I enjoyed reading about and getting to know better.
One thing I didn’t love about this (and is driving me to read the next instalment and quickly) is Steve. I mean, he’s a horrifying ex that is constantly, and actively trying to undermine Shannon. And now she’s agreed to go for dinner with him at some point? I mean, that just has disaster written all over it! Disaster that I’m incredibly excited for, but disaster nonetheless.
I love that there is heaps of anxiety and angst on the lead up to this story, but it actually doesn’t give you the peace of mind that you’re craving. Because this damn story finishes right as the couple are going on their first date. I mean, seriously?!?!?! Kentis just way too damn brilliant at leaving you wanting more with these stories…
This is a very cute and quick novel. Also a very interesting way to start a series. Rather than having one long novel that features a couple in this contemporary romance, there are a series of four novellas that slowly show you how they get together. Almost like parts to a full-length novel. And I kind of dig it. It’s totally different, very unique and oh so much fun.
This is only the very beginning of the romance between Shannon and Declan – mostly it focuses on their Meet Cute moment and the insanity that follows this couple in their instant attraction. I mean there’s also their first, unofficial date and the complications of an ex thrown in. But, mostly I can’t move on from the damn hand in the toilet beginning to this relationship. Absolutely hilarious and kind of brilliant.
On finishing this story, two things really struck me. First, I really want to know just what is going to happen with Steve. I mean, he might just seem like a bit of an egotistical dumb-ass of an ex, but he’s going to be a pretty big problem I think – the kind of idiot that doesn’t like to lose and takes everyone down with him. Then, and this was the bit that I mostly focused on after finishing this, I thought about how absolutely delicious Declan and Shannon’s make out session is. I mean, seriously, deliriously yummy. And steamy… what a high note to end this story on.
Not only is this a wonderful and fun story, but it’s probably got the funniest and best Meet Cute that I have ever read. I mean, Shannon literally has her hand down a toilet, how can you not be hooked by that single moment? Now I can’t wait to read more about this unfolding relationship and the insanity that follows.
This is an incredibly cute second chance romance. An easy read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also love that it’s about more than a second chance romance, but about a second chance at life and the joys of finding ones own feet. I love that Murphy is finding her own feet and confidence throughout this tale. It’s a reminder that even when we get a second chance at love, sometimes its our second chance at living the life we want that is also important.
I liked Ben as a lead, but not as much as I loved Murphy as a lead. Mostly because Murphy is trying to find her own feet, fix the mistakes of the past and figure out what it is that she wants, without the pressures of her family. Again, a tough battle to overcome. And on the other hand, there is Ben who is not really great with his insecurities. And is really not working on overcoming them.
I might be just a little bit obsessed with maple syrup. And the yum yum treats that have been made from maple syrup. I kept getting distracted from the romance and the relationships to dream about the delicious food throughout this. I mean, honestly, who wouldn’t?
The way that Murphy is finally able to stand up to her family (and her insecurities) is freaking brilliant. I love how she is able to finally put her foot down and show what she wants in life. Again, it shows that Murphy works hard to get over her issues, and Ben just doesn’t. It’s also a reminder that for some people, family might not actually be worth much. And it’s okay to tell them that their toxic behaviours are really not okay.
I did really like all of the hints at the relationship between Brenna and Scott. I’m kind of hoping that one day they will get their own story – one that will be just as much fun as Murphy and Ben’s!
I wanted to love this book a whole lot more than I did. So far, I have really enjoyed everything in the Heart Eyes Press world created by Sarina Bowen. But this one… I just couldn’t enjoy it.
I think that I might just not have been quite in the right headspace to enjoy this, but it was also the main characters. They were both a little bit negative and although I completely understand it, it was frustrating to read. But, mostly I found GiGi really annoying. I mean, it’s great that she escaped an abusive marriage. But taking a job as a baker when you can’t bake? And then setting a house on fire because… YOU CAN’T BAKE… it was just… to frustrating.
All in all, this wasn’t my favourite book and not one that I enjoyed overly much. Maybe I’ll reread it again in the future and my attitude will change.
This was a fun and intriguing introduction to a new series and a new author. At least for me. It was a great read, and a nice diversion that I enjoyed immensely. It was fairly simplistic, and nothing that would make me stretch my brain cells. But sometimes, that’s all I want in a good romance – something easy and enjoyable to read.
I love that Saint has some serious impulse control issues, ones that have, apparently, frequently landed him in hot water. The fact that this whole romance starts because of one of his silly, dopey, impulsive decisions just makes it all that much better. As does the fact that although he regrets it immediately, pride stops him from actually apologising for his behaviour. I know way too many people in my life who are just as ridiculously, and hilariously prideful. It might be dumb, but definitely something I recognised and that made me laugh.
Holly in contrast, is a little less prideful, although equally as stubborn as it turns out. I love that she is kind of submissive, but in that just go with the flow kind of way. In the end, she is able to stand up for what she wants and who she loves. But, it definitely takes a little bit of a push. One that almost comes along too late. Seriously enjoyable and fun as a contrast to the impulsive and prideful Saint.
Although this is the first book in a series, it is also a follow on series from another of Heaton’s writings. I definitely need to read more about the Cougars in this story. It gives a bit more context to the dramas that unfold and the obstacles that both Holly and Saint face in solidifying their relationship. It’ll be a nice way to see Saint in a totally different light – one that shows just why the cougars are so damn against his relationship with Holly.
A very sweet and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of this series when I just need a few hours of fun and light fluff.
I thought that this would be a book that I would just completely rip through. I mean, I absolutely loved Been There Done That. And I loved the idea of Walker and Leigh from Been There Done That. But, it did take me a little while to actually sink into this. I think because whilst it is obvious that Walker and Leigh need to end up together, and that they will, they were really beating around the bush to get there. Plus, there wasn’t a whole lot of action and conflict to be dropped into straight away. Once I got past the first quarter though, and the romance part really started… I couldn’t put this down.
I think one of the reasons that I found this a little bit more difficult to get into was the fact that Leigh and Walker both continuously get in their own damn ways. Sometimes that’s a fun trope, but when I’m just so excited for a couple to get together, I find it kind of seriously painful. And I was really excited about Leigh and Walker getting together. It probably doesn’t help that Ellis left a bit of a Red Herring in the end of Been There Done That. One that was seriously misleading and made me think that I was getting dropped further into a relationship than I actually was… yeah, I tried to say all of that without giving away any major spoilers… I’m not sure that I did so well there.
Leigh’s hangups, although a little bit painful at times, were also completely understandable. I mean, she has a father who was a serial cheater, and then married a man who ended up doing the same. To top it all off, her family has effectively chosen him over her repeatedly and decided that she’s actually in the wrong for walking away from a sham of a marriage. I mean, just one of those aspects in her life as part of her history would have made her reticence to be with Walker understandable, but all three? It was pretty hard to read about. And then there’s her battles at the hospital. I love Leigh’s strength and ability to stand up for what she believes in when it comes to her professional life. It just takes most of this book for her to figure out how to carry that same strength and courage into her personal life.
Then there’s Walker’s battles with his health and his family. I mean, the battle between Leigh and Walker (and honestly, there are so many shots fired that it’s a serious battle), is intense enough. But add in Leigh’s family and past, and her fight to keep the hospital a safe place… there’s a lot going on already. And then you realise that there is something seriously hinky going on with Walker’s health. It takes most of the story to unravel just what that is. Even in the happy moments, you have that health diagnosis hanging over their relationship, the sword that is about to drop. Finally, there’s Walker and Zora’s sister – the one with a whole lot of hidden agenda and baggage. I was kind of hoping she would get her own spin off tale to be honest, but it’s been a while since this book was published, so I’m not too hopeful.
It might have taken me a little while to truly sink my teeth into Before and After You, but once I committed, man did I love this. There is just something special about any of the SmartyPants Romance stories and the Leffersbees hold a fairly special place in my heart…
This is a book that come in a bundle of ebooks on my ereader. So, I’ve looked at reading it a few times – but then I was kind of put off by the synopsis at the front. And, like everyone in this story – I mistook the name and the tone for something entirely different. Because this isn’t actually about an ex-boyfriend. It’s about two friends, who love each other. And the tone of the letter is far less cringy and more sweet than anything I’ve read in quite a long time. To the point that I read this cover to cover and just couldn’t put it down!
There is something incredibly graphic (and gratifying) about starting a novel with a hot brit in a swimsuit. Something entirely drool-worthy and really enjoyable. I seriously loved this idea. And the image that it left in my mind was… delicious. Not normally my type of yum, but Blakely’s wonderful writing definitely made it incredibly tantalising. There’s also all kinds of humour and cuteness in the interaction that just makes it all that much better.
I love that Oliver and Summer are true and dear friends to each other. Before anything starts in the storyline – their entire relationship is built on years of trust and care for one another. They make such an adorable and sweet couple just for the friendship goals alone. Then, there’s the fact that throughout their history together, they have frequently posed as each others’ significant others. Again, an absolutely adorable and wonderful interaction with one another.
I always love the fake fiancée trope. There is something great about it which makes me smile and laugh. Add in the whole best friends sister / best friends to lovers tropes… and honestly, this was just a romance perfectly tailored to me. It was adorable and light hearted. Incredibly cute and just all around wonderful. Definitely the kind of romance that I wanted to dive right into with some of my own mental load at the moment.
Earth and Skye 