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donnareadathon2021's review
4.0
The story
English teacher Bella teaches at the school she went to, and where her father is the head teacher. She has just been passed over for promotion and is feeling really hurt about it. She knows that she wants more from life but as a perpetual planner, it takes supreme effort to get there. It’s also her ten year reunion and her ex-best friend Mike is going to be there. They didn’t speak much after an uncomfortable incident in the past, but he wants to see her. When she signs up for second language English teaching classes in her holidays, he’s now her tutor as well. Is the universe trying to tell her something?
My thoughts
This sweet story tells how Bella and Mike almost don’t leave the friend zone. Despite both being English teachers, they struggle to communicate the hard stuff and especially when it comes to sharing their feelings! Olivia Spring has created a series with a group of family who are friends and this is the first story in that series. I loved how Bella and Mike were able to slip into new roles with each other once they had got over the miscommunication. How they created opportunities to be together despite their busy schedules. This story shows that sometimes you have to do what it takes to create the life you want, you can’t just sit back and expect it to happen to you!
English teacher Bella teaches at the school she went to, and where her father is the head teacher. She has just been passed over for promotion and is feeling really hurt about it. She knows that she wants more from life but as a perpetual planner, it takes supreme effort to get there. It’s also her ten year reunion and her ex-best friend Mike is going to be there. They didn’t speak much after an uncomfortable incident in the past, but he wants to see her. When she signs up for second language English teaching classes in her holidays, he’s now her tutor as well. Is the universe trying to tell her something?
My thoughts
This sweet story tells how Bella and Mike almost don’t leave the friend zone. Despite both being English teachers, they struggle to communicate the hard stuff and especially when it comes to sharing their feelings! Olivia Spring has created a series with a group of family who are friends and this is the first story in that series. I loved how Bella and Mike were able to slip into new roles with each other once they had got over the miscommunication. How they created opportunities to be together despite their busy schedules. This story shows that sometimes you have to do what it takes to create the life you want, you can’t just sit back and expect it to happen to you!
aurigae's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story, although my reasons differ from those of many reviewers.
I loved the main character and her journey. She began the book as a consummate creature of habit, afraid to take even the smallest step out of her carefully mapped comfort zone. The author did a great job showing all of Bella's idiosyncrasies and how trapped she was in her life. And as she began to come out of her shell and into her own, we got to see that, too. I enjoyed watching her gain confidence and start really going after her dreams.
Of course, this is a romance novel, so one of Bella's biggest dreams is a guy. And not just any guy: Mike, her best friend from university, whom she's still in love with despite ten years of not seeing each other. I'm a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but I just wasn't feeling this relationship. Mike and Bella were so different, and since most of their relationship was the three years of friendship in college (which wasn't dramatized in the book) I didn't get a feel for how they fit together. As much as I liked this story, I just couldn't get invested in the romance at the center of it.
[I received a complimentary review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
I loved the main character and her journey. She began the book as a consummate creature of habit, afraid to take even the smallest step out of her carefully mapped comfort zone. The author did a great job showing all of Bella's idiosyncrasies and how trapped she was in her life. And as she began to come out of her shell and into her own, we got to see that, too. I enjoyed watching her gain confidence and start really going after her dreams.
Of course, this is a romance novel, so one of Bella's biggest dreams is a guy. And not just any guy: Mike, her best friend from university, whom she's still in love with despite ten years of not seeing each other. I'm a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but I just wasn't feeling this relationship. Mike and Bella were so different, and since most of their relationship was the three years of friendship in college (which wasn't dramatized in the book) I didn't get a feel for how they fit together. As much as I liked this story, I just couldn't get invested in the romance at the center of it.
[I received a complimentary review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
chulaisreadingromance's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful, wholesome and oh so sexy story about the beautiful endings that come when you decide to step out of your comfort zone, follow your own path and give your heart desires a chance!
Mike and Bella were such a swoony couple that put a smile on my face from start to finish!
Bella was such a determined and badass heroine, she wanted to prove herself and show the world how capable she was pf achieving anything. Her relationship with her dad frustrated me a little bit, but I felt so proud of her as she realized she had the steering wheel of her life and she had the power to choose what she wanted for herself. I loved every second with her and Mike, I was able to see how time never really passed for their friendship and how great chemistry they had as friends and of course as couple goals! Their banter, the care for each other and how they decided to choose each other because they truly believed they’d always been destined to have a future together was like a warm hug to my heart.
Their friendship, their true love and happy ending were the sweetest and most satisfying!
Mike and Bella were such a swoony couple that put a smile on my face from start to finish!
Bella was such a determined and badass heroine, she wanted to prove herself and show the world how capable she was pf achieving anything. Her relationship with her dad frustrated me a little bit, but I felt so proud of her as she realized she had the steering wheel of her life and she had the power to choose what she wanted for herself. I loved every second with her and Mike, I was able to see how time never really passed for their friendship and how great chemistry they had as friends and of course as couple goals! Their banter, the care for each other and how they decided to choose each other because they truly believed they’d always been destined to have a future together was like a warm hug to my heart.
Their friendship, their true love and happy ending were the sweetest and most satisfying!
tyrahh_x's review against another edition
2.0
predictable.
and Bella gave me real second hand embarrassment...
and Bella gave me real second hand embarrassment...
breathing_pages's review against another edition
3.0
Mike and Bells. The story begins as an unrequited love on Bells’ side. She fell in love with her best friend when they were both at uni. When a chance came up to change their relationship status, he ended up breaking her heart. Fast forward ten years when they meet again.
Thus, Mike and Bells 2.0 story begins. I won’t get into too many details. This is a romantic tale of two people who are trying to figure out their desires in life. Bells is not a very confident person. She is quite insecure, whereas Mike is the opposite.
I had some issues with some of the characters’ behaviours, and it felt a bit quick to be honest. It was a really quick read for me. I wouldn’t say don’t read it, but it wasn’t my favourite friends to lovers story. If you want something fast and light, go for it.
Thus, Mike and Bells 2.0 story begins. I won’t get into too many details. This is a romantic tale of two people who are trying to figure out their desires in life. Bells is not a very confident person. She is quite insecure, whereas Mike is the opposite.
I had some issues with some of the characters’ behaviours, and it felt a bit quick to be honest. It was a really quick read for me. I wouldn’t say don’t read it, but it wasn’t my favourite friends to lovers story. If you want something fast and light, go for it.
booksrubyreads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
I really wanted to know what Mike was thinking, would've loved DUAL POV!!
karalouise's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
sophr_reads's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25