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jcrit15's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
catisbookish's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Okay so I really, really hate how Sarah McLean starts her novels; for some reason, there seems to be a theme of grey-area consent and over-the-top scenarios that make me roll my eyes. But god damn it, the fricken YEARNING. The gosh darn YEARNING my guy. Honestly, unmatched. And hats off to you Sarah, because the spice is positively insane in the best way and my girl you are creative and I thank you for it. Amen.
That being said, pretty much everything else about these books falls apart for me if I think about it for longer than point one seconds. So 3 stars.
That being said, pretty much everything else about these books falls apart for me if I think about it for longer than point one seconds. So 3 stars.
madlymusing's review
4.0
This was a weird one for me. The first half dragged, to the point where I considered not finishing. Cross was a bit too maudlin, the tension a bit too slow. However, I decided to give it *one more chapter* - this was an excellent choice.
The second half of this book was a five star read, and I inhaled it. I do not regret continuing with their story; it was well worth the payoff.
The second half of this book was a five star read, and I inhaled it. I do not regret continuing with their story; it was well worth the payoff.
alysonalyza's review against another edition
2.75
Loved the premise (bc sex lessons is such a good trope), but the couple took so long to get together that I just stopped caring.
aoife98's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really did not enjoy this book and the more I kept reading the more I realized that.
Pippa is getting married in 2 weeks and she’s feels completely unprepared for the martial act. She and her fiancé, Castleton, have never even kissed. Uncomfortable with this lack of knowledge, she goes to the gambling club her brother in law is a partner in and asks one of the other partners Cross (who she’s never met) if he’d be a willing participant in her “experiment” which is basically sex lessons. Cross apparently had a reputation for being skilled and he’s known to be very intelligent too. Cross (rightly) declines her offer and keeps pushing her away. Thankfully someone has sense here. Cross finally relents around 40% through the book.
I wish Maclean had delved into their intelligence as it is supposedly what brings them together and sets them apart from others. Pippa is meant to be the intelligent sister but she certainly didn’t act like it. I’m not exactly sure what it was, but for some reason I just couldn’t stand her character and almost DNFed several times. The only thing that kept me reading was to see what happened with Cross and his sister. Spoiler: nothing. Literally nothing. We never got any kind of reconciliation or even a line or two to suggest what became of her and her children. It just seemed very odd to me that this plot was most of Cross’ character arc and it just disappeared and went unfinished.
The lack of Penny and Bourne was surprising and then the bit of Penny we did get annoyed me. This whole scheme wouldn’t have been needed if she actually spoke to her sisters. Also, everyone knows Pippa is hanging around the club with Cross and you’re trying to tell me Bourne either didn’t know or didn’t care? A confrontation between Cross and Bourne wouldn’t have gone a miss.
Both Pippa and Castleton deserved better than a loveless marriage but waiting until 2 days before the wedding to end a courtship/engagement that lasted over a year is ridiculous. Especially since Pippa was given so many opportunities to end it before now and she doubled down on staying as it was the honorable thing to do. She came across as a very insecure girl who fell in love with the first man who complimented her. I also didn’t care for the way everyone spoke about Castleton when his biggest crime was not being as intelligent as them. Castleton’s willingness to help her win back Cross and ruin Knight despite the fact she ended the engagement approximately 90 seconds underlines that Castleton is genuinely the only likable person in this book. I’m glad he got a HEA with Maggie.
As I was disappointed by book 1 and 2 I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series.
cobaltbookshelf's review
2.0
I started off really good I really like tension between Cross and Pippa but it fizzled out fast, still I liked Cross and just meh in end.