Reviews

Hot Mess by Emma Hart

kara_hildebrand's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Hot Mess is Emma Hart's newest rom com. What do you get when you have a vlogger on the run from a private tape she never knew existed and a sexy British single dad? A fun, slow burn romance that kept me entertained the entire way. Elle needed to get away from her life and she ended up in FL renting a house from a single dad who didn't exactly like her. His daughter loved Elle and he knew why she was there. He didn't want his daughter anywhere near her and her bad life choices. But after actually talking to her, he realized she was a really nice woman. Funny, sweet, beautiful and not the bad influence he initially thought. When Theo and Elle spend time together, they realize they get a long rather well. They are attracted to each other, but she has to get her life back on track and he needs to get over the trepidation of not dating because of his daughter. Theo and Elle's romance is a slow burn with laughs, swooning and a hilarious little girl who knows more than anyone gives her credit for!

He was unfairly sexy. Like straight up, unfair, God was feeling generous with the good luck charms the day he was born.

“That’s on you. I still don’t have your number.”
“You still haven’t asked. That’s not my fault. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Theo’s lips twitched.
“Can I have your phone number?” Laughter bubbled inside me.
“No, sorry.”
“What the fuck?”
“I don’t have my phone, and I don’t know the number anyway.” I grinned, patting his cheek. “You’ll have to wait.”

“Ah, finally a man who realizes the futility of arguing with a woman. You’re a real catch, Theodore.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Don’t you bloody start as well.” I laughed, twisting the bottle between my hands. “What’s wrong with Theodore? I like it. It suits you.”
“It’s pompous.”
“Well, you are British.”

lisaluvsliterature's review

Go to review page

5.0

Once again Emma Hart’s writing had me giggling at times, and laughing out loud, loudly, at other times. The characters in this were her usual fun people that you want to hang out with, be friends with. And of course, a sexy British guy for a love interest? Who can say no to that? It was definitely fun having the female main character, Elle, as a famous YouTube/Vlogger personality. So famous that even across the country from her home of New York, she was easily recognized by those who either watched the videos for their own enjoyment, or watched them to be involved in their children’s interests. It was also great to read about how she made sure to explain to some of her younger fans about how what they saw wasn’t the whole picture of the person behind the shows.

There was of course the crazy elderly relative as this author really knows how to add to a story in a way that I look forward to. This time a great aunt. I also think the single dad romantic lead is very well done by Hart as well. One thing I always wonder as I read her books is if any of the side characters that are already coupled up possibly were from books before I discovered the author, or if they aren’t coupled up, could we see it in the future?

Two moments that had me laughing so loud that I disturbed my dogs who were snuggling with me on the couch while I read were a fun pop culture reference about insulting Voldemort when talking about her ex, and then a hilarious debate about courgettes vs. zucchinis. Which I immediately had to text my sister who is living in Scotland about that when I read it.

You can’t go wrong with a book by Emma Hart if you’re looking for funny, romantic, steamy, and sweet.

Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.

justmevictoria's review against another edition

Go to review page

I was kindly sent a copy of this book for review from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

British guy? Check. Single dad? Check. Crazy Great Aunt? Check. Hilariously cute daughter? Check. Cute AF romance? Check.

Vlogger Elle Evans never thought she'd be driving as far away from her life in New York as possible, but she also never thought she'd be involved in a sex tape scandal either. Arriving in Creek Keys, she realises she didn't really think this escape through when there is literally no where to stay during the height of Summer. Luckily, with the help of the very pushy diner owner, she's scored a place to stay - in Theo's half-renovated beach house. With a nine-year-old daughter, Ari, Theo knows exactly who Elle is, and even more-so, knows exactly why she's in Creek Keys. Ari's super excited to have Elle staying right next door, but Theo want's to protect her from the possibility that her idol isn't how she appears online. As much as he wanted to stay away from Elle, he can't help but be drawn to her, eventually getting to see who the real Elle Evans is. But with their lives worlds apart, and Ari to consider, it's not easy to just give into their feelings.

Honestly, this book could have been terrible but I would have still given it four stars just for the opening sentence alone. But really, I'm yet to meet an Emma Hart book I didn't like, and Hot Mess was such a fun read! There's nothing like a single-dad with an adorable child and crazy Great Aunt to make for a hilariously cute romance. Elle and Theo's relationship was super fun to follow and I honestly couldn't get enough.

I really enjoyed Elle's live as a vlogger and Emma used it to hit home that the life you see online isn't how influencers, for the most part, really live, and that just because someone is famous online, doesn't necessarily mean they have a tonne of close friends. And it was nice to see the topic of revenge porn touched on, reinforcing that it is illegal and just how much of an impact it can have on someone's life.

The one downside was that the book wasn't long enough. I know I always says that I'm left wanting more, in a good way, but this book just felt like it needed to be like 50 pages longer to flesh out their relationship a little more. I adored the time-jump for the epilogue but wish we could have seen a bit more before that adorably cute ending. However, I do love that Emma's rom-coms are super fun and quick reads, but this one could have just been that bit longer...

If you've still not read one of Emma's books yet, drop everything and get on that ASAP! Hot Mess is perfect for romance and rom-com fans, so make sure it's near the top of your TBR. No doubt you'll be ready to move to Creek Keys in search of your own hot British single dad!

bookedandbusybookblog's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Hot Mess is a quick, fun romantic comedy! Ellie and Theo have undeniable chemistry and so many moments that made me laugh out loud! The slow-burn romance was perfect and the secondary characters were the best! This story also dealt with internet safety and I love how the author handled the topic.

bookaddictreviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Elle Evans life is a hot mess. She’s run away from her home, her family, her city. She manages to make her away all to the Florida Keys, a small town where she can hid away from the drama surrounding her life. What she doesn’t expect when she arrives is meeting a British single father and his adorable nine year old daughter.

Elle is a lifestyle vlogger. She is clumsy, quirky and an idol to so many young girls. Theo has a lot of walls in place. He loves his daughter and she has him wrapped around her fingers. He’s somewhat of a grump, but does warm up to people. He knows who Elle is because his daughter is obsessed with her videos, he knows why she is hiding out and judged her instantly. However, she is living in his rental.

I loved the connection between Elle and Ari (Theo’s daughter). Elle was so sweet to Ari and truly bonded with her. There were so many sweet moments between them. Theo and Elle had a slow burn, but I loved the banter between them and their chemistry.

Hot Mess is a hilarious rom com. It is super fun, sweet, and quick read.

If you love single dad romances, a tropical location, an adorable nine year old, and a crazy group of geriatric conspiracy theorists this is a MUST READ!

cgoodfellow's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Not for me. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and some of the comments characters said. There were a few cute moments thrown in and the characters themselves were pretty good. There are also many grammatical errors throughout the book. And don’t get me started on the aliens….

linzreadz13's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This book was such a fun rom-com. Like with all of this author's books, I was laughing and swooning while reading. Had life not gotten in my way, I could have, and I definitely wanted to, read this in one sitting.

Elle is on the run after her evil ex-boyfriend let the world see a private video that she knew nothing about. When she ends up in the little town where Theo lives, she's forced to stay in his beach house as everywhere else for miles is booked up during the summer. I loved watching them all interact, especially Theo's little girl, Arielle.

While there were some serious topics in this book, they were handled extremely well and connected it to things that are happening in the world today with technology and I appreciated that.


Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.

sromero0528's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Loved it!

Such a cute yet deep romance. Light and fun but also touching deep subjects that are real life. I loved this book!

thisgingerlovesbooks's review

Go to review page

3.0

This book was a very cute little read, but I’ll be honest with you it wasn’t my favourite Emma Hart book. It really was a lovely story with a nice slow burn relationship, but Theo and Elle felt more like secondary characters to me personally even though the story was about them and told from their point of view, I was more interested in Theo’s best friend blaire and his adorable little daughter arielle, I feel like those two characters held the story together with their comedic antics. They genuinely were an absolute delight to read about and had me laughing so much it hurt at times.

It was a really easy, cute read that made me laugh and I did enjoy it, I probably would like to read it again at some point in the future as my perspective on Theo and Elle may change slightly with time.

adsanvictores's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A very quick read. Finished the book in 3 hours at most. Short storyline with not too many details but still a good plot. It’s a nice palate cleanser in between lengthy novels or exceptionally heavy ones.