Missed the mark

I have to say Louise Bay is normally a rather talented writer but she missed the mark with this one. It's a strange read (or listen in this case) that is full of cringeworthy moments.

I found it very hard to connect with the self-proclaimed trailer trash heroine who spends so much time talking about being trailer trash that you well, get why she is where she is in life. It's just a series of horrible awkward, not well thought out moments in the book.

The author I assume tried to write a female character who was different had a unique background but she clearly has no experience with anyone who grew up like that and has no idea what she's talking about. It was just so poorly written and even worse, I have to blame the editor for allowing the glaring problems go to print in the first place.

I mean did nobody from the writing and editing process, alpha readers, or whoever not think that maybe just maybe it might be a bad idea to have a female lead who spends like 90% of her time referring to her trailer trash background? I mean seriously, nobody thought to mention this?

Thanks but no thanks to Mr. Knightsbridge. I think this is one book I'll be returning and I may have to think twice and buying another book from this author.

They say write what you know for a reason. Maybe that's some advice the author in the future might want to stick with.

11 people found this helpful

AN ENCHANTING STORY & A V. ENTERTAINING LISTEN

Whenever another contemporary romance is released from Louise Bay it always gets my attention.. followed by my credit of course because, by now, I know her plot-line will have a sexy, charming, gorgeous British male at the forefront deliciously read by Shane East.. and the hero usually has some commitment ‘issues’. Which reclusive talented Jewellery Designer Dexter Daniels, with his successful Jewellery Empire, certainly had because, buried deep is pain and hurt and a misguided belief he lost his only chance of forever love, and that didn’t change when he sees and talks to Hollie.. a beautiful ambitious American Interning with a rival Jewellery House. No, this journey is a subtle creep towards much more with a shaky side step here and there.. and, with every emotional door they opened and went through together sharing their histories, hurts and hungers, it drew them closer and closer.

And one of them will hold out a helping hand when the other has floundered.. one of them will tentatively suggest or nudge and the other will pick up the baton and run with it.. and one of them will open a door to show another perspective on an old wound which will unite brother to brother. Respect, friendship, loyalty, gratitude, forgiveness and beginnings will be forged over that time.. and something else.. undeclared love. But Hollie’s three months in London will fly by and end too soon. Because, as they work, design, laugh, privately sneak around and live and mesh together.. soul-destroying, future-crushing joy-seeping commitments back home in Oregon will stop everything in its tracks. But it won’t be the end.. or will it?

Worth a credit? It’s an easy and enjoyable dual POV mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. It’s a beautiful soft pillow plot-line with low angst, great secondary characters and a passive, predictable plot. It’s a sweet and simple Cinderella love story with a strong, capable, independent damsel determined to find a way out of her own mess when her fan is suddenly hit with something slimy. It’s a White Knight story because he just couldn’t help himself!! It’s a well-written story as LB’s well-placed gems deliciously reward the listener with chemistry, romance, character development, swoons and feels.. and when those priceless gems forge priceless love the fairytale is complete. It’s got heart and heat and happy ever afters and two very talented actors breathed life into the story, gave the cast characters of their own and brought the good, the bad and the ugly emotions to life .. so yes, IMO, it’s definitely creditworthy.

10 people found this helpful

Really Sweet story

If Holly didn't make it her business to constantly sabotage her relationship with that delicious man, Dexter, I would have given this five stars. It was just too much for me to understand that she would walk away from this man for those reasons. Overall, great story and performances were outstanding. Love me some Shane!💗😍

4 people found this helpful

Loved my journey to the London jewelry world

I love my journeys to London. Louise Bay takes me “across the pond” to places I’ve only ever dreamed of and with completely dreamy Brits. I loved this taste of the jewelry world and I to dysfunctional families.

Holly is a strong heroine but she doesn’t recognize how enabling she has become. Her sister, Autumn, has grown up to be an independent woman, thankful for everything her sister has done for her. But she also realizes it’s Holly’s time. And Dexter is “the one”. Dexter has some unresolved issues surrounding a betrayal by his brother following the death of his parents as a young man. His admiration of and love for Holly opens doors for him.

Fighting for what you want, you deserve, is a lesson they both learn. And the peace it brings is transforming.

And I am an absolute Shaneiak so I adored this narration by both narrators.

4 people found this helpful

Another great book by Louise

I just love how she integrates American and British life styles. Just one of the best writer in romance today. The narration was awesome to. Thanks for another great book

3 people found this helpful

Very Disappointing

I usually am obsessed with her writing and characters...... But the Codependency of the main character is nauseating and made it super hard to get through... Cringe worthy... Disappointed I wasted money on this

2 people found this helpful

Completely wonderful!!

Oh I loved this entire book so much! From the story and the narration what an amazing experience it was! ♥️

2 people found this helpful

Weak, whiny female lead

I struggled to finish this book. The female lead character went on and on and on about her poor upbringing to the point that it made this pairing ridiculous. And the male lead most assuredly would not have chosen this woman for more than an evening. Nothing about it was credible. I love this author, but this book was a total miss.

1 person found this helpful

loved the rags to riches

This author knows how to write a HE story. I truly loved the readers and the way there voices fit there people . I will read more of this Author in the future .

1 person found this helpful

People are who they are . . .

I enjoyed this book. A lot of reviewer‘s had issues with how many times the heroine mentioned be sunny trailer park. I am a really that it could become a drinking game. But I also recognize the fact that we have someone who seems to have not spent a lot of time outside of her original environment, who didn’t go to college, who always assumed that her life would only be what it had been and could not see beyond that without a large stoke of luck that she barely believed in. Often times those people can only reflect on who they are and where they’ve been because they can barely see a path forward and I can’t imagine that anyone would do less than look down on them. I still enjoyed the book I’m glad it wasn’t too overwrought and I am so glad that her parents finally got jobs. Always love the Shane narrations!