Ever wish you could meet someone again for the very first time and walk right the eff by them?
When Greg Svensson crossed my path four years ago, I should have just let him keep on walking … right into the street to get hit by a bus. But I was weak. Not to mention that when you’re a six-foot-tall woman and meet a guy out in the wild who is both taller than you and attracted to you, you make certain allowances. You ignore certain red flags.
Greg is poison. Sexy poison, but he’s still the type of bad decision that will leave you on the cold floor of your apartment, consuming your weight in cheese while you wonder what the hell happened. Greg happened.
And now he’s stolen my company—the one I built by sheer force of will. I’m demoralized, furious, humiliated. The worst part? Now we have to work together. Him in the office next to mine. His stupid, smug, perfect face on the other side of a glass wall that I swear to God I’m throwing a chair through if he doesn’t stop doing that tapping thing with his fountain pen.
Breathe.
He thinks he’s won. But I’m going to make sure he regrets meeting me as much as I regret meeting him. Forget stealing his parking space (though his expression is pretty funny). And note to self: definitely forget sleeping with him! No…I’m taking my pound of flesh.
Ugh. God, keep your clothes on. Not like that!
This is a full-length second-chances romantic comedy with ride-or-die friends, day drinking in the office, bad decisions with a hot ex, and a guaranteed happily ever after! You may want to read The Hate Date, Love, Hate, and Terrible Dates, and The Worst Dates Bring Chocolate Cake before reading this novel.
I knew it would take something momentous to get Greg and Belle their second chance, but… wow. Just wow. This book was everything I’ve come to expect from the Svenssons and then some. Over the top Mel Brooks-style comedy. Dysfunctional family drama. Billionaires behaving badly. And a woman whose Happily Ever After is tied up in the middle of it all. Belle was the real surprise in this series. She’s not the typical hot mess the Svensson brothers fall for. She’s brilliant and fierce and Greg’s perfect counter. And because she’s so good at challenging him, Greg largely doesn’t know what to do with her. This story was a rollercoaster. It tipped me back and forth between hating and loving Greg, and questioning whether or not a second chance was even in their best interests. I loved where these two are able to get in the end, but, again, wow. It was real work getting them there. I’m so excited that we’ll be getting to meet more Svenssons, however I can’t wait until we get to meet the woman who’ll be able to bring Crawford to heel. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I listened to the audio version and the narrators really made this rom com come to life, so 5 stars for them. 🤣 The only part of this author's books I'm not impressed with are the way the romance scenes are written. But apart from some of those cringeworthy sections immersed in those scenes, I loved this story. 😄 4.5 stars.
This book has it all, love, hate, tons of drama, a hero I'd like to sometimes smack upside his head, soooo many brothers, controlling people, a trial looming in the horizon, an arrest, a love triangle and some of the cutest feral little sisters you'll ever meet. Oh, there's also a lot of steamy HOT sex, too.
Greg Svensson, his brothers and sisters were raised on a compound in Wyoming. Their father, Leif, ruled his 20 some wives and dozens of children with an iron fist. The most important thing for him was control at any cost.
Greg and his 5 brothers, of wife #2, have been successful and are now wealthy. They now care for 5 of their younger sisters, Enola, Luna, Ophelia, Coco and June. Coco and June live with Greg. They are 3 going on 30 and have been described as being feral. They can pick locks, scale bookcases to jump on couches, squabble over nothing but yet want to be together. One very important thing about them, never get between them and food.
Greg and Belle were a couple at one time but broke up. They've always had a love-hate relationship. He manipulated it so that Belle and her friends, Emma and Dana, would lose the firm they founded, Artemis Investment. The acquisition contract stated that the women had to work at Svensson Investment for 3 years before they could work at another Investment firm or start a firm of their own. To make matters worse for Belle, she's in a glass-walled office next to his.
For Belle's entire life, her parents, Dr. David and Diane Frost, have belittled her. According to them, she's a 6 foot freak that no man would ever want to marry. Although, she might be useful as a caregiver for them as they age.
The Frost's have always projected themselves as a close-knit family. Little did anyone know that at the age of 8, she took over the care of her 5 brothers. No one knows that as adults, their children have no contact with them.
Now Greg wants to invest with a company Belle's father is associated with. He wants her to attend that business dinner. Will he discover and finally realize how her past has molded her?
Leif Svensson is finally going to be put on trial for some of his offenses. Greg doesn't want plea bargain, he wants Leif put away for years. It doesn't matter to him that his young sisters, who are scared of their father, will have to testify in court, where Leif, acting as his own attorney, will do the questioning. Leif MUST be imprisoned!
Greg can't see that he's becoming the same monster as Leif is. In Greg's mind, he's doing it out of love, not just to control.
When Belle finally decides to take back control of her life, will it be enough to bring him to his senses?Or has he waited too long?
Parts of this book were so funny that I laughed until I cried. Other parts made me tear up due to the abuse. For the most part, the sisters were in the teary (for me) sections of the book. When I first started reading this, I had to consult the family tree in the back of the book to keep some of the brothers straight in my mind. There's an added bonus story available at the end of this book. It's a glimpse into the future of Belle and Greg.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
elle and Greg are introduced in the prequel to this series in which they had a promising romance until he ruins things by putting business first. With her trust in him gone, Belle refuses to forgive him. When she does the "unthinkable" and wins a business client he was courting, a fierce and bitter rivalry ensues. The two are secondary characters in the earlier books in the series, where that rivalry continues as Greg is obsessed with winning whenever his investment company and Belle's are competing for the same clients. That even extends to determined attempts to undermine her efforts when her company is looking to acquire new business in which he isn't really interested. In Book 5 Greg seemed irredeemable. He seemed even worse as this story began to unfold. He had acquired Belle's company (which saved her from bankruptcy, although his actions had put her in that position), was now working for him, and was assigned the office right next to his. And the walls between the two offices were made of glass! The attraction between the two is still present, but their road to a HEA is very rocky. His business and winning are priorities for Greg and he continues to be very controlling. A consistent good quality is his love for his younger sisters. Another female executive named Magdalena (Mags for short) adds more tension as she is blatantly trying to win Greg for herself. She is the ultimate "mean girl" on steroids and isn't above manipulation, lies and insults to try to achieve her goal. Some of Mags's tactics play into some self-doubts Belle has, stemming from her upbringing. The upcoming trial of Greg's evil, polygamous and psychopathic father is causing anxiety within Greg's family, especially for his younger sisters, who are scheduled to testify, and even for Belle, who will also be testifying. It is also causing strain for Greg, which exhibits itself in him becoming more controlling and determined that his father not receive a plea deal, even if it means that his beloved sisters are showing strain, anxiety, and, in some cases, panic about facing to face their father (who plans to act as his own attorney) in court. He is adamant that his father be proven guilty and sentenced to a very long stretch of time in prison. The close proximity leads to a relationship developing between Belle and Greg. That relationship is growing stronger but is still plagued by recurring past patterns of behavior by both of them. A major blowup seems to doom their romance, but a hard-won HEA is finally achieved. P.S. There are also steamy love scenes for you to enjoy.
The book I've been waiting for for a while, and it didn't disappoint me. Greg Svensson and Belle Frost first appeared in a prequel to the Manhattan Svenssons series. A touching couple, but troubled by their upbringing, who broke up in the end because Greg puts business above everything else. It might have worked out if Belle had forgiven him and hadn’t made a countermove. Because the second thing Greg puts above all else is winning. The two met during other books in the series, where it was clear that there is still attraction, but also a lot of old pain. The chances between them seemed to be gone forever when Greg took over her company. We start this story that Belle works for Greg's company much to her chagrin. Greg likes to rub it in that he's won, but at the same time he's so desperate for her to give him another chance. As long as Greg remains so competitive and controlling, the question is whether a second chance would work. I love Belle and both of her friends /business partners. I hate Greg. Still I love to see them together 😃. It is written in a humorous accessible writing style, with steamy scenes added in the mix. Although it is part of a series, it is good to read as a standalone, but it is just more fun if you have followed this couple through this series. I like the premise of the series: A cult leader with polygamous marriages whose sons (the Svenssons) have fled the sect, and take care of their many younger brothers and sisters (You can read that Greg also has a sweet caring side) During this series ( and other Svenssons series) these arrogant men find happiness, while taking care of their incredible cute, funny and naughty little sisters. And Belle herself also has had a troublesome upbringing with her brothers ( the Frosts) which causes het to be insecure. ALL these families make for a lot of nice books, but from this series: the Manhattan Svensonss, this one was my favorite.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
** 4.5 Stars ** Greg Svensson and Belle Frost at one time were together until he got into his power-play mode and took her company from her, forcing her to have to work for him for 3 years – just to rub in the pain and humiliation. Greg has a need to “win” no matter who gets hurt or devastated in the process. There seems to be nothing he won’t do, regardless of the devastation he leaves behind, as long as he can smirk and claim himself victorious.
Belle’s passive-resistance had me cheering her on. But I cannot tolerate people like Greg who have no shame over crushing the spirit of others. So what was meant to be humorous did not make me smile. If he had any good qualities in his personality, it wouldn’t matter by this point. He had burned those bridges long ago. Even the situation with his father being on trial now did not excuse his own actions of making it necessary for his sisters, who are terrified of the man, to face the possibility of having to testify against him -- put face-to-face with the evil that invaded their lives -- since Leif Svensson represented himself and would use that opportunity to intimidate them even further. Greg’s all-consuming “must win” attitude never considers how this experience could harm his siblings.
So I wasn’t laughing at the comedy. I was steaming over Greg’s nastiness. The author’s writing was done well. And her depiction of the characters was also epic because of the intense emotions she could arouse in the reader. If anything, Greg was “too nasty” so it was difficult to rejoice when he and Belle finally worked things out. But if anyone can keep him in line, she can!
Like so many I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for this toxic af love story to play out and I was not disappointed.
Here's the thing, Greg is such an alphahole that we forget that Belle has issues too. I wanted nothing more than to see Greg humbled but at the same time, reading so much of Belle's POV reinforced that she is just as stubborn, ruthless, and insecure. Both of them have some serious daddy issues that causes them to self-destruct and lash out.
I appreciate that Alina points out several times that their relationship is NOT goals. They aren't the couple you aspire to be. They are a power couple for sure. Individually and together, they are an intimidating and dominant force, but they will also be the couple who are trying to kill one another in a nursing home... who am I kidding, as if Greg Svensson would EVER be in a state-run facility.
Anyways, I devoured their story, I was happy with how things played out with Mags, I'm excited for the next chapter of brothers. Hello Seattle!! Or will she go to Boston?? Or maybe she will give me the damn Richmond Brother spin off I want. (Sadly, there was no mention of them in this book) Whatever Alina does next I'm here for it. I love the little universe she has created, and I hope she keeps writing about these polygamist billionaire Vikings until she and I are both old and wrinkled.
** Also side note, all the brothers are well over 6ft tall. It wasn't until a passing comment in this story that I realized most if not all the Svensson girls will likely be Amazon's like Belle!!!
Belle and Greg hate each other, but are the epitome of 'there is a thin line between love and hate'. Greg in a power play move, bought Belle's investment firm and is pretending to date a woman that Belle can not stand. He wants her working for him and convinces himself that it's just business. Amongst the corporate games between the two of them, they decide to give their relationship another chance. During all those the trial for Greg's monster of a father looms to which Belle is a key witness. Greg doesn't want a plea bargain he wants to see his father burn. Belle is worried that it is too late to have children is trying to figure out if what she has with Greg can go the distance. When Magdelena her nemesis, tells Greg that Belle is trying to babytrap him and he believes her things blow up and Belle is hurt. He finds out too late that not only is Magdelena a liar, she is also a thief but his relationship with Belle has been obliterated and she decides to go to Seattle to work for his half-brother. Greg decides to let her go but they miss each other terribly and reunite finally getting engaged to each other. I love Greg and Belle. The build up in their relationship is so well done from the prologue book of the series to this book that takes place years later. I was so hoping for a happy ending for them and Alina did not disappoint. Greg is an unapolegetic asshole but I loved him even if at times I hated him. Belle was super relatable and strong. She is one of my favorite female characters in a book written. I'm going to miss the Manhattan Svennson brothers and all their adorable sisters but hopefully there will be other appearances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Something about the tone of this book just set my teeth on edge from the very beginning. From the very first scenes, the heroine just comes across as a terrible person. Frankly, the hero isn’t much better. I am new to this series, so perhaps I missed a book or two where they were better people, but based solely on how they are in this book, they are utterly unlikable, unredeemable characters. As I've said in other reviews, I don't understand why authors do this. Surely, they understand readers want to identify on some level with the heroine—and few of us want to think of ourselves as being a boss b1tch!—and fall in love with a hero along with the heroine. Authors shouldn't make us work so hard to do so, and they certainly shouldn't make it impossible, as it is in this book. I'll admit I did enjoy some of the terrible tricks they played on each other, but even that felt like an icky pleasure, as I know that love stories should be about the romance—not one-upmanship, not bullying, not vengeance—and this book was certainly not about a love story in any shape or form. If you like nasty people who are catty to each other, you might enjoy this book better than I did.
I received a free copy of this book (thank the gods), but that did not affect my review.
Finally Greg and Belle get their story. As usual Greg can’t help but sabotage himself. And Belle has good reason not to trust him. His investment company had bought out Belle’s. And she is forced to work in the office next door. The ones with glass walls. It is torture of the first order. Can she put up with this for three years? That’s how long the contract says she has until she can start her own company. And Greg is trying to mend fences and win her back. This story has them on again and off again. Like I said Greg can’t help himself. He has control issues. And the big trial for his father is looming. He will not let the prosecutor offer a plea bargain. But can he really put his little sisters in the witness box? Can he let Belle off the hook too? What will it take for him to see reason? This book has all the feels: love, hate, obsession, fear, betrayal and more. But it wouldn’t be an Alina Jacobs book without a Happily Ever After. But she does make the characters work for it. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.
Belle Frost can’t believe she is being forced to work for the man who stole her company, or that she is even considering giving him another chance. But as a six-foot-tall woman it isn’t oftern that she finds a man that is taller than she is, but he is also totally gorgeous, and he seems to think she is beautiful. Greg is determined to convince Belle he loves her and he can change, unfortunately he just seems to make her furious with him again and again even though he just wants to make her life better. I love these characters. They are well written, unique, and perfect for each other. They’re both successful, stubborn, and constantly underestimating each other. Hysterically funny can steamy romancee with unexpected twist in the plot that keep a reader engossed in the pages of this must read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
For anyone who has been reading this series, I’m sure y’all have been desperately waiting for Greg and Belle’s story just as much as I have. This book has been built for what feels like years now and the wait was worth it.
Greg and Belle’s book is why I feel in love with Alina Jacobs writing in the first place and why I continue to read her books after all these years. For a book that was meant to be a romantic comedy, this book made me so emotional as it felt like it was meant for older sisters to read. Belle has sacrificed and taken on so much to protect and raise her brothers at the expense of her own happiness. Her and Greg are so interesting to read because they can break each other if they choose to, and yet their love shines off the page as well.
I am so sad to have finished this series, but I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This book is the culmination of all the previous Svensson books. It’s the awakening and Greg’s epiphany of his behaviors and how they affect the ones he loves. It’s emotional to read about child abuse. It’s hard to deal with the amounts of anger and frustration Belle and Greg experience. The ups and downs are constant. Belles personal self esteem waffles. Greg’s goodness is mixed with his PTSD from his abuse as a child and he suffers with issues of control and the desire for revenge. He is driven to win at all cost. E en though this book ended with an HEA I need more of Belle and Greg. This was the hardest book in the series because of all the emotions but worth it. Do not read this as a stand-alone. You should read the recommended books prior. I read the complete series in order and I recommend that. Phew, my heart is racing.
Honestly, this book was too long, but the banter and the steam were too good. There was sad stuff and funny stuff, but for me, the only downside was that I read this book as a stand-alone alone so going in, with all the Svenssons, I was so god damn confused as to how many were there and who all were there. I also personally didn't like some of the narration in between, and I also felt that I was quite lost on the whole trial stuff. I wish we had a) character profiles and family tree at the start (of both Seattle and Manhattan Svenssons, the FMC's siblings etc.), b) I would have loved a bit more background on the trial and the MCs past relationship together (what went on and how it ended). Please note that like I said, this was read as a stand-alone by me, so if some of these context were covered in the previous books, I might have missed it.
I have read and enjoyed a number of Alina's books. Greg and Belle's story is one I have been looking forward to for a long time, and it definitely did not disappoint! Despite how they have antagonized each other they have undeniable chemistry and it was easy to see the connection between them.
So many story threads from the series came together and it was interesting seeing how everything played out. As with all of Alina's books there is plenty of humor and fun, but there's also emotional moments and enough drama to keep things interesting. This was the perfect wrap up to Greg and Belle's story, and I'm glad they got their HEA!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Greg and Belle used to be lovers but then he ruined Belle's business. Now she's employed in his company, restricted by a no-competition contract. They argue and insult each other a lot, in the middle of lusting after each other, so it's a tense relationship. I was entertained although there is a continuing backstory that might be a little confusing if you haven't read any previous books in the series. His abusive and criminal father had a lot of children and Greg is taking care of some of his little siblings. The father is on trial and everyone is on edge because they might need to testify. It comes to a kind of conclusion in this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After Book 5 I really wondered if Greg was redeemable. When I first started reading this book my doubts became stronger. This book will make you laugh out loud, cry and keep you wondering why these two just can’t get out of their own way! Or are they just wrong for one another even though they are so drawn to each other. Sometimes love is just not enough. I was completely sucked into this story. Will Greg sacrifice everything he holds dear, including Belle, just to win? Or will he finally get it and realize that sometimes winning is a cold and lonely way to lose? I gave up hope for these two at times but, hey, this is Alina Jacobs and a happy ending is guaranteed. Isn’t it?
Dates I Love to Hate: A Second Chance Romantic Comedy (The Manhattan Svenssons Book 6) by Alina Jacobs. I know I am not the only fan that has been waiting to get her hands on Greg and Bella’s story. All the wicked banter, the push and pull, the crazy antics, the emotion, OH and the heat. I was so ready and yet, didn’t want it to end. This journey with the Svenssons has been quite a ride- only thing you know to expect is quirky and awkward characters, OTT drama, emotion and insecurities, and undeniable chemistry, and plenty of LOLs. This story had a great amount of intensity and emotion, along with heart and heat. I’m so happy they are enjoying a much-deserved HEA (for now).
This love-hate relationship has been brewing for a long time and I am so glad that Belle and Greg finally get their HEA! Of course, their path is not smooth sailing and is even more chaotic since both have control/independence issues stemming from their childhood and need to find a way to let the other in. It was sweet to see that they both have their uncertainties that they mask with their cool commanding attitudes. Their chemistry is off the charts because of this! This was a great read that had me hooked from the very start!.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ohhh Elle, as funny and goofy and human as this story is, I just want a happy ending for you soooo much! For those new to the Manhattan Svenssons series - there are a few pre-reads you can enjoy for more context but otherwise you can for sure read this as a stand alone. Greg- our MMC - can be a complete moron and makes you wanna hit him one minute and hug it out the next. The banter and tension between our couple is top notch and brings all the feels on the rocky, pot-hole-filled road to their HEA. So. Much. Fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It feels like we have been waiting for Belle and Greg’s story for the longest time and boy, was it worth waiting for! The ‘will they, won’t they’ hate to love theme that peppered the earlier Svensson books finally comes to a satisfying conclusion in this book, but the plot keeps you guessing right up until the end. The younger Svensson sisters play a big role and are adorable with their outrageous and hilarious antics. The chemistry between Greg and Belle is sizzling as they try to outwit each other in hilarious ways. This is the ultimate feel good romance - I frequently giggled as I read it and didn’t want the story to end.
Unfortunately for Belle she now works at Svensson Investments with Greg as her boss. To say she hates it is an understatement. But the agreement which probably kept her out of jail means she has to work there and not open her own company again for three years. A girlfriend. Ick. Stuck in an elevator with her enemy. He still wants her. She still wants him. This story was absolutely fantastic as per usual with this author. Each and every book she writes is as good as the last. No exceptions. And all highly recommended reading.
So I found Alina Jacobs books last year. If you like rom com, you are going to LOVE this author. We are talking proper LOL belly laugh, tears rolling down your cheeks funny. This book deals with Greg and Belle. Personal highlights for me, his hellion sisters, Emma and Dana (Belles friends), I could go on and on but I don’t want to post spoilers.
Just trust me when i say you are going to love this book.
OTT rom com at its absolute best ( & there is a great back catalogue to catch up on too).
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bella and Greg have a previous history. Their past relationship ended when Greg let his work took the front seat leaving Bella behind, add in the factor that competed for the same clients.
Now Greg has bought out her company and is in the office next to her. This is a story of high tension, mean girls, family drama with a growing feeling that his weighed down by the past.
Great story that is hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a second chance romantic comedy between Belle and Greg who are characters previously a part of this series. Greg is now Belle’s boss having bought her business and protecting it from bankruptcy even though the business failure was his fault. Their enemies to lovers relationship has brilliant banter, laughable situations, fun self talk, some drama, a femme fatale after Greg, and a humorous journey finding love. I highly recommend this enjoyable and well written book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Greg Svennson and Belle Frost have been in a love/hate relationship forever! Belle finally made a financial misstep that left the door open for Greg to buy her investment company. Adding salt to the wound, he hires her with a non-compete clause for three years. She must work for him for three years! Then to add the cherry on top, he puts her in a office next to his with a glass wall separating them. A lady from PR (Magdalena) sets her sights on the handsome Greg and tries to undermine Belle on all fronts.
A story that has been highly anticipated for some time and the author delivered a humorous and entertaining story. There was misunderstanding, miscommunication, betrayal, deceit, love, lies, and romance. Everything was woven together beautifully but even with all that, I still wasn’t sure where they would end up. I can’t wait to read the next book. Great storytelling.
I received a copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have anticipated Greg and Belle's book for a long time. I didn't know how Alina Jacobs could pull off the last of the Manhattan Svensson stories, but oh my goodness...did she ever end it on a high note! Belle and Greg's growth was so amazing and touching. Hate-to-love is my favorite trope, and Greg and Belle's relationship throughout the Manhattan Svensson books has been one of the best in that trope. Dates I Love to Hate might just be the apex.
So trust me when I say you need to pick up this book as you’re going to love it!!
Alina Jacobs shoots & scores again! This book was absolutely amazing! Greg and Belle’s story was everything I could have hoped for and so much more. To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement! It’s so much fun and so entertaining. It will make your blood pressure go up, want to shout at the characters, and they’re make you'll laugh all the way through. This over the top rom com is the absolute best I’ve read by this author. So trust me when I say you need to pick up this book as you’re going to love it just as much as I did. Plus there is a lot more to come from this author with this series and also there are the books that started this series off to catch up on if you haven’t already started reading them. Happy reading everyone