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The Home Share
Evie needs shelter. Eleanore needs rent money. Jakes needs to mind his own business. A home share with her Golden Girl neighbour is the answer to Evie’s problems. The only fly in the ointment? Eleanore’s suspicious, grumpy grandson who moves in too, to protect his grandmother and her interests. Two’s company. Three’s a crowd. Infuriating Jake is everywhere, asking questions, stealing her coffee and cinnamon rolls, and hogging the shower. But he’s remarkably sweet to his Gran. And Evie’s cat loves him. When Jake’s business deal threatens to fall apart, she agrees to help, and finds herself neck deep in a fake relationship with a guy who’s increasingly irresistible. Before long, hearts get tangled. When lies are exposed and the truth blows up in their faces, will there be anything left worth salvaging?
190 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2023
25 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Sally Clements
30 books235 followersI write romance from sweet to steamy, and I'm a hybrid author: both traditionally published and indie.
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MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE IS HERE
https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Clements...
MY FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE IS HERE
https://www.facebook.com/SallyClement...
MY WEBSITE IS HERE
http://sallyclements.com/
MY TWITTER IS HERE
https://twitter.com/sallywriter
My Books:
SWEET SERIES:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 20, 2023
Thank you to BooksGoSocial for the ARC!
This story is a quick and fun read that combines forced proximity with the fake relationship trope, and it definitely made my rom-com loving heart happy.
Evie is unique in her own way. From her job to her outlook on life and love, she's not the typical rom-com FMC.
Jake is endearing in his own way. Smart and ambitious, he's also fiercely loyal and cares deeply for those around him.
When they unexpectedly wind up being roommates, you would expect there to be some animosity simply based on the reason why it happens. But, what is refreshing is how respectful they are to each other from the very beginning. When these two move from being temporary roommates to having to fake a relationship, their dynamic shifts completely. The lines quickly blur between fake and real, but neither of them shies away from the possibility. They accept it for what it is. What keeps it from becoming a fully fledged relationship is Evie's history and Jake's work troubles. It's pretty clear that once those are resolved, they'll figure it all out.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Eleanor and Oscar, the Sweeneys, Soo and the Alphas, and of course, Cleo. The side characters in this story are so well-written and seamlessly integrated into the story that "meeting" them feels so natural and unforced. In each case, it is clear how they play a role in the story.
The reason that this gets 4 ⭐️ instead of 5 is because somehow, as sweet as this story was, it was missing that oomph.
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story is a quick and fun read that combines forced proximity with the fake relationship trope, and it definitely made my rom-com loving heart happy.
Evie is unique in her own way. From her job to her outlook on life and love, she's not the typical rom-com FMC.
Jake is endearing in his own way. Smart and ambitious, he's also fiercely loyal and cares deeply for those around him.
When they unexpectedly wind up being roommates, you would expect there to be some animosity simply based on the reason why it happens. But, what is refreshing is how respectful they are to each other from the very beginning. When these two move from being temporary roommates to having to fake a relationship, their dynamic shifts completely. The lines quickly blur between fake and real, but neither of them shies away from the possibility. They accept it for what it is. What keeps it from becoming a fully fledged relationship is Evie's history and Jake's work troubles. It's pretty clear that once those are resolved, they'll figure it all out.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Eleanor and Oscar, the Sweeneys, Soo and the Alphas, and of course, Cleo. The side characters in this story are so well-written and seamlessly integrated into the story that "meeting" them feels so natural and unforced. In each case, it is clear how they play a role in the story.
The reason that this gets 4 ⭐️ instead of 5 is because somehow, as sweet as this story was, it was missing that oomph.
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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October 26, 2023This was a cute romcom. Evie ends up moving in with her elderly neighbour when her roommate moves. It works well for both of them but Eleanore’s handsome grandson worries Evie is trying to take advantage of his grandma so he also ends up moving in. Since it is a romcom they of course develop a romantic relationship. The characters were fun and quirky and I enjoyed this book.
September 10, 2023
Thank you netgalley for the ARC of The Home Share by Sally Clements in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was my first Sally Clements book and it definitely won’t be my last! It was a great fast fun read.
The perfect book to escape from reality.
I am excited to read more of her books!
Definitely would recommend!
This was my first Sally Clements book and it definitely won’t be my last! It was a great fast fun read.
The perfect book to escape from reality.
I am excited to read more of her books!
Definitely would recommend!
September 5, 2023
Review:
I received this book from NetGalley for Review
It's a little closer to a 3 than a 2, so it's like a 2.75.
There are elements of this book that I really liked. The first 20% was better, and from there things felt very rushed.
I loved all the characters, but I don't really feel like I know them as a group. Eleanore is the most developed character, and she's a side character. I feel like I know more about her than I do the protagonists. There's a lot of telling in this book, we keep getting told how Evie and Jake feel about each other, but even in the internal dialog it doesn't come across why they're falling for each other since both of them keep things from each other.
This book will irritate people, like me, who hate the miscommunication trope. The whole book is just them not talking to each other about things, or keeping something from the other person that would help with context.
The side-plot of Jake and the company shenanigans was very rushed as well. It was part of the Third-act breakup that is common in romance books, but it's not wrapped up. The book kind of just ends and we don't find out what happened with the company he works for, which feels important since it became such a large part of the plot.
This book doesn't feel finished. There are a lot of loose ends, including Jake's overbearing mother who I feel like should've been addressed beyond a throwaway line about Jake telling his mother Eleanore was fine. Nothing felt like it had real closure. And I don't believe that Evie and Jake were in love. I wasn't convinced, they had only started to trust each other at the end of the book.
I received this book from NetGalley for Review
It's a little closer to a 3 than a 2, so it's like a 2.75.
There are elements of this book that I really liked. The first 20% was better, and from there things felt very rushed.
I loved all the characters, but I don't really feel like I know them as a group. Eleanore is the most developed character, and she's a side character. I feel like I know more about her than I do the protagonists. There's a lot of telling in this book, we keep getting told how Evie and Jake feel about each other, but even in the internal dialog it doesn't come across why they're falling for each other since both of them keep things from each other.
This book will irritate people, like me, who hate the miscommunication trope. The whole book is just them not talking to each other about things, or keeping something from the other person that would help with context.
The side-plot of Jake and the company shenanigans was very rushed as well. It was part of the Third-act breakup that is common in romance books, but it's not wrapped up. The book kind of just ends and we don't find out what happened with the company he works for, which feels important since it became such a large part of the plot.
This book doesn't feel finished. There are a lot of loose ends, including Jake's overbearing mother who I feel like should've been addressed beyond a throwaway line about Jake telling his mother Eleanore was fine. Nothing felt like it had real closure. And I don't believe that Evie and Jake were in love. I wasn't convinced, they had only started to trust each other at the end of the book.
August 22, 2023
I always feel slightly apprehensive when I first start reading a book by an author that I'm unfamiliar with. Will I enjoy their writing style? What if the text is riddled with typos and grammatical errors? And worst of all, what if it turns out to be one of those books that I don't want to finish—yet feel obligated to?
Fortunately, these fears quickly dissipated when I began The Home Share by Sally Clements. In fact, I ended up so engrossed that I finished the entire book in less than a day!
Evie is searching for a new place to live and isn't having much luck. That is, until her elderly neighbour Eleanore, with whom she 'shares' her cat Cleopatra, suggests that Evie live with her. Evie has her doubts at first but it's not long before she feels like she's finally found a real home.
Complications arise when Eleanore's estranged grandson Jake comes to the area on business and decides to crash the home share. Although their first meeting and initial interaction is far from auspicious, Evie and Jake become friends and eventually find themselves pretending to be in a relationship.
The line between fact and fiction becomes blurry as Evie starts to realise that this suspicious, uptight businessman is also thoughtful, compassionate and utterly charming. But the secrets that Jake is hiding might be too much for her heart to handle...
It would be remiss of me to not give a shout-out to Eleanore's character. I love reading about older characters who live happy and fulfilled lives.
Final thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, hilarious and utterly endearing story. A must-read for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies, cute kitties, and infuriatingly attractive men.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Fortunately, these fears quickly dissipated when I began The Home Share by Sally Clements. In fact, I ended up so engrossed that I finished the entire book in less than a day!
Evie is searching for a new place to live and isn't having much luck. That is, until her elderly neighbour Eleanore, with whom she 'shares' her cat Cleopatra, suggests that Evie live with her. Evie has her doubts at first but it's not long before she feels like she's finally found a real home.
Complications arise when Eleanore's estranged grandson Jake comes to the area on business and decides to crash the home share. Although their first meeting and initial interaction is far from auspicious, Evie and Jake become friends and eventually find themselves pretending to be in a relationship.
The line between fact and fiction becomes blurry as Evie starts to realise that this suspicious, uptight businessman is also thoughtful, compassionate and utterly charming. But the secrets that Jake is hiding might be too much for her heart to handle...
It would be remiss of me to not give a shout-out to Eleanore's character. I love reading about older characters who live happy and fulfilled lives.
Final thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, hilarious and utterly endearing story. A must-read for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies, cute kitties, and infuriatingly attractive men.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 19, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for my honest review.
To summarize, there are three main characters to this story - Evie, a down-on-her-luck twentysomething forced to relocate because she's outpriced in her own neighbourhood; her elderly neighbor Eleanore, who offers her a place to live, and Jake, Eleanore's distrustful grandson.
I was a little bit let down after reading this one especially since the general premise is kind of like catnip to me. There's nothing that's more fun than romantic hijinks between a distrustful man, feeling protective of a loved one, and the woman he so deeply distrusts. The characters were fine but I felt like they were deeply surface-level - I don't think I got to know anyone that well at all. I appreciate a good third-person perspective but I think it's important if you're choosing that POV, that the audience still feels immersed in what's happening. I think having a separate POV for Eleanore as well, didn't really lend the book to succeed with me.
I did think the plot was fun, though! It was kind of a sweet love story and overall, generally a fun time. It was a quick read, and while the story felt rushed in some places, the dynamic between Evie and Jake felt natural and sweet.
To summarize, there are three main characters to this story - Evie, a down-on-her-luck twentysomething forced to relocate because she's outpriced in her own neighbourhood; her elderly neighbor Eleanore, who offers her a place to live, and Jake, Eleanore's distrustful grandson.
I was a little bit let down after reading this one especially since the general premise is kind of like catnip to me. There's nothing that's more fun than romantic hijinks between a distrustful man, feeling protective of a loved one, and the woman he so deeply distrusts. The characters were fine but I felt like they were deeply surface-level - I don't think I got to know anyone that well at all. I appreciate a good third-person perspective but I think it's important if you're choosing that POV, that the audience still feels immersed in what's happening. I think having a separate POV for Eleanore as well, didn't really lend the book to succeed with me.
I did think the plot was fun, though! It was kind of a sweet love story and overall, generally a fun time. It was a quick read, and while the story felt rushed in some places, the dynamic between Evie and Jake felt natural and sweet.
November 28, 2024
(3.5 stars rounded up) Thanks, BooksGoSocial, for the arc!
I’m a huge fan of forced proximity and fake relationships, so after reading the book blurb, I felt THE HOME SHARE would be a good book for me. I was right! And it had another trope I love—meddling grandparents! Overall, it was a cute story with excellent characters that made me want to root for them to have the story turn out happily!
Even though the book is a little short at 190 pages, and I wish it could have been a little longer to give Evie and Jake more time to fall in love during their fake relationship, I enjoyed how the story unfolded. It was a neat idea of forced proximity and how everyone meddled in their lives. I giggled quite a few times. Eleanore, Jake’s grandma, is the best!
I enjoyed this. It is a cute, no spice, rom-com, quick read! I read it in a day!
I’m a huge fan of forced proximity and fake relationships, so after reading the book blurb, I felt THE HOME SHARE would be a good book for me. I was right! And it had another trope I love—meddling grandparents! Overall, it was a cute story with excellent characters that made me want to root for them to have the story turn out happily!
Even though the book is a little short at 190 pages, and I wish it could have been a little longer to give Evie and Jake more time to fall in love during their fake relationship, I enjoyed how the story unfolded. It was a neat idea of forced proximity and how everyone meddled in their lives. I giggled quite a few times. Eleanore, Jake’s grandma, is the best!
I enjoyed this. It is a cute, no spice, rom-com, quick read! I read it in a day!
September 16, 2023
2 stars
Evie needs shelter. Eleanore needs rent money. Jake needs to mind his own business.
So basically, the home Evie is renting is going to be sold, so she has to move however she’s unable to find anywhere that will allow pets and within her price range. So Evie moves in with Eleanore her elderly neighbour.
Eleanore grandson Jake is back in Dublin due to business, and starts getting suspicious of Evie taking advantage of his grandmother and he decides to move in with them.
When Jake's business deal threatens to fall apart, Evie agrees to help, and finds herself neck deep in a fake relationship with a guy who's increasingly irresistible. Before long, hearts get tangled. When lies are exposed and the truth blows up in their faces, will there be anything left worth salvaging?
It could have been better! If you’re looking for a short read or want to boast your reading goal then maybe this would be good… I liked the premise but I think the story was definitely rushed and maybe there could’ve been a few more chapters, only because the book didn’t feel finished? because to me it felt rushed, not much character development and some loose ends.
Evie needs shelter. Eleanore needs rent money. Jake needs to mind his own business.
So basically, the home Evie is renting is going to be sold, so she has to move however she’s unable to find anywhere that will allow pets and within her price range. So Evie moves in with Eleanore her elderly neighbour.
Eleanore grandson Jake is back in Dublin due to business, and starts getting suspicious of Evie taking advantage of his grandmother and he decides to move in with them.
When Jake's business deal threatens to fall apart, Evie agrees to help, and finds herself neck deep in a fake relationship with a guy who's increasingly irresistible. Before long, hearts get tangled. When lies are exposed and the truth blows up in their faces, will there be anything left worth salvaging?
It could have been better! If you’re looking for a short read or want to boast your reading goal then maybe this would be good… I liked the premise but I think the story was definitely rushed and maybe there could’ve been a few more chapters, only because the book didn’t feel finished? because to me it felt rushed, not much character development and some loose ends.
August 21, 2023
well i didn't gel with this book. which was unfortunate as it had so much potential but it fell flat. the main reason was because i felt like a whole chunk of information was missing from the MC's relationship. Evie would describe how she laughed at Jake's jokes and liked how he treated his grandma but, unless i missed something, we didn't get to bare witness to it? and Evie also mentioned how they were in a sham relationship and how she wanted it be real, but by 40% i realized that their relationship had no page time.
i think the saving grace for me was Eleanor and her social circle. she was just a blast to read about and i wish i had a granny who read about blue aliens and was as cool as her.
i think the saving grace for me was Eleanor and her social circle. she was just a blast to read about and i wish i had a granny who read about blue aliens and was as cool as her.
September 2, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!
In sum, Evie's rented home is being sold, and she has to move. Unable to find anywhere that allows pets and is within her price range, she moves in with her elderly neighbour, Eleanore. Simultaneously, Eleanore's grandson Jake is back in Dublin on business, and is suspicious of Evie taking advantage of his grandmother and decides to move in with them himself.
The characters in this story were okay, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them - more like I was just scratching the surface. I feel the 3rd person narration is partly the reason for that; I personally don't like 3rd person narration all that much, especially for a more character driven story - one of my pet peeves is being told what a character thinks and feels, rather than the character showing it themselves. That being said, that is my subjective opinion and I know now everyone shares this view.
The plot was enjoyable enough: Evie needing to find a new place to live, a suspicious grandson wanting to make sure his grandmother wasn't being taken advantage of, enlisting the new house mate to help him with his business, a fake relationship developing into something more, and the ploy to take down a corrupt and unethical company.
At times, the story felt a bit rushed to me and that some things had been cut, resulting in other things happening sooner than what felt natural. I also would've preferred a different narration style. to end on a good note, I liked that this book had short chapters, as well as the book itself being short, so it was quick to read!
In sum, Evie's rented home is being sold, and she has to move. Unable to find anywhere that allows pets and is within her price range, she moves in with her elderly neighbour, Eleanore. Simultaneously, Eleanore's grandson Jake is back in Dublin on business, and is suspicious of Evie taking advantage of his grandmother and decides to move in with them himself.
The characters in this story were okay, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them - more like I was just scratching the surface. I feel the 3rd person narration is partly the reason for that; I personally don't like 3rd person narration all that much, especially for a more character driven story - one of my pet peeves is being told what a character thinks and feels, rather than the character showing it themselves. That being said, that is my subjective opinion and I know now everyone shares this view.
The plot was enjoyable enough: Evie needing to find a new place to live, a suspicious grandson wanting to make sure his grandmother wasn't being taken advantage of, enlisting the new house mate to help him with his business, a fake relationship developing into something more, and the ploy to take down a corrupt and unethical company.
At times, the story felt a bit rushed to me and that some things had been cut, resulting in other things happening sooner than what felt natural. I also would've preferred a different narration style. to end on a good note, I liked that this book had short chapters, as well as the book itself being short, so it was quick to read!
August 19, 2023
"The Home Share" by Sally Clements seems to be a contemporary romance novel that revolves around the lives of Evie, Eleanore, and Jake. The story appears to be a lighthearted and engaging exploration of relationships, misunderstandings, and unexpected connections. Here are the key points about the book:
1. **Unconventional Living Arrangement:** The book's premise involves Evie and Eleanore entering into a home share arrangement. Evie needs shelter, while Eleanore requires rent money. This sets the stage for their lives to become intertwined in a shared living space.
2. **Introducing Jake:** Jake, Eleanore's grandson, becomes an additional presence in the home when he moves in to look after his grandmother's interests and ensure her well-being. His initial reluctance to Evie's presence likely leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.
3. **Tension and Relationships:** The description hints at tension between Evie and Jake due to their differing personalities and motivations. However, as they spend more time together, a complex relationship seems to develop, with moments of irritation and attraction.
4. **Fake Relationship:** The story takes an interesting turn when Evie agrees to help Jake with a business deal, leading to a fake relationship between the two. This development may bring about comedic situations, misunderstandings, and emotional entanglements.
5. **Themes of Love and Truth:** As the story progresses, it appears that the characters will navigate themes of love, honesty, and personal growth. The reveal of lies and truths could lead to significant character development and relationship dynamics.
6. **Humor and Heart:** The description suggests a mix of humor and heart in the novel, which could create an enjoyable reading experience. The conflicts, interactions, and unexpected moments between the characters may offer both entertainment and emotional depth.
7. **Romantic Elements:** "The Home Share" is likely to explore romantic elements as Evie and Jake's relationship evolves from irritation to attraction. The book may provide readers with a satisfying romantic journey as the characters confront their feelings for each other.
8. **Character Growth:** The challenges and dilemmas faced by the characters could lead to personal growth and transformation. The book's resolution may involve the characters learning to navigate their feelings, expectations, and vulnerabilities.
Overall, "The Home Share" appears to be a charming and light-hearted romance novel that weaves together themes of relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. The interactions, conflicts, and evolving emotions of the characters seem to promise an engaging and heartwarming reading experience.
1. **Unconventional Living Arrangement:** The book's premise involves Evie and Eleanore entering into a home share arrangement. Evie needs shelter, while Eleanore requires rent money. This sets the stage for their lives to become intertwined in a shared living space.
2. **Introducing Jake:** Jake, Eleanore's grandson, becomes an additional presence in the home when he moves in to look after his grandmother's interests and ensure her well-being. His initial reluctance to Evie's presence likely leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.
3. **Tension and Relationships:** The description hints at tension between Evie and Jake due to their differing personalities and motivations. However, as they spend more time together, a complex relationship seems to develop, with moments of irritation and attraction.
4. **Fake Relationship:** The story takes an interesting turn when Evie agrees to help Jake with a business deal, leading to a fake relationship between the two. This development may bring about comedic situations, misunderstandings, and emotional entanglements.
5. **Themes of Love and Truth:** As the story progresses, it appears that the characters will navigate themes of love, honesty, and personal growth. The reveal of lies and truths could lead to significant character development and relationship dynamics.
6. **Humor and Heart:** The description suggests a mix of humor and heart in the novel, which could create an enjoyable reading experience. The conflicts, interactions, and unexpected moments between the characters may offer both entertainment and emotional depth.
7. **Romantic Elements:** "The Home Share" is likely to explore romantic elements as Evie and Jake's relationship evolves from irritation to attraction. The book may provide readers with a satisfying romantic journey as the characters confront their feelings for each other.
8. **Character Growth:** The challenges and dilemmas faced by the characters could lead to personal growth and transformation. The book's resolution may involve the characters learning to navigate their feelings, expectations, and vulnerabilities.
Overall, "The Home Share" appears to be a charming and light-hearted romance novel that weaves together themes of relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. The interactions, conflicts, and evolving emotions of the characters seem to promise an engaging and heartwarming reading experience.
December 4, 2023
"The Home Share" by Sally Clements offers a light-hearted romantic tale centered around the theme of home sharing, blending elements of forced proximity and fake relationships. While the novel presents an enjoyable plot and features characters with quirks that add charm to the story, it falls short in providing a fully immersive experience.
The third-person narration offers a broad perspective on the characters, but the depth of their personalities seems limited. It feels like the surface is only scratched, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of the characters' backgrounds, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative.
The book incorporates popular romance tropes, such as forced proximity, but takes a refreshing approach by having Evie and Jake exhibit respect and understanding from the outset. This departure from the typical animosity between characters adds a unique twist to the romance genre.
Despite the enjoyable plot, there are instances where the story feels rushed, missing opportunities to delve into certain aspects that could have enriched the narrative. The pacing, at times, detracts from the depth of the storytelling, leaving readers wanting more substance.
The characters, while fun and quirky, lack the oomph needed to make them truly memorable. The relationships and dynamics could benefit from more exploration and development to create a stronger emotional connection with the readers.
The novel introduces the common third-act breakup, a staple in romance books, but the resolution might feel abrupt, and some loose ends could be tied up more neatly. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of things being incomplete, lacking a comprehensive wrap-up.
In conclusion, "The Home Share" is a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for those seeking a light-hearted romance. While the novel has its merits, including a fun plot and endearing characters, there's room for improvement in terms of character depth, pacing, and a more satisfying conclusion.
3.7 rounded up to 4/5.
The third-person narration offers a broad perspective on the characters, but the depth of their personalities seems limited. It feels like the surface is only scratched, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of the characters' backgrounds, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative.
The book incorporates popular romance tropes, such as forced proximity, but takes a refreshing approach by having Evie and Jake exhibit respect and understanding from the outset. This departure from the typical animosity between characters adds a unique twist to the romance genre.
Despite the enjoyable plot, there are instances where the story feels rushed, missing opportunities to delve into certain aspects that could have enriched the narrative. The pacing, at times, detracts from the depth of the storytelling, leaving readers wanting more substance.
The characters, while fun and quirky, lack the oomph needed to make them truly memorable. The relationships and dynamics could benefit from more exploration and development to create a stronger emotional connection with the readers.
The novel introduces the common third-act breakup, a staple in romance books, but the resolution might feel abrupt, and some loose ends could be tied up more neatly. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of things being incomplete, lacking a comprehensive wrap-up.
In conclusion, "The Home Share" is a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for those seeking a light-hearted romance. While the novel has its merits, including a fun plot and endearing characters, there's room for improvement in terms of character depth, pacing, and a more satisfying conclusion.
3.7 rounded up to 4/5.
September 8, 2023
I am a huge fan of romcom, specially of there enemies to lovers trope and this book was promising so much, but did not fulfils my expectation.
As a sum up, ther story is focus on Evie, an orphan girl who works as a driver in a tourist company in Dublin, and Jack, who's a workaholic and who has no relationship with his grandmother. Evie, after she was asked to move out from her rental house with her best friends, is in desperate need of a new home, and her her petsitter, and old neighbour, offers her to move in with her. Then Jack c0mes to the picture by moving in with both of them in order to keep and eyes on Evie.
That sounds perfect and promising, as I said before, but the plot twist was never there. Thew writing was so fast and easy that I have no idea how I get to the 50% of the books in two hours (I am a slower reader), but while I was reading, many things came to my mind. How and when did the attraction between Jack and Eviestarted? There was a moment that they barely talk and see each other, and the next chapter they are faking a relationship for Jack and five minutes later they are in love.
What do we know about Jack beside that he loves his job, does not have a good relationship with his mother, and barely talked to his grandmother until he went to Dublin? or about Evie beside that ayer mother died a few years ago and that her best friends has a fiancé? I think we know more about Eleanore and her life that about the two main characters.
Im not saying that it was not a good book, it was, and Jack is a sweetheart, and I wanted to yelled at Evie to many times, so that's giood, it means that the book did move my feelings, made me feel things, but I would love to read more about each character, know more about the interaction in the house between them and how they did fell for each other.
And to conclude I want to thanks NetGallery, BooksGoSocial and Sally Clements for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!
As a sum up, ther story is focus on Evie, an orphan girl who works as a driver in a tourist company in Dublin, and Jack, who's a workaholic and who has no relationship with his grandmother. Evie, after she was asked to move out from her rental house with her best friends, is in desperate need of a new home, and her her petsitter, and old neighbour, offers her to move in with her. Then Jack c0mes to the picture by moving in with both of them in order to keep and eyes on Evie.
That sounds perfect and promising, as I said before, but the plot twist was never there. Thew writing was so fast and easy that I have no idea how I get to the 50% of the books in two hours (I am a slower reader), but while I was reading, many things came to my mind. How and when did the attraction between Jack and Eviestarted? There was a moment that they barely talk and see each other, and the next chapter they are faking a relationship for Jack and five minutes later they are in love.
What do we know about Jack beside that he loves his job, does not have a good relationship with his mother, and barely talked to his grandmother until he went to Dublin? or about Evie beside that ayer mother died a few years ago and that her best friends has a fiancé? I think we know more about Eleanore and her life that about the two main characters.
Im not saying that it was not a good book, it was, and Jack is a sweetheart, and I wanted to yelled at Evie to many times, so that's giood, it means that the book did move my feelings, made me feel things, but I would love to read more about each character, know more about the interaction in the house between them and how they did fell for each other.
And to conclude I want to thanks NetGallery, BooksGoSocial and Sally Clements for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 23, 2023
"The Home Share" by Sally Clements is a heartwarming and uplifting contemporary romance novel that explores themes of second chances, friendship, and the healing power of love.
The story introduces readers to the protagonist, who finds herself in a challenging situation when she opens her home to a stranger as part of a home-sharing arrangement. As the story unfolds, Clements skillfully develops the bond between the two main characters, allowing their connection to evolve naturally from friendship to romance.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and relatable, and their personal journeys are central to the story. The themes of trust, vulnerability, and personal growth are beautifully portrayed as the characters navigate their unique living arrangement and the challenges that come with it.
Clements' writing is engaging and evocative, immersing readers in the cozy atmosphere of the shared home and the emotions of the characters. While "The Home Share" follows some familiar romance novel tropes, it distinguishes itself through its focus on the unconventional living arrangement and the depth of the characters' emotions.
Ultimately, the novel is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of love. It reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the most meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
In conclusion, "The Home Share" by Sally Clements is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant contemporary romance that explores the themes of trust, friendship, and love in an unconventional setting. If you're a fan of romance novels that prioritize character development and emotional depth, this book is a wonderful choice. Sally Clements' storytelling talent shines through in this touching and uplifting tale of love and second chances.
The story introduces readers to the protagonist, who finds herself in a challenging situation when she opens her home to a stranger as part of a home-sharing arrangement. As the story unfolds, Clements skillfully develops the bond between the two main characters, allowing their connection to evolve naturally from friendship to romance.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and relatable, and their personal journeys are central to the story. The themes of trust, vulnerability, and personal growth are beautifully portrayed as the characters navigate their unique living arrangement and the challenges that come with it.
Clements' writing is engaging and evocative, immersing readers in the cozy atmosphere of the shared home and the emotions of the characters. While "The Home Share" follows some familiar romance novel tropes, it distinguishes itself through its focus on the unconventional living arrangement and the depth of the characters' emotions.
Ultimately, the novel is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of love. It reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the most meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
In conclusion, "The Home Share" by Sally Clements is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant contemporary romance that explores the themes of trust, friendship, and love in an unconventional setting. If you're a fan of romance novels that prioritize character development and emotional depth, this book is a wonderful choice. Sally Clements' storytelling talent shines through in this touching and uplifting tale of love and second chances.
September 12, 2023
Evie and her cat Cleo are looking for a place to live in Dublin after her current rental is being put up for sale. Her elderly neighbor, Eleanore, who usually looks after Cleo while Evie is at work, offers Evie her home to share. Evie has just begun to live with Eleanore when Eleanore's grandson comes to Dublin for work.
While Jake is in town, his grandmother won't let him stay in a hotel and insists he also stay in her home.
This interesting dynamic is how The Home Share begins.
Although I enjoyed most parts of this book, it reads more like a novella than a fully fledged novel, which I found left a few things to be desired.
Eleanore was a beautifully created character and brought a lot of depth to the story. However, both Evie and Jake were a little two dimensional for my liking.
The pacing was bizarrely fast where details were either skipped over or scenes were described in retrospect. It would have been nice to see some of these scenes in more depth to show more character development and chemistry between the two MCs.
It felt as if Jake and Evie were indifferent towards each other in one chapter and then the next they had each other's back going ahead with a fake dating situation.
There was also a conflicting backstory with Jake, where he mentions to Evie that he's Eleanore's only grandson yet it's mentioned twice that Jake has brothers, so this confused me completely.
If you enjoy an easy-to-read, insta-love, fake dating romance then I'd definitely recommend this one. It would be great to read in an afternoon if you're looking for something light after reading a content heavy novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
While Jake is in town, his grandmother won't let him stay in a hotel and insists he also stay in her home.
This interesting dynamic is how The Home Share begins.
Although I enjoyed most parts of this book, it reads more like a novella than a fully fledged novel, which I found left a few things to be desired.
Eleanore was a beautifully created character and brought a lot of depth to the story. However, both Evie and Jake were a little two dimensional for my liking.
The pacing was bizarrely fast where details were either skipped over or scenes were described in retrospect. It would have been nice to see some of these scenes in more depth to show more character development and chemistry between the two MCs.
It felt as if Jake and Evie were indifferent towards each other in one chapter and then the next they had each other's back going ahead with a fake dating situation.
There was also a conflicting backstory with Jake, where he mentions to Evie that he's Eleanore's only grandson yet it's mentioned twice that Jake has brothers, so this confused me completely.
If you enjoy an easy-to-read, insta-love, fake dating romance then I'd definitely recommend this one. It would be great to read in an afternoon if you're looking for something light after reading a content heavy novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2023
🐈🏡🍀 The Home Share:🍀🏡🐈
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice rating: 🌶️
I was slightly frustrated because the author did a great job with build-up but then it faded to black despite use of words including erection during the build-up. Did imply that the MMC went down south though ****SQUEEEE****
Tropes: Insta-attraction, meet-cute (May be meet-ugly in Jake's mind (😂), fade-to-black, found family, miscommunication
Thoughts:
This novel was so cute and a great lighthearted romance. Personally, I most enjoy this type of book as a break and relaxing read between fantasy series, but it will be a hit with any fans of romance. What happens when you put a cute, funny and extremely social grandmother who happens to be the FMC's neighbor and best friend, the FMC who drives a bus for a living and is anxious about relationships, and the MMC with protective instincts together in one house? You get The Home Share! Eleanore and Cleo the cat were my favorite parts of this book, Eleanor is exactly who I want to grow up to be! She's social, humorous, and can still get it (😉)! Evie is a great FMC and I think she will be highly relatable for many readers. She has an instant connection with Jake after their meet-cute but is also extremely frustrated by his behavior that is driven by his work stress and lack of trust in Evie. Jake is extremely protective of his grandmother and moves in to make sure she isn't being taken advantage of, sparking a further connection with Evie in the process. I won't include further spoilers of the plot, you will have to pick up The Home Share to know what else happens!
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice rating: 🌶️
I was slightly frustrated because the author did a great job with build-up but then it faded to black despite use of words including erection during the build-up. Did imply that the MMC went down south though ****SQUEEEE****
Tropes: Insta-attraction, meet-cute (May be meet-ugly in Jake's mind (😂), fade-to-black, found family, miscommunication
Thoughts:
This novel was so cute and a great lighthearted romance. Personally, I most enjoy this type of book as a break and relaxing read between fantasy series, but it will be a hit with any fans of romance. What happens when you put a cute, funny and extremely social grandmother who happens to be the FMC's neighbor and best friend, the FMC who drives a bus for a living and is anxious about relationships, and the MMC with protective instincts together in one house? You get The Home Share! Eleanore and Cleo the cat were my favorite parts of this book, Eleanor is exactly who I want to grow up to be! She's social, humorous, and can still get it (😉)! Evie is a great FMC and I think she will be highly relatable for many readers. She has an instant connection with Jake after their meet-cute but is also extremely frustrated by his behavior that is driven by his work stress and lack of trust in Evie. Jake is extremely protective of his grandmother and moves in to make sure she isn't being taken advantage of, sparking a further connection with Evie in the process. I won't include further spoilers of the plot, you will have to pick up The Home Share to know what else happens!
September 19, 2023
Evie has just moved in with the 85yr old Eleanore next door when she meets Eleanore's grandson, Jake. He also happens to be the person who got roared at by her "Duck" tour bus, making him spill his coffee all over himself right before a big meeting.
The story is told in a dual point of view but in the third person, which normally I don't like but it worked for this story and there was no confusion at any point as to who's POV we were reading from. Evie and Jake start off in a pretend relationship in order to impress Jake's clients but it quickly turns into something real for both of them, but as neither are particularly good at talking about their emotions and Jake is distracted dealing with fraudulent activity in the company he works for, there are plenty of misunderstandings.
I think my favourite character in the book though, was Eleanore. She was brilliant and everything you could wish for in a grandmother - she should definitely get her own book!
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a light-hearted, easy read where both characters clearly want each other and without too much drama are able to find their way to a relationship that works.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The story is told in a dual point of view but in the third person, which normally I don't like but it worked for this story and there was no confusion at any point as to who's POV we were reading from. Evie and Jake start off in a pretend relationship in order to impress Jake's clients but it quickly turns into something real for both of them, but as neither are particularly good at talking about their emotions and Jake is distracted dealing with fraudulent activity in the company he works for, there are plenty of misunderstandings.
I think my favourite character in the book though, was Eleanore. She was brilliant and everything you could wish for in a grandmother - she should definitely get her own book!
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a light-hearted, easy read where both characters clearly want each other and without too much drama are able to find their way to a relationship that works.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 8, 2024
When Evie moves into her neighbor's house, will she finally get her happily ever after?
Evie had little time to find a new home after getting evicted, one who would accept her cat as well, and her neighbor (Eleanore) was kind enough to trial a home share arrangement with her. Evie had no other choice but to accept and hoped that it would work out.
Jake, Eleanore's grandson, wasn't looking to fall in love. He had major moves to make at work and didn't need any distraction. Little did he know that his life would end up exploding, in more ways than one.
The close proximity trope was done well enough that it moved the story along; however, the conspiracy and collusion in Jake's company was a surprise. The two storylines - the romcom and the business fraud - coincided very well and made for an interesting story progression. Character development was decently done, in that Evie found her voice and Jake let his guard down to let Evie in.
The main thing about this story that was irritating was not the story itself but how unedited this book was. Sentence structure and spelling issues plagued this book, so I hope it gets a makeover in that respect before publication.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Evie had little time to find a new home after getting evicted, one who would accept her cat as well, and her neighbor (Eleanore) was kind enough to trial a home share arrangement with her. Evie had no other choice but to accept and hoped that it would work out.
Jake, Eleanore's grandson, wasn't looking to fall in love. He had major moves to make at work and didn't need any distraction. Little did he know that his life would end up exploding, in more ways than one.
The close proximity trope was done well enough that it moved the story along; however, the conspiracy and collusion in Jake's company was a surprise. The two storylines - the romcom and the business fraud - coincided very well and made for an interesting story progression. Character development was decently done, in that Evie found her voice and Jake let his guard down to let Evie in.
The main thing about this story that was irritating was not the story itself but how unedited this book was. Sentence structure and spelling issues plagued this book, so I hope it gets a makeover in that respect before publication.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley.
At the beginning of the story I really liked both Evie and Jake. Jake shows a lot of character and develops a lot throughout the story. Evie started to get a bit annoying for me because she starts getting upset or annoyed that Jake isn't giving her enough attention, or so it seems. She also gets into a huff at one point because he checked his watch. He has a job and he's in the middle of important business - time is important to him. There is no need to be in a huff. They're both adults.
Jake didn't tell Evie about something that had to do with work. It's got nothing to do with her, especially if it could jeopardise things. Evie needs to learn how to communicate - she overhears something and overreacts instead of talking to him. The fact that she tells Matt and Cormac bits of something she doesn't understand infuriated me to no end. That's none of her business.
Plainly said, Evie needs to grow up. She's happy to lecture Jake and blame him for everything but she doesn't give him the same courtesy. Honestly, Jake can do better. Overall this book was okay, but Evie knocked a star off the rating for me.
At the beginning of the story I really liked both Evie and Jake. Jake shows a lot of character and develops a lot throughout the story. Evie started to get a bit annoying for me because she starts getting upset or annoyed that Jake isn't giving her enough attention, or so it seems. She also gets into a huff at one point because he checked his watch. He has a job and he's in the middle of important business - time is important to him. There is no need to be in a huff. They're both adults.
Jake didn't tell Evie about something that had to do with work. It's got nothing to do with her, especially if it could jeopardise things. Evie needs to learn how to communicate - she overhears something and overreacts instead of talking to him. The fact that she tells Matt and Cormac bits of something she doesn't understand infuriated me to no end. That's none of her business.
Plainly said, Evie needs to grow up. She's happy to lecture Jake and blame him for everything but she doesn't give him the same courtesy. Honestly, Jake can do better. Overall this book was okay, but Evie knocked a star off the rating for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
This is a first time read for me by this author and I would be glad to read more of her work. The home that Evie is renting is being sold so she needs to find a new place to live. Her elderly neighbor, Eleanor, could really use the rent money, so they come to an agreement and Evie moves in with her. At the same time, Eleanor's grandson, Jake is back on business, and he is suspicious of Evie, so decides to move in with his grandmother as well to make sure Evie doesn't take advantage of her. It's a bit crowded with the three of them living together, a d Jake seems to be in the way of everything. But Evie can't deny how sweet he is with his grandmother. When Jake's business is in jeopardy, she agrees to help a d becomes his fake girlfriend. But the line between fake and real quickly begins to blur, and although they are ready to embrace it, there are a few obstacles they will need to first overcome.
A quick and fun read with an enjoyable plot and likable characters. This was a sweet and charming that I was glad to have the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from BooksGoSocial and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
A quick and fun read with an enjoyable plot and likable characters. This was a sweet and charming that I was glad to have the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from BooksGoSocial and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 29, 2024
2⭐️
I love the dynamic between Evie, Eleanore and Cleo the cat. It's so sweet, and I love that Evie really gets involved with all the activities that go one in the house.
Evie and Jake definitely make great strides in their own personal development throughout the book, and I like them together as a couple. Their first date was super cute, and I wish we got more of that type of stuff.
Sadly, I feel a little misled by the blurb for the book. I guess it's because the book is so short, but there's actually very little conflict between Evie and Jake. There wasn't really enough time to develop that and then convert it to romance. Everything moves very quickly. Time jumps without telling us how long has passed, and they just move from one activity to doing something else.
It's a shame because what we do get of the romance stuff is good, and the epilogue I so sweet with the call back to Evies childhood. But the book as a whole just didn't hit the right spot for me.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, sally Clements, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I love the dynamic between Evie, Eleanore and Cleo the cat. It's so sweet, and I love that Evie really gets involved with all the activities that go one in the house.
Evie and Jake definitely make great strides in their own personal development throughout the book, and I like them together as a couple. Their first date was super cute, and I wish we got more of that type of stuff.
Sadly, I feel a little misled by the blurb for the book. I guess it's because the book is so short, but there's actually very little conflict between Evie and Jake. There wasn't really enough time to develop that and then convert it to romance. Everything moves very quickly. Time jumps without telling us how long has passed, and they just move from one activity to doing something else.
It's a shame because what we do get of the romance stuff is good, and the epilogue I so sweet with the call back to Evies childhood. But the book as a whole just didn't hit the right spot for me.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, sally Clements, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
August 31, 2023
*ARC Read*
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. I’d first like to share that I am so happy that this isn’t another small-town USA romance story. I finished this book in one sitting, and I highly enjoyed it! It’s an easy read, and I felt like I was able to relate to and love the characters very early on. One of my favorite lines from the book was “They dissolved like instant coffee grains in boiling water,” I felt like this was a great visual, and showed at that moment how they, Jake and Evie, meshed together. I love Evie’s job, and that the first interaction between the characters was a distant interaction where we don’t realize who he is at first. It wasn’t the job I was expecting, and I think that’s what made it so great. I adored the fireworks moment. I mean who doesn’t love a cat in a story? The side characters are written so well, and I love all of Eleanore’s groups that she welcomes into her home! I’m a sucker for a cartoon cover on a romance book, as well. I can’t wait to look into other Sally Clements books after this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. I’d first like to share that I am so happy that this isn’t another small-town USA romance story. I finished this book in one sitting, and I highly enjoyed it! It’s an easy read, and I felt like I was able to relate to and love the characters very early on. One of my favorite lines from the book was “They dissolved like instant coffee grains in boiling water,” I felt like this was a great visual, and showed at that moment how they, Jake and Evie, meshed together. I love Evie’s job, and that the first interaction between the characters was a distant interaction where we don’t realize who he is at first. It wasn’t the job I was expecting, and I think that’s what made it so great. I adored the fireworks moment. I mean who doesn’t love a cat in a story? The side characters are written so well, and I love all of Eleanore’s groups that she welcomes into her home! I’m a sucker for a cartoon cover on a romance book, as well. I can’t wait to look into other Sally Clements books after this one!
September 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! First it had so many things that I love in it...cats, book clubs, vikings, romance, theme nights and more! I mean the author Sally Clemente totally had me hooked with the cover and the first few lines with the cat and how they call her Cleopatra.
Im pretty sure my favorite character though is Eleanore. OBSESSED with her! She is what I would have as a grandma, so fun and loving. Always having a good time. Of course I love Evie and Jake too. They have a slow burn romance that neither of them thought was going to happen. This is one of my favorite tropes as well, well two them I guess you could say. Enemies to lovers and fake dating. Evie and Jake both don't want to admit they have feelings for each other but it inevitable.
So if you love good romance book with a fun grandma that includes a cute cat and a couple of the most popular book tropes, then this is a must read. Im so glad I gave this a chance and read it. I will definitely be looking for more books from Sally Clemente in the future!
Im pretty sure my favorite character though is Eleanore. OBSESSED with her! She is what I would have as a grandma, so fun and loving. Always having a good time. Of course I love Evie and Jake too. They have a slow burn romance that neither of them thought was going to happen. This is one of my favorite tropes as well, well two them I guess you could say. Enemies to lovers and fake dating. Evie and Jake both don't want to admit they have feelings for each other but it inevitable.
So if you love good romance book with a fun grandma that includes a cute cat and a couple of the most popular book tropes, then this is a must read. Im so glad I gave this a chance and read it. I will definitely be looking for more books from Sally Clemente in the future!
December 5, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
A very sweet, girl meets boy next door, enemies to lovers romance.
The story is centred around 3 main characters - Evie, Eleanor and Jake. Evie and Eleanor are neighbours and Evie's rental house is being sold, as she is unable to find anywhere suiting her needs (and her cat) and with no family, her elderly neighbour Eleanor says she can live with her for a bit. Then Eleanor's grandson decides he is coming back from Dublin and moves back in with Eleanor as he is suspicious of Evie's motives. Eh go the enemies to lovers romance kicks off between Evie and Jake. Things escalate when Jake needs Evie to fake date him when a business deal falls through and sparks start to fly.
I felt this was a really happy go lucky romance which I found enjoyable but (sorry!) having read The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood recently the whole fake dating thing feels a bit repetitive to me (BUT that does not detract away from this still being a good book).
A very sweet, girl meets boy next door, enemies to lovers romance.
The story is centred around 3 main characters - Evie, Eleanor and Jake. Evie and Eleanor are neighbours and Evie's rental house is being sold, as she is unable to find anywhere suiting her needs (and her cat) and with no family, her elderly neighbour Eleanor says she can live with her for a bit. Then Eleanor's grandson decides he is coming back from Dublin and moves back in with Eleanor as he is suspicious of Evie's motives. Eh go the enemies to lovers romance kicks off between Evie and Jake. Things escalate when Jake needs Evie to fake date him when a business deal falls through and sparks start to fly.
I felt this was a really happy go lucky romance which I found enjoyable but (sorry!) having read The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood recently the whole fake dating thing feels a bit repetitive to me (BUT that does not detract away from this still being a good book).
August 17, 2023
I'm a sucker for the fake dating trope so I knew instantly that I would enjoy this book.
"People separated by time, but not place" "History was everywhere. All around"
I absolutely loved Sally's description of Ireland and the history within the city of Dublin. The way the buildings were described was beautiful.
The characters were well written and the character development was great. I appreciated that the older characters, Eleanore, Felix and Rita, were written with so much life and not reduced to their ages.
"Home wouldn't be home without you in it."
The relationship between the characters was cute, there were some scenes that were dreamy. The spice was fade to black/closed door but it suited the book. I want to call this an enemies to lovers trope too, but their initial relationship wasn't too hateful despite their first meeting and Jake's assumption that Evie was taking advantage of his grandmother.
"People separated by time, but not place" "History was everywhere. All around"
I absolutely loved Sally's description of Ireland and the history within the city of Dublin. The way the buildings were described was beautiful.
The characters were well written and the character development was great. I appreciated that the older characters, Eleanore, Felix and Rita, were written with so much life and not reduced to their ages.
"Home wouldn't be home without you in it."
The relationship between the characters was cute, there were some scenes that were dreamy. The spice was fade to black/closed door but it suited the book. I want to call this an enemies to lovers trope too, but their initial relationship wasn't too hateful despite their first meeting and Jake's assumption that Evie was taking advantage of his grandmother.
August 22, 2023
The Home Share by Sally Clements
4.25 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for an arc of this.
Evie, a lovely pet owner decides to move in with her neighbour Eleanor when she had to move out from her previous one. The jovial old lady, Eleanor, was more than happy to accommodate her and especially Cleo, Evie's cat. Enter Jack, Eleanor's very hard working and serious grandson. He suspects Evie of taking advantage of his sweet-hearted grandma and decides to stay with them to keep an eye n her. However, situations change drastically and they find themselves in a scene where they have to maintain a fake relationship in front of Jack's clients- for him to acquire a business deal.
The messy relationships and complicated characters were relatable and well written. The plot was kinda unique with the whole 'home-share' concept. Though the narration seemed dull at times, the story was good and enjoyable. It was fun, cute and heartwarming.
4.25 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for an arc of this.
Evie, a lovely pet owner decides to move in with her neighbour Eleanor when she had to move out from her previous one. The jovial old lady, Eleanor, was more than happy to accommodate her and especially Cleo, Evie's cat. Enter Jack, Eleanor's very hard working and serious grandson. He suspects Evie of taking advantage of his sweet-hearted grandma and decides to stay with them to keep an eye n her. However, situations change drastically and they find themselves in a scene where they have to maintain a fake relationship in front of Jack's clients- for him to acquire a business deal.
The messy relationships and complicated characters were relatable and well written. The plot was kinda unique with the whole 'home-share' concept. Though the narration seemed dull at times, the story was good and enjoyable. It was fun, cute and heartwarming.
August 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this eARC.
I'm a total sucker for a cutesy romance with a forced proximity trope. I found the premise The Home Share to be very fun and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I really liked all of the characters, but could have done with a little more development. I felt at times that I couldn't connect with the feelings in the book because I just wasn't given enough time/detail to get there and it felt a little forced because of that.
I liked that in this book, there was a slightly serious storyline building alongside the romance piece. It made the story feel a little less hallmark (don't get me wrong, I love those too!) and a bit more "real life".
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fun new read that doesn't require a large investment of your time. I'll definitely look at more books from Sally Clements!
I'm a total sucker for a cutesy romance with a forced proximity trope. I found the premise The Home Share to be very fun and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I really liked all of the characters, but could have done with a little more development. I felt at times that I couldn't connect with the feelings in the book because I just wasn't given enough time/detail to get there and it felt a little forced because of that.
I liked that in this book, there was a slightly serious storyline building alongside the romance piece. It made the story feel a little less hallmark (don't get me wrong, I love those too!) and a bit more "real life".
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fun new read that doesn't require a large investment of your time. I'll definitely look at more books from Sally Clements!
September 14, 2023
The Home Share was a sweet story about intergenerational friendships and a conveniently hot grandson. As much as I enjoyed it, the book/characters weren't particularly memorable, but the plot was predictably pleasant.
The main character is pending homelessness, and her neighbour and regular cat sitter offers her a place to live through a home share arrangement. The neighbour's somewhat estranged grandson is in town for work and rekindles his relationship with his grandmother, while trying to work out if her new housemate is trying to take advantage of her.
Eventually, they start fake dating to help him out in the midst of a work-related predicament and soon enough sparks fly and the line between fake dating and real dating gets awfully blurry. However, they're pretty bad at explaining what's going on with each other, so it's left to be seen if they'll let their miscommunications get in the way of their own happiness.
The main character is pending homelessness, and her neighbour and regular cat sitter offers her a place to live through a home share arrangement. The neighbour's somewhat estranged grandson is in town for work and rekindles his relationship with his grandmother, while trying to work out if her new housemate is trying to take advantage of her.
Eventually, they start fake dating to help him out in the midst of a work-related predicament and soon enough sparks fly and the line between fake dating and real dating gets awfully blurry. However, they're pretty bad at explaining what's going on with each other, so it's left to be seen if they'll let their miscommunications get in the way of their own happiness.
September 21, 2023
Ok
May contain spoilers!
I found this book quite an awkward read. I thought that the storyline was interesting, you have an elderly lady offering to share her home with a woman in her 20s, the grumpy grandson who is sceptical and worried that she may take advantage of his grandmother. Add in the problems relating to the firm takeover that Jake is in Dublin to oversee and I expected to be sucked into the story; but I wasn’t.
There was no depth to the characters or to the story, it felt as though I was reading through a thick veil, I couldn’t discern any real emotion in Jake and Evie’s relationship or in her relationship with Soo and her siblings. The takeover of Sweeney’s and the investigation Jake initiated should have been at least interesting, but all you got was a précis of what happened afterwards, not much in the way of detail.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I think that I’m just not a fan of her writing style. Sorry.
May contain spoilers!
I found this book quite an awkward read. I thought that the storyline was interesting, you have an elderly lady offering to share her home with a woman in her 20s, the grumpy grandson who is sceptical and worried that she may take advantage of his grandmother. Add in the problems relating to the firm takeover that Jake is in Dublin to oversee and I expected to be sucked into the story; but I wasn’t.
There was no depth to the characters or to the story, it felt as though I was reading through a thick veil, I couldn’t discern any real emotion in Jake and Evie’s relationship or in her relationship with Soo and her siblings. The takeover of Sweeney’s and the investigation Jake initiated should have been at least interesting, but all you got was a précis of what happened afterwards, not much in the way of detail.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I think that I’m just not a fan of her writing style. Sorry.
February 4, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from BookGoSocial through NetGalley and this review is based on my own opinion.
The Home Share is about Evie who is somewhat forced to move out of and sell her house, but she is struggling to find something new because her cat Cleo isn't allowed in other houses.
Until her elderly neighbour Eleanore comes with the solution that Evie and Cleo can move in with her.
But than Jake, Eleanores grandson comes into the picture.
The story itself didn't really stood out to me, it was written in third person and switched between Evie's story and Jake's story which made it feel like we were both following them apart from eachother.
The ending felt really rushed and Jakes story didn't really get closure.
But overall, The Home Share was an okay book to have as a quick read in between other books. It was fast paced and less than 200 pages so it's great to read in one sitting.
The Home Share is about Evie who is somewhat forced to move out of and sell her house, but she is struggling to find something new because her cat Cleo isn't allowed in other houses.
Until her elderly neighbour Eleanore comes with the solution that Evie and Cleo can move in with her.
But than Jake, Eleanores grandson comes into the picture.
The story itself didn't really stood out to me, it was written in third person and switched between Evie's story and Jake's story which made it feel like we were both following them apart from eachother.
The ending felt really rushed and Jakes story didn't really get closure.
But overall, The Home Share was an okay book to have as a quick read in between other books. It was fast paced and less than 200 pages so it's great to read in one sitting.
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