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Degrees of Engagement
A celebration of non-traditional milestones and a book for all the single women in their thirties who have wondered where their gift registry is, Degrees of Engagement is a smart and witty read.
When Bianca Dimitriou's family and friends don't show up to celebrate her PhD, after years of her attending their bridal showers, bachelorette weekends, destination weddings and post-divorce benders, she knows it's because it's not a milestone they value. Angry, sad and a little more than drunk, she gets her revenge by getting fake engaged to Xavier Byrne, a brooding archaeologist turned librarian whose passion is returning artifacts to their native lands.
But the longer it goes, the more it becomes clear that the tension that's been building between them has given way to very real feelings. Which would be fine, except Bianca's post-doc work is keeping her close to home while Xavier's is about to take him halfway around the world.
She can't ask him to stay and he'd never ask her to give up her dreams. Can their love go the distance?
When Bianca Dimitriou's family and friends don't show up to celebrate her PhD, after years of her attending their bridal showers, bachelorette weekends, destination weddings and post-divorce benders, she knows it's because it's not a milestone they value. Angry, sad and a little more than drunk, she gets her revenge by getting fake engaged to Xavier Byrne, a brooding archaeologist turned librarian whose passion is returning artifacts to their native lands.
But the longer it goes, the more it becomes clear that the tension that's been building between them has given way to very real feelings. Which would be fine, except Bianca's post-doc work is keeping her close to home while Xavier's is about to take him halfway around the world.
She can't ask him to stay and he'd never ask her to give up her dreams. Can their love go the distance?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2024
56 people are currently reading
18856 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
September 30, 2024
2.5🌟 To było strasznie nudne :/// jeszcze nie czytałam książki polecanej "dla fanów Ali Hazelwood", która byłaby równie fajnie napisana i miała w ciekawy sposób poprowadzony romans i temat STEM jak książki Ali. To jest zawsze 10 razy słabsza podróba, której bym nie poleciła fanom Ali Hazelwood 😩
April 24, 2024
A sizzlingly swoon-worthy, fake dating romance that gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings of a 00s Rom-com— but with a refreshingly take that focuses just as much on the complexities of friendship as it does the chemistry-laden relationship that grows between our MCs.
The only way I can best describe this is My Fake Fiancée meets 27 Dresses, with two relatable, Ali Hazelwood-esque protagonists that charmed their way into my heart!
I really liked Bianca; the sweetest and ever reliable, drop-everything-for-the-ones-she-loves kinda person. Despite being ditched at the celebration of her biggest achievement by literally everyone, it’s only after copious amounts of alcohol and Xavier’s suggestion that she even thinks to make them pay.
And yet, even when the worst is confirmed (her friends & family caring more about an upcoming wedding than a career altering PHD) her first reaction is to drop everything to accommodate them as they share their struggles & emotional dilemmas.
Which is why I loved Xavier soo much, he listens and supports Bianca and (in a voice of reason capacity) shows Bianca how to put boundaries between herself and her loved ones, who constantly take her for granted.
Not to mention the chemistry between the pair, which is breathtakingly palpable and swoon worthy in the most delicious of ways!
I should mention that miscommunication is the main (and only) catalyst to Bianca and Xavier’s blossoming feelings, which may be frustrating for some. However the emotional introspection we experience from them both (and their personal feelings on marriage/relationships) was intriguing and did keep me on my toes.
Overall, a well written and wonderfully addictive Rom-com for anyone who loves Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry or wishes untraditional milestones were celebrated just as enthusiastically as traditional ones.
Also, a huge thank you to Felicia at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
The only way I can best describe this is My Fake Fiancée meets 27 Dresses, with two relatable, Ali Hazelwood-esque protagonists that charmed their way into my heart!
I really liked Bianca; the sweetest and ever reliable, drop-everything-for-the-ones-she-loves kinda person. Despite being ditched at the celebration of her biggest achievement by literally everyone, it’s only after copious amounts of alcohol and Xavier’s suggestion that she even thinks to make them pay.
And yet, even when the worst is confirmed (her friends & family caring more about an upcoming wedding than a career altering PHD) her first reaction is to drop everything to accommodate them as they share their struggles & emotional dilemmas.
Which is why I loved Xavier soo much, he listens and supports Bianca and (in a voice of reason capacity) shows Bianca how to put boundaries between herself and her loved ones, who constantly take her for granted.
Not to mention the chemistry between the pair, which is breathtakingly palpable and swoon worthy in the most delicious of ways!
I should mention that miscommunication is the main (and only) catalyst to Bianca and Xavier’s blossoming feelings, which may be frustrating for some. However the emotional introspection we experience from them both (and their personal feelings on marriage/relationships) was intriguing and did keep me on my toes.
Overall, a well written and wonderfully addictive Rom-com for anyone who loves Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry or wishes untraditional milestones were celebrated just as enthusiastically as traditional ones.
Also, a huge thank you to Felicia at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
March 20, 2025
2.5/5
Bibliotekarka z niezdrową obsesją na punkcie "Mumii" i archeolog, a do tego motyw fake datingu? To brzmi jak coś skrojonego idealnie pode mnie, ale zapomniałam, że przez większość czasu nie przepadam za romansami, a przynajmniej nie za takimi, które nie wpisują się idealnie w moje dziwaczne gusta. Ups.
Nie było jednak tak źle, a książkę mogę zaklasyfikować do tych "lekkich i niewymagających, o których zapomnę po dwóch dniach". Szkoda, że Xavier nie miał w sobie więcej charakteru, podobnie jak wszyscy przyjaciele głównej bohaterki, którzy zlali mi się w jedno. Szkoda też, że nie dostaliśmy więcej "naukowości" w książce o naukowcach.
Bibliotekarka z niezdrową obsesją na punkcie "Mumii" i archeolog, a do tego motyw fake datingu? To brzmi jak coś skrojonego idealnie pode mnie, ale zapomniałam, że przez większość czasu nie przepadam za romansami, a przynajmniej nie za takimi, które nie wpisują się idealnie w moje dziwaczne gusta. Ups.
Nie było jednak tak źle, a książkę mogę zaklasyfikować do tych "lekkich i niewymagających, o których zapomnę po dwóch dniach". Szkoda, że Xavier nie miał w sobie więcej charakteru, podobnie jak wszyscy przyjaciele głównej bohaterki, którzy zlali mi się w jedno. Szkoda też, że nie dostaliśmy więcej "naukowości" w książce o naukowcach.
March 16, 2025
Romanse to nie do końca moja bajka, a jednak podobało mi się. Polubiłam Biancę i Xaviera, mądrzy z nich ludzie :)
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April 25, 2024No rating yet. Need to think about it.
October 11, 2024
war is over🙏🙏
recenzja:
Na ten tytuł czekałam niecierpliwie od kiedy pojawiła się zapowiedź - jako fance Ali Hazelwood, oczy świecą mi się na samą wzmiankę o romansie w świecie STEM🤩. Miało być środowisko naukowe, miał być archeolog, miało być "naprawdę SPICY". No cóż...
2/5🌟
Moje oczekiwania nie zostały spełnione w najmniejszym stopniu😕. Oprócz tego, że kilka scen odbyło się na uczelni i bohaterka wyobrażała sobie życie po ukończeniu doktoratu, świat nauki w tej książce praktycznie nie istniał. Przyznam szczerze, że nawet do końca nie jestem pewna w jakiej dziedzinie bohaterka jest doktorantką, było to wspomniane tak powierzchownie. Co do bohatera to samo zażalenie - oprócz informacji, że jest archeologiem i jednej sceny na końcu książki, absolutnie nie ma on klimatu naukowca czy archeologa.
Sama historia niesamowicie mnie wynudziła😪. Była masa niepotrzebnych scen, które nic nie wprowadzały do fabuły. Masa pobocznych bohaterów, z których żaden nie zapadł mi w pamięć i gdy się pojawiali, musiałam wracać do początku książki - scena z przedstawieniem miliona znajomych Bianki podczas imprezy zaręczynowej była meeeega ciężka do przebrnięcia😩. Tak samo same te udawane zaręczyny: nie było w nich żadnego napięcia, żadnego realnego powodu, dla którego miałyby być one dobrym pomysłem. Były tam po prostu po to, żeby na okładce napisać "fake engagement trope". W ogóle w niektórych momentach nie do końca wiedziałam, co się dzieje i czy dobrze coś zrozumiałam, a to wszystko zasługa połączenia narracji trzecioosobowej połączonej z czasem teraźniejszym. No strasznie mi się to czytało😕.
Bardzo żałuję, że minęłam się z tą książką. Zapowiadała się naprawdę na coś niesamowitego, a wyszło jak wyszło.
recenzja:
Na ten tytuł czekałam niecierpliwie od kiedy pojawiła się zapowiedź - jako fance Ali Hazelwood, oczy świecą mi się na samą wzmiankę o romansie w świecie STEM🤩. Miało być środowisko naukowe, miał być archeolog, miało być "naprawdę SPICY". No cóż...
2/5🌟
Moje oczekiwania nie zostały spełnione w najmniejszym stopniu😕. Oprócz tego, że kilka scen odbyło się na uczelni i bohaterka wyobrażała sobie życie po ukończeniu doktoratu, świat nauki w tej książce praktycznie nie istniał. Przyznam szczerze, że nawet do końca nie jestem pewna w jakiej dziedzinie bohaterka jest doktorantką, było to wspomniane tak powierzchownie. Co do bohatera to samo zażalenie - oprócz informacji, że jest archeologiem i jednej sceny na końcu książki, absolutnie nie ma on klimatu naukowca czy archeologa.
Sama historia niesamowicie mnie wynudziła😪. Była masa niepotrzebnych scen, które nic nie wprowadzały do fabuły. Masa pobocznych bohaterów, z których żaden nie zapadł mi w pamięć i gdy się pojawiali, musiałam wracać do początku książki - scena z przedstawieniem miliona znajomych Bianki podczas imprezy zaręczynowej była meeeega ciężka do przebrnięcia😩. Tak samo same te udawane zaręczyny: nie było w nich żadnego napięcia, żadnego realnego powodu, dla którego miałyby być one dobrym pomysłem. Były tam po prostu po to, żeby na okładce napisać "fake engagement trope". W ogóle w niektórych momentach nie do końca wiedziałam, co się dzieje i czy dobrze coś zrozumiałam, a to wszystko zasługa połączenia narracji trzecioosobowej połączonej z czasem teraźniejszym. No strasznie mi się to czytało😕.
Bardzo żałuję, że minęłam się z tą książką. Zapowiadała się naprawdę na coś niesamowitego, a wyszło jak wyszło.
October 1, 2024
Solidne 4/5.
Początek był trochę chaotyczny, z powodu narracji trzecioosobowej i skakania w jednym rozdziale, z jednej perspektywy do drugiej. Było to dość dezorientujące, ale to była tylko jedna scena na początku, której to dotyczyło. Im dalej to lepiej.
Bohaterowie byli cudowni.
Biannca, to inteligentna i ambitna młoda doktorantka. Bardzo jej współczułam tego zawodu jaki sprawili jej, jej bliscy, w dniu jej obrony doktorskiej. Nie umiem sobie wyobrazić czegoś takiego. Świetna rodzina i przyjaciele, naprawdę (ironia oczywiście).
Xavier, z kolei, to taki kochany i nieśmiały miś. Od 5 lat, żywiący do Bianki głębsze uczucia. Naprawdę to jedyna postać, która zasłużyła na miano bliskiej osoby głównej bohaterki. Reszcie kazałabym spadać.
Fabuła była dość prosta i przewidywalna. Bazowała głównie na motywach fake engagement i friends to lovers. Nie oznacza to jednak, że źle się bawiłam. Książka bardzo mi się podobała! To było coś, czego potrzebowałam po ostatnich „mocniejszych” książkach, jakie miałam okazję czytać.
Współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Papierowe Serca
Początek był trochę chaotyczny, z powodu narracji trzecioosobowej i skakania w jednym rozdziale, z jednej perspektywy do drugiej. Było to dość dezorientujące, ale to była tylko jedna scena na początku, której to dotyczyło. Im dalej to lepiej.
Bohaterowie byli cudowni.
Biannca, to inteligentna i ambitna młoda doktorantka. Bardzo jej współczułam tego zawodu jaki sprawili jej, jej bliscy, w dniu jej obrony doktorskiej. Nie umiem sobie wyobrazić czegoś takiego. Świetna rodzina i przyjaciele, naprawdę (ironia oczywiście).
Xavier, z kolei, to taki kochany i nieśmiały miś. Od 5 lat, żywiący do Bianki głębsze uczucia. Naprawdę to jedyna postać, która zasłużyła na miano bliskiej osoby głównej bohaterki. Reszcie kazałabym spadać.
Fabuła była dość prosta i przewidywalna. Bazowała głównie na motywach fake engagement i friends to lovers. Nie oznacza to jednak, że źle się bawiłam. Książka bardzo mi się podobała! To było coś, czego potrzebowałam po ostatnich „mocniejszych” książkach, jakie miałam okazję czytać.
Współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Papierowe Serca
October 13, 2024
Standardowy romans, który zapewnił mi chwilę rozrywki i uśmiechu.
Brakowało mi więcej nauki w tle - patrząc na tytuł to jest jej stanowczo za malo.
Dużo scen erotycznych, dość dosadnych, ale nie napisany w jakiś najgorszy sposób - nie przeszkadzały mi.
Brakowało mi więcej nauki w tle - patrząc na tytuł to jest jej stanowczo za malo.
Dużo scen erotycznych, dość dosadnych, ale nie napisany w jakiś najgorszy sposób - nie przeszkadzały mi.
October 9, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
Końcówka mnie, szczerze mówiąc, rozczarowała.
Końcówka mnie, szczerze mówiąc, rozczarowała.
January 13, 2025
Belangloser Doktortitel, Freundschaftstest und echte Gefühle beim Fake-Dating
Bianca war immer für all ihre Freundinnen da, doch als sie endlich mit allen zusammen ihren Doktortitel feiern will, ist dieser Erfolg ihren Freunden und Verwandten nicht so wichtig, um sich dafür Zeit zu nehmen.
Man kann Biancas Enttäuschung und Unglauben wirklich gut spüren und ich fand das Verhalten ihrer Freunde und Familie auch sehr verletzend. Bianca hat jahrelang hart gearbeitet, um endlich ihren Doktortitel zu erhalten und für fast keinen ihrer Liebsten war es wichtig genug, um zu der Feier zu kommen. Sie ist auch nicht nur traurig, sondern auch vor den Kopf gestoßen und auch verärgert, dass ihr Erfolg, auf den sie so stolz ist, für die anderen nicht viel wert ist.
Betrunken und aufgewühlt beschließen sie und ihr Kommilitone Xavier eine falsche Verlobung vorzuspielen, um zu beweisen, dass die Leute mit solchen Neuigkeiten ganz anders umgehen. Bianca bereut diese Lüge auch sofort, aber dann kommt sie aus der Sache nicht wieder raus und muss länger mit Xavier "verlobt" bleiben. Die beiden stehen sich nah, aber gleichzeitig auch nicht, weil sie beide Distanz geschaffen haben. Da auch Xavier eine eigene Erzählperspektive hat, weiß man, dass er schon Gefühle für Bianca hat, aber keine Zukunft für sie sehen würde, da er kein Beziehungstyp ist und bald abreist. Mal ganz abgesehen davon, dass er ebenso wie Bianca glaubt, dass es nur einseitige Gefühle sind. Ich fand es etwas schade, dass die Kommunikationsprobleme zwischen den Protagonisten so sehr in die Länge gezogen wurden.
Zusammen mit Bianca hinterfragt man ebenfalls die Traditionen und Gepflogenheiten: Warum werden Hochzeiten und alles damit Verbundene so groß und selbstverständlich gefeiert, während andere Erfolge nur Beiwerk sind? Das Buch regt also auch zum Nachdenken an und man hinterfragt vor allem, warum ein Leben ohne Familiengründung nicht als gleichwertig betrachtet wird.
Insgesamt fand ich diese Liebesgeschichte emotional, tiefgründig und auch unterhaltsam, aber es hätte mir besser gefallen, wenn die kleinen Missverständnisse zwischen den Protagonisten weniger Raum eingenommen hätten.
Bianca war immer für all ihre Freundinnen da, doch als sie endlich mit allen zusammen ihren Doktortitel feiern will, ist dieser Erfolg ihren Freunden und Verwandten nicht so wichtig, um sich dafür Zeit zu nehmen.
Man kann Biancas Enttäuschung und Unglauben wirklich gut spüren und ich fand das Verhalten ihrer Freunde und Familie auch sehr verletzend. Bianca hat jahrelang hart gearbeitet, um endlich ihren Doktortitel zu erhalten und für fast keinen ihrer Liebsten war es wichtig genug, um zu der Feier zu kommen. Sie ist auch nicht nur traurig, sondern auch vor den Kopf gestoßen und auch verärgert, dass ihr Erfolg, auf den sie so stolz ist, für die anderen nicht viel wert ist.
Betrunken und aufgewühlt beschließen sie und ihr Kommilitone Xavier eine falsche Verlobung vorzuspielen, um zu beweisen, dass die Leute mit solchen Neuigkeiten ganz anders umgehen. Bianca bereut diese Lüge auch sofort, aber dann kommt sie aus der Sache nicht wieder raus und muss länger mit Xavier "verlobt" bleiben. Die beiden stehen sich nah, aber gleichzeitig auch nicht, weil sie beide Distanz geschaffen haben. Da auch Xavier eine eigene Erzählperspektive hat, weiß man, dass er schon Gefühle für Bianca hat, aber keine Zukunft für sie sehen würde, da er kein Beziehungstyp ist und bald abreist. Mal ganz abgesehen davon, dass er ebenso wie Bianca glaubt, dass es nur einseitige Gefühle sind. Ich fand es etwas schade, dass die Kommunikationsprobleme zwischen den Protagonisten so sehr in die Länge gezogen wurden.
Zusammen mit Bianca hinterfragt man ebenfalls die Traditionen und Gepflogenheiten: Warum werden Hochzeiten und alles damit Verbundene so groß und selbstverständlich gefeiert, während andere Erfolge nur Beiwerk sind? Das Buch regt also auch zum Nachdenken an und man hinterfragt vor allem, warum ein Leben ohne Familiengründung nicht als gleichwertig betrachtet wird.
Insgesamt fand ich diese Liebesgeschichte emotional, tiefgründig und auch unterhaltsam, aber es hätte mir besser gefallen, wenn die kleinen Missverständnisse zwischen den Protagonisten weniger Raum eingenommen hätten.
April 18, 2025
As tropes desta história cativam e pedem que se leia:
❤️forced proximity
❤️he falls first
❤️fake dating/engagement
❤️adult romance
Juntamos a isto uma escrita leve, romântica e divertida e temos a receita para uma comédia romântica perfeita - daquelas tipo os filmes românticos da década de 2000.
É uma história fácil de ler e com a qual se cria uma familiaridade instantânea, ainda assim tem uma mensagem poderosa...nunca devemos julgar a vida nem as escolhas, nem as conquistas dos outros; todos vivemos como julgamos melhor para o nosso coração e desde que lhe sejamos fiéis, tudo corre bem.
Adorei a relação da Bianca e do Xavier, cada momento deles é perfeito e é enternecedor ver o quanto sempre se amaram sem o verbalizarem.
As referências aos filmes da Múmia e a Indiana Jones são perfeitas 🤌🏻 tornam a ação mais engraçada porque eles são muito como as personagens desses filmes!
Foi uma leitura que aqueceu o meu coração e que me fez dar valor a muitos momentos e pessoas...adorei.
❤️forced proximity
❤️he falls first
❤️fake dating/engagement
❤️adult romance
Juntamos a isto uma escrita leve, romântica e divertida e temos a receita para uma comédia romântica perfeita - daquelas tipo os filmes românticos da década de 2000.
É uma história fácil de ler e com a qual se cria uma familiaridade instantânea, ainda assim tem uma mensagem poderosa...nunca devemos julgar a vida nem as escolhas, nem as conquistas dos outros; todos vivemos como julgamos melhor para o nosso coração e desde que lhe sejamos fiéis, tudo corre bem.
Adorei a relação da Bianca e do Xavier, cada momento deles é perfeito e é enternecedor ver o quanto sempre se amaram sem o verbalizarem.
As referências aos filmes da Múmia e a Indiana Jones são perfeitas 🤌🏻 tornam a ação mais engraçada porque eles são muito como as personagens desses filmes!
Foi uma leitura que aqueceu o meu coração e que me fez dar valor a muitos momentos e pessoas...adorei.
December 30, 2024
Nachdem mir die Leseprobe so gut gefallen hat, musste ich das Buch sofort kaufen. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht.
Das Cover gefällt mit von den Farben und mit den Blumen wirklich sehr gut. Auch wenn ich mir Bianca etwas kurviger vorgestellt habe.
Bianca und Xavier mochte ich beide echt gerne, mit Biancas Familie und Freunde bin ich allerdings bis zum Schluss nicht warm geworden. Ich konnte mich in beide Charaktere recht gut hineinfühlen. Was mich allerdings wirklich etwas gestört hat, war die ganze Misskommunikation zwischen Bianca und Xavier. Besonders am Schluss wurde da noch einmal voll aneinander vorbeigeredet damit man ja noch eine Spannungskurve vor dem Schluss bekommt. Da hatte ich eigentlich auf was anderes bzw. Neues gehofft, statt dem schon altbekannten.
Aber trotz allem konnte mich das Buch wirklich gut unterhalten und hat sich sehr flüssig lesen lassen.
Das Cover gefällt mit von den Farben und mit den Blumen wirklich sehr gut. Auch wenn ich mir Bianca etwas kurviger vorgestellt habe.
Bianca und Xavier mochte ich beide echt gerne, mit Biancas Familie und Freunde bin ich allerdings bis zum Schluss nicht warm geworden. Ich konnte mich in beide Charaktere recht gut hineinfühlen. Was mich allerdings wirklich etwas gestört hat, war die ganze Misskommunikation zwischen Bianca und Xavier. Besonders am Schluss wurde da noch einmal voll aneinander vorbeigeredet damit man ja noch eine Spannungskurve vor dem Schluss bekommt. Da hatte ich eigentlich auf was anderes bzw. Neues gehofft, statt dem schon altbekannten.
Aber trotz allem konnte mich das Buch wirklich gut unterhalten und hat sich sehr flüssig lesen lassen.
August 17, 2024
This book was so cute, I loved Bianca and Xavier so fucking much❤️❤️
❤️🔥❤️��❤️🔥
❤️🔥❤️��❤️🔥
October 10, 2024
Byłoby mniej, ale wzbudziła we mnie emocje. Chodzę wkurwiona.
September 6, 2025
To była szybka, lekka lektura – przeczytałam praktycznie w jeden wieczór. Narracja wciąga, choć momentami trochę męczyło mnie przeskakiwanie między bohaterami i mieszanie tego, co narrator opisuje, z tym, co oni myślą czy mówią. Czasami robił się z tego chaos.
Tło akademickie okazało się raczej powierzchowne. Bohaterowie niby robią doktorat z informatyki, ale w praktyce ta dziedzina pojawia się tylko w nazwach zajęć i budynków. On – archeolog z zamiłowania – nagle robi doktorat z IT, ona pisze o dezinformacji i stara się o pracę w bibliotekach. Dla mnie wyszło to trochę niespójnie, jakby autorka potraktowała naukę bardziej jako dekorację niż realne środowisko.
Sam romans ma swoje urocze momenty, ale opiera się głównie na klasycznej dramie z niedopowiedzeń. Bohaterowie się kochają, ale każde z nich zakłada, że nie ma szans na wspólną przyszłość, więc lepiej się wycofać – zamiast po prostu ze sobą porozmawiać. To nie do końca mój ulubiony typ fabuły.
Podsumowując: książka czyta się szybko i przyjemnie, ale brak spójności w warstwie akademickiej i drama z nieporozumienia sprawiły, że całość nie do końca mnie przekonała.
Tło akademickie okazało się raczej powierzchowne. Bohaterowie niby robią doktorat z informatyki, ale w praktyce ta dziedzina pojawia się tylko w nazwach zajęć i budynków. On – archeolog z zamiłowania – nagle robi doktorat z IT, ona pisze o dezinformacji i stara się o pracę w bibliotekach. Dla mnie wyszło to trochę niespójnie, jakby autorka potraktowała naukę bardziej jako dekorację niż realne środowisko.
Sam romans ma swoje urocze momenty, ale opiera się głównie na klasycznej dramie z niedopowiedzeń. Bohaterowie się kochają, ale każde z nich zakłada, że nie ma szans na wspólną przyszłość, więc lepiej się wycofać – zamiast po prostu ze sobą porozmawiać. To nie do końca mój ulubiony typ fabuły.
Podsumowując: książka czyta się szybko i przyjemnie, ale brak spójności w warstwie akademickiej i drama z nieporozumienia sprawiły, że całość nie do końca mnie przekonała.
April 21, 2024
I immediately requested DoE when I read the blurb because 1) academia, 2) friends to lovers, and 3) why are some big events (relationships) considered more significant than others (job, life goal, etc)??
Bianca and Xavier: I loved their passion for academic advancement and their encouragement for each other. I cheered for Xavier’s righteous anger over Bianca’s hurt over her family & friends flaking! His speech at the end was so good 👏🏼 I related so much with Bianca. Her love for her family, her academic passion, her willingness to drop whatever for her people, and her resentment when things that matter to her aren’t taken as seriously by others. I love that Xavier validated her and supported her every step.
The plot: Whew so much happened… Pleasantly surprised at the surfing scene and I loved the reference to Disney’s Robin Hood! There were so many side characters that I kind of blended them together in my head haha. I was very confused at the ending and feel like like we didn’t get a full resolution.
CW: cursing, open door scenes
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader e-copy. All opinions are mine.
Bianca and Xavier: I loved their passion for academic advancement and their encouragement for each other. I cheered for Xavier’s righteous anger over Bianca’s hurt over her family & friends flaking! His speech at the end was so good 👏🏼 I related so much with Bianca. Her love for her family, her academic passion, her willingness to drop whatever for her people, and her resentment when things that matter to her aren’t taken as seriously by others. I love that Xavier validated her and supported her every step.
The plot: Whew so much happened… Pleasantly surprised at the surfing scene and I loved the reference to Disney’s Robin Hood! There were so many side characters that I kind of blended them together in my head haha. I was very confused at the ending and feel like like we didn’t get a full resolution.
CW: cursing, open door scenes
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader e-copy. All opinions are mine.
January 4, 2025
Sehr, sehr gute 4 1/2 Sterne!
Ich mochte die beiden ProtagonistInnen, Xavier und Bianca, total gern!! So süße Charaktere. 😭
Die beiden haben nicht nur eine Fake-Beziehung, nein - sie sind sogar verlobt.. und verlieben sich tatsächlich ineinander.
Endlich mal ein Roman, indem sich eine Beziehung realistisch entwickelt!
Dieses Buch war ein richtiges Ding zum verschlingen. Was passiert als nächstes? Wann heiraten die beiden wohl wirklich? Wird er sie wirklich zurücklassen?
Das wird vermutlich auch nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein!
Ich mochte den Schreibstil, die meisten Charakter und die Geschichte an sich. Ich würde mich total freuen, wenn wir noch mehr über die beiden, oder über ihre FreundInnen, erfahren würden.
Das war definitiv ein guter Abschluss für 2024 bzw. ein guter Start für dieses Buch-Jahr 2025!
Ich mochte die beiden ProtagonistInnen, Xavier und Bianca, total gern!! So süße Charaktere. 😭
Die beiden haben nicht nur eine Fake-Beziehung, nein - sie sind sogar verlobt.. und verlieben sich tatsächlich ineinander.
Endlich mal ein Roman, indem sich eine Beziehung realistisch entwickelt!
Dieses Buch war ein richtiges Ding zum verschlingen. Was passiert als nächstes? Wann heiraten die beiden wohl wirklich? Wird er sie wirklich zurücklassen?
Das wird vermutlich auch nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein!
Ich mochte den Schreibstil, die meisten Charakter und die Geschichte an sich. Ich würde mich total freuen, wenn wir noch mehr über die beiden, oder über ihre FreundInnen, erfahren würden.
Das war definitiv ein guter Abschluss für 2024 bzw. ein guter Start für dieses Buch-Jahr 2025!
March 16, 2024
It was definitely not a romance for me. It was way too quick and too insta-lovey and insta-lustey. The characters were not memorable, which is fine in itself, but they pissed me off a little. I did not like their cowardice and the way they hid behind the fake engagement to avoid dealing with their feelings. There was also too much sex scenes for my liking. I did appreciate the main message about the milestones and the way some characters were called out for not considering work achievements as actual worthy achievements (like a wedding would be to these characters) but it was not enough to save this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
April 25, 2024
4⭐️ - my guilty pleasure is academia🤭
If you love Ali Hazelwood for the academia vibes, then this book is for you!!!
For two doctors, Bianca and Xavier are both incredibly stupid. Did I still enjoy their dynamic? Absolutely, I did.
The banter between these two drove me crazyyy to the point where I was laughing with them. Not once did Xavier take Bianca for granted, and it was the sweetest thing to read about. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but it was such a heartwarming read🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
If you love Ali Hazelwood for the academia vibes, then this book is for you!!!
For two doctors, Bianca and Xavier are both incredibly stupid. Did I still enjoy their dynamic? Absolutely, I did.
The banter between these two drove me crazyyy to the point where I was laughing with them. Not once did Xavier take Bianca for granted, and it was the sweetest thing to read about. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but it was such a heartwarming read🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
April 7, 2024
4.25 stars
I love, love, love this book! Let me just start by saying what a touching dedication it has—really sets the vibe for the story. Now, imagine this: academia, strong women, LA vibes, a mmc named Xavier (like hello?!), and honestly good humor. That’s what this story’s all about.
Bianca’s such a badass, and Xavier literally worships the ground she walks on. Like, come on, he calls her boss! They’re just so good together. The story does develop kinda fast, and it feels a teeny-tiny bit insta-lovey, but you must remember they’ve known each other for five years when the story starts. The fengagement, as Bianca and Xavier call it, is a fun ruse they keep up for basically the entire book, though it obviously turns heated and a little… (too) real pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed all the academia content! It’s so refreshing to see power couples and women in academia getting the representation they deserve. Bianca’s story deals with the struggle of career accomplishments not being acknowledged or celebrated by friends and family, which is incredibly relatable to a lot of women out there.
The writing is flawless, to say the least. Bianca and Xavier’s characters are relatable, fleshed-out, and beautiful. The two of them are almost too perfect for each other already. But seriously, the book is super well-written and so worth reading!
My only issue is with the miscommunication and general lack of communication between Bianca and Xavier. It is one of my least favorite tropes, and basically the make-up of their story. It’s a little disappointing to see such mature characters deal with relationships like that since a whole lot of their mentak beat-ups could’ve been avoided and resolved if they’d just talked to each other. But it all gets resolved nicely, and there’s no unnecessary and cringe third-act break-up—which we love!
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing me with an ARC of this book!
I love, love, love this book! Let me just start by saying what a touching dedication it has—really sets the vibe for the story. Now, imagine this: academia, strong women, LA vibes, a mmc named Xavier (like hello?!), and honestly good humor. That’s what this story’s all about.
Bianca’s such a badass, and Xavier literally worships the ground she walks on. Like, come on, he calls her boss! They’re just so good together. The story does develop kinda fast, and it feels a teeny-tiny bit insta-lovey, but you must remember they’ve known each other for five years when the story starts. The fengagement, as Bianca and Xavier call it, is a fun ruse they keep up for basically the entire book, though it obviously turns heated and a little… (too) real pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed all the academia content! It’s so refreshing to see power couples and women in academia getting the representation they deserve. Bianca’s story deals with the struggle of career accomplishments not being acknowledged or celebrated by friends and family, which is incredibly relatable to a lot of women out there.
The writing is flawless, to say the least. Bianca and Xavier’s characters are relatable, fleshed-out, and beautiful. The two of them are almost too perfect for each other already. But seriously, the book is super well-written and so worth reading!
My only issue is with the miscommunication and general lack of communication between Bianca and Xavier. It is one of my least favorite tropes, and basically the make-up of their story. It’s a little disappointing to see such mature characters deal with relationships like that since a whole lot of their mentak beat-ups could’ve been avoided and resolved if they’d just talked to each other. But it all gets resolved nicely, and there’s no unnecessary and cringe third-act break-up—which we love!
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing me with an ARC of this book!
October 6, 2024
Myślę, że miałam za duże oczekiwania co do tej książki przez to, że była porównywana do mojej ukochanej Ali Hazelwood. Lekko się zawiodłam, wynagrodziły mi to słodkie (czasami za słodkie) sceny, których jest tu kopalnia.
Styl pisania nie przypadł mi do gustu, bardzo się nudziłam przez większość książki.
Fake dating był słabo napisany, czytałam lepsze.
Friends to lovers - nie przepadam za tym tropem, ale tutaj był do zniesienia.
Girls in science? Tylko tyle, że główna bohaterka uzyskała tytuł doktora na samym początku książki, nic poza tym.
Przystojny archeolog przez większość czasu był przystojny, ale archeologiem został dopiero na samym końcu.
Bohaterowie zachowywali się dziecinnie i bez większego planu na ich życie. Fabuła fajna, ale mogłaby być napisana jeszcze lepiej.
[współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Papierowe Serca]
Styl pisania nie przypadł mi do gustu, bardzo się nudziłam przez większość książki.
Fake dating był słabo napisany, czytałam lepsze.
Friends to lovers - nie przepadam za tym tropem, ale tutaj był do zniesienia.
Girls in science? Tylko tyle, że główna bohaterka uzyskała tytuł doktora na samym początku książki, nic poza tym.
Przystojny archeolog przez większość czasu był przystojny, ale archeologiem został dopiero na samym końcu.
Bohaterowie zachowywali się dziecinnie i bez większego planu na ich życie. Fabuła fajna, ale mogłaby być napisana jeszcze lepiej.
[współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Papierowe Serca]
November 8, 2024
To jest pierwsza książka przy której nie poczułam więzi z bohaterami. Podobała mi się fakt, ale zabrakło przyciągania między czytelnikiem, a postaciami. I trochę ubolewam, że archeologia nie była trochę rozwinięta bo chętnie bym się czegoś dowiedziała na ten temat. Z kolei wątek fake dating był super i nie mam co do tego wątpliwości, pomysł również super.
Podchody bohaterów do siebie były takie…raz okej, raz już takie ciągnięcie. Jednak jako fajny romans do poduszki będzie idealny. Chociaż u mnie miłości nie było, to może u was jednak będzie 🙌🏼
Najbardziej co mnie przyciągnęło w tej książce do siebie do fake dating i archeologia (o której było mało, albo wcale). Wydaje mi się, że mimo polubienia tej książki to i tak zbytnio tej historii nie zapamiętam. Jednak szybko się czyta i jest lekka w odbiorze.
Więc jeśli szukacie takiej lektury to może was zainteresuje „Miłość i inne stopnie naukowe”
February 7, 2025
Zawiodłam się końcówką. Bo niby bohaterka mówi że jest szczęśliwa i nie potrzebuje założyć rodziny, zakochać się itp. Co jest super. Chce uzyskać tytuł doktora spełniać się zawodowo. I po sytuacji, gdzie cała rodzina nie przychodzi świętować z nią obrony tytułu doktora, bo nie uważają tego za wyczyn. Ta z zaznajomionym kolegą udają parę. Ale po całej ten dziecinadzie z udawaniem ta jest wielce zakochana i nie może bez niego żyć. Dziewczyno gdzie są twoje stare ideały 😡!!!. Ja rozumiem zakochać się, ale oprócz tego masz jeszcze swoje życie. A nie ona się zamknęła w pokoju i rozpacza. Trzymajcie mnie 😡😡😡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
Look, I liked the premise. The delivery? Not so much. It was fast paced which I liked but I was also just bored. It was a struggle to finish. Also why were there so many side characters? By the time Frankie was brought up again towards the end I had to rack my brain to remember who she was… oh and also him calling her BOSS? Ew. Could not take that seriously. Not a bit of me. Not sexy, not cute. Just icky.
January 15, 2025
2,5/5⭐️ chyba nastawiłam się na coś innego a to niezbyt mi podpasowało
November 8, 2024
Dotrwałam do końca tylko po to, by uczciwie ocenić książkę na 1 ⭐️ Totalnie beznadziejna fabuła - aż trudno uwierzyć, że tak debilny pomysł na jej zawiązanie ktoś może traktować w kategorii „dobra, wydajemy, to się sprzeda”. Ja rozumie, że to romans, że to z założenia ma być lekka literatura. Jednak granica żenady została srogo przekroczona. Słownictwo autora (tłumacza?) też pozostawia wiele do życzenia…
dnf
September 22, 2024This was, unfortunately, a dnf.
I had a tough time with the dynamics between Xavier and Bianca, bc we are told that they are academic rivals and maybe crushed on each other in the recent past, but we are not SHOWN that. And so it felt like they got fake-engaged just like that. No thinking about it, no great discussions. Which would maybe feel better if I had more background information on them?
Lots of telling instead of showing, which is one of my least favorite things.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the ARC via Netgalley UK. All opinions are my own.
I had a tough time with the dynamics between Xavier and Bianca, bc we are told that they are academic rivals and maybe crushed on each other in the recent past, but we are not SHOWN that. And so it felt like they got fake-engaged just like that. No thinking about it, no great discussions. Which would maybe feel better if I had more background information on them?
Lots of telling instead of showing, which is one of my least favorite things.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the ARC via Netgalley UK. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2025
This was such a quick and easy read spicy too 🤭 first of all I loved the fake engagement trope in this book it made so much sense and I really connected with FMC Bianca because of the way her friends and family treated her 🥺 this girl deserves the world and she got that wow what a man Xavier is MMC. I may add he reads books and is a little nerdy but he isn’t afraid to be cocky and confidant he really did FALL FIRST but he was so scared to admit it however when Bianca was with Xavier you saw her character come alive and she was more herself Xavier was there for Bianca from the start and watching him fall for Bianca twice as much was so warming seeing these two together was like a connecting puzzle piece they go together so well 🥰 I was so shocked with the ending I was expecting it to be the other way round but Bianca go get YOUR MAN ( I won’t say much else because spoilers ) I liked reading the epilogue however I wish we got to see the characters get married but I can already imagine there wedding 🤭
Quotes I loved:
"I haven't known you as long as they have, but in the last five years, I've seen you jump at the drop of a hat for all of them, constantly running around for their shit and they couldn't show up for you tonight? You deserve better."
"Slow down," he whispers. "Take a slow, deep breath and tell me what's wrong."
"Nah, I think you like it. I think the sound of my voice is enough to drive you fucking insane, B."
"You do. I think you're in charge everywhere else, but here with me, you like to let go. I think you like knowing it's safe to do that, that I won't let you fall. I think no one has ever done that for you before."
"It's not because you make me cry. It's because you're the only person I'm okay with seeing me like this."
Tropes:
💍 Fake Engagement
🩺 Academic Rivals to Lovers
💍 He Falls First
🩺 Close Proximity
Quotes I loved:
"I haven't known you as long as they have, but in the last five years, I've seen you jump at the drop of a hat for all of them, constantly running around for their shit and they couldn't show up for you tonight? You deserve better."
"Slow down," he whispers. "Take a slow, deep breath and tell me what's wrong."
"Nah, I think you like it. I think the sound of my voice is enough to drive you fucking insane, B."
"You do. I think you're in charge everywhere else, but here with me, you like to let go. I think you like knowing it's safe to do that, that I won't let you fall. I think no one has ever done that for you before."
"It's not because you make me cry. It's because you're the only person I'm okay with seeing me like this."
Tropes:
💍 Fake Engagement
🩺 Academic Rivals to Lovers
💍 He Falls First
🩺 Close Proximity
February 8, 2024
Interesting take on relationships in contemporary society!
Degrees of Engagement centres around Bianca Dimitriou, a woman who has just completed her PhD - her biggest accomplishment and pride and joy - but finds herself alone in her celebratory party. All her friends and family send their apologies, but also excuses for not being there, but she is alone nonetheless. She feels like this is the type of accomplishment her family and friends don't value, as opposed to events related to relationships. As a sort of payback, she orchestrates a fake engagement to Xavier Byrne in a drunken decision to prove her point. Xavier was a fellow PhD student with whom she had been building up quite a tension over her degree and this fake arrangement starts eventually to seem more real than pretend to both of them.
I really liked this romance! I thought the take on how relationships are viewed and valued by society, as opposed to professional accomplishments, was quite interesting. It challenges the idea that only relationships can make you happy and fulfilled while also saying that romantic connections are also, but not necessarily the most, important. Xavier was a real green flag. He really respects and admires Bianca and that was great to see. Overall, a very fun read which also challenges conservative ideas of the position romantic relationships should have in our lives.
Thank you very much to Headline Eternal/Headline and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Degrees of Engagement centres around Bianca Dimitriou, a woman who has just completed her PhD - her biggest accomplishment and pride and joy - but finds herself alone in her celebratory party. All her friends and family send their apologies, but also excuses for not being there, but she is alone nonetheless. She feels like this is the type of accomplishment her family and friends don't value, as opposed to events related to relationships. As a sort of payback, she orchestrates a fake engagement to Xavier Byrne in a drunken decision to prove her point. Xavier was a fellow PhD student with whom she had been building up quite a tension over her degree and this fake arrangement starts eventually to seem more real than pretend to both of them.
I really liked this romance! I thought the take on how relationships are viewed and valued by society, as opposed to professional accomplishments, was quite interesting. It challenges the idea that only relationships can make you happy and fulfilled while also saying that romantic connections are also, but not necessarily the most, important. Xavier was a real green flag. He really respects and admires Bianca and that was great to see. Overall, a very fun read which also challenges conservative ideas of the position romantic relationships should have in our lives.
Thank you very much to Headline Eternal/Headline and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 11, 2024
I admit - cover made for Polish edition lured me in so maybe I shouldn't complain since I knew what I was signing up for.
But I will complain a little anyway.
All is my subjective opinion so... it may not apply to your experience, dear reader. Just a fair warning, you know.
Don't get me wrong - this book had a pretty nice romance plot. When scenes were supposed to be sweet, they were. When situation called for something wholesome, it turned like that. All interactions Bianca and Xavier had made me giggle until... things got spicy.
I know, I know, what was I expecting? It's just that, the execution wasn't to my taste. Yes, the characters admit, it was a lust at first sight, but 5 years passed since then and now they are supposed to be falling in love, right? So why do I get descriptions of physical attraction on main and romantic thoughts on a side? They don't need to convince me they desire each other - that is established pretty early on. What readers need to see is how they love each other and I'm afraid, the text doesn't convey it entirely. Ok, you can tell the characters' love language is physical touch, but jesus christ, would it kill them to not make 90% of interactions into a horny fest? And yes, we can see the love blooming between the two, but at the same time it feels like not even a second can pass without descriptions of "Bianca's curves" like????? To quote a classic "what else is there?". You can say "but they mentioned how they love each other's intelligence!". Yeah, they did, but after that you get a litany to Saint Thick Ass among others. Sex is nice, steamy scenes are great, but when you feel like the author focuses on it so much, you start wondering, if the feelings characters share are actually that deep.
It all felt kinda... rushed. Sometimes it didn't really fit the circumstances or scene transitions felt a little choppy (?). And I absolutely hate the fact that you have characters who are supposed to be smart and intelligent and then they throw all their arrangements out of the window because *sparkles* libido. They say "A", but do "B" which is???? Ok, sex drive IS powerful, but to the point of making characters act almost OOC? YEAH I'M TALKING ABOUT THAT ONE PARTICULAR SCENE IN CHAPTER 19.
I feel like I'm catastrophizing, but the truth is, it all comes down to execution. To be honest, the only intimate scene I actually liked was probably the last one. It didn't feel rushed, was tastefully written. And maybe one of the first ones.
Aside from steamy content, I also need to complain about the resolution we got for Bianca's conflict with her family and friends. It fell so flat that all I could feel was disappointment. What do you mean that's it? Can't say it was honest and genuine. More like "alright, alright, we get it, she's at fault too, ANYWAY ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT". Like??? And then suddenly there was this grand gesture, even though the confrontation didn't feel all that deep and emotional? This book starts with Bianca having a breakdown over her own friends and family standing her up on the biggest event of her life and there's not even a heartfelt conversation between them? An actual apology without making Bianca into the bad guy "because she lied"? Xavier basically gave a whole speech to them, but all the reactions were so bland or nonexistent. Ok, later they came to clean Bianca's apartment but it all seemed like a facade and I can't say I believed them. I got a feeling they were more invested in Bianca and Xavier getting back together than actually making it up to Bianca for ignoring her. Bianca should have had a "I've had enough" moment and shout at them all but instead she ended up feeling like a villain. Serves them right, Bianca! Ah, that was frustrating she didn't get a chance for her woman rage to erupt.
Now that I complained, I must say something nice, because this book wasn't all that bad.
Xavier and Bianca are ADORABLE, when they don't lust for each other 24/7. I love their banter. Dialogues flow so naturally, that I was looking forward to continuation as I was reading. The characters make such a great couple and partners in crime duo that I didn't even need all the erotic stuff to enjoy their interactions. But I admit them having fun while having sex was a nice and realistic touch.
Fake engagement subplot was done pretty well. It served all you could wish from the trope. I wish it had more memorable dates and moments though. Their surfing date was the cutest but it ended so fast... A shame. Oh! And the one when they babysat twins! Nothing spectacular happened there, as I was expecting, but I loved how domestic and warm it turned out to be. It even made me want to watch "Robin Hood"!
I also appreciated the fact that Bianca was constantly described as sad whenever someone put her engagement higher on priorities list than her achievement in studies field. She didn't change her mind at the end of the book, she kept focusing on her job and career, found a life she wants and managed to find a balance between work and love. Such a nice resolution for the romance/job plot.
Speaking of, I find character flaws Xavier and Bianca have to be quite realistic (until those almost OOC stuff happen from time to time but ANYWAY). Their personal and professional struggles felt real, served well as plot devices (affectionate) and character arc drivers.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read, but there are some plot execution errors which need fixing. Xavier and Bianca are truly the sweetest and I love them as romance protagonists, but sometimes they were too close to falling into "OOC" holes. The non-romantic subplot could have been handled better in my opinion, but if you switch off your brain, you can enjoy the whole story to the fullest. The author's writing style is simple and light, so you end up reading a 1/3 of the book before you even realize it. A light read with too much focus on physical stuff when there was no need for it (again, my subjective opinion).
But I will complain a little anyway.
All is my subjective opinion so... it may not apply to your experience, dear reader. Just a fair warning, you know.
Don't get me wrong - this book had a pretty nice romance plot. When scenes were supposed to be sweet, they were. When situation called for something wholesome, it turned like that. All interactions Bianca and Xavier had made me giggle until... things got spicy.
I know, I know, what was I expecting? It's just that, the execution wasn't to my taste. Yes, the characters admit, it was a lust at first sight, but 5 years passed since then and now they are supposed to be falling in love, right? So why do I get descriptions of physical attraction on main and romantic thoughts on a side? They don't need to convince me they desire each other - that is established pretty early on. What readers need to see is how they love each other and I'm afraid, the text doesn't convey it entirely. Ok, you can tell the characters' love language is physical touch, but jesus christ, would it kill them to not make 90% of interactions into a horny fest? And yes, we can see the love blooming between the two, but at the same time it feels like not even a second can pass without descriptions of "Bianca's curves" like????? To quote a classic "what else is there?". You can say "but they mentioned how they love each other's intelligence!". Yeah, they did, but after that you get a litany to Saint Thick Ass among others. Sex is nice, steamy scenes are great, but when you feel like the author focuses on it so much, you start wondering, if the feelings characters share are actually that deep.
It all felt kinda... rushed. Sometimes it didn't really fit the circumstances or scene transitions felt a little choppy (?). And I absolutely hate the fact that you have characters who are supposed to be smart and intelligent and then they throw all their arrangements out of the window because *sparkles* libido. They say "A", but do "B" which is???? Ok, sex drive IS powerful, but to the point of making characters act almost OOC? YEAH I'M TALKING ABOUT THAT ONE PARTICULAR SCENE IN CHAPTER 19.
I feel like I'm catastrophizing, but the truth is, it all comes down to execution. To be honest, the only intimate scene I actually liked was probably the last one. It didn't feel rushed, was tastefully written. And maybe one of the first ones.
Aside from steamy content, I also need to complain about the resolution we got for Bianca's conflict with her family and friends. It fell so flat that all I could feel was disappointment. What do you mean that's it? Can't say it was honest and genuine. More like "alright, alright, we get it, she's at fault too, ANYWAY ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT". Like??? And then suddenly there was this grand gesture, even though the confrontation didn't feel all that deep and emotional? This book starts with Bianca having a breakdown over her own friends and family standing her up on the biggest event of her life and there's not even a heartfelt conversation between them? An actual apology without making Bianca into the bad guy "because she lied"? Xavier basically gave a whole speech to them, but all the reactions were so bland or nonexistent. Ok, later they came to clean Bianca's apartment but it all seemed like a facade and I can't say I believed them. I got a feeling they were more invested in Bianca and Xavier getting back together than actually making it up to Bianca for ignoring her. Bianca should have had a "I've had enough" moment and shout at them all but instead she ended up feeling like a villain. Serves them right, Bianca! Ah, that was frustrating she didn't get a chance for her woman rage to erupt.
Now that I complained, I must say something nice, because this book wasn't all that bad.
Xavier and Bianca are ADORABLE, when they don't lust for each other 24/7. I love their banter. Dialogues flow so naturally, that I was looking forward to continuation as I was reading. The characters make such a great couple and partners in crime duo that I didn't even need all the erotic stuff to enjoy their interactions. But I admit them having fun while having sex was a nice and realistic touch.
Fake engagement subplot was done pretty well. It served all you could wish from the trope. I wish it had more memorable dates and moments though. Their surfing date was the cutest but it ended so fast... A shame. Oh! And the one when they babysat twins! Nothing spectacular happened there, as I was expecting, but I loved how domestic and warm it turned out to be. It even made me want to watch "Robin Hood"!
I also appreciated the fact that Bianca was constantly described as sad whenever someone put her engagement higher on priorities list than her achievement in studies field. She didn't change her mind at the end of the book, she kept focusing on her job and career, found a life she wants and managed to find a balance between work and love. Such a nice resolution for the romance/job plot.
Speaking of, I find character flaws Xavier and Bianca have to be quite realistic (until those almost OOC stuff happen from time to time but ANYWAY). Their personal and professional struggles felt real, served well as plot devices (affectionate) and character arc drivers.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read, but there are some plot execution errors which need fixing. Xavier and Bianca are truly the sweetest and I love them as romance protagonists, but sometimes they were too close to falling into "OOC" holes. The non-romantic subplot could have been handled better in my opinion, but if you switch off your brain, you can enjoy the whole story to the fullest. The author's writing style is simple and light, so you end up reading a 1/3 of the book before you even realize it. A light read with too much focus on physical stuff when there was no need for it (again, my subjective opinion).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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