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Bad Boyfriends, Inc. #1
Awfully Ambrose
Bad Boyfriends, Inc—When you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?
Ambrose Newman is a bad boyfriend. Professionally. If someone’s parents don’t approve of that long-haired unemployed bass player they want to date, that’s where Ambrose comes in. For a few hundred dollars a night, he’ll go to dinner with a client and their parents and show them that the grass is definitely not greener on his side of the fence. It’s dead. When Ambrose brings a date to a fancy restaurant, it isn’t sparks that fly—it’s glassware.
After his last boyfriend turned out to be a cheat, Liam Connelly has no interest in dating again, but his parents are determined to see him paired off. When they come to visit, he hires Ambrose to act as his boyfriend. If Ambrose can be a bad boyfriend, he can be a tolerable one too, right? But Ambrose plays the part too well and scores an invitation to spend the Easter weekend with the Connolly family at their winery, and Liam finds himself developing real affection for his fake boyfriend.
But does Ambrose return those feelings, or is it all an act?
This is a new edition of a previously published book. There have been minor changes only.
Ambrose Newman is a bad boyfriend. Professionally. If someone’s parents don’t approve of that long-haired unemployed bass player they want to date, that’s where Ambrose comes in. For a few hundred dollars a night, he’ll go to dinner with a client and their parents and show them that the grass is definitely not greener on his side of the fence. It’s dead. When Ambrose brings a date to a fancy restaurant, it isn’t sparks that fly—it’s glassware.
After his last boyfriend turned out to be a cheat, Liam Connelly has no interest in dating again, but his parents are determined to see him paired off. When they come to visit, he hires Ambrose to act as his boyfriend. If Ambrose can be a bad boyfriend, he can be a tolerable one too, right? But Ambrose plays the part too well and scores an invitation to spend the Easter weekend with the Connolly family at their winery, and Liam finds himself developing real affection for his fake boyfriend.
But does Ambrose return those feelings, or is it all an act?
This is a new edition of a previously published book. There have been minor changes only.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
149 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
103 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
August 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
I knew I’d struggle with the premise of this book and I did, to a degree. The whole “bad boyfriend” thing gave me hives and had me in a constant state of cringe every time Ambrose did something to make people dislike him, purposefully.
Don’t get me wrong, the ruse was entertaining, watching this guy get paid to be a douche in front of friends and family of his “dates,” but it’s nothing new that I’m not a fan of deception in my books, in any variations, so this whole premise took a bit for me to embrace.
What I did love was the actual dynamic between Ambrose and Liam—the young man paying him to pretend to be his date, to appease his family that are all too up in his business when it comes to dating and relationship status. Even with the fake boyfriend trope at play, it was clear from the first interaction that these two had a natural and worthwhile connection, which went a long way in the moments I was freaking out over Ambrose’s (purposeful and strategic) mini faux pas behaviours.
I also adored Liam’s family. All a kind and welcoming bunch, it was kind of humbling watching them try and work out whether Ambrose was a douche or someone worthy of their Liam, despite his biggest efforts to be the former, even when battling his feelings of wanting desperately to be the latter.
Grandad Connelly, in particular, was a character after my own heart, reminding me greatly of my own long-since-passed Grandad in personality and temperament. His instant bond to Ambrose, despite the stupid shit he later did around the family, was genuine and a pleasure to see, especially when Ambrose himself longed to be a part of a family as close and loving as the Connellys.
The Aussie-ness of the story was a big boon for me, too. As an Aussie, it becomes glaringly obvious when reading books like this, how little romance content there is set here, so it’s always a massively welcomed thing, on my part, to read stories with places and people that reflect my own experience of life.
Needless to say, this went a lot better than I could have expected, given the premise that had me seriously apprehensive going in. Thankfully, the story held my attention, with its beautiful NSW vineyard setting, along with the wonderful family vibes and the sweet fake-boyfriends-turn-real-boyfriends relationship, which developed authentically as the “bad boyfriend” shenanigans played out.
Overall, Awfully Ambrose was light-angst, heartfelt and enjoyable, and I’ll likely be back for the sequels.
I knew I’d struggle with the premise of this book and I did, to a degree. The whole “bad boyfriend” thing gave me hives and had me in a constant state of cringe every time Ambrose did something to make people dislike him, purposefully.
Don’t get me wrong, the ruse was entertaining, watching this guy get paid to be a douche in front of friends and family of his “dates,” but it’s nothing new that I’m not a fan of deception in my books, in any variations, so this whole premise took a bit for me to embrace.
What I did love was the actual dynamic between Ambrose and Liam—the young man paying him to pretend to be his date, to appease his family that are all too up in his business when it comes to dating and relationship status. Even with the fake boyfriend trope at play, it was clear from the first interaction that these two had a natural and worthwhile connection, which went a long way in the moments I was freaking out over Ambrose’s (purposeful and strategic) mini faux pas behaviours.
I also adored Liam’s family. All a kind and welcoming bunch, it was kind of humbling watching them try and work out whether Ambrose was a douche or someone worthy of their Liam, despite his biggest efforts to be the former, even when battling his feelings of wanting desperately to be the latter.
Grandad Connelly, in particular, was a character after my own heart, reminding me greatly of my own long-since-passed Grandad in personality and temperament. His instant bond to Ambrose, despite the stupid shit he later did around the family, was genuine and a pleasure to see, especially when Ambrose himself longed to be a part of a family as close and loving as the Connellys.
The Aussie-ness of the story was a big boon for me, too. As an Aussie, it becomes glaringly obvious when reading books like this, how little romance content there is set here, so it’s always a massively welcomed thing, on my part, to read stories with places and people that reflect my own experience of life.
Needless to say, this went a lot better than I could have expected, given the premise that had me seriously apprehensive going in. Thankfully, the story held my attention, with its beautiful NSW vineyard setting, along with the wonderful family vibes and the sweet fake-boyfriends-turn-real-boyfriends relationship, which developed authentically as the “bad boyfriend” shenanigans played out.
Overall, Awfully Ambrose was light-angst, heartfelt and enjoyable, and I’ll likely be back for the sequels.
June 11, 2022
i tend to enjoy Lisa Henry’s books, but this one was just okay for me. i mean, it was cute but also a little bit annoying?
the two leads were fine, if a little bland, but the side characters were either totally dull or way over the top…. and i just don’t think i have it in me to deal with ~ qUiRkY~ elderly side characters anymore lol.
the ending was also fairly ridiculous and didn’t quite land for me. i think i’ll still check out the sequel because i know these authors can - and have - done much better. 3 stars.
the two leads were fine, if a little bland, but the side characters were either totally dull or way over the top…. and i just don’t think i have it in me to deal with ~ qUiRkY~ elderly side characters anymore lol.
the ending was also fairly ridiculous and didn’t quite land for me. i think i’ll still check out the sequel because i know these authors can - and have - done much better. 3 stars.
July 30, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Liam needed a fake boyfriend. Now that the family is starting to love him too much, he needs a bad boyfriend.
Fun premise, entertaining overall. The romance was a bit lacking, since the plot concentrated more on the ‘fake’ portion of the relationship. The spice was also very light, and I would’ve liked to see Ambrose and Liam together more, not just Ambrose being a fake dickhead.
I also did not enjoy the Marcus drama plot line at all. There were so many other ways to create some third act drama, but this one was not it.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Fake dating
- Only one bed trope
- Cheater ex (not on page)
- Depictions of parent with mental health issues
- Frotting
Liam needed a fake boyfriend. Now that the family is starting to love him too much, he needs a bad boyfriend.
Fun premise, entertaining overall. The romance was a bit lacking, since the plot concentrated more on the ‘fake’ portion of the relationship. The spice was also very light, and I would’ve liked to see Ambrose and Liam together more, not just Ambrose being a fake dickhead.
I also did not enjoy the Marcus drama plot line at all. There were so many other ways to create some third act drama, but this one was not it.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Fake dating
- Only one bed trope
- Cheater ex (not on page)
- Depictions of parent with mental health issues
- Frotting
August 12, 2023
3.5 Stars! Funny, low angst Aussie romance 💘
Lighthearted romance with a fake-boyfriend trope. The spin? Instead of a good fake boyfriend, this one is hired to be an awful one.
Oohhh, some of the things that theatre major Ambrose did and said performing his bad boyfriend role made me laugh and cringe at the same time! He was a fantastic and well drawn character.
Liam, the nerdy agricultural student who hired Ambrose to get his family off his back, I was less fond of. He lacked the depth of character found in Ambrose.
Now, I know that when a pair of authors write a novel together they often split the writing tasks by the characters’ POV’s. Ambrose’s POV was much better written than Liam’s. I’m a fan of Lisa Henry’s work, but don’t know much of Sarah Honey’s. Was Lisa Henry the author of Ambrose and Sarah Honey that of Liam’s?
Regardless, Ambrose’s personality and Liam’s family carried the book for me & I enjoyed it overall along with a refreshing take on the fake boyfriend trope. HEA/HFN for the two young men.
My rec? Sure, why not…it’s fun reading all the Aussie slang!
Lighthearted romance with a fake-boyfriend trope. The spin? Instead of a good fake boyfriend, this one is hired to be an awful one.
Oohhh, some of the things that theatre major Ambrose did and said performing his bad boyfriend role made me laugh and cringe at the same time! He was a fantastic and well drawn character.
Liam, the nerdy agricultural student who hired Ambrose to get his family off his back, I was less fond of. He lacked the depth of character found in Ambrose.
Now, I know that when a pair of authors write a novel together they often split the writing tasks by the characters’ POV’s. Ambrose’s POV was much better written than Liam’s. I’m a fan of Lisa Henry’s work, but don’t know much of Sarah Honey’s. Was Lisa Henry the author of Ambrose and Sarah Honey that of Liam’s?
Regardless, Ambrose’s personality and Liam’s family carried the book for me & I enjoyed it overall along with a refreshing take on the fake boyfriend trope. HEA/HFN for the two young men.
My rec? Sure, why not…it’s fun reading all the Aussie slang!
December 12, 2024
I previously thought I had no triggers when it came to books. I've read some pretty dark stuff and left fine from it. This book has taught me the valuable lesson that I do, in fact, have a trigger, and that is secondhand embarrassment. Having to witness Ambrose have to make an ass of himself when he didn't want to and the stress and embarrassment it caused on him and Liam had me so distressed I seriously debated not finishing the book.
Is it, objectively, a good book? Yes. And if I hadn't felt so bad while reading it I may have given it 4 stars. However, I was so stressed throughout I started to skip scenes to spare myself the suffering, and got to a point where I felt nauseous with tension. To someone who doesn't feel so bad with secondhand embarrassment, they may enjoy it. But I'm seriously debating with myself if I have it in me to read the other two books. I was suffering badly with this one, and as it is my very biased opinion my pain and suffering are affecting the rating.
I'll have to give it a deep thought to wether or not I can risk another book or two like this. They may not be as hard as this one, but can I risk it? Is it worth it? ...
Is it, objectively, a good book? Yes. And if I hadn't felt so bad while reading it I may have given it 4 stars. However, I was so stressed throughout I started to skip scenes to spare myself the suffering, and got to a point where I felt nauseous with tension. To someone who doesn't feel so bad with secondhand embarrassment, they may enjoy it. But I'm seriously debating with myself if I have it in me to read the other two books. I was suffering badly with this one, and as it is my very biased opinion my pain and suffering are affecting the rating.
I'll have to give it a deep thought to wether or not I can risk another book or two like this. They may not be as hard as this one, but can I risk it? Is it worth it? ...
June 7, 2022
I’m a huge fan of the writing duo Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey and their newest release didn’t disappoint! Awfully Ambrose is sweet, sexy, low-angst, and—obviously when we’re talking about these two writers—hilarious. The dialogue is quick and clever and the premise is a fantastic twist on the “fake dating” trope. Ambrose, who works as a Bad Boyfriend for hire, is hired by Liam to help get his overbearing family off his back about being single. It obviously doesn’t work out the way anyone intended!
The characters are so easy to fall in love with. Ambrose is quick-witted, loveable, and amazing at his job. Liam is sweet and so easy to connect with. I immediately felt for him and his emotional plight was so believably written. The rest of Liam’s family was absolutely wonderful and the love they have for each other reminded me or some of my favorite fictional families (While You Were Sleeping comes to mind. Grandad Billy is my new favorite!).
The book is filled with twists and turns and things never happen quite the way you except them to. The plot is incredibly engaging and laugh-out-loud funny. I read the whole thing in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down! I’m so glad this is a series, and I can’t wait for Harry’s story!
I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are so easy to fall in love with. Ambrose is quick-witted, loveable, and amazing at his job. Liam is sweet and so easy to connect with. I immediately felt for him and his emotional plight was so believably written. The rest of Liam’s family was absolutely wonderful and the love they have for each other reminded me or some of my favorite fictional families (While You Were Sleeping comes to mind. Grandad Billy is my new favorite!).
The book is filled with twists and turns and things never happen quite the way you except them to. The plot is incredibly engaging and laugh-out-loud funny. I read the whole thing in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down! I’m so glad this is a series, and I can’t wait for Harry’s story!
I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
3.5 stars
I loved Ambrose - he was a really nice guy "stuck" playing bad boyfriend for money. I actually cringed at the way that Ambrose had to pretend to be awful at Liam's family's place. I mean, it must difficult for Ambrose, right? When he actually liked Liam and wanted to have a chance with him. Luckily things work out for them.
Liam, though, not really certain about him. I mean, on one hand, his mother really pressured him about the boyfriend thing, so he ended up having to hire Ambrose. On another hand, urgh, he hired Ambrose (and see first paragraph, because I LOVED Ambrose)!
Liam's family is cool, but I definitely loved Grandpa Billy. He's a hoot!
I loved Ambrose - he was a really nice guy "stuck" playing bad boyfriend for money. I actually cringed at the way that Ambrose had to pretend to be awful at Liam's family's place. I mean, it must difficult for Ambrose, right? When he actually liked Liam and wanted to have a chance with him. Luckily things work out for them.
Liam, though, not really certain about him. I mean, on one hand, his mother really pressured him about the boyfriend thing, so he ended up having to hire Ambrose. On another hand, urgh, he hired Ambrose (and see first paragraph, because I LOVED Ambrose)!
Liam's family is cool, but I definitely loved Grandpa Billy. He's a hoot!
June 7, 2022
Loved Ambrose but disliked Liam. Loved Liam’s family though..
The book had good humor here and there and I enjoyed it.
The book had good humor here and there and I enjoyed it.
May 23, 2022
I love a good fake boyfriends trope, and this was just perfect. Ambrose was such a well written character, and I love that he was so sensitive about being a bad boyfriend when it really mattered! The beginning of the book was absolutely hilarious. I couldn't think of a single thing more he could have done to make that date any worse. Liam I think was a bit of a coward, but they were such a great pair that I can forgive him. I think Grandpa was my favorite character though. I can't wait for Harry's story next!
June 18, 2022
3.5 stars
I’m a sucker for
fake boyfriends. And nerds. No sex,
but plenty of swoon.
I’m a sucker for
fake boyfriends. And nerds. No sex,
but plenty of swoon.
August 6, 2024
3,75/5
Plutôt original cette idée du trope du fake-boyfriend qu'on engage mais justement pour faire fuir l'entourage... Genre, vous engagez un petit-ami horrible, de telle sorte à ce que le prochain soit accueilli les bras ouverts ^^ Ben c'est un peu le job de Ambrose !
Sauf que cette fois, c'est Liam qui a besoin d'un petit-ami pour calmer sa famille, et surtout sa mère, qui le pousse à se mettre en couple... Ambrose est acteur donc s'il peut jouer les petits-amis horribles, il peut bien passer pour un petit-ami potable ^^
J'ai vraiment passé un chouette moment dans ce bouquin, je me suis bien bidonnée ! Entre les situations délicates et cocasses, la famille de Liam complètement barrée, et deux personnages principaux touchants et sincères, ben ça a bien fonctionné ! Ah et mention spéciale au grand-père, un poil barré mais si touchant, et les parties de Monopoly avec toute la famille où on a l'impression qu'ils jouent tous leurs vies dedans XD
C'est typiquement le genre de bouquin qui ne serait peut-être pas passé à un autre moment. Mais là, on peut dire que j'étais dans le bon mood ^^ Ce fake-dating a marché avec moi.
Je suis curieuse de voir ce que donne le tome suivant.
Plutôt original cette idée du trope du fake-boyfriend qu'on engage mais justement pour faire fuir l'entourage... Genre, vous engagez un petit-ami horrible, de telle sorte à ce que le prochain soit accueilli les bras ouverts ^^ Ben c'est un peu le job de Ambrose !
Sauf que cette fois, c'est Liam qui a besoin d'un petit-ami pour calmer sa famille, et surtout sa mère, qui le pousse à se mettre en couple... Ambrose est acteur donc s'il peut jouer les petits-amis horribles, il peut bien passer pour un petit-ami potable ^^
J'ai vraiment passé un chouette moment dans ce bouquin, je me suis bien bidonnée ! Entre les situations délicates et cocasses, la famille de Liam complètement barrée, et deux personnages principaux touchants et sincères, ben ça a bien fonctionné ! Ah et mention spéciale au grand-père, un poil barré mais si touchant, et les parties de Monopoly avec toute la famille où on a l'impression qu'ils jouent tous leurs vies dedans XD
C'est typiquement le genre de bouquin qui ne serait peut-être pas passé à un autre moment. Mais là, on peut dire que j'étais dans le bon mood ^^ Ce fake-dating a marché avec moi.
Je suis curieuse de voir ce que donne le tome suivant.
November 22, 2024
I love this author duo. Heney? HeHo?
Well anyway. This book! Super sweet low angst and funny 🤣
The granddad!!
Tropes:Fake boyfriend for hire, only one bed an overbearing family and super slow burn.
The family reminded me of my own crazy but always well meaning family.
So fun! Can't wait to read more: Harry!!
Well anyway. This book! Super sweet low angst and funny 🤣
The granddad!!
Tropes:Fake boyfriend for hire, only one bed an overbearing family and super slow burn.
The family reminded me of my own crazy but always well meaning family.
So fun! Can't wait to read more: Harry!!
May 22, 2022
It was a beautiful book. It was an absolute joy from begining to end. It was very hard for me to put it down.
I love the writing style. There were so many times when I found myself smiling or even laughing at loud at the jokes and situations that were presented. Even with the mostly lighthearted feeling of the book, it also pay a bit of attention to some stronger emotions.
The main characters are the sweetest thing ever. I love both of them. They struggle with their own issues, without them being overwhelming, which doesn't make the book heavy with angst. I am, generaly, a reader who enjoys angst, and it was a pleasure to see myself outside of my usual read and enjoying it so much.
The relationship between Liam and Ambrose had a beautiful development. It goes more into a slow burn type, even if the time they knew each other was short, but somehow felt this way. Their emotions felt believable and let the reader wanting them to be together.
Probably the only things I didn't like about it was that the plot was a bit predictable, it still didn't take away the enjoyment of the experience; and the constant worry I had that Ambrose would actually do something that hurt his posibilities of having a future with Liam.
Overall it was a beautiful book. I had the best time reading it and I would recommend it to any reader who loves romance.
I love the writing style. There were so many times when I found myself smiling or even laughing at loud at the jokes and situations that were presented. Even with the mostly lighthearted feeling of the book, it also pay a bit of attention to some stronger emotions.
The main characters are the sweetest thing ever. I love both of them. They struggle with their own issues, without them being overwhelming, which doesn't make the book heavy with angst. I am, generaly, a reader who enjoys angst, and it was a pleasure to see myself outside of my usual read and enjoying it so much.
The relationship between Liam and Ambrose had a beautiful development. It goes more into a slow burn type, even if the time they knew each other was short, but somehow felt this way. Their emotions felt believable and let the reader wanting them to be together.
Probably the only things I didn't like about it was that the plot was a bit predictable, it still didn't take away the enjoyment of the experience; and the constant worry I had that Ambrose would actually do something that hurt his posibilities of having a future with Liam.
Overall it was a beautiful book. I had the best time reading it and I would recommend it to any reader who loves romance.
Read
September 13, 2024I just really don’t like books about actors. No matter how hard I try. DNF 20%
June 7, 2022
4.5
Awfully Ambrose is an awful lot of fun.
I've gone for 4.5 since the book started out strongly with Ambrose on a date and demonstrating his acting skills in the restaurant Liam works in. That whole scene was hilarious. Around the halfway mark the pacing dipped a little for me but Liam's family were utterly charming and the last third was so cute and fun.
Low angst, low heat, told in dual pov with plenty of humour.
Ambrose won me over quite quickly and Liam was sweet. I'm really glad I picked this up
Awfully Ambrose is an awful lot of fun.
I've gone for 4.5 since the book started out strongly with Ambrose on a date and demonstrating his acting skills in the restaurant Liam works in. That whole scene was hilarious. Around the halfway mark the pacing dipped a little for me but Liam's family were utterly charming and the last third was so cute and fun.
Low angst, low heat, told in dual pov with plenty of humour.
Ambrose won me over quite quickly and Liam was sweet. I'm really glad I picked this up
July 10, 2022
A nice way to while away some time, Awfully Ambrose is very Sydney and Hunter Valley comfy for this Sydneysider who also loves time away in Pokolbin.
Even though this is Ambrose's hustle to earn income whilst trying to get into NIDA, at UNSW, Ambrose is anything but awful and I cheered for him to not have to be anymore.
RTC
Even though this is Ambrose's hustle to earn income whilst trying to get into NIDA, at UNSW, Ambrose is anything but awful and I cheered for him to not have to be anymore.
RTC
November 19, 2022
Alors là …. J’ai ADORÉ ce roman ! Je ne m’y attendais pas du tout, étant plus habituée à trouver mes lectures bien, mais sans plus. Là, j’ai accroché dès les premières pages, avec cette scène d’ouverture absolument épique et hilarante ! Le soufflé aurait pu retomber, mais non, on garde l’humour et les répliques drôles et WTF jusqu’au bout du roman, et Ambrose n’a pas le monopole lorsqu’il s’agit de lâcher la phrase qui tue !
Donc déjà, c’est très drôle, mais drôle du genre où j’ai ri à gorge déployée. Ensuite, on a droit au trope du fake boyfriend (yes please ! ♥), à une famille envahissante et un peu folle, et à deux héros choupis qui vont, on s’en doute, tomber sous le charme de l’autre et se laisser prendre à leur propre jeu. La romance évolue naturellement, c’est très doux et assez chaste (et c’est marrant, parce que je ne m’en suis rendue compte qu’à la fin), et ça convient parfaitement au caractère des deux jeunes hommes. Il n’y a rien d’extraordinaire dans cette romance, pourtant, j’ai trouvé ces deux gars sincères, et touchants, ça m’a vraiment plu de les voir évoluer ensemble le temps d’un weekend et d’attendre leur happy end. J’ai aimé leur complicité, qui se met assez vite en place malgré les circonstances de leur rencontre et le fait qu’Ambrose soit en service commandé.
J’ai aussi vraiment aimé la famille de Liam, et plus particulièrement ce vieux sacripant de Billy, le grand-père tellement cool et drôle, qui prend un malin plaisir à faire rouler ses petits-gendres (si on peut les nommer ainsi) sous la table. Ce papi est pour moi l’un des points forts du livre, tout comme l’ambiance certes OTT mais tellement drôle de cette famille qui prend très au sérieux ses parties de Monopoly et ses plateaux de charcuterie/fromage.
Je suis donc complètement conquise par cette histoire, même si j’ai parfois ressenti un déséquilibre dans l’écriture. En moyenne, il y a un chapitre (ou certaines sections au sein d’un chapitre) sur deux que je trouvais carrément mieux écrit, du coup je me suis demandée si les co-autrices s’étaient partagées l’écriture chapitre par chapitre … J’ai aussi été un peu perturbée par cette alternance de narration, avec ce POV à la 3ème personne et non à la 1ère. Et comme aujourd’hui il est de plus en plus rare de lire des romans en POV externe, ça m’a souvent fait bugguer.
Pour autant, cela ne m’a empêché de me régaler avec ce roman qui m’aura vraiment fait rire, je serai au rendez-vous par la suite, ça ne fait aucun doute !
Donc déjà, c’est très drôle, mais drôle du genre où j’ai ri à gorge déployée. Ensuite, on a droit au trope du fake boyfriend (yes please ! ♥), à une famille envahissante et un peu folle, et à deux héros choupis qui vont, on s’en doute, tomber sous le charme de l’autre et se laisser prendre à leur propre jeu. La romance évolue naturellement, c’est très doux et assez chaste (et c’est marrant, parce que je ne m’en suis rendue compte qu’à la fin), et ça convient parfaitement au caractère des deux jeunes hommes. Il n’y a rien d’extraordinaire dans cette romance, pourtant, j’ai trouvé ces deux gars sincères, et touchants, ça m’a vraiment plu de les voir évoluer ensemble le temps d’un weekend et d’attendre leur happy end. J’ai aimé leur complicité, qui se met assez vite en place malgré les circonstances de leur rencontre et le fait qu’Ambrose soit en service commandé.
J’ai aussi vraiment aimé la famille de Liam, et plus particulièrement ce vieux sacripant de Billy, le grand-père tellement cool et drôle, qui prend un malin plaisir à faire rouler ses petits-gendres (si on peut les nommer ainsi) sous la table. Ce papi est pour moi l’un des points forts du livre, tout comme l’ambiance certes OTT mais tellement drôle de cette famille qui prend très au sérieux ses parties de Monopoly et ses plateaux de charcuterie/fromage.
Je suis donc complètement conquise par cette histoire, même si j’ai parfois ressenti un déséquilibre dans l’écriture. En moyenne, il y a un chapitre (ou certaines sections au sein d’un chapitre) sur deux que je trouvais carrément mieux écrit, du coup je me suis demandée si les co-autrices s’étaient partagées l’écriture chapitre par chapitre … J’ai aussi été un peu perturbée par cette alternance de narration, avec ce POV à la 3ème personne et non à la 1ère. Et comme aujourd’hui il est de plus en plus rare de lire des romans en POV externe, ça m’a souvent fait bugguer.
Pour autant, cela ne m’a empêché de me régaler avec ce roman qui m’aura vraiment fait rire, je serai au rendez-vous par la suite, ça ne fait aucun doute !
November 25, 2024
It was adorable.
I enjoyed it a little too much.
I hope Harry's story will get the same vibes as Ambrose.
I enjoyed it a little too much.
I hope Harry's story will get the same vibes as Ambrose.
June 20, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is a cute, silly, fluffy romance filled with humor and charm and just enough angst to add a bit of flavor without bringing down the mood. Liam is a privileged young man whose parents own a successful winery and whose grandfather has a flat in town where he lets his grandchildren stay while they’re at university. Liam, though, is still determined to pay his own way through school, just as he’s determined to not have to ask his mother to back off just a little bit. As the only son, and the maybe-but-also-not-maybe favorite, he’s aware that his mother only wants him to be happy, like she’s happy with his father. Like his eldest sister is with her husband. But Liam’s still healing from his breakup, still trying to find out who he is without his family, still figuring out his life.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is a cute, silly, fluffy romance filled with humor and charm and just enough angst to add a bit of flavor without bringing down the mood. Liam is a privileged young man whose parents own a successful winery and whose grandfather has a flat in town where he lets his grandchildren stay while they’re at university. Liam, though, is still determined to pay his own way through school, just as he’s determined to not have to ask his mother to back off just a little bit. As the only son, and the maybe-but-also-not-maybe favorite, he’s aware that his mother only wants him to be happy, like she’s happy with his father. Like his eldest sister is with her husband. But Liam’s still healing from his breakup, still trying to find out who he is without his family, still figuring out his life.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 8, 2024
3.5 rounded down.
I liked this HOWEVER the one thing that bothered me was when they decided to try dating for real but insisted that Ambrose continue to be a twat for the rest of the event??? Utterly pointless. Some of the ways he pretended to be awful were cringe as well but overall this was funny and quite a unique concept!
I liked this HOWEVER the one thing that bothered me was when they decided to try dating for real but insisted that Ambrose continue to be a twat for the rest of the event??? Utterly pointless. Some of the ways he pretended to be awful were cringe as well but overall this was funny and quite a unique concept!
June 11, 2022
4.25 stars
November 8, 2022
This was so adorable. Really, I don’t think you understand. Absolutely lovely.
August 10, 2024
Hilarious and Adorkable Ambrose
Awfully Ambrose
Bad Boyfriends, Inc #1
Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey
Second Edition 2024
“Just give me a bottle of that Don Paragraph stuff”
Ambrose is the 'perfect' bad boyfriend, in fact he does it for a living. When student Liam is waiting on his table, where Ambrose is being an arrogant, rude git to Liam's friend Kelly in front of her parents, he's determined to warn Kelly before her class the next morning.
Despite the guy's looks, he's obviously horrible.
Except Kelly reveals her secret - she's hired Ambrose to make her real love -Greg the bassist - look like the better option. And with Liam's mom nagging him to bring a date when they're next in town, he wonders if Ambrose can switch to Adorable from Awful, instead.
Thing is, his mum means well but Liam gets intense pressure to settle down, even though he's twenty three.
His family owns a successful winery but all his mum wants for her children is love. But he's been burned - badly; fourteen months ago Liam broke up with Jonah, after finding him in bed with someone else. And that's when his dry spell started.
This is the fake dating trope, and it's done really well. I remember an earlier iteration of this story, however I still managed to snort, chortle and howl with laughter at Ambrose's antics. He's downright hilarious as bad boyfriend and kind of a dork as himself.
Both going men have issues in their family, and feelings or past emotional trauma they haven't resolved, especially Ambrose. This is sweet, very funny, romantic, thoughtful and spicy.
Ambrose's roommate Harry is sweet too, and bless him, he's next up in the fake boyfriend game and gosh does he need it.
This was an absolute gem of a book and I can't wait for Harry's story next.
Awfully Ambrose
Bad Boyfriends, Inc #1
Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey
Second Edition 2024
“Just give me a bottle of that Don Paragraph stuff”
Ambrose is the 'perfect' bad boyfriend, in fact he does it for a living. When student Liam is waiting on his table, where Ambrose is being an arrogant, rude git to Liam's friend Kelly in front of her parents, he's determined to warn Kelly before her class the next morning.
Despite the guy's looks, he's obviously horrible.
Except Kelly reveals her secret - she's hired Ambrose to make her real love -Greg the bassist - look like the better option. And with Liam's mom nagging him to bring a date when they're next in town, he wonders if Ambrose can switch to Adorable from Awful, instead.
Thing is, his mum means well but Liam gets intense pressure to settle down, even though he's twenty three.
His family owns a successful winery but all his mum wants for her children is love. But he's been burned - badly; fourteen months ago Liam broke up with Jonah, after finding him in bed with someone else. And that's when his dry spell started.
This is the fake dating trope, and it's done really well. I remember an earlier iteration of this story, however I still managed to snort, chortle and howl with laughter at Ambrose's antics. He's downright hilarious as bad boyfriend and kind of a dork as himself.
Both going men have issues in their family, and feelings or past emotional trauma they haven't resolved, especially Ambrose. This is sweet, very funny, romantic, thoughtful and spicy.
Ambrose's roommate Harry is sweet too, and bless him, he's next up in the fake boyfriend game and gosh does he need it.
This was an absolute gem of a book and I can't wait for Harry's story next.
August 25, 2022
Very cute, very sweet. Fluffy and fun but still had substance. The premise was a little whacked but the author made it work. I loved all the characters, esp Granddad Billy. Overdone salty elderly characters who swear and talk about sex so freely usually rub me the wrong way but for some reason worked just fine for me here. There were plenty of shenanigans and a ton of laugh out loud moments. The tractor scene to rescue Ambrose was especially a hoot.
Liam’s mom irked me in the beginning of the story—so meddlesome and annoying—and I liked that her interference was actually eventually addressed and she wasn’t just left to be an overblown mom caricature. My one notable qualm was that the relationship development betw Ambrose and Liam was perhaps a little lacking. So much of their interactions involved Liam’s family, which was all very fun and entertaining. But there wasn’t a ton of one-on-one conversation as they moved toward becoming true boyfriends and I didn’t end up feeling the sort of strong and intense connection I crave in my book couples. It was something that could’ve been bolstered by the addition of more intimate scenes. We only got the one, which was disappointing and IMO further hindered that feeling of connection.
Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed this quirky, sweet story and look forward to Harry’s story in book 2.
Liam’s mom irked me in the beginning of the story—so meddlesome and annoying—and I liked that her interference was actually eventually addressed and she wasn’t just left to be an overblown mom caricature. My one notable qualm was that the relationship development betw Ambrose and Liam was perhaps a little lacking. So much of their interactions involved Liam’s family, which was all very fun and entertaining. But there wasn’t a ton of one-on-one conversation as they moved toward becoming true boyfriends and I didn’t end up feeling the sort of strong and intense connection I crave in my book couples. It was something that could’ve been bolstered by the addition of more intimate scenes. We only got the one, which was disappointing and IMO further hindered that feeling of connection.
Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed this quirky, sweet story and look forward to Harry’s story in book 2.
August 20, 2023
Oof, that was boring and shallow af. The ridiculous premise was not up to the heavy lifting it had to do (often an issue with fake dating stories, but this one was more ludicrous than most), the characters had zero chemistry, and I found the “charming” big meddling family super-irritating. It was also really tame, not really something I associate with Lisa Henry, so I'm guessing that's part of Sarah Honey's contribution. I really need to stay away from collabs.
April 6, 2024
Good, tropey fun! MM fake dating, with only one bed at the family vineyard. Not deep or nuanced, but I enjoyed this light hearted Australian set romance about two 20-something university students who fake date their way into real feelings.
Content notes: parent with mental illness.
Also boundary stomping family members that’s mostly played for laughs. And a grandfather that likes to get their grandchildren’s partners drunk as a sort of initiation. It’s played for laughs but I’m mentioning it because I think it could upset some readers.
Content notes: parent with mental illness.
Also boundary stomping family members that’s mostly played for laughs. And a grandfather that likes to get their grandchildren’s partners drunk as a sort of initiation. It’s played for laughs but I’m mentioning it because I think it could upset some readers.
July 8, 2025
Kinda bored. It was sweet, but I don't really like second hand embarrassment so this series is going to be a no go for me. If you like low angst and cringy characters (aka the second hand embarrassment) then you'll like it. Granted the Cringy Behavior is all an act because that's literally Ambrose's' job. But still, I don't like reading or watching that kind of humor. My anxiety can't take it.
January 8, 2025
Lordy, I’d give my kingdom for Lisa Henry to stop writing about silly young twenties boys and return to grown men dealing with life and personal challenges. But maybe that’s just me.
This was cute.
It was fun.
The protagonists were young.
Okay…
This was cute.
It was fun.
The protagonists were young.
Okay…
November 14, 2025
I got a third of the way in, eventually, then skimmed to the end, which was much easier. Not my favorite story type, though there were funny moments and good character moments. There just weren't enough of either of those. I suspect I miiiight have enjoyed this as a movie. But it was not great as a novel for me.
June 6, 2022
Full review to come
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