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The Girls #2
Sweet Girl
Can be read as a standalone.
Max Jennings is in a bad mood. It’s not anything you did; it’s just that secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. But she’s not going to talk about it or share her feelings, so don’t bother asking.
Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her secret dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As she bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?
Max Jennings is in a bad mood. It’s not anything you did; it’s just that secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. But she’s not going to talk about it or share her feelings, so don’t bother asking.
Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her secret dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As she bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
853 people are currently reading
5307 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hollis
27 books32.3k followersRachel laid the foundation for her lifestyle brand and media company with the same unfiltered honesty and staunch inclusivity that made her a two-time #1 New York Times bestselling author. Hollis connects with a highly engaged and growing global audience of women who treasure her transparency and optimism. She is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers, plays host to one of today’s top business podcasts and is a proud mama of four who uses her platform to empower and embolden women around the world. Rachel calls Texas home; more specifically the Hill Country just outside of Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
April 6, 2015
I'm sort of required by law to give my own book a 5 star review right??
August 9, 2018
If you've read the first book (read the first book), you know what to expect. Plus, it's Max and you want to know her story from the first time we meet her in Party Girl. These are true "coming of age" stories, even if the protagonists are a little old for that (Max is 25). Hollis is fantastic at putting her characters together in such a way that it all fits, though.
This one isn't quite the clear win that Party Girl was. There's a scene I didn't think quite fit (and it's kind of a pivotal scene, really), and Hollis is a little coy about details of Max's deeper emotional pain, leaving the reader to find out when she finally reveals it to someone else. That breaks the intimacy of the narrative voice (which is otherwise firmly in Max's viewpoint) and was a mistake, I think. It would have been tricky to keep the pace up with the weight of the eventual discovery in place, but I think Hollis could have pulled it off.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the minor misses didn't tempt me to drop below four stars. A solid four stars, at that.
A note about Steamy: No steam. Like the first book. It bears a mention as I'm tagging this New Adult and there's a sexy-times expectation with that genre.
This one isn't quite the clear win that Party Girl was. There's a scene I didn't think quite fit (and it's kind of a pivotal scene, really), and Hollis is a little coy about details of Max's deeper emotional pain, leaving the reader to find out when she finally reveals it to someone else. That breaks the intimacy of the narrative voice (which is otherwise firmly in Max's viewpoint) and was a mistake, I think. It would have been tricky to keep the pace up with the weight of the eventual discovery in place, but I think Hollis could have pulled it off.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the minor misses didn't tempt me to drop below four stars. A solid four stars, at that.
A note about Steamy: No steam. Like the first book. It bears a mention as I'm tagging this New Adult and there's a sexy-times expectation with that genre.
May 7, 2019
Our heroine was raised in a privileged household. But she decides to pay for her own college and work long hours to support herself.
Her dream is to become a chef. She finally lands the perfect job. But the long hours begin to affect her health. With the help of our hero she manages to overcome a troubled past to reach her happily ever after.
Her dream is to become a chef. She finally lands the perfect job. But the long hours begin to affect her health. With the help of our hero she manages to overcome a troubled past to reach her happily ever after.
March 30, 2015
I got an early copy of this book in order to review it. First off, I've read Rachel's other two books and loved loved loved them. I was so excited to get this one. This book had me at page one. In fact I was so super glued to this book I finished it in one afternoon!!! It started off a little slow but picked up steam pretty quickly and became just amazing. I loved reading Max's story while continuing to keep up with Landon and Miko. I can't wait to read about Miko and see if she ends up with who I hope she will. This book is just as heartwarming as the other two and I loved it so much. Rachel please keep writing. I love your work and hope you have many other stories to tell!!
November 26, 2015
rating: 4.5/5
Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise
Before getting on with my review of this book, I need to tell you just how much I'm in love with Rachel Hollis's writing. When I added the first book of the series on Goodreads, I just had read the summary of it and didn't hesitate to add it to my to-read list. When I saw a video of her promoting her book, I fell for her bubbly personality and how fun she seemed to be. Then, I knew that I HAD to read her book.
After that, I finally got my hand on her book and read it as often as I could read it and devoured every single page of it. So now, that I finally got my hands on her second book, I knew the moment I would start this book, I wouldn't be able to stop.
And that's what happened.
I always liked Max probably because I felt that behind all the sarcasm and the i-dont-really-care attitude she was trying to project, there was a story that would explain a lot and I was right (okay, maybe it was obvious to everyone, but just pretend that I'm really smart :P).
Max's character goes through a lot in her book. New job, new friends, new feelings, etc. Some are good for her, some are bad, but either way, I feel like she grew a lot through all of this. She may not make the wisest decision reaction-wise (does that make sense? you tell me.), but that makes her just more relatable to everyone.
And what do I have to say about Taylor? I love him. I never really saw him as a jerk even when Max acted like he was. I just felt like there was a lot about him that we still needed to learn about. His witty attitude was really fun to read especially around Max. The both of them could entertain a room full of people with their banter. Things we learn about him just shape us the kind of man that he is and really, so far, I think he's my favourite boy of the series.
Now, about them together... Well, that was something else to see. I really liked that they became friends before anything else. I liked to see the transition between enemies to friends to best friends, etc. It wasn't rushed or love at first sight, it just seemed somewhat normal and I loved that. It seemed easy for them and I believe that Max and Taylor needed that to work up to something more.
Max's fear of commitment of any kind was frustrating at moments because before we know what happened, we can't understand why she can't tell him or anyone for that matter and I won't lie, even after learning the reasons behind all of it, I felt like like shaking her and telling: "They are your family and they would have been there for you.", but maybe the story would be different and maybe boring so I guess it was needed hahaha
Taylor's patience through all of this was something that just touched me so much. Everyone needs a Taylor.
This book made me tear up on more occasions that it should be allowed in a book, especially when I'm at work or a bus and I can't very well hide it. But it made me laugh, made me smile and like I previously said, it made me mad. A lot of emotions for one book.
Okay, I'm stopping because I feel I'm about to spoil a lot of people so just read the book if I didn't already. If I did, I apologize.
So overall, READ THIS SERIES :)
Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise
Before getting on with my review of this book, I need to tell you just how much I'm in love with Rachel Hollis's writing. When I added the first book of the series on Goodreads, I just had read the summary of it and didn't hesitate to add it to my to-read list. When I saw a video of her promoting her book, I fell for her bubbly personality and how fun she seemed to be. Then, I knew that I HAD to read her book.
After that, I finally got my hand on her book and read it as often as I could read it and devoured every single page of it. So now, that I finally got my hands on her second book, I knew the moment I would start this book, I wouldn't be able to stop.
And that's what happened.
I always liked Max probably because I felt that behind all the sarcasm and the i-dont-really-care attitude she was trying to project, there was a story that would explain a lot and I was right (okay, maybe it was obvious to everyone, but just pretend that I'm really smart :P).
Max's character goes through a lot in her book. New job, new friends, new feelings, etc. Some are good for her, some are bad, but either way, I feel like she grew a lot through all of this. She may not make the wisest decision reaction-wise (does that make sense? you tell me.), but that makes her just more relatable to everyone.
And what do I have to say about Taylor? I love him. I never really saw him as a jerk even when Max acted like he was. I just felt like there was a lot about him that we still needed to learn about. His witty attitude was really fun to read especially around Max. The both of them could entertain a room full of people with their banter. Things we learn about him just shape us the kind of man that he is and really, so far, I think he's my favourite boy of the series.
Now, about them together... Well, that was something else to see. I really liked that they became friends before anything else. I liked to see the transition between enemies to friends to best friends, etc. It wasn't rushed or love at first sight, it just seemed somewhat normal and I loved that. It seemed easy for them and I believe that Max and Taylor needed that to work up to something more.
Max's fear of commitment of any kind was frustrating at moments because before we know what happened, we can't understand why she can't tell him or anyone for that matter and I won't lie, even after learning the reasons behind all of it, I felt like like shaking her and telling: "They are your family and they would have been there for you.", but maybe the story would be different and maybe boring so I guess it was needed hahaha
Taylor's patience through all of this was something that just touched me so much. Everyone needs a Taylor.
This book made me tear up on more occasions that it should be allowed in a book, especially when I'm at work or a bus and I can't very well hide it. But it made me laugh, made me smile and like I previously said, it made me mad. A lot of emotions for one book.
Okay, I'm stopping because I feel I'm about to spoil a lot of people so just read the book if I didn't already. If I did, I apologize.
So overall, READ THIS SERIES :)
August 5, 2019
While waiting for my books to arrive, just reading what is under hand. I'm not into a lot of romance and chick lit books, but sometimes I just need something like this for my fuming brain. This was as good as the first book in the series - funny, light, not irritating. It's even kind of enspiring and motivational. But what else can you get from Rachel Hollis?
August 31, 2015
I think I have a new favorite author! I enjoyed Party Girl, but Sweet Girl set the bar even higher. Max is a dynamic character. She is fiercely independent, incredibly talented, and haunted by past mistakes. This just described like at least 20 woman I personally know. That is one of the reasons I love this series so much. The characters feel real. It's easy to relate to them. One of my favorite lines in this book is when Max's mom says to her, "Leaning on another person and allowing yourself to be vulnerable sometimes is its own kind of strength". This is so incredibly true and one of the hardest lessons to learn! The love interest in this book is also a sweet, believable character, the kind of guy you wished you could find for every single lady you know. Friends make the best partners. Sometimes we rush over that step.
I hope Mrs. Hollis has a few more books up her sleeve! I think this will be a very successful series for her.
Okay, enough gushing. Go get the book!
I hope Mrs. Hollis has a few more books up her sleeve! I think this will be a very successful series for her.
Okay, enough gushing. Go get the book!
March 26, 2015
Loved this book!! You will get teary and then laugh with the characters and not just the hero/heroine even her secondary characters are wonderfully written. My only warning is that you will need to stock up on your favorite desserts before you read this so that when you start craving the chocolate confection describe you have them at hand or read it early enough in the day that you can make and emergency bakery run.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
December 23, 2015
4.5/5 stars
Sweet Girl is part of The Girls series but can be read as a standalone. It features a different narrator (although the narrator of the first book is in this book). I would describe it as Chick Lit.
The narrator is 25 year old Mackenzie/Max Jennings.
I am really happy that I went into this book blind. So I had no idea what the book was about other than the title, which I really like for the book.
When the book begins Max is working as a bartender. She is very good at it. But she is super moody, which actually made her really different and interesting.
Max has a really sweet roommate (a lovely girl named Landon). And two step-brothers Brody and Liam.
Max loves to bake. And she has an obsession with famous chefs and bakers.
We learn that Max has secrets. Something happened to her in her past.
There are many things that I loved about this book. One is that Max is severely hypoglycemic. I thought that was such an interesting element to add to the story.
Second, I really liked the world the book is set in. The LA restaurant scene. Pastries. Baking. I love that world!
Third, I really liked Max's family and friends. They were for the most part such a supportive and loving group. I really enjoyed her roommate Landon. And I really enjoyed watching her interact with their guy friend Taylor.
Fourth, the secrets. I like when a book has a bit of mystery to it. And I really enjoyed putting all of the pieces together to figure out what happened to Max to make her the way she is.
This is my first book by the author. I really had no idea what to expect. I've recently been following her posts on facebook for The Chic Site. She seems lovely. But I had no idea if she could write a novel. Wow, I really am impressed.
The book is funny, sweet and delightful. There is some romance. There is some mystery. It is light. Yet there are also some serious aspects. I found the book to be a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
Sweet Girl is part of The Girls series but can be read as a standalone. It features a different narrator (although the narrator of the first book is in this book). I would describe it as Chick Lit.
The narrator is 25 year old Mackenzie/Max Jennings.
I am really happy that I went into this book blind. So I had no idea what the book was about other than the title, which I really like for the book.
When the book begins Max is working as a bartender. She is very good at it. But she is super moody, which actually made her really different and interesting.
Max has a really sweet roommate (a lovely girl named Landon). And two step-brothers Brody and Liam.
Max loves to bake. And she has an obsession with famous chefs and bakers.
We learn that Max has secrets. Something happened to her in her past.
There are many things that I loved about this book. One is that Max is severely hypoglycemic. I thought that was such an interesting element to add to the story.
Second, I really liked the world the book is set in. The LA restaurant scene. Pastries. Baking. I love that world!
Third, I really liked Max's family and friends. They were for the most part such a supportive and loving group. I really enjoyed her roommate Landon. And I really enjoyed watching her interact with their guy friend Taylor.
Fourth, the secrets. I like when a book has a bit of mystery to it. And I really enjoyed putting all of the pieces together to figure out what happened to Max to make her the way she is.
This is my first book by the author. I really had no idea what to expect. I've recently been following her posts on facebook for The Chic Site. She seems lovely. But I had no idea if she could write a novel. Wow, I really am impressed.
The book is funny, sweet and delightful. There is some romance. There is some mystery. It is light. Yet there are also some serious aspects. I found the book to be a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
March 30, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley*
All her life, Max Jennings has dreamed of being a pastry chef. But secrets from her past have prevented her from pursuing that dream, and also from getting too close to anyone. When an opportunity to work for a world renowned pastry chef presents itself, she doesn't think - she just says yes. But spending hours concucting new recipes, spending time with her family, friends and a certain annoying boy, all while trying to keep her past a secret, is totally exhausting.
I really liked Party Girl. But I loved Sweet Girl!! Max is such a great character.... I couldn't help but like her, even when she was rude and unlikable. She has so many layers.... I couldn't stop reading. I needed to find out what made her into the person she was - and it broke my heart. This story is sweet and heartbreaking and redeeming. I loved watching Max evolve. And we also get more of Miko and Landon and Brody and Taylor.
I adore Rachel Hollis's descriptive writing style and her fascinating characters. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
5 stars!
All her life, Max Jennings has dreamed of being a pastry chef. But secrets from her past have prevented her from pursuing that dream, and also from getting too close to anyone. When an opportunity to work for a world renowned pastry chef presents itself, she doesn't think - she just says yes. But spending hours concucting new recipes, spending time with her family, friends and a certain annoying boy, all while trying to keep her past a secret, is totally exhausting.
I really liked Party Girl. But I loved Sweet Girl!! Max is such a great character.... I couldn't help but like her, even when she was rude and unlikable. She has so many layers.... I couldn't stop reading. I needed to find out what made her into the person she was - and it broke my heart. This story is sweet and heartbreaking and redeeming. I loved watching Max evolve. And we also get more of Miko and Landon and Brody and Taylor.
I adore Rachel Hollis's descriptive writing style and her fascinating characters. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
5 stars!
April 21, 2015
4.5
This was my first Rachel Hollis book and I almost didn't read it.
I downloaded it on Netgalley but then got cold feet the more I thought about it. I was worried it would be too sweet for me. I deleted it.
But then I started following Rachel's website TheChicSite.com. Surely, if I liked this website I would like her writing. Right? But what if this is a case of a fan that should leave writing to professionals?
Finally, I decided on a whim this weekend to re-download it. I had read a review that intrigued me. This review stated that Sweet Girl was not a romance or new adult but woman's literature, pure and simple. So I sat down and decided to give it a try.
Let me first say that Rachel is an amazing writer and I can't believe this is only her second book (I don't really count the novella). How could she not have been a writer her whole life??? For the first time in a long time I found myself slowing down and really absorbing the words on the page. I needed that. I've been reading too fast lately and not really feeling the words. Rachel definitely has a way with words.
The characters were so three dimensional that I could appreciate their uniqueness and relate to them. The main character, Max, wants to be a pastry chef but is stuck in job as a bartender. On a side note, it was obvious that Rachel knows quite a bit about both professions (or at least did her homework) and was able to create realistic situations. Max is perpetually in a bad mood and doesn't open up to those around her. This means nobody in Max's life knows her secret dream.
I can understand know why one reviewer was so adamant that this is woman's literature. Sweet Girl is about growing up and facing your problems. It's about learning who you are. It's about rising to the challenge. There is a dash of romance but this is mostly about Max's story, as it should be.
***ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley***
This was my first Rachel Hollis book and I almost didn't read it.
I downloaded it on Netgalley but then got cold feet the more I thought about it. I was worried it would be too sweet for me. I deleted it.
But then I started following Rachel's website TheChicSite.com. Surely, if I liked this website I would like her writing. Right? But what if this is a case of a fan that should leave writing to professionals?
Finally, I decided on a whim this weekend to re-download it. I had read a review that intrigued me. This review stated that Sweet Girl was not a romance or new adult but woman's literature, pure and simple. So I sat down and decided to give it a try.
Let me first say that Rachel is an amazing writer and I can't believe this is only her second book (I don't really count the novella). How could she not have been a writer her whole life??? For the first time in a long time I found myself slowing down and really absorbing the words on the page. I needed that. I've been reading too fast lately and not really feeling the words. Rachel definitely has a way with words.
The characters were so three dimensional that I could appreciate their uniqueness and relate to them. The main character, Max, wants to be a pastry chef but is stuck in job as a bartender. On a side note, it was obvious that Rachel knows quite a bit about both professions (or at least did her homework) and was able to create realistic situations. Max is perpetually in a bad mood and doesn't open up to those around her. This means nobody in Max's life knows her secret dream.
I can understand know why one reviewer was so adamant that this is woman's literature. Sweet Girl is about growing up and facing your problems. It's about learning who you are. It's about rising to the challenge. There is a dash of romance but this is mostly about Max's story, as it should be.
***ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley***
April 11, 2015
ARC provided by NetGalley for review
Without giving anything away, you have to read this book! It's so real, you can really relate to this story. I fell in love with Max. I loved Rachel's other two books in this series but Sweet Girl is by far my favorite. Also just be prepared and have some sweets near by, you may need them!
Without giving anything away, you have to read this book! It's so real, you can really relate to this story. I fell in love with Max. I loved Rachel's other two books in this series but Sweet Girl is by far my favorite. Also just be prepared and have some sweets near by, you may need them!
July 10, 2017
Pretty close to perfect!
I'm kind of obsessed with Hollis as an author. Her characters are so incredibly sweet and lovable. She gives you a very slow burn and an innocent fade to black. It just works! Highly recommend.
I'm kind of obsessed with Hollis as an author. Her characters are so incredibly sweet and lovable. She gives you a very slow burn and an innocent fade to black. It just works! Highly recommend.
July 14, 2015
Just what I needed. Light, lots of food, humorous. I really enjoyed the pastry chef sections and it made me wish I had a bit more energy for baking!
May 4, 2015
Sweet Girl is the second novel from Rachel Hollis' The Girls Series and follows the ups and downs of Max Jennings. We met her in the first book, Party Girl, and I was excited to get my hands on her story and delve into her inner workings. I fell in love with Landon from Party Girl and worried that Hollis wouldn't be able to replicate the fantastic story telling from her debut novel. For the record, she exceeded any and all expectations I had, delivering another phenomenal five star read that readers everywhere will fall in love with.
Max has an edgy exterior from her pixie cut to her standout nail polish. From the outside she is a no nonsense gal with a sharp wit and sassy mouth. You don't want to face her wrath, but Taylor isn't scared away. He actually enjoys riling Max up and ruffling her feathers. I loved the witty banter and tension between this hero and heroine as they discovered a friendship and connection could grow from the most unlikely of places.
I was easily swept up in these characters and story. Rachel Hollis has created this fictional world that is nothing short of magnificent. She's openly said her characters are make believe but bear pieces of herself and her truths. Sharing bits of herself in her characters is what makes them easy to relate to and identify with.
This story has everything that composes an epic read -- humor, romance, heartbreak, and hope. Max isn't immune to tragedy and the burden from choices she's made that have lead her to her present, but Rachel eases you into the dark parts by distracting you with the opportunities in her present. I found myself so mesmerized by the triumphs in her present, I momentarily forgot the unknown damage from her past. I can't express in words just how incredible this book is from start to finish.
Rachel Hollis has proven she can write. Any worry I had about how spectacular Sweet Girl would be quickly vanished as I tore through this work. I couldn't put down this charming read and highly recommend everyone find the time to introduce themselves to Rachel Hollis' books. Party Girl and Sweet Girl are genuinely heartwarming, and you'll fall in love with these stellar books!
Max has an edgy exterior from her pixie cut to her standout nail polish. From the outside she is a no nonsense gal with a sharp wit and sassy mouth. You don't want to face her wrath, but Taylor isn't scared away. He actually enjoys riling Max up and ruffling her feathers. I loved the witty banter and tension between this hero and heroine as they discovered a friendship and connection could grow from the most unlikely of places.
I was easily swept up in these characters and story. Rachel Hollis has created this fictional world that is nothing short of magnificent. She's openly said her characters are make believe but bear pieces of herself and her truths. Sharing bits of herself in her characters is what makes them easy to relate to and identify with.
This story has everything that composes an epic read -- humor, romance, heartbreak, and hope. Max isn't immune to tragedy and the burden from choices she's made that have lead her to her present, but Rachel eases you into the dark parts by distracting you with the opportunities in her present. I found myself so mesmerized by the triumphs in her present, I momentarily forgot the unknown damage from her past. I can't express in words just how incredible this book is from start to finish.
Rachel Hollis has proven she can write. Any worry I had about how spectacular Sweet Girl would be quickly vanished as I tore through this work. I couldn't put down this charming read and highly recommend everyone find the time to introduce themselves to Rachel Hollis' books. Party Girl and Sweet Girl are genuinely heartwarming, and you'll fall in love with these stellar books!
March 25, 2019
I sat on this one for a few days, and I really wanted to like it... I love Girl, Wash Your Face and Party Girl truly was both wholesome and hilarious.
But the underlying conflict of The Girls book 2 makes my skin crawl. I support people who believe that live begins at conception, who therefore feel that all of /their/ pregnancies should be accepted. But fiction involving teen pregnancy (and arguably rape??) that doesn't even acknowledge choices as a topic is both outdated and shaming. Taking a stand on one side of the life/choice debate, whatever it is, is good. But bringing up the topic without acknowledging both sides is irresponsible... Even in fictions...especially In YA for young women. It's a deeply personal topic that shouldn't be skimmed over for the sake of making a character broken and in need of fixing. And back to the pseudo rape situation... I am really, really disappointed by Hollis's portrayal of a young woman who survived both a medically/alcohol induced college party rape and a miscarriage. as an author, she may not have supported the flawed amount of shame that her character felt after /blacking out, having sex with (being raped by) a stranger, getting pregnant, and then miscarrying,/ but she also never took real time to let the character (or her young female readers) realize that the shame wasn't hers to carry.
In short, Hollis could have picked any number of traumatic experiences that would create a flawed character with dark and stormy personality features to work through while falling in love. She chose something that is a big deal for many young women and she didn't give it the narrative young women deserve. The topic isn't light or easy to digest, and maybe it didn't belong in this type of book... but then it shouldn't have been the undercurrent of Max's story at all. The "lessons" she learned at the end were real ones for young and driven women to relate to, but the trauma Hollis chose does not line up.
But the underlying conflict of The Girls book 2 makes my skin crawl. I support people who believe that live begins at conception, who therefore feel that all of /their/ pregnancies should be accepted. But fiction involving teen pregnancy (and arguably rape??) that doesn't even acknowledge choices as a topic is both outdated and shaming. Taking a stand on one side of the life/choice debate, whatever it is, is good. But bringing up the topic without acknowledging both sides is irresponsible... Even in fictions...especially In YA for young women. It's a deeply personal topic that shouldn't be skimmed over for the sake of making a character broken and in need of fixing. And back to the pseudo rape situation... I am really, really disappointed by Hollis's portrayal of a young woman who survived both a medically/alcohol induced college party rape and a miscarriage. as an author, she may not have supported the flawed amount of shame that her character felt after /blacking out, having sex with (being raped by) a stranger, getting pregnant, and then miscarrying,/ but she also never took real time to let the character (or her young female readers) realize that the shame wasn't hers to carry.
In short, Hollis could have picked any number of traumatic experiences that would create a flawed character with dark and stormy personality features to work through while falling in love. She chose something that is a big deal for many young women and she didn't give it the narrative young women deserve. The topic isn't light or easy to digest, and maybe it didn't belong in this type of book... but then it shouldn't have been the undercurrent of Max's story at all. The "lessons" she learned at the end were real ones for young and driven women to relate to, but the trauma Hollis chose does not line up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2015
*I was given an ARC from Netgalley. All comments are my own.
This is the second book to the "The Girls" series but it works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel, especially since I haven't read the first book.
I really enjoyed reading this book tremendously! It centres around Max, short for Mackenzie, who is a diabetic who loves to bake. Her dream has always been to set up her own bakery but because of her health and something that happened six years ago, Max's dreams seem to be just that - dreams. Until of course an unexpected opportunity presents itself.
Max learns to finally open up and release the burden of her shame. She also learns to accept love, but not without its challenges. A fun read, full of expected romance because it was rather predictable what was going to happen between Max and the man she detests.
I suspect there might be a book 3 in the series, would really love to read Max's best friend, Miko's story.
This is the second book to the "The Girls" series but it works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel, especially since I haven't read the first book.
I really enjoyed reading this book tremendously! It centres around Max, short for Mackenzie, who is a diabetic who loves to bake. Her dream has always been to set up her own bakery but because of her health and something that happened six years ago, Max's dreams seem to be just that - dreams. Until of course an unexpected opportunity presents itself.
Max learns to finally open up and release the burden of her shame. She also learns to accept love, but not without its challenges. A fun read, full of expected romance because it was rather predictable what was going to happen between Max and the man she detests.
I suspect there might be a book 3 in the series, would really love to read Max's best friend, Miko's story.
April 13, 2015
In continuation of Party Girl, Hollis focuses Sweet Girl on Mackenzie's life in this lite women's lit novel. The quirky group of friends embark on the next steps in their careers all while deepening their relationship with one another. There is just enough sage advice to keep the reader looking deeper into the situations the characters' face. The part that was a bit far fetched for me was that Max's family didn't push her to reveal the catalyst for her mega lifestyle change (but readers will be able to guess...or at least I did so I think others will too) in five or six years but when she did reveal, they instantly accepted with no big heart to heart or therapeutic intervention. Throughout most of the story, Max isn't involved with anyone so don't enter this novel if you are looking for romance. This is women's lit and well-written, witty and fun. A good mental escape from reality.
June 14, 2015
This was such a great book. I really enjoyed Rachel's writing. This book was a good, clean and fun - not your typical romance book.
It really about a girl Max who has had her share of heartbreak and struggles. This book is about her overcoming her fears and taking on a dream that seems out of reach. I loved that Max was flawed and struggled. I loved watching her family and friends rally around her. I also loved Taylor and their beautiful friendship blossom into something more, some thing special. Taylor tattooed southern man..I'm in love with him;)
This book is such a great clean and thoughtful book. So good. I look forward to more books from this author❤️
It really about a girl Max who has had her share of heartbreak and struggles. This book is about her overcoming her fears and taking on a dream that seems out of reach. I loved that Max was flawed and struggled. I loved watching her family and friends rally around her. I also loved Taylor and their beautiful friendship blossom into something more, some thing special. Taylor tattooed southern man..I'm in love with him;)
This book is such a great clean and thoughtful book. So good. I look forward to more books from this author❤️
April 9, 2015
I downloaded this free on netgalley.
I really enjoyed the career side of this - the descriptions of the food and recipes really sounded delicious.
The romance and "big secret" felt very generic to me. I knew what the secret was because that's all it ever seems to be in this genre. Not shocking, and not that big a deal either. Though, the diabetes angle was something a bit different and added to the character.
Book is well written and the characters were good. I'm not sure if this is generally a free download, but if it is, it's definitely worth a look if you enjoy romances.
I really enjoyed the career side of this - the descriptions of the food and recipes really sounded delicious.
The romance and "big secret" felt very generic to me. I knew what the secret was because that's all it ever seems to be in this genre. Not shocking, and not that big a deal either. Though, the diabetes angle was something a bit different and added to the character.
Book is well written and the characters were good. I'm not sure if this is generally a free download, but if it is, it's definitely worth a look if you enjoy romances.
March 15, 2016
**I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This book was awesome!! Loved the characters, the story, the many things that are mentioned through-out the book and I think I gained weight with all the mentioning of baked goodies. I need a cupcake now!! I hope that there are more books to this series. Great series!
This book was awesome!! Loved the characters, the story, the many things that are mentioned through-out the book and I think I gained weight with all the mentioning of baked goodies. I need a cupcake now!! I hope that there are more books to this series. Great series!
May 8, 2016
Really I just find these books to be mildly entertaining without much nuance to them. But they're fun. The characterization is really obtuse and obvious, but who doesn't like a chick-flick-romance book you can finish in a day or two? This is basically an ABC-Family-original-TV-movie book, and those are definitely my guilty pleasure.
April 2, 2019
This was another brilliant sweet read!!!!
Love Max she is such an intricate character and i love how Taylor understands her, and how their relationship is like her recipes, a unique blend but together amazing!!!
Cant wait to read the third book....
Audio is fantastic
Love Max she is such an intricate character and i love how Taylor understands her, and how their relationship is like her recipes, a unique blend but together amazing!!!
Cant wait to read the third book....
Audio is fantastic
February 16, 2018
Another really cute story and this one had a little more depth than Party Girl, which I liked. A few more “f-words” than the first book, but very clean in the storyline, which I really appreciate.
December 4, 2018
Just like the first book in this series I’ve found myself laughing out loud as I read about the characters and their antics.
February 13, 2019
Same review as Party Girl pretty much!
October 15, 2020
This was so terrible I give it an extra .5 star because i finished it.
July 29, 2015
Yup this is considered a New Adult romance. And I liked it (runs away screaming in fear). Seriously though. I really one hundred percent loved this book.
This is book #2 in Rachel Hollis's The Girls series. Book #1 focused on Landon and book #2 now focuses on Landon's roommate, Max. Please note that this book will spoil events in Party Girl and Party Girl's First Date.
What I thought was cleverly done is that this book picks up with Landon and Brody's first date. We get to hear about the events taking place from Max's point of view.
Max appeared rude and very uninterested in what was going on with Landon at certain times in book #1.
We quickly find out through reading this book that Max's outward demeanor is a defense mechanism and that she really does love her family and her unexpected friends Landon and Miko.
Max is working as a bartender but a job working for a world famous baker presents itself Max jumps at the chance to work with this woman. There are great descriptions of baked goods in this book, but sadly no recipes. Some of the things that were being described sounded heavenly and I actually baked a lot this past weekend while reading this book.
After a while I have to confess I was getting a bit fed up with why Max was being so standoffish and at times a jerk to her family. For no reason in my eyes Max keeps it a secret that she is working two jobs. She also though she should know better because of her health condition (Max is Hypoglycemic) and I liked how Ms. Hollis worked that into the story. It wasn't one of those health conditions that disappears and only reappears to move along the plot.
There is a love interest introduced to Max in this book, Taylor who appeared in book #1. However, what I really did enjoy was that these two became friends, ultimately best friends with each other and it was beautiful to watch/read. Shocking though it is sometimes I love my romance reads to be a nice slow burn and this book was definitely that.
Eventually things come together in a heartbreaking fashion and I honestly found myself tearing up. Rachel Hollis managed to turn this book from a breezy chick lit type of book to a serious book with an uplifting message. I am really looking forward to reading Miko's book which I assume will be the last book in this series.
This is book #2 in Rachel Hollis's The Girls series. Book #1 focused on Landon and book #2 now focuses on Landon's roommate, Max. Please note that this book will spoil events in Party Girl and Party Girl's First Date.
What I thought was cleverly done is that this book picks up with Landon and Brody's first date. We get to hear about the events taking place from Max's point of view.
Max appeared rude and very uninterested in what was going on with Landon at certain times in book #1.
We quickly find out through reading this book that Max's outward demeanor is a defense mechanism and that she really does love her family and her unexpected friends Landon and Miko.
Max is working as a bartender but a job working for a world famous baker presents itself Max jumps at the chance to work with this woman. There are great descriptions of baked goods in this book, but sadly no recipes. Some of the things that were being described sounded heavenly and I actually baked a lot this past weekend while reading this book.
After a while I have to confess I was getting a bit fed up with why Max was being so standoffish and at times a jerk to her family. For no reason in my eyes Max keeps it a secret that she is working two jobs. She also though she should know better because of her health condition (Max is Hypoglycemic) and I liked how Ms. Hollis worked that into the story. It wasn't one of those health conditions that disappears and only reappears to move along the plot.
There is a love interest introduced to Max in this book, Taylor who appeared in book #1. However, what I really did enjoy was that these two became friends, ultimately best friends with each other and it was beautiful to watch/read. Shocking though it is sometimes I love my romance reads to be a nice slow burn and this book was definitely that.
Eventually things come together in a heartbreaking fashion and I honestly found myself tearing up. Rachel Hollis managed to turn this book from a breezy chick lit type of book to a serious book with an uplifting message. I am really looking forward to reading Miko's book which I assume will be the last book in this series.
July 26, 2015
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a honest review.
I just finished reading this wonderful book in one sitting. There were so many amazing layers to the characters in the book and Rachel Hollis does a wonderful job blending the back stories with the main story line.
Max is crabby, sarcastic and hiding a number of secrets behind her mean facade. She works as a mixologist at a bar so that she can be close to somewhere that is her true dream. Her roommate is young, and bubbly, and dating Max's brother. An odd situation, but they seem to work out okay - at the very least, they haven't killed each other yet!
One day, Max has to go to work early to talk with suppliers for the bar. She meets a famous pastry chef who also works in the building. This chance meeting changes everything for Max. Whether she wants it to or not, her life is started on a completely different path.
There are so many wonderful layers to this book. I love the side stories of Max's family and step brothers. Also, Max's relationship with her two friends Landon and Miko is fabulous. They support her even when she doesn't think she deserves the support. This relationship also brings Bennett Taylor into her life.
All of these relationships serve to spin Max's entire world on it's axis. She's thrown off kilter and that allows her to make decisions she normally wouldn't (or impulsively make decisions she NEVER thought she would do).
This is an emotional read in some places, but it's fun to see Max go through the changes and experience the feelings she has.
Overall, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. The characters are real and down to earth and I will definitely be looking to read the other books in the series. I'm truly glad I received this book as a gift from Goodread!!
I just finished reading this wonderful book in one sitting. There were so many amazing layers to the characters in the book and Rachel Hollis does a wonderful job blending the back stories with the main story line.
Max is crabby, sarcastic and hiding a number of secrets behind her mean facade. She works as a mixologist at a bar so that she can be close to somewhere that is her true dream. Her roommate is young, and bubbly, and dating Max's brother. An odd situation, but they seem to work out okay - at the very least, they haven't killed each other yet!
One day, Max has to go to work early to talk with suppliers for the bar. She meets a famous pastry chef who also works in the building. This chance meeting changes everything for Max. Whether she wants it to or not, her life is started on a completely different path.
There are so many wonderful layers to this book. I love the side stories of Max's family and step brothers. Also, Max's relationship with her two friends Landon and Miko is fabulous. They support her even when she doesn't think she deserves the support. This relationship also brings Bennett Taylor into her life.
All of these relationships serve to spin Max's entire world on it's axis. She's thrown off kilter and that allows her to make decisions she normally wouldn't (or impulsively make decisions she NEVER thought she would do).
This is an emotional read in some places, but it's fun to see Max go through the changes and experience the feelings she has.
Overall, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. The characters are real and down to earth and I will definitely be looking to read the other books in the series. I'm truly glad I received this book as a gift from Goodread!!
January 23, 2016
This book was SO GOOD!! With the impending blizzard, I was just in the mood for something fun and romantic I could read by the fire playing on the TV in my apartment :) And this was that and so much more!
At first I was a little confused because I didn't realize this was the second book is a series, but after a few chapters I settled into the story! The way the trilogy works is there are three best friends and each book tells one of their love stories, so it wasn't completely necessary to read the first book first! However, I'm already halfway through the third book and I'm buying the first book to read next because I'm in love with these girls! So, I recommend just starting with the first to save yourself the initial confusion since you will fall in love and will want to read all of the books anyway!! :)
Max is a GREAT character!! I love that she is grumpy and not at all the usual heroine -- she's got attitude and layers and a bit of a chip on her shoulder, but it made me love her all the more! And Taylor, her love interest, is smoking!! I'm not a big tattoo girl myself, but this book sold me on them :) The two of them were great together and I loved reading all the ways they pushed each other's buttons! The romance was a wonderful slow build and I adored their journey from enemies to friends to maybe something more!
I also loved all of the details about baking in this book! You could tell the author really did her research and I was indeed in need of a cookie after reading about all of the delicious recipes!
All in all, AMAZING!! I laughed, I swooned, and I rooted for the main character the entire time! Onto the next book immediately :)
*Full disclosure, I got this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
At first I was a little confused because I didn't realize this was the second book is a series, but after a few chapters I settled into the story! The way the trilogy works is there are three best friends and each book tells one of their love stories, so it wasn't completely necessary to read the first book first! However, I'm already halfway through the third book and I'm buying the first book to read next because I'm in love with these girls! So, I recommend just starting with the first to save yourself the initial confusion since you will fall in love and will want to read all of the books anyway!! :)
Max is a GREAT character!! I love that she is grumpy and not at all the usual heroine -- she's got attitude and layers and a bit of a chip on her shoulder, but it made me love her all the more! And Taylor, her love interest, is smoking!! I'm not a big tattoo girl myself, but this book sold me on them :) The two of them were great together and I loved reading all the ways they pushed each other's buttons! The romance was a wonderful slow build and I adored their journey from enemies to friends to maybe something more!
I also loved all of the details about baking in this book! You could tell the author really did her research and I was indeed in need of a cookie after reading about all of the delicious recipes!
All in all, AMAZING!! I laughed, I swooned, and I rooted for the main character the entire time! Onto the next book immediately :)
*Full disclosure, I got this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
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