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Mr 2 Out of 10
Live-in carer, Bo Armstrong, expected to be evicted the moment Sir Geoffrey died. The grand house she’d quietly called home was always destined for his nephew.
And it is. Max Fitzroy inherits the house.
But the garden — the development-ready land worth millions — now belongs to Bo.
Max is furious. He thinks she manipulated his uncle.
Bo thinks Max is entitled, arrogant . . . and far too used to getting his way.
Now they’re stuck, under the same roof. And their history makes it worse.
Because months ago, in a reckless moment of heat and bad judgment neither has forgotten, they crossed a line.
Now every argument crackles.
Every glare lingers.
Every touch feels like a challenge.
And the longer they’re forced together, the harder it is to tell what’s resentment . . . and what’s desire.
And it is. Max Fitzroy inherits the house.
But the garden — the development-ready land worth millions — now belongs to Bo.
Max is furious. He thinks she manipulated his uncle.
Bo thinks Max is entitled, arrogant . . . and far too used to getting his way.
Now they’re stuck, under the same roof. And their history makes it worse.
Because months ago, in a reckless moment of heat and bad judgment neither has forgotten, they crossed a line.
Now every argument crackles.
Every glare lingers.
Every touch feels like a challenge.
And the longer they’re forced together, the harder it is to tell what’s resentment . . . and what’s desire.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bo thinks she will be evicted the moment Sir Geoffrey died. Bo helped care for Geoffrey and the garden at his home when he was ill.
Bo learns that Max (Geoffrey’s nephew and with whom she has a previous connection) has inherited the estate - and as Bo soon finds out, so has she. Geoffrey bequeathed the garden and home by garden to her. While Max thinks all the estate is his, Bo stakes her claim on her inheritance as well. Together, they now live under the same roof, trying to navigate a new living situation and feelings that never really left.
We see both Bo and Max navigate challenging pasts and grief. Max learns more about Geoffrey through Bo, and Bo understands how Max and Geoffrey had a complicated family dynamics.
We also see how Bo and Max try to write their own story as they moved forward in this new chapter, both on their own, in their careers, and together.
I thought the build of the relationship was well-paced and engaging. I enjoyed reading Max and Bo’s story and how they showed their vulnerability. The novel showed how being vulnerable isn’t easy. It can take time to find the courage to be vulnerable with our emotions and how we feel.
I found it quite moving and profound in how the novel uses throughout the languages with which they are most familiar and feel safe to communicate their feelings for one another - flowers and music. They are powerful ways to express love and to share emotions. I enjoyed seeing how it was woven throughout the novel.
Thanks to Sharon Ibbotson & Zooloo’s Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of the tour!I was provided a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Bo learns that Max (Geoffrey’s nephew and with whom she has a previous connection) has inherited the estate - and as Bo soon finds out, so has she. Geoffrey bequeathed the garden and home by garden to her. While Max thinks all the estate is his, Bo stakes her claim on her inheritance as well. Together, they now live under the same roof, trying to navigate a new living situation and feelings that never really left.
We see both Bo and Max navigate challenging pasts and grief. Max learns more about Geoffrey through Bo, and Bo understands how Max and Geoffrey had a complicated family dynamics.
We also see how Bo and Max try to write their own story as they moved forward in this new chapter, both on their own, in their careers, and together.
I thought the build of the relationship was well-paced and engaging. I enjoyed reading Max and Bo’s story and how they showed their vulnerability. The novel showed how being vulnerable isn’t easy. It can take time to find the courage to be vulnerable with our emotions and how we feel.
I found it quite moving and profound in how the novel uses throughout the languages with which they are most familiar and feel safe to communicate their feelings for one another - flowers and music. They are powerful ways to express love and to share emotions. I enjoyed seeing how it was woven throughout the novel.
Thanks to Sharon Ibbotson & Zooloo’s Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of the tour!I was provided a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book really made me wish I knew how to play the piano, to know how to play like Max would be a dream. Max is definitely the troubled, musician with a past that is messy and complicated. So its no wonder he had trouble expressing himself when it's not in his music. However, he really held on to some things that I think could have been worked out if he learned to talk.
Bo, she really is a drifter. She just lets others decided her life and she just goes with it, even when she's not happy. I'm glad towards the end of the book she finally started to go after what she wanted but it was a STRUGGLE to read it and not scream at her. But also Willa.... They both were making bad choices, but she had no reason to stop talking to Bo for as long as she did.
This book would be a perfect to read out in the garden or outside on a nice summer day.
Favorite Passages:
"I really have to go on Reddit and look up K***,"
"Like put down your v**rator for five minutes and get onto the internet, Bo"
"Have I ever told you that? Being with you is a privilege, and don't ever let anyone make you feel differently. Not ever again."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Length: 336 pages
Single POV / Third Person
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Second Chance
Pianist x Florist
Miscommunication (lack of)
3 Month "fling"
TW: Death of family members, mentions of alcoholism and cheating.
Thank you to Joffe Books (Choc Lit), and author Sharon Ibbotson, for providing me with the eARC of “Mr 2 Out of 10”.
Bo, she really is a drifter. She just lets others decided her life and she just goes with it, even when she's not happy. I'm glad towards the end of the book she finally started to go after what she wanted but it was a STRUGGLE to read it and not scream at her. But also Willa.... They both were making bad choices, but she had no reason to stop talking to Bo for as long as she did.
This book would be a perfect to read out in the garden or outside on a nice summer day.
Favorite Passages:
"I really have to go on Reddit and look up K***,"
"Like put down your v**rator for five minutes and get onto the internet, Bo"
"Have I ever told you that? Being with you is a privilege, and don't ever let anyone make you feel differently. Not ever again."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Length: 336 pages
Single POV / Third Person
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Second Chance
Pianist x Florist
Miscommunication (lack of)
3 Month "fling"
TW: Death of family members, mentions of alcoholism and cheating.
Thank you to Joffe Books (Choc Lit), and author Sharon Ibbotson, for providing me with the eARC of “Mr 2 Out of 10”.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars for me.
Max,a pianist and Bo almost there an actress inherit connected to each othe house and garden.Sir Geoffrey was very generous,Bo was his companion and caretaker,the last thing she expects was to get summer guesthouse with garden.Max,Geoffrey nephew get his estste,and while not happy to share his inheritance,he only plan to be there for the summer and then sell the house and be back to Berlin.A summer fling it's what they agree on,and while Max is Mr 2 out of 10,he know just the right tunes at how to play Bo's body.While opposites in every way,the attraction is out charts,and soon both starting to open up to each other.Maybe it's more than summer fling?
It was a really enjoyable romance.What started as just the fling soon become something more,and I really liked their connection.Max as a great MMC,I could not guess his feelings for a while,but liked his quiet and on point questions and no nonsens behaviour.Bo with her messy feelings,was exacly what he needed.The attraction and friendship was great,the build up until their feelings was known had me rooting for them.The misunderstanding was what I expected and was not sure how it's going to end,I mean in book it took months and I was almost crying,I want a happy ending,author really had me at the edge of the seat.A great opposites attract summer fling romance,my first by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you JoffeBooks publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Max,a pianist and Bo almost there an actress inherit connected to each othe house and garden.Sir Geoffrey was very generous,Bo was his companion and caretaker,the last thing she expects was to get summer guesthouse with garden.Max,Geoffrey nephew get his estste,and while not happy to share his inheritance,he only plan to be there for the summer and then sell the house and be back to Berlin.A summer fling it's what they agree on,and while Max is Mr 2 out of 10,he know just the right tunes at how to play Bo's body.While opposites in every way,the attraction is out charts,and soon both starting to open up to each other.Maybe it's more than summer fling?
It was a really enjoyable romance.What started as just the fling soon become something more,and I really liked their connection.Max as a great MMC,I could not guess his feelings for a while,but liked his quiet and on point questions and no nonsens behaviour.Bo with her messy feelings,was exacly what he needed.The attraction and friendship was great,the build up until their feelings was known had me rooting for them.The misunderstanding was what I expected and was not sure how it's going to end,I mean in book it took months and I was almost crying,I want a happy ending,author really had me at the edge of the seat.A great opposites attract summer fling romance,my first by this author and hope to read more.
Thank you JoffeBooks publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a cute, feel-good story about figuring out what really matters—not just in a partner, but in yourself too.
Bo is a beautiful but struggling actress with some deep-rooted confidence issues. Her mother has always pushed the idea that looks matter more than education, and that mindset really shapes how Bo sees herself. She’s kind of stuck in life—working at a flower shop, caring for the elderly Geoffrey, and only halfheartedly chasing her acting dreams.
Then Max—Geoffrey’s nephew—enters the picture, and sparks definitely don’t fly at first. They clash right away. But after Geoffrey passes, his will forces them into each other’s lives when they inherit parts of his property and have to work together to sell it.
What starts as a love-hate dynamic slowly softens as they spend more time together. Their relationship grows in a really natural way, moving beyond just circumstance into something deeper. Of course, insecurities and miscommunication get in the way (as they do), and things fall apart for a while.
I really liked that the story gives them time apart to grow individually before bringing them back together—it made the ending feel more earned and realistic.
Overall, it’s a sweet story with a nice message: love isn’t about looks or academic success, but about connection, growth, and understanding who you are.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy—I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Bo is a beautiful but struggling actress with some deep-rooted confidence issues. Her mother has always pushed the idea that looks matter more than education, and that mindset really shapes how Bo sees herself. She’s kind of stuck in life—working at a flower shop, caring for the elderly Geoffrey, and only halfheartedly chasing her acting dreams.
Then Max—Geoffrey’s nephew—enters the picture, and sparks definitely don’t fly at first. They clash right away. But after Geoffrey passes, his will forces them into each other’s lives when they inherit parts of his property and have to work together to sell it.
What starts as a love-hate dynamic slowly softens as they spend more time together. Their relationship grows in a really natural way, moving beyond just circumstance into something deeper. Of course, insecurities and miscommunication get in the way (as they do), and things fall apart for a while.
I really liked that the story gives them time apart to grow individually before bringing them back together—it made the ending feel more earned and realistic.
Overall, it’s a sweet story with a nice message: love isn’t about looks or academic success, but about connection, growth, and understanding who you are.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy—I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Steamy? Super yes enemies to lovers? Nope
So I’d say its about 50/50 for what this book is being marketed for. The plot was interesting but characters were 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 , from bo, max, willa but my favorite is lisa idk why.
One of the most memorable experience while reading the book is definitely the fact that for the first time as a reader i had no idea how to imagine the mmc in every scenes in my head while reading the story. It took me back for a while cus like what do you mean hes not conventionally attractive?? It was refreshing and fun and mental exercise for me.
But at the near the middle part of the story i felt like it was too much of the sex scenes i got super bored, had to take a break from reading. Not to mention, max’s condition of needing it after his performance which i think.. just plainly stupid. Pick something else, do something else. And the age gap kinda turns me off but thats nothing new.
The angstt thoo, it was well done. It wasnt great cus i think we can go way overdramatic for this but i guess cus theyre both adults so make sense? But near the end of the book it felt like endless every time i flipped and theres ANOTHER CHAPTER?
Enjoyed it regardless!
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Steamy? Super yes enemies to lovers? Nope
So I’d say its about 50/50 for what this book is being marketed for. The plot was interesting but characters were 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 , from bo, max, willa but my favorite is lisa idk why.
One of the most memorable experience while reading the book is definitely the fact that for the first time as a reader i had no idea how to imagine the mmc in every scenes in my head while reading the story. It took me back for a while cus like what do you mean hes not conventionally attractive?? It was refreshing and fun and mental exercise for me.
But at the near the middle part of the story i felt like it was too much of the sex scenes i got super bored, had to take a break from reading. Not to mention, max’s condition of needing it after his performance which i think.. just plainly stupid. Pick something else, do something else. And the age gap kinda turns me off but thats nothing new.
The angstt thoo, it was well done. It wasnt great cus i think we can go way overdramatic for this but i guess cus theyre both adults so make sense? But near the end of the book it felt like endless every time i flipped and theres ANOTHER CHAPTER?
Enjoyed it regardless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one, we’re following Bo who is a live in companion for Sir Geoffrey, so when he dies she’s left at a loss for what to do other than keep his beloved garden alive in his memory, she knows he had no family apart from an estranged nephew Max, she’s met him once thought he was arrogant, yet still had a night of passion with him.
When he comes back for the reading of the will they’re thrown into each others path in a way they never expected!
This book is fun, the banter between Bo and Max is off the charts & the sex is even better, but they both know it’s just a bit of fun, a way for Max to let off steam after a night of working.
On the surface this is just a hot will they won’t they romance but as you get further into the story you realise it’s so much more than that, it’s vulnerability and honesty, it’s about finding a place where you belong when you’ve just felt lost for most of your life & learning to come to terms with a past you had no control over.
It deals with some hard subjects & can get pretty deep at times, but you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face whilst I was reading.
When he comes back for the reading of the will they’re thrown into each others path in a way they never expected!
This book is fun, the banter between Bo and Max is off the charts & the sex is even better, but they both know it’s just a bit of fun, a way for Max to let off steam after a night of working.
On the surface this is just a hot will they won’t they romance but as you get further into the story you realise it’s so much more than that, it’s vulnerability and honesty, it’s about finding a place where you belong when you’ve just felt lost for most of your life & learning to come to terms with a past you had no control over.
It deals with some hard subjects & can get pretty deep at times, but you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face whilst I was reading.
Review of advance copy
Almost immediately I could tell that the dynamics between Bo and Max were going to be full of misunderstandings and great chemistry!
I really liked Bo, she's a complicated young lady, with a heart of gold, and I loved all of the flower arranging information. It just made her seem so complete.
Max is a troubled musician, in his own way though, I loved how romantic he was.
I often wanted to bang their heads together and say come on you idiots!
We met Bo's best friend Willa, who has her own complicated relationships, I really felt for her, and I would love to read her story and properly meet Berg.
We also meet Bo's big sister Lisa, and hear alot about their brother Nick. There definitely sounds like there could be some juicy stories in here, and I would love to see this continue as a series to give these guys their voices.
The story about Maddelief was so heartbreaking, I loved the scene with the daisies. I did wonder if there is something more there...
This has a lovely sentiment about being more than what you believe of yourself, and seeing both Max and Bo realise that is really heartwarming.
I really liked Bo, she's a complicated young lady, with a heart of gold, and I loved all of the flower arranging information. It just made her seem so complete.
Max is a troubled musician, in his own way though, I loved how romantic he was.
I often wanted to bang their heads together and say come on you idiots!
We met Bo's best friend Willa, who has her own complicated relationships, I really felt for her, and I would love to read her story and properly meet Berg.
We also meet Bo's big sister Lisa, and hear alot about their brother Nick. There definitely sounds like there could be some juicy stories in here, and I would love to see this continue as a series to give these guys their voices.
The story about Maddelief was so heartbreaking, I loved the scene with the daisies. I did wonder if there is something more there...
This has a lovely sentiment about being more than what you believe of yourself, and seeing both Max and Bo realise that is really heartwarming.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After the death of her employer, live-in carer Bo Armstrong expects to lose the home she’s quietly lived in. Yet when the will leaves the house to his nephew, Max Fitzroy, and the highly valuable garden to her, Max is furious. Unable to sell without each other’s consent, the two are forced to live together, despite mutual resentment and a past moment neither of them can quite forget.
The strength of this story lies in the dynamic between Bo and Max. Their interactions crackle with tension, and the push-pull between irritation and attraction is consistently engaging. However, the pacing does lag at times, particularly in the middle, and some of the conflict feels a little repetitive. While the chemistry is strong, the emotional development didn’t always flow, leaving me to feel, at times, disconnected from the story. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The strength of this story lies in the dynamic between Bo and Max. Their interactions crackle with tension, and the push-pull between irritation and attraction is consistently engaging. However, the pacing does lag at times, particularly in the middle, and some of the conflict feels a little repetitive. While the chemistry is strong, the emotional development didn’t always flow, leaving me to feel, at times, disconnected from the story. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
This was a very sweet but spicy romance! I enjoyed it tremendously. Although miscommunication isn't my favourite trope, Sharon did an excellent job with it. Less cringe and more suspenseful! It was a wonderful story and the concept was strong. It was a pleasure to read.
The cover is great with beautiful bright colours. Visually, it was very pleasing. The writing was really good and the story flowed well.
The book is written in third person from Bo's point view. Would I have liked a dual POV to include Max? Yes. Does it matter or affect my review? Definitely not.
The book is based in London. It gave the book a nice contemporary feel which I enjoyed.
The characters were excellent. They were well thought out and developed. I loved Bo and Max. The connection that Sharon created between them was extremely sweet. I loved Willa, she made me giggle. I'm sort of hoping for her story too!
I definitely recommend this book!!
The cover is great with beautiful bright colours. Visually, it was very pleasing. The writing was really good and the story flowed well.
The book is written in third person from Bo's point view. Would I have liked a dual POV to include Max? Yes. Does it matter or affect my review? Definitely not.
The book is based in London. It gave the book a nice contemporary feel which I enjoyed.
The characters were excellent. They were well thought out and developed. I loved Bo and Max. The connection that Sharon created between them was extremely sweet. I loved Willa, she made me giggle. I'm sort of hoping for her story too!
I definitely recommend this book!!
May 4, 2026
The story follows Bo, who had been caring for Sir Geoffrey and his beloved garden. When Geoffrey passes away, she expects to lose everything until the will reveals that she has inherited part of the estate. The twist? Geoffrey’s nephew Max, with whom Bo shares a complicated past, has inherited the rest. Suddenly, they’re forced to live under the same roof, navigating old wounds, new emotions, and the tension that never really disappeared.
I really liked Bo as a character. She’s messy, funny, and relatable, especially when she made questionable choices. Max, harder to read at first aloof, guarded, and very much the “Mr 2 out of 10” Bo once labeled him. But the more I got to know him, the more I understood him.
The romance had the perfect mix of banter, tension, and spice.
I especially enjoyed how flowers and music were woven into the way the characters communicated, it gave their relationship a unique touch.
I really liked Bo as a character. She’s messy, funny, and relatable, especially when she made questionable choices. Max, harder to read at first aloof, guarded, and very much the “Mr 2 out of 10” Bo once labeled him. But the more I got to know him, the more I understood him.
The romance had the perfect mix of banter, tension, and spice.
I especially enjoyed how flowers and music were woven into the way the characters communicated, it gave their relationship a unique touch.
April 9, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is an enemies-to-lovers romance, and it's been a while since I read a book like this. The FMC, Bo, is live-in carer to Sir Geoffrey. When he passes away, she finds herself in a complicated living arrangement with his nephew, Max, and it seems to grow more complicated all the time.
I liked Bo, and found her funny and relatable. As for Max, while Bo seemed to think he was only a two out of ten, I found him quite sexy. The more I got to know about him, the more I liked him.
This book was satisfyingly spicy, and it made me chuckle. I also found, particularly in the latter part of the story, that I was able to connect with it on a deeper level; it hit me right in the feels. If you're in the mood for a bit of romance and spice, pick this up.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is an enemies-to-lovers romance, and it's been a while since I read a book like this. The FMC, Bo, is live-in carer to Sir Geoffrey. When he passes away, she finds herself in a complicated living arrangement with his nephew, Max, and it seems to grow more complicated all the time.
I liked Bo, and found her funny and relatable. As for Max, while Bo seemed to think he was only a two out of ten, I found him quite sexy. The more I got to know about him, the more I liked him.
This book was satisfyingly spicy, and it made me chuckle. I also found, particularly in the latter part of the story, that I was able to connect with it on a deeper level; it hit me right in the feels. If you're in the mood for a bit of romance and spice, pick this up.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this book so much! I just couldn’t put it down! I loved how the relationship between Bo and Max started out as hate then turned to love. I loved how slowly but surely they let each other in and got to know each other but yet they still failed to have the guts to share this out loud. I was happy that they each had their friends to rely on and I very happy that Geoffrey knew what he was doing and that he knew that they would both get on. I did feel bad for Geoffrey but he should have done the right thing and been happy, that did make me sad, but I throughly enjoyed this book and although it was the first one I have read by this author it won’t be the last one I read.
I would like to thank Choc Lit Contemporary Romance: A Joffe Books Company for this Advanced Readers Copy.
I would like to thank Choc Lit Contemporary Romance: A Joffe Books Company for this Advanced Readers Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really fresh, and interesting read for me! The romance follows Jacobien (Bo) and Max - lovers to strangers to lovers...as they navigate a dual inheritance and forced proximity. Told in third person POV, this was a very interesting dive into how a lot of women are raised to perceive themselves, and have to work so hard to scrape their way out of the boxes they have been painted into.
Both Bo and Max were wonderful characters, and I was rooting for both of them the entire time. although normally I'm not a fan of miscommunication anchoring an entire book, in this case it was somewhat necessary for the plot.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5
Both Bo and Max were wonderful characters, and I was rooting for both of them the entire time. although normally I'm not a fan of miscommunication anchoring an entire book, in this case it was somewhat necessary for the plot.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5
March 31, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Bo a live-in carer looked after a gentleman called Sir Geoffrey had suddenly died. He is all she knew. She looked up to him.
One day she was called into a law office being told that Geoffrey had placed her on his will. She was not the only one there.. she was welcomed to his nephew called Max whom she had a one night romance with some time ago.
He wasn’t too amused with the situation but soon got over it.
Luckily for them both - as they had to come to an agreement.
A strange one at that!
The agreement went well for sometime but then it went to pieces!
Bo a live-in carer looked after a gentleman called Sir Geoffrey had suddenly died. He is all she knew. She looked up to him.
One day she was called into a law office being told that Geoffrey had placed her on his will. She was not the only one there.. she was welcomed to his nephew called Max whom she had a one night romance with some time ago.
He wasn’t too amused with the situation but soon got over it.
Luckily for them both - as they had to come to an agreement.
A strange one at that!
The agreement went well for sometime but then it went to pieces!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Loved It!
Bo Armstrong had been acting as a carer to Sir Geoffrey Nesbit for three years, living in a summer house in the grounds of his large house. She enjoyed her job, especially looking after the garden, and when he died she was devastated. Invited to his solicitor's office she was amazed to find out he had left her the garden complete with summer house whilst his nephew Max receives the property. Max is not happy but until the property can be sold they must get on as best they can. I loved this book from the star to finish.
Bo Armstrong had been acting as a carer to Sir Geoffrey Nesbit for three years, living in a summer house in the grounds of his large house. She enjoyed her job, especially looking after the garden, and when he died she was devastated. Invited to his solicitor's office she was amazed to find out he had left her the garden complete with summer house whilst his nephew Max receives the property. Max is not happy but until the property can be sold they must get on as best they can. I loved this book from the star to finish.
Read
April 12, 2026I enjoyed this book. Whilst a ‘girl, Bo, meets a boy, Max’ story, it is enlivened by the storyline of Bo’s living in the summerhouse of the garden belonging to the house which Max inherits from his uncle, and the subsequent conflict which arises when the will is read.
The characters are well written and draw you into the events which unfold.
There are also more unusual scenes arising from Max’s life as a concert pianist and this theme, together with both principals’ backstories, is really important in elevating the novel above more standard love stories.
The characters are well written and draw you into the events which unfold.
There are also more unusual scenes arising from Max’s life as a concert pianist and this theme, together with both principals’ backstories, is really important in elevating the novel above more standard love stories.
May 6, 2026
Good until it wasn’t
I truly enjoyed this story but, like so many others, the miscommunication and break up left it hard to finish. Both characters needed work. Bo, who has word vomit from the get go suddenly just couldn’t talk about anything at all even when it mattered. If she had listened to her friends they wouldn’t have been in that mess. And max, for saying he would never be like his father, sure made of mess of things by being vague which he said he wouldn’t be. It was hard to finish. And the ending was just very fluffy on an otherwise tumultuous story.
I truly enjoyed this story but, like so many others, the miscommunication and break up left it hard to finish. Both characters needed work. Bo, who has word vomit from the get go suddenly just couldn’t talk about anything at all even when it mattered. If she had listened to her friends they wouldn’t have been in that mess. And max, for saying he would never be like his father, sure made of mess of things by being vague which he said he wouldn’t be. It was hard to finish. And the ending was just very fluffy on an otherwise tumultuous story.
May 22, 2026
Maybe a three and a half. I was judging this as a four rating until I reached the 60% mark. Then the misunderstandings and their inability to communicate about their feelings became predictable and far from original. It does improve again after their separation and when they reconnect.
This is on the spicy side, bordering on the crude. Not usually something I would read but it suited their personalities and story line so it didn't feel like gratuitous sex.
It is written well, but there are a few typos that are disappointing.
This is on the spicy side, bordering on the crude. Not usually something I would read but it suited their personalities and story line so it didn't feel like gratuitous sex.
It is written well, but there are a few typos that are disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The most frustratingly beautiful book i have ever read. I could not put it down and I ended up in tears at the end. Im so happy with the way it ended.
Beautiful storyline, the side characters and their stories were interesting and added to the beauty of the story. Thank you so much Netgalley for sending me this arc.
Beautiful storyline, the side characters and their stories were interesting and added to the beauty of the story. Thank you so much Netgalley for sending me this arc.
May 14, 2026
Loved this enemies to lovers romance!
Bo’s boss who she takes care of dies and leaves her half of his property. The other half is left to his nephew Max. They do not like each other at first but they end up spending a lot of time together and things change. This was a great enemies to lovers romance with good spice and good drama.
Bo’s boss who she takes care of dies and leaves her half of his property. The other half is left to his nephew Max. They do not like each other at first but they end up spending a lot of time together and things change. This was a great enemies to lovers romance with good spice and good drama.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charming romance full of some of my favorite tropes. Characters are loveable, but the back third is a little too formulaic.
April 12, 2026
dnf @ 33%; not my cuppa
April 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, a lot more than I expected to. The characters were so interesting. It’s not your regular love story but it was beautiful.
April 27, 2026
Aptly named - my two out of ten. Realistically 1 and a half but rounding up. Writing felt clunky, no plot really.
May 6, 2026
Actual rating 4.25⭐
May 12, 2026
Believable characters
Good supporting cast. Musician and actress / florist enemies to lovers.
Loveable characters if a bit annoyingly dense about communicating their feelings!
Good supporting cast. Musician and actress / florist enemies to lovers.
Loveable characters if a bit annoyingly dense about communicating their feelings!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This would make a fantastic holiday read, I loved the whole concept and the writing flowed so well.
Great banter, spicy and lots of fun. Lots of tough subjects covered but they written about with sincerity and care
A new author to me but I’ll certainly read more, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Great banter, spicy and lots of fun. Lots of tough subjects covered but they written about with sincerity and care
A new author to me but I’ll certainly read more, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book.. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Bo and Max's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Plus there were some spicy scenes. Overall, an enjoyable read that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, Joffe books and the author Sharon Ibbotson for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, Joffe books and the author Sharon Ibbotson for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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