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Love You Better
After a soul-destroying breakup with her ex, Smith, Effie Abbott has met the man of her dreams. She’s had the whirlwind romance and the fairy-tale wedding to the charming and suave Oliver Barton-Cole, and life seems firmly back on track. Things were never simple between Smith and Effie, so when he forces his way back into her life, Effie knows he’s a complication she doesn’t want or need. After all, she has Oliver, a man who loves her better than Smith ever did. But when cracks in her marriage begin to emerge and Oliver shows flashes of a darker side, Effie has to question just how well she really knows her husband, and whether Smith is back to derail her seemingly perfect marriage or save her from it.
358 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2015
385 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Natalie K. Martin
7 books141 followersNatalie K Martin was born in Sheffield, England, and grew up with a fascination for human relationships. After leaving her corporate career to travel and write, her novels became Amazon bestsellers on release.
Writing emotionally led contemporary fiction about life, love and the tricky parts in-between, Natalie's books are relevant and relatable to the everyday woman and have been featured in the Daily Mail, Woman's Own and Pride Magazine.
A dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, Natalie is also a Menstrual Cycle Coach and yoga teacher. She lives in Bavaria, Germany, with her boyfriend and their rescue dog.
Writing emotionally led contemporary fiction about life, love and the tricky parts in-between, Natalie's books are relevant and relatable to the everyday woman and have been featured in the Daily Mail, Woman's Own and Pride Magazine.
A dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, Natalie is also a Menstrual Cycle Coach and yoga teacher. She lives in Bavaria, Germany, with her boyfriend and their rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 13, 2018
Having thoroughly enjoyed Together Apart, I thought I’d have a go at listening to another audiobook by this author. I wasn’t as keen on the narrator this time. I loved Justine Eyre’s voice (voices) in Together Apart, so that was going to take some beating. However, I did really enjoy the story again. I wasn’t completely sure if I was going to get into it at first, but then I found myself listening to it all weekend, curious to know what was going to happen in Effie’s life and what mistakes or important choices she was going to make.
Love You Better is definitely one I’d recommend for those who enjoy character led romance dramas. There aren’t many characters, so the story is easy to follow too.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
Love You Better is definitely one I’d recommend for those who enjoy character led romance dramas. There aren’t many characters, so the story is easy to follow too.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
April 20, 2017
This book was a little hard to read emotionally. I will start with that. The book was very emotionally charged and had me in tears quite a few times. Effie's character is one who you can fall in love with, but also think "what are you doing"? I'm not sure I've ever read a book where I've wanted to kill a main character, but I really felt that way in this one. This book was wonderful, but a little too heavy for me.
October 4, 2015
Love You Better by Natalie K. Martin
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women’s Fiction, Literature and Fiction.
Strange how fate works...I’ve just read two books that were romance, were about cheating and the effects it leaves and yet they were very, very different reads. Both kept me gripped to see what happened, had me totally unsure of just how they would end, and were five star reads. Not ones I’d reread but certainly a terrific one off read.
So poor Effie, heartbroken by Smith, a complex character, one of those non committal types, always on the edge of the Law, always leaving her unsure of exactly what their relationship was, once they’d moved from long time friends to lovers. Then he gets caught up in some disastrous events, abandons her and breaks her heart. Dragged out by her best friend a month later she meets Oliver, and they embark on a whirlwind romance. He’s all she ever dreamed of, stable, adoring,romantic, all the things Smith wasn’t. Within a few brief months they are married. You can see once you know more about Effie just why Oliver appeals, it isn’t just that he’s the opposite of Smith in so many ways, but his whole lifestyle and family are what she always dreamed of as a child. Brought up always on the move by her single parent mum she doesn’t have any other family, and for the last decade or so she’s had only a sporadic contact with her mother. Thank goodness for her friends, Lou and Mickey – who are a couple, and of course Smith before their breakup....Now Smith has returned and somehow he’s back in her life, there at her friends meetings as he’s still close to Lou and Mickey, and now he’s even working in the same place as her....
Her perfect marriage is showing signs of wear, Oliver’s care comes out in strange ways, she knows he only wants the best for her when he suggests the changes she needs to make though, of course he knows best, he’s come from that background. Lou isn’t so sure and soon its clear that Oliver doesn’t really approve of Effie’s friends. Its scary how clever people like him are, how they play on insecurities, how they use the “ I only want what’s best for you” and other excuses, making people feel in the wrong all the time. From our outside viewpoint it’s easy to see what’s happening, but Effie is living it and in many ways she understands he’s only doing this because he loves her, wants her to succeed....
Then there’s Smith, the bad boy, the man who broke her heart. He seems to have changed, but then things happen that make Effie think he’s the same old Smith, still flirting with danger, still full of lies. So why then when she’s with the perfect, adoring Oliver does she feel a bit oppressed by his insistence on her changing so much of her ways, why is she so attracted still to Smith who’s made it clear he didn’t want her, who told lies, who broke her heart?
Its one of those reads where we can see what’s coming, but also see how Effie living it doesn’t. We’ve got the whole story, she’s only seeing parts of it. Its got some very agonising events in, things that sadly happen all too often in real life and I so felt for her. She’s a great girl, hardworking, loving and all she wants is a stable life with someone she loves. She thought she had that with Oliver, but he also seems to have another side that comes out more frequently. Smith seems to be around very often when she needs some help, and he seems very changed to the man that left. Is he though, or is it all part of his scheming? Poor Effie....confused or what?
Its a realistic, very interesting read, showing how people are shaped by events and how we change over time and by what happens. I really enjoyed that part, seeing how all the characters were at the beginning and how they grew up when life got in their way. The characters felt so real, and the side story of Lou and Mickey was another part that felt very genuine and provided the catalyst for much of the later events.
Stars: five, a terrific read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women’s Fiction, Literature and Fiction.
Strange how fate works...I’ve just read two books that were romance, were about cheating and the effects it leaves and yet they were very, very different reads. Both kept me gripped to see what happened, had me totally unsure of just how they would end, and were five star reads. Not ones I’d reread but certainly a terrific one off read.
So poor Effie, heartbroken by Smith, a complex character, one of those non committal types, always on the edge of the Law, always leaving her unsure of exactly what their relationship was, once they’d moved from long time friends to lovers. Then he gets caught up in some disastrous events, abandons her and breaks her heart. Dragged out by her best friend a month later she meets Oliver, and they embark on a whirlwind romance. He’s all she ever dreamed of, stable, adoring,romantic, all the things Smith wasn’t. Within a few brief months they are married. You can see once you know more about Effie just why Oliver appeals, it isn’t just that he’s the opposite of Smith in so many ways, but his whole lifestyle and family are what she always dreamed of as a child. Brought up always on the move by her single parent mum she doesn’t have any other family, and for the last decade or so she’s had only a sporadic contact with her mother. Thank goodness for her friends, Lou and Mickey – who are a couple, and of course Smith before their breakup....Now Smith has returned and somehow he’s back in her life, there at her friends meetings as he’s still close to Lou and Mickey, and now he’s even working in the same place as her....
Her perfect marriage is showing signs of wear, Oliver’s care comes out in strange ways, she knows he only wants the best for her when he suggests the changes she needs to make though, of course he knows best, he’s come from that background. Lou isn’t so sure and soon its clear that Oliver doesn’t really approve of Effie’s friends. Its scary how clever people like him are, how they play on insecurities, how they use the “ I only want what’s best for you” and other excuses, making people feel in the wrong all the time. From our outside viewpoint it’s easy to see what’s happening, but Effie is living it and in many ways she understands he’s only doing this because he loves her, wants her to succeed....
Then there’s Smith, the bad boy, the man who broke her heart. He seems to have changed, but then things happen that make Effie think he’s the same old Smith, still flirting with danger, still full of lies. So why then when she’s with the perfect, adoring Oliver does she feel a bit oppressed by his insistence on her changing so much of her ways, why is she so attracted still to Smith who’s made it clear he didn’t want her, who told lies, who broke her heart?
Its one of those reads where we can see what’s coming, but also see how Effie living it doesn’t. We’ve got the whole story, she’s only seeing parts of it. Its got some very agonising events in, things that sadly happen all too often in real life and I so felt for her. She’s a great girl, hardworking, loving and all she wants is a stable life with someone she loves. She thought she had that with Oliver, but he also seems to have another side that comes out more frequently. Smith seems to be around very often when she needs some help, and he seems very changed to the man that left. Is he though, or is it all part of his scheming? Poor Effie....confused or what?
Its a realistic, very interesting read, showing how people are shaped by events and how we change over time and by what happens. I really enjoyed that part, seeing how all the characters were at the beginning and how they grew up when life got in their way. The characters felt so real, and the side story of Lou and Mickey was another part that felt very genuine and provided the catalyst for much of the later events.
Stars: five, a terrific read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
October 23, 2015
Natalie Martin's Love You Better starts with the premise of what happens when the one who got away shows up at your wedding. That's what happens to Effie--Smith (the One Who Got Away) shows up at her wedding reception. She's just married Oliver--who is perfect on paper--the successful barrister from the right background who gives her life stability. She met Oliver one month after Smith left her and theirs was a whirlwind romance--within four months of meeting, they're married. But what Effie hadn't counted on was having unresolved feelings for Smith...and she wasn't expecting for the facade of her "perfect" relationship with Oliver to crumble so quickly.
Love You Better is a page-turner of a novel about love in all its guises and what happens when obsessive love devolves into domestic violence. This well-paced novel was an enjoyable read--though I admit there were times when Effie's inability to deal with her feelings for Smith were driving me mad (which is good--I love when I have emotional reactions to what I read).
I really enjoyed reading Love You Better. A highly recommended read! Going to start reading Together Apart next.
Love You Better is a page-turner of a novel about love in all its guises and what happens when obsessive love devolves into domestic violence. This well-paced novel was an enjoyable read--though I admit there were times when Effie's inability to deal with her feelings for Smith were driving me mad (which is good--I love when I have emotional reactions to what I read).
I really enjoyed reading Love You Better. A highly recommended read! Going to start reading Together Apart next.
December 23, 2015
Effie is marrying Oliver the man she's in love with but when her ex Smith turns up at her wedding he has an unexpected effect on her. However, as time elapsed in her marriage, Effie sees sides of Oliver that concern and ultimately frighten her. Can Effie find the strength to leave the man who has hurt her the most?
A gripping thriller read as you navigate the ins and outs of marriage and friendship with Effie who is also scarred by her unconventional upbringing. This book has episodes of adrenaline pumping action as well as emotional angst that kept me turning the pages.
A psychological thriller with romance and suspense.
A gripping thriller read as you navigate the ins and outs of marriage and friendship with Effie who is also scarred by her unconventional upbringing. This book has episodes of adrenaline pumping action as well as emotional angst that kept me turning the pages.
A psychological thriller with romance and suspense.
May 19, 2017
I got it for free via Kindle for Samsung. I almost stopped reading it because I found it very predictable. I finished, but I can't say I recommend it. The domestic abuse angle made it interesting. I kept reading to see how the protagonist handled it.
May 4, 2018
great read
October 8, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
After a sudden and heart-breaking split from her now ex-boyfriend Smith, Effie Abbott certainly never thought she'd fall for someone else so quickly. Yet, Oliver Barton-Cole almost seems to be the perfect guy: he's handsome, classy and is head over heels in love with her. So, when he asks her to marry him after just a few months of being together, Effie says yes. After a fairytale wedding, Effie can't wait to start her new life together with Oliver. However, it doesn't take long before small cracks start to appear in their marriage. And when her ex Smith unexpectedly makes a reappearance in her life, Effie is suddenly forced to make some decisions that will change her future forever.
I ended up really enjoying this novel, even more than I originally expected! 'Love You Better' has several of the elements to make a great read, such as a captivating storyline, interesting and well-rounded characters, a good touch of romance, and a well-paced and easy-to-enjoy writing style. This is author Natalie K. Martin's second novel (her debut 'Together Apart' was a #1 bestseller on the Amazon charts) and it has made me quite excited to see what else she has in store for us in the future. The book is approximately 350 pages long which was a good length, and while the story did slow down a bit about 75% in, it managed to keep my attention until the very end and I was quite sad to have to let the characters go!
Main character Effie intrigued me with her different layers; it appeared from the start that she was determined to want a specific something in her life, but as the story progressed she started to have more and more doubts. I also think she's quite relatable; aren't we all looking for that perfect person to spend our lives with, and isn't it always a jump in the unknown, trusting someone with your heart? The book also includes a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including Smith, Oliver, Effie's mother Penny, and Effie's best friends Lou and Mickey. Overall, I thought 'Love You Better' was a great and well-written read that captivated me from start to finish; I think Natalie K. Martin is An author to look out for and I already look forward to picking up her next read!
After a sudden and heart-breaking split from her now ex-boyfriend Smith, Effie Abbott certainly never thought she'd fall for someone else so quickly. Yet, Oliver Barton-Cole almost seems to be the perfect guy: he's handsome, classy and is head over heels in love with her. So, when he asks her to marry him after just a few months of being together, Effie says yes. After a fairytale wedding, Effie can't wait to start her new life together with Oliver. However, it doesn't take long before small cracks start to appear in their marriage. And when her ex Smith unexpectedly makes a reappearance in her life, Effie is suddenly forced to make some decisions that will change her future forever.
I ended up really enjoying this novel, even more than I originally expected! 'Love You Better' has several of the elements to make a great read, such as a captivating storyline, interesting and well-rounded characters, a good touch of romance, and a well-paced and easy-to-enjoy writing style. This is author Natalie K. Martin's second novel (her debut 'Together Apart' was a #1 bestseller on the Amazon charts) and it has made me quite excited to see what else she has in store for us in the future. The book is approximately 350 pages long which was a good length, and while the story did slow down a bit about 75% in, it managed to keep my attention until the very end and I was quite sad to have to let the characters go!
Main character Effie intrigued me with her different layers; it appeared from the start that she was determined to want a specific something in her life, but as the story progressed she started to have more and more doubts. I also think she's quite relatable; aren't we all looking for that perfect person to spend our lives with, and isn't it always a jump in the unknown, trusting someone with your heart? The book also includes a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including Smith, Oliver, Effie's mother Penny, and Effie's best friends Lou and Mickey. Overall, I thought 'Love You Better' was a great and well-written read that captivated me from start to finish; I think Natalie K. Martin is An author to look out for and I already look forward to picking up her next read!
November 9, 2015
Effie, heartbroken over a recent breakup with non-committal Smith, rushes into a relationship and marriage to some rich guy she just met 5 months earlier because he represents everything she wants- stability, a "normal" lifestyle, roots somewhere in the form of a house/mini-mansion, and someone fawning over her.
That is, until he shows his true colors starting the very next day, on their honeymoon. He almost immediately turns into a manipulative prick, trying to get Effie to change her style, take over her money, and downright forbidding her from seeing her friends. I'm not sure how she misses these obvious red flags until the worst happens. I was in shock with just how far he went, repeatedly, and how narrowly she was able to escape.
I liked the fireworks between Smith and Effie, though I think it was completely selfish of him to come back into her life when he did. If he couldn't man up to face her before anything could be done, why bother showing up later? I mean, obviously his being there is imperative to the story, but he's timing was way off.
I really liked Effie's mom, Penny as well. I don't think Effie was fair to her or to their relationship growing up, but then again just like in reality, it's easier to see this from the outside than from within. And the important part was that Penny was there for her, trying to guide and support her, even when Effie thought it was just the opposite until much later.
This story had everything- suspense, friendship, love, family- yet somehow it just didn't quite do it for me. Maybe this was a timing thing, as everything I could have asked for was there. Or it may be that the subject matter hit a little too close to home and made me slightly uncomfortable. Being that I saw some of these things firsthand, I thought Effie's reactions were somewhat perverse and there were a lack of realistic consequences to many of her actions.
What I will say without a doubt is that Natalie K. Martin delivers intense descriptions. I could see Oliver's vein throbbing in his forehead, and the serene, idyllic landscape and welcoming neighbors of the modern commune where her mom lived. I could feel the palpable fear of Effie, and hear the concern in Lou's "voice." It is definitely worth a read.
That is, until he shows his true colors starting the very next day, on their honeymoon. He almost immediately turns into a manipulative prick, trying to get Effie to change her style, take over her money, and downright forbidding her from seeing her friends. I'm not sure how she misses these obvious red flags until the worst happens. I was in shock with just how far he went, repeatedly, and how narrowly she was able to escape.
I liked the fireworks between Smith and Effie, though I think it was completely selfish of him to come back into her life when he did. If he couldn't man up to face her before anything could be done, why bother showing up later? I mean, obviously his being there is imperative to the story, but he's timing was way off.
I really liked Effie's mom, Penny as well. I don't think Effie was fair to her or to their relationship growing up, but then again just like in reality, it's easier to see this from the outside than from within. And the important part was that Penny was there for her, trying to guide and support her, even when Effie thought it was just the opposite until much later.
This story had everything- suspense, friendship, love, family- yet somehow it just didn't quite do it for me. Maybe this was a timing thing, as everything I could have asked for was there. Or it may be that the subject matter hit a little too close to home and made me slightly uncomfortable. Being that I saw some of these things firsthand, I thought Effie's reactions were somewhat perverse and there were a lack of realistic consequences to many of her actions.
What I will say without a doubt is that Natalie K. Martin delivers intense descriptions. I could see Oliver's vein throbbing in his forehead, and the serene, idyllic landscape and welcoming neighbors of the modern commune where her mom lived. I could feel the palpable fear of Effie, and hear the concern in Lou's "voice." It is definitely worth a read.
January 8, 2016
This book really irritated me
It is difficult to review this book without talking about some events in it and I don't want to spoil the story so I am mentioning in advance that I have mentioned some things in the review that happened in the story. I appreciate that this book was about an important topic but it annoyed me. It was littered with grammatical errors and sentences that didn't make sense. I won't name them all but bad editing led for example Effie putting lyonnaise on her salad instead of mayonnaise. Lyonnaise is described as sliced potatoes cooked with onions or an onion and white wine sauce. Goes well with salad, not! Unexplained small things annoyed me, such as Oliver driving to his sister's party in the country and snorting coke. How did they get home?
The characters in the book seemed to act like teenagers and not people in their late 20's. Sorry for being judgemental. Effie irritated me as she changed her mind over and over again and although the author I feel wanted to portray her as strong I think she was. I didn't particularly like her as I think she judged people for doing things that she did herself and was very hypocritical.
I also think a lot of things that we were told that happened in the book was so far fetched. What mother, who it turns out, loves her daughter, just walks out on their daughter like Effie's mother did. On one page we hear of Oliver's arrest. It says his clients were taking business elsewhere. I am pretty sure he would not be allowed clients anyway at this point.
And unfortunately I found the whole story boring.
It is difficult to review this book without talking about some events in it and I don't want to spoil the story so I am mentioning in advance that I have mentioned some things in the review that happened in the story. I appreciate that this book was about an important topic but it annoyed me. It was littered with grammatical errors and sentences that didn't make sense. I won't name them all but bad editing led for example Effie putting lyonnaise on her salad instead of mayonnaise. Lyonnaise is described as sliced potatoes cooked with onions or an onion and white wine sauce. Goes well with salad, not! Unexplained small things annoyed me, such as Oliver driving to his sister's party in the country and snorting coke. How did they get home?
The characters in the book seemed to act like teenagers and not people in their late 20's. Sorry for being judgemental. Effie irritated me as she changed her mind over and over again and although the author I feel wanted to portray her as strong I think she was. I didn't particularly like her as I think she judged people for doing things that she did herself and was very hypocritical.
I also think a lot of things that we were told that happened in the book was so far fetched. What mother, who it turns out, loves her daughter, just walks out on their daughter like Effie's mother did. On one page we hear of Oliver's arrest. It says his clients were taking business elsewhere. I am pretty sure he would not be allowed clients anyway at this point.
And unfortunately I found the whole story boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2015
After recently breaking up from a relationship with Smith, Effie Abbot meets the man of her dreams, he's everything Smith isn't and after a whirlwind romance she walks down the aisle a month later to marry Oliver Barton-Cole a successful and wealthy barrister.
It's not too long into her married life that the cracks begin to show and Effie starts to realise Oliver may not be as perfect as she first thought. To complicate matters Smith has turned up again in her life and she's not entirely sure how she feels about him.
As life with Oliver and his mood swings and temper intensify so does Effie's feelings for Smith and when she becomes a victim of domestic abuse things start to spiral out of control.
It was enjoyable in parts but glaringly predictable right from the outset really so there were no real surprises and I felt it could have been shorter. Nothing really to set this apart from other chick-lit/domestic abuse novels and not really memorable enough once read to warrant more than 3 stars - sorry it didn't do it for me.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
It's not too long into her married life that the cracks begin to show and Effie starts to realise Oliver may not be as perfect as she first thought. To complicate matters Smith has turned up again in her life and she's not entirely sure how she feels about him.
As life with Oliver and his mood swings and temper intensify so does Effie's feelings for Smith and when she becomes a victim of domestic abuse things start to spiral out of control.
It was enjoyable in parts but glaringly predictable right from the outset really so there were no real surprises and I felt it could have been shorter. Nothing really to set this apart from other chick-lit/domestic abuse novels and not really memorable enough once read to warrant more than 3 stars - sorry it didn't do it for me.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
Love you better by Natalie k martin is a women's fiction and general fiction (adult) read.
A few months ago, Effie Abbott was left heartbroken; now she has everything she ever wanted. After a whirlwind romance and a dream wedding, she’s starting a new life with a new man. Oliver is caring, sophisticated and trustworthy – everything Smith, her reckless ex, wasn’t.
Things were never simple between Smith and Effie, so when he forces his way back into her life, Effie knows he’s a complication she doesn’t want or need. After all, she has Oliver, a man who loves her better than Smith ever did.
But when cracks in her marriage start to show and Oliver shows flashes of a darker side, Effie has to question just how well she really knows her husband, and whether Smith is back to derail her seemingly perfect marriage, or save her from it.
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. Especially effie. She was strong. I didn’t like Oliver at all. I loved the ending too. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
A few months ago, Effie Abbott was left heartbroken; now she has everything she ever wanted. After a whirlwind romance and a dream wedding, she’s starting a new life with a new man. Oliver is caring, sophisticated and trustworthy – everything Smith, her reckless ex, wasn’t.
Things were never simple between Smith and Effie, so when he forces his way back into her life, Effie knows he’s a complication she doesn’t want or need. After all, she has Oliver, a man who loves her better than Smith ever did.
But when cracks in her marriage start to show and Oliver shows flashes of a darker side, Effie has to question just how well she really knows her husband, and whether Smith is back to derail her seemingly perfect marriage, or save her from it.
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. Especially effie. She was strong. I didn’t like Oliver at all. I loved the ending too. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
October 19, 2015
I would like to thank Tracy at TBC and Natalie Martin for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and open review.
This made such a refreshing change from my normal genre of murder and mayhem.
I could empathise with Effie so easily imagining how she felt when her ex turns up on her wedding day.
I went through the whole spectrum of emotions whilst reading this. One moment I loved Oliver and the next I hated him and wished something dire would happen to him.
All the characters felt very real and by the end of the book I felt I knew them, particularly Effie. She had some very difficult decisions to make and hopefully made the right one in the end.
This is Ms Martin's second novel and I now intend to read her first.
I will certainly recommend this to all my book loving friends.
This made such a refreshing change from my normal genre of murder and mayhem.
I could empathise with Effie so easily imagining how she felt when her ex turns up on her wedding day.
I went through the whole spectrum of emotions whilst reading this. One moment I loved Oliver and the next I hated him and wished something dire would happen to him.
All the characters felt very real and by the end of the book I felt I knew them, particularly Effie. She had some very difficult decisions to make and hopefully made the right one in the end.
This is Ms Martin's second novel and I now intend to read her first.
I will certainly recommend this to all my book loving friends.
May 27, 2016
I actually read a romance novel without sex in it. I know, I’m growing.
What piqued my interest in Love You Better was the opening: Bride is confronted by past love on the night of her wedding. Great way to start off a first chapter! From there on, the reader is shifted between two worlds that belong to main character Effie: her marriage of convenience with a seemingly perfect man and her unrequited love for a bad boy who broke her heart. At some points during the story, I didn’t know who to root for (I like that feeling, FYI).
The middle sagged a bit for me but overall, it was a lovely read. Definitely the type of love story you read on a quiet Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea. It was warm and delightful, with a strong female lead who truly evolves by the end of the story.
What piqued my interest in Love You Better was the opening: Bride is confronted by past love on the night of her wedding. Great way to start off a first chapter! From there on, the reader is shifted between two worlds that belong to main character Effie: her marriage of convenience with a seemingly perfect man and her unrequited love for a bad boy who broke her heart. At some points during the story, I didn’t know who to root for (I like that feeling, FYI).
The middle sagged a bit for me but overall, it was a lovely read. Definitely the type of love story you read on a quiet Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea. It was warm and delightful, with a strong female lead who truly evolves by the end of the story.
November 22, 2015
Effie has a whirl wind romance with the dashing barrister Oliver after Smith ,lets her down badly. There are no surprises in this story and you wonder how anyone can be so gullible. I love the way it has been written, how Effie finally works out what she wants from life. Natalie covers domestic violence very well, not just physical but mental abuse too. It's true, you don't really know someone properly until you live with them! Congratulations Ms Martin on writing another great book and I hope you are working in your third! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 7, 2016
Very boring and predictable.I really struggled to finish this book as the ending was obvious from almost the first page. Also the characters were unlikeable and very childish, acting like teenagers more than young adults.
March 16, 2018
Fantastic Read!
I couldn't put this book down. While I knew the ending from about Chapter 3, Martin grabs you, connects you to the characters leaving you reading quicker than ever to discover what happens. Hands down, Smith is my favorite character.
I couldn't put this book down. While I knew the ending from about Chapter 3, Martin grabs you, connects you to the characters leaving you reading quicker than ever to discover what happens. Hands down, Smith is my favorite character.
October 27, 2015
tough subject matter but well-written and enjoyable
July 17, 2016
Boring
It started out ok, then it just got long winded and boring. I struggled to finish. I actually did not like the main character I found her to be plain stupid.
It started out ok, then it just got long winded and boring. I struggled to finish. I actually did not like the main character I found her to be plain stupid.
July 14, 2017
I must say that this was the first book I have ever read by Natalie Martin and I loved it. It was beautifully written. The chemistry she developed between the characters were phenomenal. Even though we didn't get to read about the backstory between Effie and Smith, through thoughts and conversation, you get a sense of how close they were and what a great thing they had going. You could feel the chemistry they had. You felt her heart break when Smith showed up to her wedding to Oliver.
**SPOILERS**
Oh, Oliver. How I hate you! You were a horrible person. Martin did a wonderful job in leaving little clues on his behavior before it blew up. I just wanted to yell at Effie to get the heck away from him! Smith was so much better!
I know this was a love triangle and that Effie and Oliver were married, but hell, I was rooting for Smith the entire time! It took 340 pages before I finally got what I was rooting for the entire book. Martin did a good job with discussing infidelity but never crossing that line between Effie and Smith until Oliver was well out of the picture. She even showed what happens between Micky and Lou on when infidelity happens within a couple. It is not pretty.
I could not put this book down once I had started it. I think I had this read within two settings. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
**SPOILERS**
Oh, Oliver. How I hate you! You were a horrible person. Martin did a wonderful job in leaving little clues on his behavior before it blew up. I just wanted to yell at Effie to get the heck away from him! Smith was so much better!
I know this was a love triangle and that Effie and Oliver were married, but hell, I was rooting for Smith the entire time! It took 340 pages before I finally got what I was rooting for the entire book. Martin did a good job with discussing infidelity but never crossing that line between Effie and Smith until Oliver was well out of the picture. She even showed what happens between Micky and Lou on when infidelity happens within a couple. It is not pretty.
I could not put this book down once I had started it. I think I had this read within two settings. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
February 7, 2021
This is a tough book to read and to like. One of the major plotlines revolves around domestic violence, including a wife making excuses for her abusive husband before finally having enough of it, but still struggling with what to do about the relationship, eventually going back to him because he seems to have changed. Yet, while it is somewhat tough to read, domestic violence is an important topic and therefore, it is worthwhile to have books that deal with it in an honest fashion.
While the domestic violence aspect makes it somewhat tough to read, the book is well-written and the author has created some interesting characters. It also contains a good lesson that things are not always what they seem and that the person who is best for you might not be the one you think.
While the domestic violence aspect makes it somewhat tough to read, the book is well-written and the author has created some interesting characters. It also contains a good lesson that things are not always what they seem and that the person who is best for you might not be the one you think.
May 19, 2023
Girl, Wake Up!
I spent most of this book being annoyed at how dense Effie was in her relationships. She seemed whiny and simple minded. At a certain point, I had to remind myself that she was in her twenties and couldn’t be expected to have it all together. I was just so disappointed in her decisions with both men. I didn’t feel like the happily ever after was rewarding. What I did enjoy was Effie’s bond with her best friend. I also loved how she began to see her mom through a different lens in order to repair their relationship. Effie’s husband was an awful person. I was happy to see him having to face the consequences of his disgusting actions. This was a decent read. I just struggle with weak leading women.
I spent most of this book being annoyed at how dense Effie was in her relationships. She seemed whiny and simple minded. At a certain point, I had to remind myself that she was in her twenties and couldn’t be expected to have it all together. I was just so disappointed in her decisions with both men. I didn’t feel like the happily ever after was rewarding. What I did enjoy was Effie’s bond with her best friend. I also loved how she began to see her mom through a different lens in order to repair their relationship. Effie’s husband was an awful person. I was happy to see him having to face the consequences of his disgusting actions. This was a decent read. I just struggle with weak leading women.
June 3, 2023
Back to back reads from NKM for me. First I read “Together Apart” and it really wasn’t for me, but then I was immediately suggested this one. I don’t know what was the real difference but I enjoyed how this one was written. The subtle hints and Easter eggs about each of their characteristics and behaviors. Even the fleshing out of each of the characters (I feel like the only one I didn’t know all that well was Mickey).
I did feel like it could have been about 20% shorter (as I found myself drifting towards the end just wanting to get to the climax), which is why I gave it 3 stars. I would definitely read another title from NKM, though.
I did feel like it could have been about 20% shorter (as I found myself drifting towards the end just wanting to get to the climax), which is why I gave it 3 stars. I would definitely read another title from NKM, though.
May 8, 2017
Surprising
Effie and Smith were once friends, and then more, but he left and she found someone else. But everything wasn't happy ever after. This book was full of tension, and while it did not penetrate my feelings, it was well drawn and easy to follow. This book felt lived, while the physical beauty of the participants, was unreal, the rest of the story was quite realistic. Interestingly we never know what Effie looks like, her self reflection is all internal, not external. Not bad. =)
Effie and Smith were once friends, and then more, but he left and she found someone else. But everything wasn't happy ever after. This book was full of tension, and while it did not penetrate my feelings, it was well drawn and easy to follow. This book felt lived, while the physical beauty of the participants, was unreal, the rest of the story was quite realistic. Interestingly we never know what Effie looks like, her self reflection is all internal, not external. Not bad. =)
February 14, 2022
Rating: 1.5★ (60%)
Code: ArABASa
Short Review: This book wasn't my favorite. I think if someone ask me for a somewhat realistic abusive relationship, I would point to this book.
But, I found the idea of her marrying some guy that she met 4 months prior to be the sole reason why she never considered red flags in the relationship. And also the idea of her falling in love AFTER said abusive relationship ends? It just takes away from what could have been good representation.
Review by APiscesReader
Code: ArABASa
Short Review: This book wasn't my favorite. I think if someone ask me for a somewhat realistic abusive relationship, I would point to this book.
But, I found the idea of her marrying some guy that she met 4 months prior to be the sole reason why she never considered red flags in the relationship. And also the idea of her falling in love AFTER said abusive relationship ends? It just takes away from what could have been good representation.
Review by APiscesReader
May 6, 2017
Interesting take on a contemporary romance
I enjoyed the contemporary take on a romance. The book deals with tough topics, such as domestic violence, and still is romantic and realistic. The ending is predictable, but I liked that fact. The well developed characters struggling with real life issues are easy to relate to. I truly appreciate the hopeful ending and afterward.
I enjoyed the contemporary take on a romance. The book deals with tough topics, such as domestic violence, and still is romantic and realistic. The ending is predictable, but I liked that fact. The well developed characters struggling with real life issues are easy to relate to. I truly appreciate the hopeful ending and afterward.
May 8, 2017
I was drawn in
This book was so well written i found myself going from happy to annoyed to sad to pissed and back to happy. I felt as if i were watching a movie and found myself telling at the tv screen so to speak. I saw my sister, friend, and myself in Effie throughout the book & it made her all the more real. A great read!
This book was so well written i found myself going from happy to annoyed to sad to pissed and back to happy. I felt as if i were watching a movie and found myself telling at the tv screen so to speak. I saw my sister, friend, and myself in Effie throughout the book & it made her all the more real. A great read!
March 11, 2018
"Love Me Better" is about Effie's relationship with a carefree, old boyfriend, Smith, intertwined with an abusive, controlling husband, Oliver. Her best girlfriend, Lou, is there along side through all the turmoil and drama. Only Effie, though, can make the decision between these two men and most of the book revolves around it.
August 6, 2023
Great story!
I especially liked the how Martin handled the fact that Effie was biracial and I did not know the author was Black. In today’s world, its great to read books about connections between people as just people and Martin did a great job of that. Also, I liked the way she handled Effie’s mothers lifestyle choices!
I especially liked the how Martin handled the fact that Effie was biracial and I did not know the author was Black. In today’s world, its great to read books about connections between people as just people and Martin did a great job of that. Also, I liked the way she handled Effie’s mothers lifestyle choices!
October 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development for Effie and Smith was impeccable. I enjoyed the growth from both characters as well as the secondary characters Lou and Mickey. This book is definitely emotionally charged but it was so tastefully done and kept my interest from beginning to end!
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