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Chasing the Dream #3
More than Fashion
They’re enemies who will do anything to win...including each other.
When pre-med student Julie Hong wins a spot on a fashion design reality TV show, she celebrates by picking up a hot English guy in a hotel bar. But too many drinks leads to a night of embarrassment and a major hangover, and wow is she glad she’ll never see him again.
Until the show starts, and he’s on it too.
Julie quickly realizes she’s out of her league among the other designers, and Gavin Bennett, with his cocky grin and sexy accent, is her biggest competition. Julie can't decide if she wants to kiss him or kill him. Or both.
After she’s almost kicked off, Julie convinces Gavin to pretend they’re sleeping together for the camera. The ploy works, but as they get closer to the show’s finale their fake relationship starts to become too real. But only one of them can win the show—and they might both end up heartbroken.
When pre-med student Julie Hong wins a spot on a fashion design reality TV show, she celebrates by picking up a hot English guy in a hotel bar. But too many drinks leads to a night of embarrassment and a major hangover, and wow is she glad she’ll never see him again.
Until the show starts, and he’s on it too.
Julie quickly realizes she’s out of her league among the other designers, and Gavin Bennett, with his cocky grin and sexy accent, is her biggest competition. Julie can't decide if she wants to kiss him or kill him. Or both.
After she’s almost kicked off, Julie convinces Gavin to pretend they’re sleeping together for the camera. The ploy works, but as they get closer to the show’s finale their fake relationship starts to become too real. But only one of them can win the show—and they might both end up heartbroken.
337 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2015
44 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Briggs
46 books2,904 followersElizabeth Briggs is a New York Times and Top 5 Amazon bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance featuring twisty plots, plenty of spice, and a guaranteed happy ending. She's a Stage IV cancer warrior who has worked with teens in foster care and volunteered with animal rescue organizations. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, their daughter, and a pack of fluffy dogs. Find her online at http://www.elizabethbriggs.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 23, 2016
***4,5 "PASSIONATE" stars in and out of bedroom***
I'm not into the fashion so much, but i love all kinds of creativity and it was amazing to witness this type of creativity....
In this series, there are so many forms of creativity...
We already had music, then writing and drawing comics and here, we were having fashion designing!!!
Isn't it fascinating????
I think that this book was amazing and i loved every single moment in there even though that this show was so stressfull!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning!!!
We already met Julie in the previous two books and we already knew how talanted she was!!!
She and Carla was Maddie's best friends (Maddie was the guitarist from the first book if you recall!!!) and in the previous book on Comic-con event she designed the costumes of all the "gang" for a contest that had to do with the villains from Batman series and yep, she won the first place!!!
And with that winning, she earned a place to the designer's show "Behind The Seams".
Now, she is about to get into the show and her last day in the <ι>"civilization"ι>, she wants to spend it with a hot guy rolling around the shits and she is spotting the perfect guy in the hotel's bar.
Gavin is handsome with tattoos on his arms and a real gentleman's manners...
He also had this sexy British accent that no woman can resist to...
So, Julie wants to hook up with him and she succeed it to a certain point, but then she fell asleep and Gavin wasn't there when she woke up the next morning!!!!
And that was probably for the best since she was looking for just a hook up with him and after all, she is going to enter the show in which she will stay isolated for weeks.
So, she doesn't have time for anything more than focusing to the show and to the final prize.
But once she gets in the show, a surprise is waiting her...
Gavin is one οφ the other fourteen contestants in the show and he had come to win too.
So, now Julie have to live with the temptation in front of her...
Gavin will be a distraction for her??? Or something else???
Something that she doesn't want to think about it since she doesn't ever do relationships!!!
"How dare he bring that up, and how dare my treacherous body respond so easily, practically melting right into his arms. The smell of him, the sound of his voice, the feel of his hands on me— all combined to fill me with an overwhelming rush of desire. It was all I could do not to crush my mouth against his.
And yet, at the same time, I wanted to tell him to go to hell."
I liked Julie very much but sometimes she was behaving unfairly to Gavin.
She was insisting that she didn't want to do anything with him, but at the same time she was lusting over him all the god damn time. She was harsh with him many times and she refused to acknowledge her true feelings...
She was used to do one-night stands with a variety of men and she didn't want anything permanent to complicate her life.
"God, this guy was nearly bringing me to tears. I’d had no idea this incredibly sweet, thoughtful, dedicated man was under his cocky, sarcastic exterior.
No, that was a lie. I’d always known it was there. I just didn’t want to see it.
Because if I did? I’d have to admit that he wasn’t a jerk. That he wasn’t an asshole. That he was a good guy.
And that I liked him a lot.
Dammit, when had that happened?"
As for fashion??? Julie loves to design clothes but that carreer wasn't acceptable from her parents and this show was her chance to prove them wrong and to chase her dream.
She was a passionated, dynamic person with many fresh ideas and so much creativity that i was longing to see what would be her next creation...
"Fashion design was where my soul was.
It was what I wanted to do with my life.
And that meant I’d have to work my ass off to make sure I made it to the end and won this thing."
Gavin as i told you was a handsome man and possible the only straight man in this show... Bahaha!
He was also very creative, passionate and stubborn. He wanted to succeed for a certain reason and he wanted to succeed by himself.
He was a very proud and real person and he was caring deeply for Julie.
His behavior was a little bit weird.
Mostly, he was showing his arrogant and cocky self, but when he was alone with Julie was the sweetest and sexiest man in the planet...
I really liked him and i think that he was so good for Julie, even though that she was torturing him!!!
"What was his problem?
One second we’d been bonding over lunch, and the next he’d bitten my head off.
He was supposed to act like he was into me, not like a total dick.
I should have known this wouldn’t work out.
Sexual chemistry? Not a problem.
Getting along for more than five minutes? Nearly impossible."
For once again, i loved the idea of the writer with a new different show...
Strangely, I liked all this anxiety and creativity that the story was giving us and i felt like i was taking place in this contest too...
I couldn't wait to see what will be their next challenge and how our heroes would make it!!!
I also was so fascinating by Julie's and Gavin relationship.
I wanted them so badly to be together and sometimes they were making me mad with all this stubborness!!! But i think that they turned out one of my most favorite couple in the series!!!
I also liked that in the show, some of the players built powerfull bonds between them...
Okay, not all of them were good persons, but they were some people that they deserved kindness and real friendship.
And since i speak for friendship, i would like to praise Carla.
She was such a great friend for Julie and i really can't wait to learn everything about her!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
{Re-reading in 22-23 January 2016}
I'm not into the fashion so much, but i love all kinds of creativity and it was amazing to witness this type of creativity....
In this series, there are so many forms of creativity...
We already had music, then writing and drawing comics and here, we were having fashion designing!!!
Isn't it fascinating????
I think that this book was amazing and i loved every single moment in there even though that this show was so stressfull!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning!!!
We already met Julie in the previous two books and we already knew how talanted she was!!!
She and Carla was Maddie's best friends (Maddie was the guitarist from the first book if you recall!!!) and in the previous book on Comic-con event she designed the costumes of all the "gang" for a contest that had to do with the villains from Batman series and yep, she won the first place!!!
And with that winning, she earned a place to the designer's show "Behind The Seams".
Now, she is about to get into the show and her last day in the <ι>"civilization"ι>, she wants to spend it with a hot guy rolling around the shits and she is spotting the perfect guy in the hotel's bar.
Gavin is handsome with tattoos on his arms and a real gentleman's manners...
He also had this sexy British accent that no woman can resist to...
So, Julie wants to hook up with him and she succeed it to a certain point, but then she fell asleep and Gavin wasn't there when she woke up the next morning!!!!
And that was probably for the best since she was looking for just a hook up with him and after all, she is going to enter the show in which she will stay isolated for weeks.
So, she doesn't have time for anything more than focusing to the show and to the final prize.
But once she gets in the show, a surprise is waiting her...
Gavin is one οφ the other fourteen contestants in the show and he had come to win too.
So, now Julie have to live with the temptation in front of her...
Gavin will be a distraction for her??? Or something else???
Something that she doesn't want to think about it since she doesn't ever do relationships!!!
"How dare he bring that up, and how dare my treacherous body respond so easily, practically melting right into his arms. The smell of him, the sound of his voice, the feel of his hands on me— all combined to fill me with an overwhelming rush of desire. It was all I could do not to crush my mouth against his.
And yet, at the same time, I wanted to tell him to go to hell."
I liked Julie very much but sometimes she was behaving unfairly to Gavin.
She was insisting that she didn't want to do anything with him, but at the same time she was lusting over him all the god damn time. She was harsh with him many times and she refused to acknowledge her true feelings...
She was used to do one-night stands with a variety of men and she didn't want anything permanent to complicate her life.
"God, this guy was nearly bringing me to tears. I’d had no idea this incredibly sweet, thoughtful, dedicated man was under his cocky, sarcastic exterior.
No, that was a lie. I’d always known it was there. I just didn’t want to see it.
Because if I did? I’d have to admit that he wasn’t a jerk. That he wasn’t an asshole. That he was a good guy.
And that I liked him a lot.
Dammit, when had that happened?"
As for fashion??? Julie loves to design clothes but that carreer wasn't acceptable from her parents and this show was her chance to prove them wrong and to chase her dream.
She was a passionated, dynamic person with many fresh ideas and so much creativity that i was longing to see what would be her next creation...
"Fashion design was where my soul was.
It was what I wanted to do with my life.
And that meant I’d have to work my ass off to make sure I made it to the end and won this thing."
Gavin as i told you was a handsome man and possible the only straight man in this show... Bahaha!
He was also very creative, passionate and stubborn. He wanted to succeed for a certain reason and he wanted to succeed by himself.
He was a very proud and real person and he was caring deeply for Julie.
His behavior was a little bit weird.
Mostly, he was showing his arrogant and cocky self, but when he was alone with Julie was the sweetest and sexiest man in the planet...
I really liked him and i think that he was so good for Julie, even though that she was torturing him!!!
"What was his problem?
One second we’d been bonding over lunch, and the next he’d bitten my head off.
He was supposed to act like he was into me, not like a total dick.
I should have known this wouldn’t work out.
Sexual chemistry? Not a problem.
Getting along for more than five minutes? Nearly impossible."
For once again, i loved the idea of the writer with a new different show...
Strangely, I liked all this anxiety and creativity that the story was giving us and i felt like i was taking place in this contest too...
I couldn't wait to see what will be their next challenge and how our heroes would make it!!!
I also was so fascinating by Julie's and Gavin relationship.
I wanted them so badly to be together and sometimes they were making me mad with all this stubborness!!! But i think that they turned out one of my most favorite couple in the series!!!
I also liked that in the show, some of the players built powerfull bonds between them...
Okay, not all of them were good persons, but they were some people that they deserved kindness and real friendship.
And since i speak for friendship, i would like to praise Carla.
She was such a great friend for Julie and i really can't wait to learn everything about her!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
{Re-reading in 22-23 January 2016}
August 9, 2015
4 Fashionable Stars!
Julie Hong is a pre-med student, but only because she feels she has to follow in her sister's footsteps in order to receive her parents approval. Her true desire is to be a fashion designer, so she enters a contest and is selected to be one of the contestants on the reality TV show, "Behind The Seams." One of her best friends, who is also a model, was also selected to be on the show as Julie's model. How awesome would that be? To be able to compete in a competition doing something you love and having your best friend there with you.
The night before the competition starts, Julie goes out with the sole purpose of looking for a guy to help scratch her sexual itch. Several drinks later and after almost giving up, in walks a tall tattooed guy with a British accent who seems to be the perfect guy for the night. They go back to Julie's room and fool around a bit, but she's too drunk to do more and he's too much of a gentleman to take advantage. No worries though because she's not going to see him again. She didn't even tell him her name.
However, fate has different plans for her. The next day, as Julie arrives to begin the competition, she's introduced to the other competitors and among them is Gavin, the tattooed guy from the night before. Can you say "awkward"? Que the love/hate relationship. There is undeniable attraction between them, but they are also both trying to win the same competition and there can only be one winner. What happens when they can't deny that attraction? Do they act on it? And if they do, is it real or just for show? Who will win?
This was my first book by Elizabeth Briggs and of course I pick a book that's in the middle of a series. Fortunately, each of these books can be read as a standalone, so I wasn't missing anything. Now, I'm not much of a reality TV watcher myself, but I have seen an episode of Project Runway before and that's what this book was like for me. Personally, I would flip the channel and move on to something else, but because this was a book I couldn't do that. Don't get me wrong, the writing was fabulous. The details were such that I could easily envision everything in my mind. I just felt it was lacking a little bit more romance for my likes, but that will not stop me from reading more by this author. Overall it was an enjoyable read. If you like all things fashion then this book could be for you. Check it out!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review.
Julie Hong is a pre-med student, but only because she feels she has to follow in her sister's footsteps in order to receive her parents approval. Her true desire is to be a fashion designer, so she enters a contest and is selected to be one of the contestants on the reality TV show, "Behind The Seams." One of her best friends, who is also a model, was also selected to be on the show as Julie's model. How awesome would that be? To be able to compete in a competition doing something you love and having your best friend there with you.
The night before the competition starts, Julie goes out with the sole purpose of looking for a guy to help scratch her sexual itch. Several drinks later and after almost giving up, in walks a tall tattooed guy with a British accent who seems to be the perfect guy for the night. They go back to Julie's room and fool around a bit, but she's too drunk to do more and he's too much of a gentleman to take advantage. No worries though because she's not going to see him again. She didn't even tell him her name.
However, fate has different plans for her. The next day, as Julie arrives to begin the competition, she's introduced to the other competitors and among them is Gavin, the tattooed guy from the night before. Can you say "awkward"? Que the love/hate relationship. There is undeniable attraction between them, but they are also both trying to win the same competition and there can only be one winner. What happens when they can't deny that attraction? Do they act on it? And if they do, is it real or just for show? Who will win?
This was my first book by Elizabeth Briggs and of course I pick a book that's in the middle of a series. Fortunately, each of these books can be read as a standalone, so I wasn't missing anything. Now, I'm not much of a reality TV watcher myself, but I have seen an episode of Project Runway before and that's what this book was like for me. Personally, I would flip the channel and move on to something else, but because this was a book I couldn't do that. Don't get me wrong, the writing was fabulous. The details were such that I could easily envision everything in my mind. I just felt it was lacking a little bit more romance for my likes, but that will not stop me from reading more by this author. Overall it was an enjoyable read. If you like all things fashion then this book could be for you. Check it out!
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2015
Although More Than Fashion doesn't really offer anything new to the New Adult genre, I greatly appreciated the fact that it deviated from the path most NAs take and did not heavily focus on the drama but instead, any conflict between the two characters got resolved easily because they talked about it. Sure, there were moments when I wanted to bash Julie's head on the wall because of how incredibly unreasonable she could be but believe me, that's pretty tame already compared to the other NAs that I've read. Plus, it doesn't hurt either that she and Gavin have great chemistry and amazing banter. There was insta-lust between them but the gradual build-up into love was very sweet and believable.
Also, the MC is Korean (!!) and I liked how the author didn't point it out in every single page/chapter that, yes, there is diversity in this book and yes, Koreans--or Asians for that matter--are not just destined to become scientists or doctors. And gasp, we love fashion, too! It was just there, a fact, that POC exist in this world and it is very normal to see one in an extremely diversified city that is New York. We exist y'all and we're amazing as hell. *flips hair*
Also, the MC is Korean (!!) and I liked how the author didn't point it out in every single page/chapter that, yes, there is diversity in this book and yes, Koreans--or Asians for that matter--are not just destined to become scientists or doctors. And gasp, we love fashion, too! It was just there, a fact, that POC exist in this world and it is very normal to see one in an extremely diversified city that is New York. We exist y'all and we're amazing as hell. *flips hair*
December 5, 2021
Was this the enemies to lovers I loosely expected it to be? No. Most importantly though, did it have depictions of garments that lighted up my imagination? Also, no. At least it was about a competition, albeit I wanted to read more of the judges’ critique and the process of designing and making each garment. I wanted more fashion. Instead I got smut and a badly written romance that I was not rooting for whatsoever. The heroine had a hot and cold attitude, while the hero was the complete antithesis of that. I didn’t like how the heroine handled the whole fake dating situation in front of the cameras and the humiliation she subjected the hero who was wearing his heart on his sleeve. At the same time, I have zero idea how the hero fell in love with the heroine, as with the exception of a couple of scenes, where they got to know each other, I could not see it. Another one of my biggest issues were that I couldn’t pinpoint anyone’s individual style as fashion designers from the descriptions of their work, which were brief, repetitive and uninspiring. Finally, the way many things seemed to work for the heroine’s favour throughout the book (especially what happened towards the end) made the story entirely far-fetched and impossible to me.
August 28, 2020
I loved the Chasing the Dream series when it first came out, each standalone novel featured a fun opportunity for the characters to chase their dreams. More than Fashion follows Julie and Gavin as they compete against one another on a fashion show a la Project Runway. It's the only in the series I didn't quite enjoy, I think that mostly has to do with the fashion theme. I'm not interested and found myself skimming the design descriptions. I liked Julie though, even with her sass, and absolutely loved Gavin. They're compelling characters and their interactions are adorable...and sometimes sexy. While this wasn't a win for me, it's a great addition to a series I really enjoy.
August 8, 2019
This is really cute and hot! Not to mention the MC is Korean. That's the selling point. Mini review to come.
July 30, 2015
I love Liz and I love this series. Julie's story didn't disappoint! Now I want Carla's story now! :-)
August 23, 2015
I loved it! <3
March 27, 2017
Fell in love with a book and connected with its characters after a long long time.
It's my first time reading a book related to fashion designing competition but it was fun! Didn't feel the need for the explicit scenes (ahem). But the growth of the main character was really astounding. I liked the twist near the end and... what can I say? I'm looking forward to reading more books (and the previous books in this series) from the author. The writing did feel captivating. It was a light read but had an amount of drama I could tolerate, and even like.
The descriptions of the dress! Sigh... I wish I could be Carla some of the days. :p
Julie and Gavin were okay, but a bit too lovey-dovey. What I liked more though was the way Julie made things work with her parents regarding her career choice, without disrespecting them totally.
And umm, Jeff and his dialogues! .... It was hilarious to see Jeff from Julie's eyes.
So, in short, I liked a light YA book after a long long time. But I've already said that, haven't I? (Wink.)
It's my first time reading a book related to fashion designing competition but it was fun! Didn't feel the need for the explicit scenes (ahem). But the growth of the main character was really astounding. I liked the twist near the end and... what can I say? I'm looking forward to reading more books (and the previous books in this series) from the author. The writing did feel captivating. It was a light read but had an amount of drama I could tolerate, and even like.
The descriptions of the dress! Sigh... I wish I could be Carla some of the days. :p
Julie and Gavin were okay, but a bit too lovey-dovey. What I liked more though was the way Julie made things work with her parents regarding her career choice, without disrespecting them totally.
And umm, Jeff and his dialogues! .... It was hilarious to see Jeff from Julie's eyes.
So, in short, I liked a light YA book after a long long time. But I've already said that, haven't I? (Wink.)
February 14, 2016
Copy recieved via netgalley
First of all, I really liked the setting. There are tons of books about rockstars (who I really love too) but the fashion industry made a really nice change in this book. Set in a casting show similar to Project Runway it was interesting to have a look at designs and fashion in general.
At the beginning I was unsure if the chemistry between Julie and Gavin would work for me but then the two really hit it off and there were some really nice hot scenes. Julie was a bit difficult to like for my taste as she was quite distant. Gavin was a real sweetheart and I liked him a lot.
I also liked there wasn't some drama from the past which made things unnecessarily difficult. I liked how the autor played with the clishees of casting shows and connected them with the story.
This has been my first book in the Chasing the dreams series and I SO am going to read the others.
First of all, I really liked the setting. There are tons of books about rockstars (who I really love too) but the fashion industry made a really nice change in this book. Set in a casting show similar to Project Runway it was interesting to have a look at designs and fashion in general.
At the beginning I was unsure if the chemistry between Julie and Gavin would work for me but then the two really hit it off and there were some really nice hot scenes. Julie was a bit difficult to like for my taste as she was quite distant. Gavin was a real sweetheart and I liked him a lot.
I also liked there wasn't some drama from the past which made things unnecessarily difficult. I liked how the autor played with the clishees of casting shows and connected them with the story.
This has been my first book in the Chasing the dreams series and I SO am going to read the others.
July 10, 2015
If you love reality tv competitions, you will love this book. If you love authentically swoon-worthy heroes with big hearts and English accents, you will love this book. If you love fucking awesome, smart-mouthed heroines, you will love this book.
If you want to read one of the sexiest shower scenes EVER, you will love this book.
The story is fun and pulled me in from the start. I literally read it in one day. It's been a while since I've rooted for a couple the way I did for Julie and Gavin. They're complex characters with a sexual attraction that's off the charts, and their slow build into falling in love was completely believable.
If you want to read one of the sexiest shower scenes EVER, you will love this book.
The story is fun and pulled me in from the start. I literally read it in one day. It's been a while since I've rooted for a couple the way I did for Julie and Gavin. They're complex characters with a sexual attraction that's off the charts, and their slow build into falling in love was completely believable.
April 3, 2017
YouTube Book Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeqgG...
What an a amazing book!! There were twist and turns and I didn't see the ending coming! Full review coming soon as soon as booktubeathon ends!
What an a amazing book!! There were twist and turns and I didn't see the ending coming! Full review coming soon as soon as booktubeathon ends!
July 30, 2015
Julie Hong is a pre-med student at UCLA with a dream and a plan--albeit, a dream and a plan that don't necessarily mesh with what her family envisions for her future. After a hot almost fling with the sexy Gavin Bennett (who she soon finds is one of her competitor's on the fashion reality show Behind the Seams), her limits are tested. And she learns about a lot more than fashion.
"He laughed and it set my panties on fire. His voice was like butter, and I wanted it spread all over me. That didn't even make sense, but it was true."
From the minute Julie sees Gavin across the bar, the heat practically singes the pages. I'll admit, the tats and British accent were a huge appeal to me. Throw in the fact that he's a gentleman, has an architect's mind AND is creative? Well, ladies...he's the whole damn package. I'm honestly a bit jealous of Julie. In Gavin, Elizabeth Briggs manages to create a man who fits beautifully into the fashion world, while being neither gay nor particularly metrosexual.
BUT, any romance gets a bit boring without some tension, and boy do Julie and Gavin have tension in spades. From their illicit, semi-taboo pre-show hotel fling to their clashing creative alpha personalities, Julie and Gavin burn hot in more ways than one.
"Yes, he was hot enough to melt my panties off, and yes, his accent was doable all by itself, but every time he opened his mouth, I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat. And not in a sexual way.
Ok, maybe also in a sexual way."
Now, I love heat as much as the next lady, but I also need some depth to my characters. Again, Briggs does not disappoint. With all of the Chasing the Dream books, Briggs excels at taking what might, at first glance, seem like a shallow concept and creates meaningful, soulful characters. I'm no fashion maven, so I was a bit worried about how well this book would hold my interest (even knowing how much I adored the previous books, More Than Exes, More Than Music, and More Than Comics). That fear, however, turned out to be baseless. Because this book and its heroine? Well, you guys...they are about way more than fashion.
"Being surrounded by others hard at work, who loved fashion and designing clothes as much as I did. Even though they were my competition, I felt a kinship with them. We were creators chasing after a shared dream."
And that's really what this book is about. Passion, drive, and dreams. We see that Julie constantly struggles to be in control, in every aspect of her life. And really, it's because she feels so out of control--as if she can't possibly follow her dreams and have the love and respect of those most important to her. Her encounters with men are short and hot, and she is slow to let people in because her family, the people who are closest to her and who should love and support her the most? Well, it doesn't seem that they support, or really even understand, Julie at all. Instead, she feels expected to chase after a hand-me-down dream. So, she holds tight to her close knit group of friends, and she shows everyone else the cold, determined bitch she feels she has to be.
"Life was a bitch, and so was I. But fuck it. Bitches got stuff done.
And my dress wasn't finishing itself."
Despite her best efforts, though, Gavin sees through the facade to the heart that makes Julie more than just a shallow and cold fashionista who lives only for what others think. He sees her "why"--her reason for being. He sees her passion for creating. And he pushes her to question her hesitations and her self-imposed limitations.
"What would you do if there were no limits?...What would you do if you had no fear?"
Isn't that really a question that we could all stand to ask ourselves? Don't we all dream of having that person to balance us, to ask us the hard questions, to push us, and to keep us safe from our own stubbornness and stupidity?
Beyond the romantic basics, Briggs hit on some pretty major social issues in this book, and I absolutely loved that she did. That she made me think about more than just sex (hot as it was) and romance (though Gavin is, admittedly, quite swoon-worthy).
The first of these issues was culture. A huge part of what is working against Julie is her family's Korean culture and the limitations she feels that her family's expectations put on her. As if stepping out of her comfort zone weren't difficult enough, Julie also has to face the aspect of shame, which is not something that many of us can truly claim familiarity with. Briggs pinpoints it beautifully though.
"I was scared. What if I took this risk and it didn't pay off? What if I failed? It was such a huge life change, and I didn't know if I was ready yet...was I willing to risk the disappointment and shame from my family if I let them down and went on my own path?"
Perhaps on the opposite end of the spectrum from these feelings of needing to live up to conservative cultural expectations is a fear that I think is at the forefront of many a modern woman's mind: work life balance. Can we really be successful at a career that we love and are passionate about and have a successful relationship? I'll be honest: I really kind of hate the books where the heroine just gives up her dreams and goals and is content simply being taken care of by her strong, sexy man candy. Briggs, at several times, addresses the perception that Julie is only where she is because of things that others have done for her, and I think she handles the concept well.
"I'd always worried about settling down, scared that if I got serious with one guy I'd be giving something up. But Gavin made me realize that I could both be in love and do what I loved at the same time. I didn't have to choose between a career or a relationship. I could have both."
In love, as in life, success is based upon compromise. Not compromising your values or dreams, but recognizing the values and dreams of those you love and figuring out how yours and their can overlap and work together as a cohesive unit.
I loved this installment in the Chasing the Dream series, and I can't wait to read Carla's story next!
"He laughed and it set my panties on fire. His voice was like butter, and I wanted it spread all over me. That didn't even make sense, but it was true."
From the minute Julie sees Gavin across the bar, the heat practically singes the pages. I'll admit, the tats and British accent were a huge appeal to me. Throw in the fact that he's a gentleman, has an architect's mind AND is creative? Well, ladies...he's the whole damn package. I'm honestly a bit jealous of Julie. In Gavin, Elizabeth Briggs manages to create a man who fits beautifully into the fashion world, while being neither gay nor particularly metrosexual.
BUT, any romance gets a bit boring without some tension, and boy do Julie and Gavin have tension in spades. From their illicit, semi-taboo pre-show hotel fling to their clashing creative alpha personalities, Julie and Gavin burn hot in more ways than one.
"Yes, he was hot enough to melt my panties off, and yes, his accent was doable all by itself, but every time he opened his mouth, I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat. And not in a sexual way.
Ok, maybe also in a sexual way."
Now, I love heat as much as the next lady, but I also need some depth to my characters. Again, Briggs does not disappoint. With all of the Chasing the Dream books, Briggs excels at taking what might, at first glance, seem like a shallow concept and creates meaningful, soulful characters. I'm no fashion maven, so I was a bit worried about how well this book would hold my interest (even knowing how much I adored the previous books, More Than Exes, More Than Music, and More Than Comics). That fear, however, turned out to be baseless. Because this book and its heroine? Well, you guys...they are about way more than fashion.
"Being surrounded by others hard at work, who loved fashion and designing clothes as much as I did. Even though they were my competition, I felt a kinship with them. We were creators chasing after a shared dream."
And that's really what this book is about. Passion, drive, and dreams. We see that Julie constantly struggles to be in control, in every aspect of her life. And really, it's because she feels so out of control--as if she can't possibly follow her dreams and have the love and respect of those most important to her. Her encounters with men are short and hot, and she is slow to let people in because her family, the people who are closest to her and who should love and support her the most? Well, it doesn't seem that they support, or really even understand, Julie at all. Instead, she feels expected to chase after a hand-me-down dream. So, she holds tight to her close knit group of friends, and she shows everyone else the cold, determined bitch she feels she has to be.
"Life was a bitch, and so was I. But fuck it. Bitches got stuff done.
And my dress wasn't finishing itself."
Despite her best efforts, though, Gavin sees through the facade to the heart that makes Julie more than just a shallow and cold fashionista who lives only for what others think. He sees her "why"--her reason for being. He sees her passion for creating. And he pushes her to question her hesitations and her self-imposed limitations.
"What would you do if there were no limits?...What would you do if you had no fear?"
Isn't that really a question that we could all stand to ask ourselves? Don't we all dream of having that person to balance us, to ask us the hard questions, to push us, and to keep us safe from our own stubbornness and stupidity?
Beyond the romantic basics, Briggs hit on some pretty major social issues in this book, and I absolutely loved that she did. That she made me think about more than just sex (hot as it was) and romance (though Gavin is, admittedly, quite swoon-worthy).
The first of these issues was culture. A huge part of what is working against Julie is her family's Korean culture and the limitations she feels that her family's expectations put on her. As if stepping out of her comfort zone weren't difficult enough, Julie also has to face the aspect of shame, which is not something that many of us can truly claim familiarity with. Briggs pinpoints it beautifully though.
"I was scared. What if I took this risk and it didn't pay off? What if I failed? It was such a huge life change, and I didn't know if I was ready yet...was I willing to risk the disappointment and shame from my family if I let them down and went on my own path?"
Perhaps on the opposite end of the spectrum from these feelings of needing to live up to conservative cultural expectations is a fear that I think is at the forefront of many a modern woman's mind: work life balance. Can we really be successful at a career that we love and are passionate about and have a successful relationship? I'll be honest: I really kind of hate the books where the heroine just gives up her dreams and goals and is content simply being taken care of by her strong, sexy man candy. Briggs, at several times, addresses the perception that Julie is only where she is because of things that others have done for her, and I think she handles the concept well.
"I'd always worried about settling down, scared that if I got serious with one guy I'd be giving something up. But Gavin made me realize that I could both be in love and do what I loved at the same time. I didn't have to choose between a career or a relationship. I could have both."
In love, as in life, success is based upon compromise. Not compromising your values or dreams, but recognizing the values and dreams of those you love and figuring out how yours and their can overlap and work together as a cohesive unit.
I loved this installment in the Chasing the Dream series, and I can't wait to read Carla's story next!
April 5, 2016
Link: http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
From the first time I got my hands on these books, I knew instantly that I would become a fan of both of the series and Elizabeth Briggs. Each one has its own amazingness and loveliness which you can’t resist. And the characters? DAMN, THEY R O C K!!
So, More Than Fashion is the 3rd installment in the Chasing the Dream series. This time the story is about Maddie’s (More Than Music) roommate Julie and Gavin Bennett. And it’s a damn interesting story! Well, the big picture is that they begun as almost one-night stand – the reason why it didn’t happen will simply make you swoon – and they ended up as a head-over-the-heels in love couple (plus something else that I don’t want to reveal :p ). Pretty straightforward and expected since it’s a love story right? But, the middle of it is where the fireworks are happening! And this middle is taking place in a fashion designer TV show. Think a version of Project Runway.
Julie and Gavin they first meet in a bar. Julie was trying to find a candidate for her one-night-stand intentions. Unfortunately, an annoying guy starts to hit on her and, at some point, Gavin burst into the situation and save the day. The beginning of the rest is predictable: they go up in her room. BUT! The end of the rest is a TOTALLY different story! Well, story cut short, Julie didn’t have any intention to meet him again. Although, Fate turns her out wrong since she puts them in the same fashion show. Now it starts getting intriguing huh? I KNOW!! How can anyone resist?
Julie has her mind on the prize. So does Gavin, but for him the things have changed a bit. And Julie is that “a bit”, who, btw, has NO intention of letting him distract her from her goal. But, some unfortunate and difficult situations and problems push her to make a deal with him so she can get through the show. And just like it is that no one can predict Life, the same happens here too. Everything goes out of hand……
And that’s where the depth and strength of what these two are sharing comes alive and leaves everyone who reads it blown away. The chemistry that these two have is simply amazing. Not even the hundreds of cameras and the pressure that the show puts on them aren’t capable of chain it down and make its light less brighter. This hot, tattooed, irresistible, swoon-worthy English guy and this head-strong, determined, fighter, lovely American girl shine like the sun in a beautiful, warm, sunny day of summer.
Good god, he had an English accent. As if he wasn’t hot enough already.
Elizabeth Briggs once again leaves me swept away by another wonderful Chasing the Dream couple. And even more in love with it that I already was. Her writing and story-unfolding skills caught me again in their net and offered me a very beautiful, funny, well-written love that I will remember, cherish and re-read for a long time. I really can’t wait to get my hands on another installment of this series which has claimed a part of my heart.
August 21, 2015
Find the original review here at This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
Surprisingly More Than Fashion is now my favourite from the series. I don't say that because I wasn't expecting to like Julie's story. It's because I'm not into the fashion, designer stuff nor reality TV. Since More Than Fashion is centered around a reality show for designers I thought it might take away from my enjoyment of the story. But nope I was so invested in the competition. Totally right up in there. At points I forgot it was a book and I wasn't actually binge watching the actual show on TV. Behind the Seams has all the types of characters, arguments, romances and just good ol' reality TV fun we watch this kind of show for. And it was done all through text. For me to get caught up in this fictional(I realize that's an oxy moron as 98% of reality TV is partly fictionalized) show through a book is pretty cool. It seems, again, that books can achieve anything.
So Julie was a sassy, fierce little thing. Right off she shows you who she is by taking a racist guy to the cleaners. He sits down at the bar and his pick up line includes calling her Kitty because she's Asian. Yea, far from alright. But how Julie just straight up called him out on it made me love her right away. I just knew she was going to be my kid of women. Being the youngest contestant on the show Julie found herself having something to prove to almost everyone; herself, her parents, the other contestants. Julie was a little hesitant but believing she could make it till the end. I liked that she had some doubts though, it made her relatable. Julie still went in hard with a plan. Just some distraction in the form of a hot Brit might have derailed Julie at some points.
Julies meeting with Gavin was fun. At a bar, Julie wanting a one nighter(high-five for sex positive book) before starting the show. Her being drunk stops them from going all the way. But hey she'll never see him again. Ummm... Not true. Gavin turns out to be another contestant on the show. Oops. Gavin was a all around gentleman. He's the nice guy that everyone just likes. Gavin is considerate but also competitive. He's there to win too. The sexual tension was seeping off the pages when Julie and Gavin were together. It was one of those try to fight it with a bit of arguing but they're mouths always seemed to find each other. It was great fun. Especially with the grade A banter. Fantastic sexual tension, chemistry and banter what more do I need in a romance? I enjoyed their relationship progression immensely. Being competitors on the show really added a more fun and amusing element to their relationship dynamic.
The diverse supporting cast was an added bonus. There was just as much fun banter between Julie and her friends(Trina and Dawn for the win). Or snappy comebacks from Julie when the villains(there's always those horrible drama queen types) of the show got in her way. Just a really fun new adult romance. I gotta say it again, I really loved Julie. Her personality was spot on for being the lead of this story. If I caught myself actually watching a show like this on TV, she'd be exactly who'd I'd be gunning to win.
Surprisingly More Than Fashion is now my favourite from the series. I don't say that because I wasn't expecting to like Julie's story. It's because I'm not into the fashion, designer stuff nor reality TV. Since More Than Fashion is centered around a reality show for designers I thought it might take away from my enjoyment of the story. But nope I was so invested in the competition. Totally right up in there. At points I forgot it was a book and I wasn't actually binge watching the actual show on TV. Behind the Seams has all the types of characters, arguments, romances and just good ol' reality TV fun we watch this kind of show for. And it was done all through text. For me to get caught up in this fictional(I realize that's an oxy moron as 98% of reality TV is partly fictionalized) show through a book is pretty cool. It seems, again, that books can achieve anything.
So Julie was a sassy, fierce little thing. Right off she shows you who she is by taking a racist guy to the cleaners. He sits down at the bar and his pick up line includes calling her Kitty because she's Asian. Yea, far from alright. But how Julie just straight up called him out on it made me love her right away. I just knew she was going to be my kid of women. Being the youngest contestant on the show Julie found herself having something to prove to almost everyone; herself, her parents, the other contestants. Julie was a little hesitant but believing she could make it till the end. I liked that she had some doubts though, it made her relatable. Julie still went in hard with a plan. Just some distraction in the form of a hot Brit might have derailed Julie at some points.
Julies meeting with Gavin was fun. At a bar, Julie wanting a one nighter(high-five for sex positive book) before starting the show. Her being drunk stops them from going all the way. But hey she'll never see him again. Ummm... Not true. Gavin turns out to be another contestant on the show. Oops. Gavin was a all around gentleman. He's the nice guy that everyone just likes. Gavin is considerate but also competitive. He's there to win too. The sexual tension was seeping off the pages when Julie and Gavin were together. It was one of those try to fight it with a bit of arguing but they're mouths always seemed to find each other. It was great fun. Especially with the grade A banter. Fantastic sexual tension, chemistry and banter what more do I need in a romance? I enjoyed their relationship progression immensely. Being competitors on the show really added a more fun and amusing element to their relationship dynamic.
The diverse supporting cast was an added bonus. There was just as much fun banter between Julie and her friends(Trina and Dawn for the win). Or snappy comebacks from Julie when the villains(there's always those horrible drama queen types) of the show got in her way. Just a really fun new adult romance. I gotta say it again, I really loved Julie. Her personality was spot on for being the lead of this story. If I caught myself actually watching a show like this on TV, she'd be exactly who'd I'd be gunning to win.
February 5, 2016
Original de: El Extraño Gato del Cuento
No hay escritora con la que esté más al día en con sus libros que con Elizabeth Briggs, me los he leído todos los que están publicados, me siento tan orgullosa de mí misma, es un trabajo duro, pero es un esfuerzo en equipo (?)
ME GUSTÓ SU PROTAGONISTA
More Than Fashion es un libro con una protagonista y narradora que a primera impresión puede ser no agradable, o como dicen en inglés "no likeable", traducción a lo Google Traductor: Personaje no gustable. ¿Por qué? Su personalidad es un poquito... ¿cómo decirlo? ¿Tienes esa amiga que todo el mundo habla mal de ella tan solo porque le gusta vivir su vida y no le interesa qué piensan los demás? La gente sin conocerla tiende a ponerle adjetivos nada bonitos. Esa es Julie, sabe que está muy joven para asentarse con una sola persona, así que ¿para qué complicarse la vida en una relación que sabe no durará?
Creo que por eso me ha gustado tanto More Than Fashion, me ha hecho salir de mi zona de confort con un personaje como el de Julie, además de su sinceridad al "voy a ser todo lo posible para ganar", incluso besar al chico guapo, pobre de ella. Pobrecita, se sacrifica la muchacha.
GAVIN BENNET
Esta es mi lista de razones y hechos por las que Gavin Bennet es mío y solo mío para siempre.
NO COMPARTO Y PUNTO.
LA PORTADA
Cada vez que armo una reseña, además de tener millones de pestañas abiertas en el navegador, intento averiguar un poco sobre el libro, y lo que conseguí de More Than Fashion fue que a diferencia de muchas otras portadas pre-hechas, Elizabeth Briggs hizo un photoshot para la portada del libro. Dirás, eso no es raro, muchas escritoras lo hacen. La razón de porqué resalto esto es porque a la escritora se le hizo difícil encontrar una modelo asiática para la portada y ¿una pareja interracial? Le fue imposible. Por lo que decidió hacer su propia sesión de fotos, a mí me encantó ese detalle, siento mucho más personal el libro. Además, el nombre del modelo salió a luz y... puede o no puede lo haya stalkeado.
More Than Fashion puedes leerlo sin necesidad de leer los libros anteriores... más o menos, los personajes que ya conocemos son mencionados, pero muy poquito.
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No hay escritora con la que esté más al día en con sus libros que con Elizabeth Briggs, me los he leído todos los que están publicados, me siento tan orgullosa de mí misma, es un trabajo duro, pero es un esfuerzo en equipo (?)
ME GUSTÓ SU PROTAGONISTA
More Than Fashion es un libro con una protagonista y narradora que a primera impresión puede ser no agradable, o como dicen en inglés "no likeable", traducción a lo Google Traductor: Personaje no gustable. ¿Por qué? Su personalidad es un poquito... ¿cómo decirlo? ¿Tienes esa amiga que todo el mundo habla mal de ella tan solo porque le gusta vivir su vida y no le interesa qué piensan los demás? La gente sin conocerla tiende a ponerle adjetivos nada bonitos. Esa es Julie, sabe que está muy joven para asentarse con una sola persona, así que ¿para qué complicarse la vida en una relación que sabe no durará?
Creo que por eso me ha gustado tanto More Than Fashion, me ha hecho salir de mi zona de confort con un personaje como el de Julie, además de su sinceridad al "voy a ser todo lo posible para ganar", incluso besar al chico guapo, pobre de ella. Pobrecita, se sacrifica la muchacha.
GAVIN BENNET
Esta es mi lista de razones y hechos por las que Gavin Bennet es mío y solo mío para siempre.
NO COMPARTO Y PUNTO.
LA PORTADA
Cada vez que armo una reseña, además de tener millones de pestañas abiertas en el navegador, intento averiguar un poco sobre el libro, y lo que conseguí de More Than Fashion fue que a diferencia de muchas otras portadas pre-hechas, Elizabeth Briggs hizo un photoshot para la portada del libro. Dirás, eso no es raro, muchas escritoras lo hacen. La razón de porqué resalto esto es porque a la escritora se le hizo difícil encontrar una modelo asiática para la portada y ¿una pareja interracial? Le fue imposible. Por lo que decidió hacer su propia sesión de fotos, a mí me encantó ese detalle, siento mucho más personal el libro. Además, el nombre del modelo salió a luz y... puede o no puede lo haya stalkeado.
More Than Fashion puedes leerlo sin necesidad de leer los libros anteriores... más o menos, los personajes que ya conocemos son mencionados, pero muy poquito.
Twitter || Blog || Pinterest || Tumblr || Instagram || Facebook
August 6, 2015
Each book in this series just gets better and better than the last!
More Than Fashion brings us Julie’s story as she competes on a reality TV show called Behind the Seams, which is similar to Project Runway. Now if you’ve read the previous books in the series, which isn’t entirely necessary, you know that Julie is the brilliantly creative one amongst her group of friends. We don’t know a whole lot about her other than she’s a master designer, so it was great getting to see more of her personality shine through, and tagging along as she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a legit fashion designer.
Julie is definitely my favorite character so far. I love her no nonsense take on life. She knows what she wants…at least when it comes to men…and doesn’t make any apologies for it. If only she could be up front with her parents about where her true passion lies… with fashion, not medical school...she would be so much happier and stress free. But they’re not really receptive to the idea and think her dream is just a “hobby”, and becoming a doctor, like her sister Helen, is what she needs to focus on. But Julie’s not about that life, and winning Behind the Seams is exactly what she needs to do to prove to her parents she can make it in the fashion world.
In this series there is no shortage of man candy, and More Than Fashion is no exception. This time we get Gavin, gorgeous as sin and with an accent to boot! He’s also competing with Julie on Behind the Seams and happens to be quite a talented designer. Did I mention he has tatts?? Because you know the accent wasn’t enough. Clearly Julie is drawn to him…especially after they shared a night of passion prior to the show starting. Surprise! Talk about awkward. Well for Julie anyway, Gavin was beyond smitten. Their chemistry is undeniable but Julie’s not a relationship girl. She’s more of a “love ‘em and leave ‘em “ type, but as she soon figures out, you have to give the public what they want. Drama! That’s what reality TV is all about right??
I just loved everything about this book! This series totally plays into my obsession with all things reality TV and nerdy. Not to mention the fact that Elizabeth Briggs is an amazing writer, who brings you quality content, a unique storyline, fun characters, and steam that’ll make you squirm in your seat. What more could you ask for?? I highly recommend anything and everything written by Ms. Briggs, and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
More Than Fashion brings us Julie’s story as she competes on a reality TV show called Behind the Seams, which is similar to Project Runway. Now if you’ve read the previous books in the series, which isn’t entirely necessary, you know that Julie is the brilliantly creative one amongst her group of friends. We don’t know a whole lot about her other than she’s a master designer, so it was great getting to see more of her personality shine through, and tagging along as she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a legit fashion designer.
Julie is definitely my favorite character so far. I love her no nonsense take on life. She knows what she wants…at least when it comes to men…and doesn’t make any apologies for it. If only she could be up front with her parents about where her true passion lies… with fashion, not medical school...she would be so much happier and stress free. But they’re not really receptive to the idea and think her dream is just a “hobby”, and becoming a doctor, like her sister Helen, is what she needs to focus on. But Julie’s not about that life, and winning Behind the Seams is exactly what she needs to do to prove to her parents she can make it in the fashion world.
In this series there is no shortage of man candy, and More Than Fashion is no exception. This time we get Gavin, gorgeous as sin and with an accent to boot! He’s also competing with Julie on Behind the Seams and happens to be quite a talented designer. Did I mention he has tatts?? Because you know the accent wasn’t enough. Clearly Julie is drawn to him…especially after they shared a night of passion prior to the show starting. Surprise! Talk about awkward. Well for Julie anyway, Gavin was beyond smitten. Their chemistry is undeniable but Julie’s not a relationship girl. She’s more of a “love ‘em and leave ‘em “ type, but as she soon figures out, you have to give the public what they want. Drama! That’s what reality TV is all about right??
I just loved everything about this book! This series totally plays into my obsession with all things reality TV and nerdy. Not to mention the fact that Elizabeth Briggs is an amazing writer, who brings you quality content, a unique storyline, fun characters, and steam that’ll make you squirm in your seat. What more could you ask for?? I highly recommend anything and everything written by Ms. Briggs, and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
February 10, 2016
For more reviews click HERE
*I was provided a copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Before I start this review let me tell you that if you don’t feel comfortable reading some mature content or if you’re too young this book is not for you.
This book is book 4 from the Chasing the Dreams series. Having read More than Exes, More than Comics and More than Once I was really excited to read this book and I loved it.
I absolutely loved this book like I was expecting because I loved all the books I’ve read so far from this series. I really liked the characters. I already kind of knew Julie because this wasn’t the first time she appeared in the series so I knew I would love her character. I really liked that I was able to know more about her and her life. I also loved Gavin. He’s not Andy (from More Than Once) but he’s still amazing. What I loved about this book is the character development. I really liked to see them changing and how they helped each other overcoming a few things and how they talked about things. If there’s one thing I don’t like in books is miscommunication so I was really happy that it didn’t happened here and that they were able to talk about everything. Another thing I really, really liked was that the book was set in a fashion reality show similar to Project Runway. I was obsessed with Project Runway a few years ago so I really liked to see the behind the scenes bits and all the challenges they had in the show. Also, some of the characters from the other books came back for this one and I loved that chapter. The only thing I didn’t like as much was that it didn’t have a dual POV. I really like the way Elizabeth Briggs writes when she has the dual POV and I really missed that in this book.
Overall this is a really good book and as I said before I plan on reading more Elizabeth Briggs books and I can’t wait to read More Than Distance. If you like new adult and have no problems with mature content you should definitely try to read this series.
*I was provided a copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Before I start this review let me tell you that if you don’t feel comfortable reading some mature content or if you’re too young this book is not for you.
This book is book 4 from the Chasing the Dreams series. Having read More than Exes, More than Comics and More than Once I was really excited to read this book and I loved it.
I absolutely loved this book like I was expecting because I loved all the books I’ve read so far from this series. I really liked the characters. I already kind of knew Julie because this wasn’t the first time she appeared in the series so I knew I would love her character. I really liked that I was able to know more about her and her life. I also loved Gavin. He’s not Andy (from More Than Once) but he’s still amazing. What I loved about this book is the character development. I really liked to see them changing and how they helped each other overcoming a few things and how they talked about things. If there’s one thing I don’t like in books is miscommunication so I was really happy that it didn’t happened here and that they were able to talk about everything. Another thing I really, really liked was that the book was set in a fashion reality show similar to Project Runway. I was obsessed with Project Runway a few years ago so I really liked to see the behind the scenes bits and all the challenges they had in the show. Also, some of the characters from the other books came back for this one and I loved that chapter. The only thing I didn’t like as much was that it didn’t have a dual POV. I really like the way Elizabeth Briggs writes when she has the dual POV and I really missed that in this book.
Overall this is a really good book and as I said before I plan on reading more Elizabeth Briggs books and I can’t wait to read More Than Distance. If you like new adult and have no problems with mature content you should definitely try to read this series.
September 1, 2015
This was a really enjoyable read, and I am definitely glad I had the chance to pick it up, special thanks to a good friend of mine, Sil.
I loved Julie and Gavin, and their individual personalities complemented each other quite well, so I adored the romance in this book too. Julie is also Korean, which is a high point for someone who is East Asian as well, since I saw similarities in her upbringing which made her very relatable to me. She was fierce and bold, and I loved seeing her passion for fashion despite the pressure she felt to follow the STEM path that her parents wanted her to follow.
Gavin is a true gentleman and while I could see why he infuriated Julie, I couldn't help but love him from their first meeting together. He's confident and determined, and I liked that he pursued Julie but didn't try to be alpha male and overcrowd her independence. Also his British accent made me weak, and his dialogue was one of my favorite things here.
What I also really liked was how they were both supportive of each other, but not afraid to challenge and clash with each other, which made me want to root for them more. Even when they were "pretending," it was hard to deny that these two belonged to each other. Also the tension and chemistry were A+, and some of the scenes made my toes curl with happiness.
Also, the fashion in this book all sounded amazing! I am no good with fashion myself, but just reading the descriptions of the clothes and designs made me very impressed, so props to the author for doing so.
The ending was a little too neatly tied for my taste, but overall I really loved this book and I am very much looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I loved Julie and Gavin, and their individual personalities complemented each other quite well, so I adored the romance in this book too. Julie is also Korean, which is a high point for someone who is East Asian as well, since I saw similarities in her upbringing which made her very relatable to me. She was fierce and bold, and I loved seeing her passion for fashion despite the pressure she felt to follow the STEM path that her parents wanted her to follow.
Gavin is a true gentleman and while I could see why he infuriated Julie, I couldn't help but love him from their first meeting together. He's confident and determined, and I liked that he pursued Julie but didn't try to be alpha male and overcrowd her independence. Also his British accent made me weak, and his dialogue was one of my favorite things here.
What I also really liked was how they were both supportive of each other, but not afraid to challenge and clash with each other, which made me want to root for them more. Even when they were "pretending," it was hard to deny that these two belonged to each other. Also the tension and chemistry were A+, and some of the scenes made my toes curl with happiness.
Also, the fashion in this book all sounded amazing! I am no good with fashion myself, but just reading the descriptions of the clothes and designs made me very impressed, so props to the author for doing so.
The ending was a little too neatly tied for my taste, but overall I really loved this book and I am very much looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
maybe
July 7, 2015In case any of you were wondering how the hell the author managed to find a picture of non-white people: she didn't. And it's all explained here!
I probably won't be reading this book (there, I said it !) because books about fashion annoy me. I always end up having murderous urges toward AT LEAST one of the characters because they decide to wear one stupid thing or another. (Kitten heels... Don't get me started on those.)
Anyway, the reason I'm posting a review for a book I won't read is because I thought the whole can't-find-non-white-people-picture thing was interesting. (Discrimination. It's everywhere.) But that's just me.
I probably won't be reading this book (there, I said it !) because books about fashion annoy me. I always end up having murderous urges toward AT LEAST one of the characters because they decide to wear one stupid thing or another. (Kitten heels... Don't get me started on those.)
Anyway, the reason I'm posting a review for a book I won't read is because I thought the whole can't-find-non-white-people-picture thing was interesting. (Discrimination. It's everywhere.) But that's just me.
July 31, 2015
I need more books like this. Based on Project Runway (I would assume) but I love all the characters. And the ROMANCE. GAAH. GAVIN.
Oh and 100 points that the main heroine is Korean. About time we have Asian protagonists.
Oh and 100 points that the main heroine is Korean. About time we have Asian protagonists.
August 5, 2015
I feel like I read this book in record time, wanting to know what would happen and who the winner of the competition would be. Elizabeth Briggs has a fantastic habit of taking unique themes and creating something that the reader will remember long after the last page is read. More Than Fashion is no different. This story takes the reader behind the scenes of the fashion world, giving us a glimpse into a new realm of exciting and competitive reality TV. I think one of the things I loved the most about this story is that it reads like a show. There is drama and fierce competition. You have those secondary characters that are as annoying as can be- too full of themselves and their talent. Alliances are formed and romances bloom. Basically everything that would sell a reality TV show brought to life in a vibrant and intriguing book. That right there is a recipe for greatness.
Julie is such a fun character to read. Her culture bleeds through in this story and I loved that fresh angle. She has been raised to respect her parents and to honor their wishes- a tough thing to do when they clash so strongly with her own. She takes a chance to find her place in the fashion world and strives to leave her mark. Julie is quite a character. She is full of spunk and determination and at times confusion and frustration. Watching her grow into a confident woman was a roller coaster but well written and developed. The book shows the struggle she has on the show, a struggle to find the balance of being herself but adhering to the rules of the game. I feel like every emotion she felt was validated in this story. She was all over the place at points but it displays the reality of the situation- sleep deprived, stressed, and expected to meet seemingly unrealistic expectations.
Gavin is quite the swoon worthy man! His passion is intense and his flair for the fashion world is founded on a unique perspective that adds more. He is so unlike the fashion stereotype for men in the industry and that was fun to read. When these two first meet, is it lust at first sight. Then they meet again and all hell breaks loose. I loved their banter and flirtation. Gavin is hilarious in his antics and I loved watching him tease Julie. Their is a tension between the two that is natural given the circumstances but it grows even greater when their emotions are tangled in the mix. Elizabeth does a great job of progressing their relationship. It is well rounded and realistic for the situation at hand. It is attraction laced in annoyance and competition- one where Julie is always second guessing everything happening. I loved the drama of it all and despite the fact I hardly watch reality TV, if Behind the Seams actually aired I would be glued to the screen!
This story seemed like it should be predictable on some basic level but it isn't. There are twists and turns that you will not see coming and surprises that will leave you stunned. This story is about more than a fashion show. It is about a young woman finding herself amidst the confusion of life and hold onto her dreams, both old and new, to find her place in the world. More Than Fashion is a refreshing tale of choosing to follow your dreams and finding new ones along the way.
Julie is such a fun character to read. Her culture bleeds through in this story and I loved that fresh angle. She has been raised to respect her parents and to honor their wishes- a tough thing to do when they clash so strongly with her own. She takes a chance to find her place in the fashion world and strives to leave her mark. Julie is quite a character. She is full of spunk and determination and at times confusion and frustration. Watching her grow into a confident woman was a roller coaster but well written and developed. The book shows the struggle she has on the show, a struggle to find the balance of being herself but adhering to the rules of the game. I feel like every emotion she felt was validated in this story. She was all over the place at points but it displays the reality of the situation- sleep deprived, stressed, and expected to meet seemingly unrealistic expectations.
Gavin is quite the swoon worthy man! His passion is intense and his flair for the fashion world is founded on a unique perspective that adds more. He is so unlike the fashion stereotype for men in the industry and that was fun to read. When these two first meet, is it lust at first sight. Then they meet again and all hell breaks loose. I loved their banter and flirtation. Gavin is hilarious in his antics and I loved watching him tease Julie. Their is a tension between the two that is natural given the circumstances but it grows even greater when their emotions are tangled in the mix. Elizabeth does a great job of progressing their relationship. It is well rounded and realistic for the situation at hand. It is attraction laced in annoyance and competition- one where Julie is always second guessing everything happening. I loved the drama of it all and despite the fact I hardly watch reality TV, if Behind the Seams actually aired I would be glued to the screen!
This story seemed like it should be predictable on some basic level but it isn't. There are twists and turns that you will not see coming and surprises that will leave you stunned. This story is about more than a fashion show. It is about a young woman finding herself amidst the confusion of life and hold onto her dreams, both old and new, to find her place in the world. More Than Fashion is a refreshing tale of choosing to follow your dreams and finding new ones along the way.
May 23, 2016
Y yo que creí que no iba a haber nadie más en está serie que superara a Jared de More Than Music (Chasing The Dream, #1) pero de repente aparece Gavin...
Realmente me gustó esta historia, de la misma forma que me gustó More than Music, los demás libros me gustaron pero no como el primero. Julie Hong ya es conocida por quienes han leído la serie, una de las mejores amigas de Maddie que junto con Carla son inseparables; Julie gana el concurso de disfraces de Comic Con en el libro anterior y la oportunidad de participar en el reality show "Behind de Seams". Este es su sueño de estar con diseñadores con gran futuro como ella, mientras que internamente es un paso más para ganar la confianza de decirles a sus padres que no quiere seguir estudiando medicina y quiere ser Diseñadora de Modas.
La noche previa a la filmación Julie conoce a un atractivo y sexy inglés, a pesar de estar algo borracha las cosas van a allá de los besos pero Julie se despierta a la mañana siguiente sola y sin siquiera una nota del sexy inglés; vaya sorpresa que se lleva cuando descubre que el sexy inglés es Gavin Bennet su competencia en el programa y él ya sabe muchas cosas sobre ella que puede utilizar en su contra...
Primero que todo... esa portada es simplemente hermosa!!! Y a mí particularmente me encanta cuando las portadas tienen la caracterización de los personajes.
La historia es simple, romántica y hermosa; te atrapa desde el primer momento (en realidad te atrapa desde el libro anterior), la forma de escribir es tan precisa y ágil que el lector tiene una muy buena imagen visual del ambiente y se siente en un reality show.
Adoré a Gavin!!!! El primer encuentro entre él y Julie es algo gracioso y un tanto embarazoso, los dos tienen su atención puesta en el show así que un romance en ese momento es lo que menos esperaban, además ambos quieren ganar y no saben si pueden confiar el uno en el otro.
El final me encantó y me pareció adecuado. Mi parte favorita es como Elizabeth usa las diferencias de los personajes, ya lo ha hecho antes y me encanta. Gavin es testarudo y siente que todo lo tiene que hacer sólo para probar que es capaz, Julie tampoco es perfecta pero ambos aprenden a apoyarse en los puntos fuertes del otro para ser mejores personas, diseñadores y tener una verdadera relación a pesar de no ser el mejor momento para ellos, se nutren y se quilibra mutuamente y a la libriana que soy eso le encanta.
No me acuerdo como en su momento llegue a conocer More than Music, teniendo en cuanta mi debilidad por las historias sobre rockeros probablemente fue así.... pero he ido siguiendo esta historia y es hermosa, romántica y tierna para leer de un tirón; definitivamente voy a leer la historia de Carla porque ella también se merece su final feliz.
August 3, 2015
I have enjoyed this series from the start, so when I got the chance to review More Than Fashion I jumped at the chance. I could not wait to not only catch up with the rest of the gang, but also read Julie's story, especially after finishing More Than Comics.
Julie is someone who has always stayed in the background, and only really finding her voice by helping her friends out with costumes. When it was announced that she was going onto a reality show I will admit to being ridiculously happy for her.
Julie is a force to be reckoned with, and she is determined to get her own way, whether that be winning the competition, or bedding a hot guy she meets at the bar, she's like a tiny little hurricane. Gavin is the hot guy, and also Julie's competition. But when the competition heats up, so do the sparks between this duo, and things are surely going to get hotter, faster. Gavin, what can I say about him. He is a very hot, very sexy Brit, and I have to admit that once I knew he was a fellow Brit, then his voice in my head immediately became even more English than my own. I did think he was a bit of an ass at first, but the more I got to know him the more he grew on me.
More Than Fashion was a quick read, I could not turn the pages fast enough, and my reading was halted for all of two minutes, the two minutes it took for my iPad to charge up, and I never moved away from the plug socket until I was finished. I really liked how More Than Fashion was in a completely different setting than the previous books, and although we do see some familiar faces, Julie is basically alone, away from the music and away from her friends and I liked how this was portrayed. We get to see Julie in her element, and while I loved reading what she designs I think a nice little touch to add to this would have been a few sketches of the designs she made, like we are looking at her designs in process.
More Than Fashion was more than I expected, especially as the book is set in such a localised place, with no travel, no fans, no big crowds, only what is there in the environment. I did not expect it to pack the punch that it did. Every emotion that Julie goes through is portrayed clearly in the pages, the feeling of loneliness, sadness, and lust.
More Than Fashion was a book that kept me guessing in a lot of ways. Would Gavin and Julie finally get together? Would Julie win the competition? Who gets kicked off the show next? All of these questions are answered within the pages of More Than Fashion, and I am envious of those who get to experience this for the first time,
Final Verdict
More Than Fashion has got to be my favourite book out of this series so far, and I am eager to jump into the next book as soon as possible.
Julie is someone who has always stayed in the background, and only really finding her voice by helping her friends out with costumes. When it was announced that she was going onto a reality show I will admit to being ridiculously happy for her.
Julie is a force to be reckoned with, and she is determined to get her own way, whether that be winning the competition, or bedding a hot guy she meets at the bar, she's like a tiny little hurricane. Gavin is the hot guy, and also Julie's competition. But when the competition heats up, so do the sparks between this duo, and things are surely going to get hotter, faster. Gavin, what can I say about him. He is a very hot, very sexy Brit, and I have to admit that once I knew he was a fellow Brit, then his voice in my head immediately became even more English than my own. I did think he was a bit of an ass at first, but the more I got to know him the more he grew on me.
More Than Fashion was a quick read, I could not turn the pages fast enough, and my reading was halted for all of two minutes, the two minutes it took for my iPad to charge up, and I never moved away from the plug socket until I was finished. I really liked how More Than Fashion was in a completely different setting than the previous books, and although we do see some familiar faces, Julie is basically alone, away from the music and away from her friends and I liked how this was portrayed. We get to see Julie in her element, and while I loved reading what she designs I think a nice little touch to add to this would have been a few sketches of the designs she made, like we are looking at her designs in process.
More Than Fashion was more than I expected, especially as the book is set in such a localised place, with no travel, no fans, no big crowds, only what is there in the environment. I did not expect it to pack the punch that it did. Every emotion that Julie goes through is portrayed clearly in the pages, the feeling of loneliness, sadness, and lust.
More Than Fashion was a book that kept me guessing in a lot of ways. Would Gavin and Julie finally get together? Would Julie win the competition? Who gets kicked off the show next? All of these questions are answered within the pages of More Than Fashion, and I am envious of those who get to experience this for the first time,
Final Verdict
More Than Fashion has got to be my favourite book out of this series so far, and I am eager to jump into the next book as soon as possible.
March 21, 2016
Actual Rating: 4,5 stars
"For the first time in my life, I was on the right path. I couldn’t deny that going forward would be scary sometimes. Everything we did would be a huge risk, and there was no guarantee of success."
I honestly can't stop grinning, this book made me sososo happy! Words can't describe how much I love Julie, wow, I think she's my fave female character out of the series so far. She's so fierce, independent and she breaks down all those stupid stereotypes people tend to have.
Julie is a pre-med student only because her parents want her to follow her sister's steps, but her true passion has always been fashion. With the help of her friends presenting the costumes she created herself in Comic-Con, she's been invited to join the reality TV show called Behind The Seams. Since she's Korean, I could relate to her a lot in regard to her upbringing. She was taught to respect her parents' wishes, therefore I could understand why she chose to follow their wishes to make them happy.
It was beautiful to watch how determined she was to prove her parents and herself that she could make it far in the show. Although, there was a lot of drama and stress as you'd expect in a reality TV show, she'd always push herself to go on which is admiring.
Gavin, oh Gavin. During his first appearance in this book, I already melted. Damn him for being such a gentleman and making me smile all the time. HE'S BRITISH BTW, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW HOT HIS BRITISH ACCENT WOULD BE (Diep, shut up). The fact that he'd never sleep with a drunk woman says it all, he'd never take advantage of her.
I can't believe how invested I am in their pretend-relationship. WHAT THE FUCK, little did I know I'd be so into fake dating... Honestly, their banter is what I live for. Their sexual attraction is so obvious, they make me cry, laugh and smile at the same time.
There was so much competitive tension in the show, however, I love how Julie and Gavin supported one another.
I was right about how this series gets better and better the further you read. I just can't wait for Becca's & Andy's story, I have NO idea what it's going to be like.
*Thank you so much Netgalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
"For the first time in my life, I was on the right path. I couldn’t deny that going forward would be scary sometimes. Everything we did would be a huge risk, and there was no guarantee of success."
I honestly can't stop grinning, this book made me sososo happy! Words can't describe how much I love Julie, wow, I think she's my fave female character out of the series so far. She's so fierce, independent and she breaks down all those stupid stereotypes people tend to have.
“Okay, for one thing, I’m Korean, not Japanese. Second, I don’t look anything like Hello Kitty, who is a fucking cat. I’m not even wearing a bow on my head. So unless you were trying to make some sort of ‘pussy’ pun, which is just gross, that joke doesn’t even make sense.”
Julie is a pre-med student only because her parents want her to follow her sister's steps, but her true passion has always been fashion. With the help of her friends presenting the costumes she created herself in Comic-Con, she's been invited to join the reality TV show called Behind The Seams. Since she's Korean, I could relate to her a lot in regard to her upbringing. She was taught to respect her parents' wishes, therefore I could understand why she chose to follow their wishes to make them happy.
It was beautiful to watch how determined she was to prove her parents and herself that she could make it far in the show. Although, there was a lot of drama and stress as you'd expect in a reality TV show, she'd always push herself to go on which is admiring.
Life was a bitch, and so was I. But fuck it. Bitches got stuff done. And my dress wasn’t finishing itself.
Gavin, oh Gavin. During his first appearance in this book, I already melted. Damn him for being such a gentleman and making me smile all the time. HE'S BRITISH BTW, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW HOT HIS BRITISH ACCENT WOULD BE (Diep, shut up). The fact that he'd never sleep with a drunk woman says it all, he'd never take advantage of her.
I can't believe how invested I am in their pretend-relationship. WHAT THE FUCK, little did I know I'd be so into fake dating... Honestly, their banter is what I live for. Their sexual attraction is so obvious, they make me cry, laugh and smile at the same time.
There was so much competitive tension in the show, however, I love how Julie and Gavin supported one another.
I was right about how this series gets better and better the further you read. I just can't wait for Becca's & Andy's story, I have NO idea what it's going to be like.
*Thank you so much Netgalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
February 4, 2016
3.5 stars.
Although I enjoyed the reality TV aspect of this book, I think it’s probably my least favourite of the series so far. Julie is a woman who knows what she wants when it comes to relationships (she doesn’t want one), knows who she is as a person, is prickly and independent and confident and bitchy, yet can’t admit to her parents that she doesn’t want to be a doctor and would much rather go into fashion design instead. Which is all fine, but I found her tricky to like. Even though I admired her talent, confidence and the way she owned her sexuality, the way she treats Gavin is pretty unreasonable. She keeps trying to believe that he’s a bad guy when he really isn’t. Even when she thinks he’s being cocky and arrogant, he’s never actually that bad. She’s just determined not to let him in, and since she had absolutely no grounds for that except stubbornness, I couldn’t get my head around it.
Which also made me wonder why Gavin liked her so much. She’s horrible to him – except for when they’re kissing and denying they feel anything for each other. There is definitely an attraction between them and they have great chemistry, but I couldn’t understand why he would want anything more when she’s so prickly and rude. It might also have been nice to have had a little more substance to Gavin beyond the accent and tattoos and a few references to his past. He’s okay, but a bit vague.
Without Julie’s unreasonable behaviour, though, there wouldn’t have been much substance to the romance, since they meet, they are attracted, they get closer over the show, things happen. Julie’s prickliness certainly helps to flesh the plot out, it just didn’t do much for me.
As for the show itself, that was interesting with the rigging and the other contestants and general sneaky behaviour. The challenges did feel a little repetitive after a while, but then it’s pretty hard for them to be otherwise when you’re condensing what on TV would be several weeks worth of challenges into a handful of chapters. I still enjoyed it, though, especially the creative aspects and how Julie and Gavin handled the pressure.
So, overall, this one was okay. It didn’t grab me and pull me in as much as other books in this series, and the main characters weren’t as compelling for me. However, there is plenty of chemistry, the plot ticks along pretty nicely and I did like how everything ended. A solid addition to the series. Can’t wait for Carla’s tale.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Although I enjoyed the reality TV aspect of this book, I think it’s probably my least favourite of the series so far. Julie is a woman who knows what she wants when it comes to relationships (she doesn’t want one), knows who she is as a person, is prickly and independent and confident and bitchy, yet can’t admit to her parents that she doesn’t want to be a doctor and would much rather go into fashion design instead. Which is all fine, but I found her tricky to like. Even though I admired her talent, confidence and the way she owned her sexuality, the way she treats Gavin is pretty unreasonable. She keeps trying to believe that he’s a bad guy when he really isn’t. Even when she thinks he’s being cocky and arrogant, he’s never actually that bad. She’s just determined not to let him in, and since she had absolutely no grounds for that except stubbornness, I couldn’t get my head around it.
Which also made me wonder why Gavin liked her so much. She’s horrible to him – except for when they’re kissing and denying they feel anything for each other. There is definitely an attraction between them and they have great chemistry, but I couldn’t understand why he would want anything more when she’s so prickly and rude. It might also have been nice to have had a little more substance to Gavin beyond the accent and tattoos and a few references to his past. He’s okay, but a bit vague.
Without Julie’s unreasonable behaviour, though, there wouldn’t have been much substance to the romance, since they meet, they are attracted, they get closer over the show, things happen. Julie’s prickliness certainly helps to flesh the plot out, it just didn’t do much for me.
As for the show itself, that was interesting with the rigging and the other contestants and general sneaky behaviour. The challenges did feel a little repetitive after a while, but then it’s pretty hard for them to be otherwise when you’re condensing what on TV would be several weeks worth of challenges into a handful of chapters. I still enjoyed it, though, especially the creative aspects and how Julie and Gavin handled the pressure.
So, overall, this one was okay. It didn’t grab me and pull me in as much as other books in this series, and the main characters weren’t as compelling for me. However, there is plenty of chemistry, the plot ticks along pretty nicely and I did like how everything ended. A solid addition to the series. Can’t wait for Carla’s tale.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
February 7, 2016
Read full review HERE
I’ve now officially read all the books in this series that are out yet – now I’m waiting for Carla’s story… when will that come out? I need it! In case you’re wondering, I absolutely love this series! Eheh.
I love how each main character in these books feel so different, but so connected at the same time. This book is about Julie, and if you haven’t read the other books, she’s Maddie’s BFF (More Than Music) and she designed the gang’s costumes for Comic Con in More Than Comics, which lands her on the Behind the Seams reality show. Every books ends up being connected, but you can pick each one and still totally follow the story. Heck, I read them all out of order.
I had already liked Julie in the other 2 books, but here we finally get to really know her. Julie believes that she doesn’t want or need a relationship. She’s afraid to follow her dreams and disappoint her parents. Basically she’s scared shitless, while wearing a brave and cold facade. I really liked her character development in this story, though I could have slapped her a few times for the way she treated Gavin.
Now, Gavin… oh boy… what a man! I really liked that he’s the one who’s always pretty sure of what’s going on between them and that he’s not afraid to call her on on it. Also, he grows so much too. It’s kind of incredible how such a small book about a few week’s worth of a reality show, packs so much character growth within it. And people, they actually talk about stuff! They get man and they talk! No unnecessary drama there.
The show itself was fun, and I absolutely loved all the descriptions of the dresses and challenges, and the dynamic between each of the participants. The chemistry between Gavin and Julie is off the charts, still not on Becca and Andy’s level, but pretty damn close. And if you think you know how the show will end, you don’t. There’re a few good twists in there, much like More Than Music.
I loved it! I wish this series wouldn’t end, I need updates on all these couples because they’re beyond cute. And the geekiness? WOW! When they start discussing in which Hogwarts houses they would be in, … just WOW!
I’ve now officially read all the books in this series that are out yet – now I’m waiting for Carla’s story… when will that come out? I need it! In case you’re wondering, I absolutely love this series! Eheh.
I love how each main character in these books feel so different, but so connected at the same time. This book is about Julie, and if you haven’t read the other books, she’s Maddie’s BFF (More Than Music) and she designed the gang’s costumes for Comic Con in More Than Comics, which lands her on the Behind the Seams reality show. Every books ends up being connected, but you can pick each one and still totally follow the story. Heck, I read them all out of order.
I had already liked Julie in the other 2 books, but here we finally get to really know her. Julie believes that she doesn’t want or need a relationship. She’s afraid to follow her dreams and disappoint her parents. Basically she’s scared shitless, while wearing a brave and cold facade. I really liked her character development in this story, though I could have slapped her a few times for the way she treated Gavin.
Now, Gavin… oh boy… what a man! I really liked that he’s the one who’s always pretty sure of what’s going on between them and that he’s not afraid to call her on on it. Also, he grows so much too. It’s kind of incredible how such a small book about a few week’s worth of a reality show, packs so much character growth within it. And people, they actually talk about stuff! They get man and they talk! No unnecessary drama there.
The show itself was fun, and I absolutely loved all the descriptions of the dresses and challenges, and the dynamic between each of the participants. The chemistry between Gavin and Julie is off the charts, still not on Becca and Andy’s level, but pretty damn close. And if you think you know how the show will end, you don’t. There’re a few good twists in there, much like More Than Music.
I loved it! I wish this series wouldn’t end, I need updates on all these couples because they’re beyond cute. And the geekiness? WOW! When they start discussing in which Hogwarts houses they would be in, … just WOW!
July 24, 2016
Even though they were my competition, I felt a kinship with them. We were creators chasing after a shared dream. We all wanted the same thing: to win.
More Than Fashion is a fun, light and entertaining new adult book. The book is about a reality show in the form of a contest between a bunch of people who all want to be a successful fashion designer. The construction of the show is very much like Project Runway, and I absolutely love this concept. I personally love fashion, even if I'm not very good at it, so imagining the dresses and outfits was really an extra bonus for me as to why I enjoyed More Than Fashion so much. What I also really liked was how the main character, Julie, was somehow a part of this show even if she had a lot of stuff working against her and how this contest gave her a real chance to fulfill her dream. If only she can win.
More Than Fashion also had a romantic aspect (shocker I know) but I really think Elizabeth Briggs executed it perfectly. It truly wasn't a case of "instant love" which a lot of books have, and it even had a bit of fake dating going on. You all know how amazing that is. Julie and Gavin truly evolved as people throughout the book while at the same time their relationship developed from something that was purely beneficial on superficial levels to something deep and meaningful. The romance is also described in an incredibly magical way, which can be seen here:
He didn’t kiss me, didn’t touch me—just took me in, staring at me like he could tease every secret out of my soul. His eyes were the color of a rainstorm, and I wanted him to wash me away.
In the end however I think the part I loved the most about the book is Julie’s voice. It's enlightening, witty and genuine. Julie has an attitude I love and something I think a lot of girls and women can appreciate. We need strong women who aren’t perfect and who make mistakes, and still get second chances. It is so amazing to see characters evolve and get their happy ending even if it is nowhere near what they imagined. Nevertheless, I'm a busy woman and I'll just leave you with a couple of inspiring sentences said by the lovely Julie:
Life was a bitch, and so was I. But fuck it. Bitches got stuff done.
August 17, 2015
I've been following this series from the start and I've really enjoyed the first few books. Therefore, when I saw More Than Fashion up on NetGalley I was excited to read it. I was also intrigued to see the author stepping away from the bands and into the world of fashion. Unfortunately compared to the other books in the series, this one missed the mark for me.
I hate to say this, but I felt this book was a step backward for this author. She started off in reality shows and moved away and has now come back to them. I knew that going in, but I hoped she'd bring something different to it. Sadly, I felt there were too many similarities between More Than Music and this book, for example: the rigging, the set up of the show, the romance. I wanted to like it, but I found myself getting bored.
Similarly, the world didn't really draw me in. Unlike with the bands, the fashion element was quite slow. There wasn't much excitement that could be created and the scenes felt repetitive once more.
As for the character, I liked them, but they didn't draw any strong emotions from me. Being English, I didn't find Gavin as charming with the accent and everything, but he was a sweet guy. I thought more could have been made of his past as it seemed a little underdeveloped, but he was a genuine character and not one of these guys that played games. With regards Julie, she was another nice character, but I never really engaged again. I didn't really like her sleep-with-everyone attitude, but I did believe in her transformation.
Overall, this was an okay read. For me it didn't have the passion or fast-paced action as the other books, but it was easy to read and had nice characters. I'm not sure I'll read the next book, but you should check out the first 2.
I hate to say this, but I felt this book was a step backward for this author. She started off in reality shows and moved away and has now come back to them. I knew that going in, but I hoped she'd bring something different to it. Sadly, I felt there were too many similarities between More Than Music and this book, for example: the rigging, the set up of the show, the romance. I wanted to like it, but I found myself getting bored.
Similarly, the world didn't really draw me in. Unlike with the bands, the fashion element was quite slow. There wasn't much excitement that could be created and the scenes felt repetitive once more.
As for the character, I liked them, but they didn't draw any strong emotions from me. Being English, I didn't find Gavin as charming with the accent and everything, but he was a sweet guy. I thought more could have been made of his past as it seemed a little underdeveloped, but he was a genuine character and not one of these guys that played games. With regards Julie, she was another nice character, but I never really engaged again. I didn't really like her sleep-with-everyone attitude, but I did believe in her transformation.
Overall, this was an okay read. For me it didn't have the passion or fast-paced action as the other books, but it was easy to read and had nice characters. I'm not sure I'll read the next book, but you should check out the first 2.
August 12, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Briggs's CHASING THE DREAM series. I love how each book features a different character and can be read on its own without having previously read the others, but the people from the other books are mentioned and drawn in. I think Elizabeth Briggs does an excellent job of infusing backstory while also letting the story unfold in the present.
MORE THAN FASHION is Julie's story, and the scene is Behind the Seams, a reality show much like Project Runway. Of all the CHASING THE DREAM characters, Julie is my favorite. She's bold and unapologetic and owns her sexuality, which I totally love. The sparks between her and Gavin are electric, and their chemistry is palpable. I really like the evolution of their relationship and how they act against the cutthroat backdrop of the show. I stayed up way too late reading this book because I had to find out what happened!
The CHASING THE DREAM series has been some of my favorite NA: the perfect mixture of funny and sexy, the right combination of drama and tears and humor. If you haven't read these books, I highly recommend them, and I'm so excited for Carla's story next!
MORE THAN FASHION is Julie's story, and the scene is Behind the Seams, a reality show much like Project Runway. Of all the CHASING THE DREAM characters, Julie is my favorite. She's bold and unapologetic and owns her sexuality, which I totally love. The sparks between her and Gavin are electric, and their chemistry is palpable. I really like the evolution of their relationship and how they act against the cutthroat backdrop of the show. I stayed up way too late reading this book because I had to find out what happened!
The CHASING THE DREAM series has been some of my favorite NA: the perfect mixture of funny and sexy, the right combination of drama and tears and humor. If you haven't read these books, I highly recommend them, and I'm so excited for Carla's story next!
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