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Whatever you want to call it, the bride-to-be won’t be at the church on time.

Walking away from her fiancé was the hardest thing Ava has ever done. After all, the sexy and charming Mateo is everything she's ever wanted—and more. But she needs to protect herself—and her heart—before it’s shattered once and for all.

Mateo has no choice but to let her go. His woman needs space, and he loves her enough to give it to her—no matter how much he hates it. The only thing keeping him sane is the certainty that their separation will be short-lived.

Ava thinks it’s over, but she’s about to find out that Mateo will stop at nothing to turn her “I Don’t” into an “I Do.”

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2017

903 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read

About the author

Ella Fox

61 books5,375 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Fox has learned a bunch of stuff along the way but the most important of all those things is that anything is possible when you try. In 2012 she took a big leap of faith and published her first book, Broken Hart. Once that happened, her entire life changed.

Ella's favorite things are music, movies, traveling, and, of course, reading. This isn't a surprise considering the fact that her mom is USA Today Bestselling Author Suzanne Halliday.

Stay up to date with Ella by LIKING her on Facebook- she gives a ton of stuff away that you won't want to miss!

Facebook Page:
Facebook /EllaFoxAuthor

or join her Facebook Group for sneak peeks, teasers and excerpts of upcoming books,

Fox's Fanatics:
facebook.com/groups/foxsfanatics

Website: www.authorellafox.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
Profile Image for Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket.
2,363 reviews92 followers
April 7, 2017
Ella Fox continues to be an author that sits at the top of my favorites list. I have read each and every one of her books, and I cannot get enough of her incredible and all-consuming stories that she continues to give me. The way that she throws me so fully into every single story she creates makes her books, her writing, and her characters something I can truly not get enough of. Every one of her stories has become a favorite of mine with the perfect blend of feels, romance, and sizzling heat she so fantastically crafts.

I have to say that Ella Fox's series are some of my all-time favorites, so the fact that this book is the first in a new series for her has me beyond excited to see where she's going to take all of these characters and this world. Ella Fox knows how to weave together one hell of a series with some serious connection, fun, and fire, and I Don't, the first book in the Enamorado Series proved that a million times over. From the very first page of this book I was completely swept up into what she so phenomenally created, and I felt and lived and loved every single word of it.

This book tells the story of Ava and Mateo, two people whose love seems like it was written in the stars. What they share is fierce, fiery, and full of so much emotion and connection and loyalty...the only problem is that the opening of this book finds the two of them apart. Separated by an event both of them are trying to move on from, the start of this story finds Ava pushing Mateo away with all that she has, and Mateo more determined than ever to show Ava that what she thinks is true, is anything but. Every page of I Don't weaves together their story of friendship, love, and fire through both the past and the present. The more you get into this story, the more pieces you get to the puzzle that is their current relationship, and the more that you will be NEEDING those next pieces to put it all together.

The way that Ella Fox seamlessly blends the past and present of this book invests you so much in what Ava and Mateo are sharing. She lets you see and feel exactly where their connection comes from, she lets you get what's really at stake with their relationship and with their hearts, and she lets you see where it all began, how it grew into something exceptional, and how it got them to where they are in the present of this story. Every word of this story strengthened how much I felt their connection, fire, and love, and it had me needing with every breath in my body that the two of them would find a way to make it all work.

Let me tell you right now that Mateo Cruz will completely own your heart from the second you meet him in this book. I'm pretty sure that man still owns my heart as we speak, and not a page went by in this book where I didn't melt and swoon something fierce for that man. I loved Mateo's character so much, and the tenacity, determination and heart of that man has him golden in my eyes. Mateo is an honest to goodness good guy who will take your heart and give you it all as he fight for Ava, their love, and what they share in this book. The fight that that man had was in a league of its own, and it was incredible to experience. Every moment with him made me love him more, and I have my fingers crossed hoping there will be more to see with him as this series progresses.

Ava was a character that I loved just as much, and my heart went to that girl so much with everything that she went through. What I loved about Ava was that I got to be there with her every step of the way as she tried to put herself and her heart back together again. The beginning of this book finds her lost in so many ways, and aching for what's missing in her life. Getting to see her try to put it all back together and begin to heal was everything, and it sent my heart to that girl a million times over. I loved that Ava was trying and fighting in the way she could, and even though that girl was stubborn as all get out at times, I completely understood where that came from and it made me feel so much for her. Ella Fox completely connected me to her character through every part of this story and she had me rooting for her and her heart all the way through.

I cannot say enough how much I felt the love and spark and fire between Ava and Mateo. Even when those two weren't all the way back together, and even when they hurt and pushed each other to their limits, I felt what they shared in my bones. I felt how real it was, how loyal it was, and how right it was, and it wall all of that that made for one unforgettable love story and fire. That fire and connection burst from the pages of this book in the most incredible way, invested me more and more with every new page, and had me loving every ounce of what I got with those two as they tried to put it all back together again.

I Don't is an outstanding story of second chances at it all, and it highlights the power of love, family, and connection. I loved every one of the supporting characters in this book, and I am already dying to get my hands on more of these books and this series. Ella Fox knows how to invest you so wholly in what she creates, and her series are out of this world phenomenal, so I have no doubt that I will love whatever she has in store for all of these characters. I'm already hooked, and I am telling you, once you read this book you will be too!

I Don't was an incredibly written book that I loved every single word of. It told a story full of fire, connection, and a love that shined through every page. This book pushed Ava and Mateo to their limits, but through it all, it showed just how far those two were willing to go for one another and their hearts. This was an amazing first book in this series and I can't wait for more! Ella Fox has blown me away once again with this book, and I have no doubt that this new series will bring forth even more characters and stories to love. This author continues to be one of my favorites because of the phenomenal stories, characters, and feels she gives me, and I can't recommend her books enough.

If you are looking for a sure thing, and a phenomenal as all get out read, check this book (and all of Ella Fox's other books) out this very second!
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,057 reviews2,869 followers
April 3, 2017
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descriptionThis cover is very pretty. The ring is a good representation of the story. The composition is good. It has interesting typography. I especially like how the flower petals and ring are weaved into it.description

descriptionI ADORED every single second of this book. It was fantastically well written. It was nicely paced. Had an interesting and intricate plot. This is one of those books that goes back and forth from the past to the present. I'm usually not a fan of that because I end up more invested in the present than the past. In this one, it worked extremely well. We needed the background laid for this couple to see how things progressed to the current situation. The author did such a good job of blending the two that both kept me equally interested.

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Both main characters were very likable. Mateo was the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. My heart absolutely shattered for this guy. I can't say too much without giving the plot away but this man's love and devotion never for not even a SECOND wavers. Ava was a bit harder to like. At first, I found myself getting mad at her. Here you have this perfect guy, so her anger and hurt confused me. But as the author peeled back layers I warmed up to her pretty quickly and when the truth finally comes out my heart shattered for all the time these two had taken away.

On top of all the above goodness, we also get a strong family connections book. I am beyond excited to read the coming up books for ALL these Cruz brothers. Really there is nothing else left for me to say. This one gets two HUGE HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.description

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Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,610 reviews5,401 followers
April 4, 2017
3.75 STARS

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Ella Fox delivers an enjoyable read about a heroine named Ava who has asked her finance for a break and has been living on her own for the past nine weeks. The story is pretty delightful as the hero is Spanish and his English though formal works for this sexy hero named Mateo. Mateo is tired of waiting on Ava to come to him and has decided he’s given her enough time. You see, Ava was in an accident and only remembers bits and pieces of what took place and has turned her back on her beloved.

"Once you remember all you have forgotten, you will thank me for fighting as hard as I have for us."

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Though Ava is very resistant the author takes us to the past to see how Ava’s family and Mateo’s grew together, as well as their love affair.

”This is how it will be with us, forever. When you call, I will come. Always,” he answered.”

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The story made for a sweet read and though the twists and drama to what actually happened prior to Ava’s accident was a bit silly to me, the story overall was enjoyable. It seems that this will be the beginning of a series with the rest of the books based on Mateo’s brothers which should definitely be fun!

”Your home is with me.”
Profile Image for Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth.
796 reviews918 followers
April 3, 2017
✬✬✬ 3.5 "Mi Tesoro" Stars ✬✬✬

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books


When her (supposedly ex-) fiancé shows up at her work out of the blue Ava doesn't feel a small amount of hurt and resentment. And when Mateo announces that he is done waiting for her to come back to him, that her time would be up and it would be time to talk her anger knows no bounds. He never accepted the end of their engagement a couple of weeks ago so he has come to reclaim his runaway fiancée.

"I have acceded to your wishes and given you the space you begged for. All of the decisions I made to keep you happy and free of stress did not improve this situation. You buried yourself under a mountain of fear and anxiety, refusing any help. It has not worked, mi bello amor."





This is what we know when we start this book. It's not much, given how strong Ava's anger jumps from the pages, and let me tell you, she wasn't easy to love. She is abrasive, bitter and angry with Mateo. If it weren't for the flashbacks we would think that she is a total shrew, but no! Before whatever made her so happened she was a very sweet girl, who adored her daddy and Mateo and would have done anything for either of them. So what event turned her so tough towards the love of her life?

Well, I won't tell you - it's what this book is about. It's furled up from the end to the beginning and as a reader you need to remove each layer, little by little until you have the full picture. If you stick with it however, you will see that Ava's resentment was (mostly) justified.

Mateo is as possessive as they come, affectionate and so clearly in love with Ava that it makes it even less understandable that Ava acts the way she does. He adores and cherishes her and fulfills her every wish. Ava comes first in any of his thoughts and considerations but he is no sissy. Mateo was the highlight of this story, he was absolutely swoon-worthy.

I had felt a lot like a heroin addict trying desperately to avoid a needle on the other side of the door. The only difference was that in my case, I loved my addiction more than anything in the world.


Despite Ava's resentment the sexy times between these two were scorching.



Teaser courtesy of the author



I liked the beginning of this series, the writing is as good as you expect it from an experienced author, the flashbacks didn't hinder the enjoyment. They were actually the reason I kept on reading although I struggled with Ava in the first half of the book, but I wanted to know what would turn a sweet girl with a big heart into such a quarrelsome woman.

One thing I have to mention because it lowered my rating - the brothers of the hero weren't developed enough to make me curious about their story. They were merely extras and didn't contribute much to the story. The only one who did intrigue me somewhat was Rafe. I think his story will be interesting to read now that I have finished this book.

If you like your romance with a bit of angst and an interesting and different concept of story building give this a try! It was a quick and fun read.




Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,366 followers
August 16, 2017
Major WOW!!! Ella Fox blew me away with this book! I can honestly say I'm truly enamorada with the book and series (those brothers are just as promising as the PERFECT Mateo!!!).
Sweet Baby Jesus, that man was beyond everything! Everything he said (and being a Latin girl myself, the Spanish totally got me hot!) to his actions and unshakable love and devotion, he really couldn't have been written any better! Top ten best-book-boyfriend right here!!!
I ADORE this story so very much and can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
988 reviews1,303 followers
April 7, 2017



Title: I Don't
Series: Enamorado #1
Author: Ella Fox
Release date: April 3, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA

I Don't is the first story in the Enamorado series, each one starring one of the five Cruz brothers as the leading man.

Mateo is your typical Alpha type hero from the start. He has the protective, possessive, and persistent vibe coming off of him in waves. But he also is incredibly sweet at the same time, very loving and adoring of our heroine Ava. I think it was his complete devotion to her that made her animosity towards him start to grate a bit. I understand that there was a reason for her to be behaving that way, but perception is all in the eye of the beholder. Because the reader doesn't have all of the facts and history from the start, her attitude towards him feels rude. But I told myself to kept an open mind.

Ava has called of their impending wedding, and moved away from their home in Spain. But Mateo's patience has run thin, and he steps into her office bound and determined to bring her back where she belongs. This is where the flashbacks begin in order to give us their romantic history, and how they arrived at this unpleasant place. Both heartbroken, and barely managing to get through the long weeks without each other.


The sound of his voice hit my veins like a drug, chipping away at my resistance and destroying my determination in a nanosecond. I wondered what was wrong with me that I couldn’t seem to erect a wall between my heart and my former fiancé.


I looked forward to the flashbacks the most. It was their happiest moments, and their sweetest. Perhaps a shade too sweet, but it was cute to see these two people who had known each other for most of their lives fall for each other. Their families were extremely close, so they had always seen each other like a brother or sister. Once they recognized their attraction, they knew exactly what they wanted. There was no looking for greener pastures, they spent all their time treasuring each other. If he could have handed her the world on a platter he would have, he's move heaven and earth to make it happen.


“I have dreamt of being with you like this hundreds of times, but none of them ever matched up to this reality. Everything is better, brighter, bigger…I could not ask for more. You are everything, Avelina. My entire world revolves around you.”


When we go back to present time, we land with a thud. Ava has lost her memory and seems to want nothing to do with him anymore. On top of her mental block, they have outside forces who plot and connive around them, so they don't have an easy task finding their way back to each other.

The last half dragged, possibly because there was somewhat of a disconnect for me for the MCs. As well, I was hoping for a little more in depth development of the brothers in order for me to be excited about the next books. Alejandro's is next and we spent no time really getting to know him, but I would consider reading it if the plot is intriguing enough. This is a quick, light read for readers who are in the mood for a sexy romance with a smooth talking Spaniard who will do anything for the woman he loves.

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Profile Image for JewelsyGoolsy.
637 reviews99 followers
April 6, 2017
3 -it was ok- Stars

This story had all the technical components of a romance story that I am always drawn to. A chasing H that never gives up no matter how hard the h makes it for him. A bit of "who-dun-it" mystery. Wonderful secondary character(s) build up and lead-in to future stories in this new series. And the sexy, hawt Spanish language to wet ones appetite (mucho Bueno for Jewelsy).

But there is truth in the saying; "it was too perfect". I found myself yawning a lot. Then I skimmed a little. Then something interesting happened and I perked up. Then I yawn again. Then everything tied up super neatly in a conveniently packaged bow. The end.

As much as I love sweet, chasey stories with near perfect heroes; watching this couple love each other, was like continuously watching an overly lovey-dovey couple drone on about their love for one another... repeatedly. I enjoyed it for the first few times... then I yawned.

But as much as I yawned, I still appreciated this story for what it was, so please don't think that my 3 star rating is a huge negative. There were parts that I truly enjoyed and characters that I adored. This book would suit readers and lovers of safety and devoted heroes.

Told in past & present chapters, mainly in the h's POV, with small snippets of the H's POV scattered between. This is the first standalone story in this author's new series with the rest of the sexy Spanish brothers stories to come.
Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews847 followers
April 6, 2017


★3.5 STARS★

Most brides can’t wait to make the trip down the aisle, but such is not the case for Avelina Saez. In fact she has expressed her need for space from her would-be husband. After what he deems a reasonable amount of time, Mateo Cruz is back to collect his bride, and he’s not taking I Don’t for an answer.

There was much intrigue to be had with this less than harmonious couple. Mateo’s devotion to Ava is both unwavering and unquestionable, which is why I was completely intrigued by her resounding opposition to their union. She’s adamant the man before her has deceived her and will not allow herself to give in to his charms.

I, for one, always enjoy the sight of an alpha weak in the knees for his lady and Mateo certainly delivered. As the story unfolds its apparent there is memory loss on Ava’s part, which I suppose unfairly on my part, made her hard work at times. Mateo on the other hand had the patience of a saint and the body of Spanish god. Yum.

I Don’t is a sweet, fiery romance with enough passion to throw a bouquet at.


 
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews897 followers
April 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The early part reminded me a lot of the old Harlequins, except without all the cheesiness. Mateo is one hot Spanish hero who is off the alpha meter. He has this formal way of speaking that just amped the hotness vibe. Man oh man, he is delicious. He is also determined that Ava is not going to get away from him. She’s broken their engagement but he’s just not getting the message. I enjoyed reading the different ways she tried to get rid of the ring and how it kept showing back up.

The Harlequin feel dies down as the story deepens and we are shown Ava and Mateo’s pasts and what has led up to present day. Sometimes back flashes can be confusing but this author was clear with each transition and I never felt lost with the timeline. I was so anxious to find out what had transpired to bring this couple who apparently had it all to the crossroad where they now stood.

I was totally into this story and when finished immediately started checking to see if I had other books by this author. I mean come on, if Mateo is just one of her alphas, I can’t imagine what all the others will be like.

Dual POV but mostly heroine
Safety Gang safe
No abuse
Profile Image for Katerina.
799 reviews321 followers
June 5, 2019
Went in knowing it’s safe - shoutout to London.

Correction, for me, it’s more a safe with exception because H is not celibate since meeting h by default. This is why I don’t like couples knowing each other from childhood, especially when the H is older and the heroine is a child because the nature of their relationship changes to become sexual. It isn’t immediately.

Mateo (H) found out about his father’s existence at 14, when his mother passed in a freak accident. She withheld the pregnancy of Mateo. So he has a Spanish billionaire father and 3 brothers - half siblings, and is the eldest. He divides his time between home in Barcelona and university in the US.

Ava, the heroines dad is best friends and business partners with the hero’s dad. So they know each other but they aren’t really in one another’s lives. He’s about 5-7 years older too (not specified)? She divides her time between New York with her toxic American mum and her Spanish dad. She’s actually close to his younger twin brother’s who are five months younger than her, and has a crush on his brother - second oldest to him, his junior by 3 1/2 years - next hero in the series.

So he comes home from his job in the US. She’s 17, I think he’s 23/24. Gotten over her silly crush on his brother. Simultaneously, they notice each other at a family party and have this joint strong attraction. Not before this point. So she’s not pining, or drooling. He’s just... on her, and determined to have her in his life - sets up the motions, telling his dad and her own his intentions. The overkill is obviously he isn’t a virgin and she is. She’s known he had girlfriends, she just never really cared to listen to any information before this point. Listen.. 7/10 times I don’t want the hero to be the heroines first. I just don’t care for it. To me it makes her more vulnerable than him almost and implies that she can have no sexual life before the hero. I will roll with it, I just think there needs to be more thought behind it generally speaking as a storyline and not a slapstick thing. But she’s 17, so it’s not like it doesn’t make sense in this particular story.

Okay, moving on...

Hero’s crazy in love with her. Very attentive. Possessive etc. It has a past/present narrative going back to how they fell in love and the current day where she absolutely hates him. She’s suffered a traumatic brain injury and has ended their engagement because she’s believed in “lies” about him. He’s followed her to Jersey, keeping an eye on her. Apparently her brain shut down what happened on this day because of the psychological “trauma” so the whole book is a build up to what went down on that day a year ago (they’ve been together for four years).

It was a good story up until that point, a little too much filler. But they’re in love, I was wondering what had happened to her. I wondered whether she was sexually assaulted or worse.... I wondered what she saw or heard about him to make her lose trust. And the freaking truth was so boring and lack lustre that I was just like ... really? That caused you psychological trauma forcing you not to remember? I mean... it’s a sad shocking truth but 😶.

Stop here if you don’t wanna know...

Spoiler: her “dad” isn’t her biological father, and her gold digging mother admits this to her. That Mateo knew this information and hid it. Her dad died a few months ago from a brain tumour when she finds out. She also hears a heavily edited recorded conversation which had this woman accusing Mateo of marrying Ava to access her fortune, that he doesn’t love her, and that he’s been cheating, and some half agreed responses from him. Frankly even at that moment she never believed in the misinformation. Then she has a car crash.

So... all in all. It lost momentum. Could’ve been a 3 star... he’s a great hero though. Really, genuinely devoted and in love with her.

Will I read the next book? Mhmm, can’t see it happening. The brother is a player and a dead personality from this book.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,631 reviews419 followers
March 29, 2017
4.5 Stars!!
Review by Lisa Kane

When I was a teenager (and still do occasionally) I read Harlequin romances. Now before you think to yourself how corny were they, they transformed themselves in the 80’s and 90’s to hotter versions of their once strictly vanilla selves. I still find myself picking one up-there is something about them that I love.

I Don’t starts out like a Harlequin. Avelina is a runaway fiancé. She survived a devastating car accident, lost a big chunk of her memory and for the last nine weeks has been living a life quietly away from her billionaire fiancé. Her last memory right before she woke up from her accident is an incriminating tape of her fiancé exposing his real intentions.
Mateo isn’t going to sit back and wait for Ava to come to her senses. He can’t wait for her memory to return, he is desperate and will go to any lengths to get her back. I love reading both POV’s in this story. Mateo’s character is different than I first imagined he would be-and I love this guy. He’s alpha to the max, knows what he wants and will walk over anyone to get the woman he loves back! *insert swooning*

“When you call, I will come. Always,” He’d answered. I gritted my teeth and reminded myself that it had all been lies.

Ava is confused. She thinks she knows the truth but right before the accident her life was falling apart. She’s had way too many shocks and her mind chooses to keep the truth hidden from her. She’s not ready to face those memories. Mateo is equally determined to have Ava resume the life they were leading before she demanded space from him. He’s given her all the time and space he’s going to and he’s taking things into his own hands now. This poor guy is so tangled up between Ava’s coldness towards him and his desire to get back the woman he loves. But is he telling the truth or hiding things from her?

“I can’t trust you.”
He cursed under his breath as he stepped in closer.
“I am not the one you need to doubt,” he answered. “I would walk through fire for you, Avelina.”


I Don’t is a steamy, suspenseful read. It won’t weigh the reader down with unnecessary angst, don’t get me wrong, there’s a nice amount, but it’s not contrived or forced. Both characters are likeable (although I wanted to shake some sense into Ava a few times! Mateo’s family is full of hot siblings and I think I am going to love this series!

“Why?”
The look he gave me was one of pure frustration.
“Because I love you so much that I can not live without you,” he answered.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,517 reviews486 followers
Read
August 22, 2020
DNF @ 35%
I may come back to this, but right now don’t have the patience. I had read this would have OTT, drama-llama meddling OW/ family drama, but it’s just not working. At this point we still don’t know what’s going on, Aveline has called off their engagement and keep saying he’s a liar, and never loved her, but doesn’t explain it. It also hints at some loss of memory/amnesia issue, but I think from only one night, which is weird. At chapter 4, it starts flipping back to 4 years prior filling us in, but I just want to know what the deal is in the present.

The main problem (other than being confused & bored) is that neither MC is being portrayed positively, so I don’t really care about them. I feel like the author wants us to sympathize with Aveline that she’s been wronged to build drama when it’s pretty obvious something else is going on… but she’s selling it too hard, so Aveline comes off as confrontational, and honestly sounds like a spoiled brat. With Mateo, I think she wants up to “feel” his undying, epic devotion to her, but he comes off a little creepy, and wussy.

Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews31 followers
May 10, 2017
Meh.

I'm so tired of books with nasty, spiteful, melodramatic villianesses who try to ruin people with fake pregnancies and obvious lies, and I hate unloving, selfish, money-grubbing mothers. I just don't get why either femme is thought of as entertaining. OTT drama seems to be the trope dejour, and I find myself over it.

I also don't like heroines who are not likable, even after they've supposedly been wronged. Avelina came off as a spoiled rich girl even though the author, I think, tried to prevent that opinion. She was an idiot for most of the book.

Mateo? That all-consuming love from the first sight of seventeen-year-old Avelina was too much. Unbelievable and a tad creepy in its execution, that alpha-male mentality was wussified so much, he, too, became a bit of a caricature.

The first few chapters of the flashbacks were told to us, as if we needed a rushed-yet-truncated history lesson in what made Avelina tick. I felt disconnected from that moment forward. The only reason I continued was to see what the big secret was. Major disappointment.

Grammar was not an issue though, so that's really the only highlight I can detail right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,468 reviews292 followers
April 11, 2017
4 Mateo is Love Stars! Full review to follow! Thank you Ella!
Profile Image for Astraycat.
1,033 reviews92 followers
August 26, 2018
What a romantic story! Not to mention how loving and sweet and protective H was! He was always there for h since they fell in love four years ago.

However, you had to be patient with the first several chapters or you'd miss a great story. And don't blame h, it was not her fault either.

Wish there's a longer epilogue!
Profile Image for Raine.
2,463 reviews53 followers
December 27, 2020
Ugh to flashbacks

I am not a fan of books that flash back and forth from the present to the past. It gets tedious. I get that the author wants to use this as a way to build drama and mystery into the story, but we all know who the "bad guys" are so it just feels gimmicky and makes me lose interest in the story.

This is the first book in the series about the eldest Cruz brother, Mateo, and a long-time family friend, Ava, who had been living in New York with her mother and spending summers and holidays with her father in Spain. The beginning of the book has Ava engaged to Mateo, but she was in an accident that left her with a bit of amnesia that she has left Mateo to recover. From there we flash back to just before they started their relationship about four or five years ago. It read a little bit like a Harlequin romance book.

I've read other books by Ella Fox that i liked so I will give the second book in the series a go.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
November 26, 2017
4.0+ RATING - An enjoyable read! This book reminded me a bit of a Harlequin book, you know, sexy Spanish hero who will do anything to win his woman back... and he's a billionaire too, lol. Yeah yeah, don't judge!

The hero was too perfect for sure but I overlooked it because I loved his devotion, his accent, his sexy ways... The heroine got on my nerves a little bit but that's typical for me. I found the writing to be very readable and even though I usually hate flashbacks, the way they were used here worked and didn't disrupt the flow of the story at all. The story had a great steam level - nothing over the top - but the sex scenes were well done, (maybe a tad dramatic at times but once again, I totally overlooked).

Overall, the book wasn't perfect but it was perfect for a guilty pleasure Sunday afternoon read. I picked this title up for free but am happy to see I can borrow the next book in the series through Kindle Unlimited. Even if I couldn't borrow it, I'd have no problem paying to read more in the series. Hopefully the next book works for me as well as this one.
Profile Image for Sam~OTT Alpha Male Addict~.
545 reviews
April 4, 2017
3.5 only for Mateo stars

Spoiler Alert Beware

Although I love a heroine good chasing, I felt that Avelina was too spiteful and too hard to get up until she got some of her memories back. A lot of things made me frustrated:

1.) Who the ef Franchesca was, why she hated Avelina so much and why the ef did she have so much power in the book. For a girl who's supposed to be the youngest brother's girlfriend she has some crazy villain powers. And she got away with a lot of things. TF?

2.) Avelina's mother and her hatred. If Avelina didn't like going back to her mother she could have easily just left. Avelina stated herself that her opinion would have had weight in court once she turned 14. But she continues to allow her mother to bully and manipulate her (she knows she's being bullied and manipulated, too)

3.) Rafe and his stupidity

4.) Avelina's back bone - or the lack thereof

5.) Issues are resolved , and conflict is being explained to the reader - way late into the book. Literally I was so confused half the time because nothing was explained and I just knew that Avelina was being a bitch to Mateo, and no reason why

Sufficed to say Mateo and his perseverance were the only things that kept me from DNF-ing.

I hope the next book is better.
And I hope we get a decent epilogue next time.
Profile Image for Sophie.
590 reviews479 followers
April 8, 2017
Going into I Don't, I had no idea what to expect. The blurb had captivated me from the off and matched with a STUNNING cover I was desperate to read. What I got from I Don't though was sheer brilliance. A whole hearted read that latched itself onto me and held strong. This is the first book in a standalone series and I'm so addicted to these characters now I honestly can't wait for more.

Ava & Mateo have an undeniably hot, intense, passionate relationship. Ava is strong and sassy. Mateo is pretty freaking awesome, pushy and possessive but in the best way.

From the get go, I was pulled into this story, wondering what the hell had happened to this fantastic couple. This book was angsty but that kind of addictive angst where you're that drawn and you just HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! The flash backs added just the right amount of suspense and I LOVED IT!

I Don't is a sexy, suspenseful, addicting read. Full of feels and steam. A perfect way to introduce this series! I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
April 2, 2017
I Don't is a super steamy, suspenseful novel, which is told in flashbacks and present day. We meet Ava and Mateo. Ava asked for space and Mateo has finally reached the point where he's done giving her the space she needs.

Mateo is ALL the things. He's an alpha, and all that entails. He's possessive, hot, and so utterly in love with Ava, and just wants to understand. Ava, I had some trouble warming up to. When it finally happened, I fell in love with her. Nearly as much as Mateo loves her. She's in self protection mode, which makes it easier to understand her.

Overall, I Don't is SUCH an addictive read. It's paced perfectly and has a great blend of angst, sweetness and sexy. The supporting cast is very intriguing and I hope to see more!

*This is a 4.5 Star review.*

*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*

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Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews83 followers
March 29, 2018
I thought this story started out so well. I enjoyed reading about how she kept returning the engagement ring. I was intrigued and wanted to find out why she called off the wedding. I also loved all the Spanish lines --- Mateo is so sexy.

The thing is, around 50% into the book, I was getting cheesed out with all the professions of love and forever. And gosh, the MC's have lots and lots of sex. (I was getting tired of reading about all the coitus. Hahaha.) The flavor of the book by this part of the book was turning out to be a little telenovela-ish or too much like a soap-opera for me. I found the style and frankly, the way that the drama unfolded, to be reminiscent of an old Mills&Boon paperback --- which I didn't really like.

So on the whole, while I finished the book and while I liked certain parts of it, I feel that this book had the potential to be better.
Profile Image for Maddy's Reading.
437 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2017
Ava and Mateo are madly in love and going to be married when She has an accident. She chooses to break her engagement and wants both to do with Mateo. However, Mateo is done giving her space.
Their love is one of fairy tales, forever kinds. However certain circumstances were created that caused her to doubt his love.
This is a story of everlasting love, friendship and family. There are lot of memorable characters. Ava and Mateo are amazing and so passionate together. We have only has a glimpse of Mateo's brothers but this defines has a potential of being a great series.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
May 17, 2023
Ella has a way of creating characters that are believable. Characters that you fall in love with and stories that stay with you.

She has done that here with Ava and Mateo.

From the start to the finish you will find yourself cheering silently for Mateo and his love for Ava.
Imagine a love like that. There will be tears but don't delude yourself that this is just another love story. Ella has layed the foundations for this series and it will keep you begging for me.

Strong family ties and values, I love when an author does that and Ella has not dissapointed here.

Can't give this book enough stars.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,095 reviews38 followers
April 4, 2017
Ok

3.5 stars
I understand the excitement of getting your hands on a new book and even rushing through it. But proofreaders, ARC readers, you are missing blatant errors. There were missing words,and extra words, galore in this that were very easily noticed. These mistakes actually brought my review down.
The story was ok. I will read the next. I think the only big complaints I had were the materialistic references, and the reliance on sex as the main basis of the relationship.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews62 followers
March 31, 2017
I found I don't really enjoyable , mysterious and so unpredictable and I am such a huge fan of Ella Fox The heart family had to be one of my first kindle reads . The characters were really likable , the story line had me intrigued , you love and hate some characters , you will laugh , cry , blush , and get angry . Mateo and Ava made the perfect couple had great chemistry , loved and respected one another , and the sex between them was super steamy it will leave your panties wet and you in need of a cold shower or a date with you're favorite toy . Ava was a strong, kind , beautiful , and smart heroine she has a big family that love her Avas father is her favorite person he treats her like a princess and shows her love that her mother doesn't . Mateo Mateo Mateo perfect hero he'll do anything for his woman even do something that would destroy him but the time comes to were he can't stay away from his heart , he is loyal , smart , sexy , and dirty talker . The secondary characters were really likable I can not wait to read the rest of the Cruz brothers books , and some characters were so heartless and mean and they got what they deserved in the end .

copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero = 10 heroine = 10 secondary characters = 10
Chemistry = 10 steam = 10 romance = 10 humor =6
darkness level = 5 enjoyment = 10 story line = 10
character development = 10 pacing = 10 POV= mostly heroine but some chapters in the heroes
ending = HEA cover = 10 stars = 5 author = 10
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes

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