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Henry & Me
When we were in college, Henry Stone asked me out and I shot him down in the most humiliating way possible.
He was a nerd and I was the golden girl of the theatre society, destined to make it big in Hollywood, so how could there be anything between us?
Now six years later, as an out-of-work actress who has to take on a housekeeping job to stay afloat, I run into him again—and boy, has he made it big.
As I begin to clean his house and take care of his precocious nephew, I realize how wrong I was about him. He’s sexy, smart, kind, everything I never though he would be.
But I have demons that he can’t fight. Demons that keep me away from love.
One thing’s for sure: This housekeeper-gig is going to be the hardest role of my life.
He was a nerd and I was the golden girl of the theatre society, destined to make it big in Hollywood, so how could there be anything between us?
Now six years later, as an out-of-work actress who has to take on a housekeeping job to stay afloat, I run into him again—and boy, has he made it big.
As I begin to clean his house and take care of his precocious nephew, I realize how wrong I was about him. He’s sexy, smart, kind, everything I never though he would be.
But I have demons that he can’t fight. Demons that keep me away from love.
One thing’s for sure: This housekeeper-gig is going to be the hardest role of my life.
186 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2017
31 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Clinton
10 books114 followersSasha Clinton discovered romance novels at the age of thirteen and has been addicted to the genre ever since. After getting a degree in Chemical Engineering and realizing that there was no way she could ever be an engineer, she decided to follow her passion and write romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 16, 2017
♥♥ 3.5 New York Stars ♥♥
This was a good vacation read. Max met Henry when he asked her out in college and she brutally rejects him. To be honest, she's a bit of a spoiled brat when she's in college. An aspiring Hollywood actress, she has a majorly inflated ego, and responds to Henry's genuine interest with this: "What? Did he just ask me -- hot, twenty, in the prime of my beauty, size zero with perfect heart-shaped face and Angelina Jolie lips -- to go out with him?" Okay, so maybe she's the golden girl of Harvard, and maybe she off to kill it in Hollywood, but this just came off as rude and self-inflated to me.
Which thankfully, gets better. After spending seven years in LA, she falls on hard times and returns to NYC to live with her brother and sister-in-law while she figures out her life. "I'm twenty-eight. Unemployed. Mooching off my brother, with no job in sight. In simple words, my life's a wreck." Ji-ae, her sister-in-law, helps her land a job as a housekeeper and childcare for...you guessed it: Henry! He's still pretty nerdy, but has filled out and has since built a successful company.
I really liked Max and Henry together. Max is a little unprepared for taking care of his nephew, Lucien, and ends up having a slew of well-meaning mishaps. Henry provides stability and structure, balancing out her personality well. He helps her get through the hard things that made her leave LA, and she slowly starts to trust him and have some faith in her abilities.
At times I felt like the plot dragged on a bit, and there wasn't much character development besides Max and Henry. There were also a couple typos throughout, but none of these things detracted from the story that much. Overall, I thought that this was a nice lighthearted read, with some good plot twists.
**ARC generously provided by author for honest review.
This was a good vacation read. Max met Henry when he asked her out in college and she brutally rejects him. To be honest, she's a bit of a spoiled brat when she's in college. An aspiring Hollywood actress, she has a majorly inflated ego, and responds to Henry's genuine interest with this: "What? Did he just ask me -- hot, twenty, in the prime of my beauty, size zero with perfect heart-shaped face and Angelina Jolie lips -- to go out with him?" Okay, so maybe she's the golden girl of Harvard, and maybe she off to kill it in Hollywood, but this just came off as rude and self-inflated to me.
Which thankfully, gets better. After spending seven years in LA, she falls on hard times and returns to NYC to live with her brother and sister-in-law while she figures out her life. "I'm twenty-eight. Unemployed. Mooching off my brother, with no job in sight. In simple words, my life's a wreck." Ji-ae, her sister-in-law, helps her land a job as a housekeeper and childcare for...you guessed it: Henry! He's still pretty nerdy, but has filled out and has since built a successful company.
I really liked Max and Henry together. Max is a little unprepared for taking care of his nephew, Lucien, and ends up having a slew of well-meaning mishaps. Henry provides stability and structure, balancing out her personality well. He helps her get through the hard things that made her leave LA, and she slowly starts to trust him and have some faith in her abilities.
At times I felt like the plot dragged on a bit, and there wasn't much character development besides Max and Henry. There were also a couple typos throughout, but none of these things detracted from the story that much. Overall, I thought that this was a nice lighthearted read, with some good plot twists.
**ARC generously provided by author for honest review.
July 9, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
She flips open her phone, scrolling through the world’s premier international gossip registry— otherwise known as Facebook.
“I was housekeeping staff at the Four Seasons in LA briefly.” Ha, that was a nightmare. Cleaning and I are mortal enemies, and will remain so for the rest of my life. But I can’t say that to Henry, so I modify the truth a little. “My boss constantly praised the high standard of my work, so you have nothing to worry about there.” It’s thanks to my acting ability that I pull that lie off so easily. In reality, my boss at the Four Seasons fired me because I always left the rooms messier than I found them. But hell, this is an interview, and a little embellishment is standard. It’s not like I’m an inveterate liar or anything.
He proceeds to give me a tour of the house, explaining where all the cleaning equipment and supplies are stored, and giving me pointers on the way he likes things to be organized. I brought a notepad along, so I take exhaustive notes (actually I doodle his face).
“I’m not a maid,” I clarify. “I’m a domestic helper and child-care expert.” I got those words from the internet, when I was watching a YouTube video on how to do laundry. They make me sound infinitely more professional, so I’ll use them.
You know what they say about judging a book by its cover. Henry might look boring, like historical fiction, but he’s actually an erotica novel.
My Review:
I adored this cleverly amusing book from start to finish. While I didn’t always love the characters because, well, there were times that Max was an obnoxious, vain, arrogant, and self-absorbed diva, but regardless, Max never failed to hold my attention and she did redeem herself. Henry and his quirky and precocious nephew Lucien were hands-down my favorite characters. But oh, how the mighty had fallen… After years of humiliating and harsh doses of reality, Max gave up on her dreams and was not the same narcissistic person she had been in college. Written from a first person POV of Max, the writing quality was top notch, I was well established in Max’s head and was highly entertained by her colorful inner musings and humorous observations. The plot was fresh and entertaining and the storyline was crisp, amusing, insightful, and clever. This was my first experience reading Ms. Clinton’s work and I quickly rose to the level of fangirl admiration before concluding the first chapter. I frequently smirked, chortled, gasped and giggle snorted, although there were also several heart-squeezing and angsty moments in between her bumbling misadventures.
She flips open her phone, scrolling through the world’s premier international gossip registry— otherwise known as Facebook.
“I was housekeeping staff at the Four Seasons in LA briefly.” Ha, that was a nightmare. Cleaning and I are mortal enemies, and will remain so for the rest of my life. But I can’t say that to Henry, so I modify the truth a little. “My boss constantly praised the high standard of my work, so you have nothing to worry about there.” It’s thanks to my acting ability that I pull that lie off so easily. In reality, my boss at the Four Seasons fired me because I always left the rooms messier than I found them. But hell, this is an interview, and a little embellishment is standard. It’s not like I’m an inveterate liar or anything.
He proceeds to give me a tour of the house, explaining where all the cleaning equipment and supplies are stored, and giving me pointers on the way he likes things to be organized. I brought a notepad along, so I take exhaustive notes (actually I doodle his face).
“I’m not a maid,” I clarify. “I’m a domestic helper and child-care expert.” I got those words from the internet, when I was watching a YouTube video on how to do laundry. They make me sound infinitely more professional, so I’ll use them.
You know what they say about judging a book by its cover. Henry might look boring, like historical fiction, but he’s actually an erotica novel.
My Review:
I adored this cleverly amusing book from start to finish. While I didn’t always love the characters because, well, there were times that Max was an obnoxious, vain, arrogant, and self-absorbed diva, but regardless, Max never failed to hold my attention and she did redeem herself. Henry and his quirky and precocious nephew Lucien were hands-down my favorite characters. But oh, how the mighty had fallen… After years of humiliating and harsh doses of reality, Max gave up on her dreams and was not the same narcissistic person she had been in college. Written from a first person POV of Max, the writing quality was top notch, I was well established in Max’s head and was highly entertained by her colorful inner musings and humorous observations. The plot was fresh and entertaining and the storyline was crisp, amusing, insightful, and clever. This was my first experience reading Ms. Clinton’s work and I quickly rose to the level of fangirl admiration before concluding the first chapter. I frequently smirked, chortled, gasped and giggle snorted, although there were also several heart-squeezing and angsty moments in between her bumbling misadventures.
July 3, 2017
What if you were given the opportunity to have a do over on some events in your life?
Maxima (Max) Anderson is getting that opportunity with Max Henry, but this time the roles are reversed. This time she on his turf. Eight years ago Henry thought the world of Max but she squashed that by spewing some evil words at him.
As Max works hard to get her life back in check and order, one thing she didn't expect was to run into Henry again and much less to be working for him.
As I read their interaction it had me cringing and feeling bad for Max because of their past but she held her head up high and did what she had to even if it meant that she had to put her pride aside.
Oh that Lucien, Henry's 9 year old nephew, had me laughing- he was too smart for his young age....the curtain tragedy had me laughing!!
Try as they may Henry & Max can't deny the attraction they both feel and they try to not give in but like fireworks once they light up you just stand back and see them pop! -Kara, 4 Stars
Maxima (Max) Anderson is getting that opportunity with Max Henry, but this time the roles are reversed. This time she on his turf. Eight years ago Henry thought the world of Max but she squashed that by spewing some evil words at him.
As Max works hard to get her life back in check and order, one thing she didn't expect was to run into Henry again and much less to be working for him.
As I read their interaction it had me cringing and feeling bad for Max because of their past but she held her head up high and did what she had to even if it meant that she had to put her pride aside.
Oh that Lucien, Henry's 9 year old nephew, had me laughing- he was too smart for his young age....the curtain tragedy had me laughing!!
Try as they may Henry & Max can't deny the attraction they both feel and they try to not give in but like fireworks once they light up you just stand back and see them pop! -Kara, 4 Stars
June 19, 2017
3.5 stars
Henry and Max met at Harvard University, they were both a part of the Theatre Society there.
Max was determined to become an Oscar winning actress in the future and often practised her acceptance speech in the mirror.
Henry had no dreams of Oscars, he was studying in the field of Science and Max saw him as a 'nerd' type of guy. He had a huge crush on Max but that got shot down when she rejected his interest because he was a geek and would never be good enough for a famous actress like her.
My how the tables can turn, years later Max is still struggling to get her big break in acting and currently living with her brother & sister in law. She did make it to L.A. and even won some parts but the world of Hollywood was not what she thought it would be. She is no longer the confident girl she was at University.
Therefore, it is a shock to her system when the job she is interviewing for is to be a housemaid / nanny for Henry - the guy she rejected all those years ago. He is now a very wealthy and successful businessman. Not only that, he grown into a handsome and kind man. A man who has every right to not want to see her, let alone employ her but alas he does anyway.
Henry still carries a flame for Max and is genuinely sad that she didn't get to where she wanted to in life. He believed in her and he still does. She is even more beautiful than he remembered and time has softened her outlook on life & people now.
Max jumps into her new job with enthusiasm, doing three things she loathes, cooking, cleaning and looking after a child - urgh! However, she quickly forms an unlikely bond / friendship with 9 year old Lucien and has the most interesting conversations with this boy. He is an only child and it is obvious he spends a lot of time around adults as he shares his views on every topic you can imagine. He really needed to be given a cupcake and sent outside to play in the dirt.
The more time that Henry and Max spend together, they realise that they are falling for each other. However, Max is battling her own issues and insecurities that she needs to deal with before she can ever move forward in her life. Even if it means rejection for Henry - again.
This was a really sweet second chance love story, with lots of humour and a wise arse 9 year old with insightful adult opinions.
Henry and Max met at Harvard University, they were both a part of the Theatre Society there.
Max was determined to become an Oscar winning actress in the future and often practised her acceptance speech in the mirror.
Henry had no dreams of Oscars, he was studying in the field of Science and Max saw him as a 'nerd' type of guy. He had a huge crush on Max but that got shot down when she rejected his interest because he was a geek and would never be good enough for a famous actress like her.
My how the tables can turn, years later Max is still struggling to get her big break in acting and currently living with her brother & sister in law. She did make it to L.A. and even won some parts but the world of Hollywood was not what she thought it would be. She is no longer the confident girl she was at University.
Therefore, it is a shock to her system when the job she is interviewing for is to be a housemaid / nanny for Henry - the guy she rejected all those years ago. He is now a very wealthy and successful businessman. Not only that, he grown into a handsome and kind man. A man who has every right to not want to see her, let alone employ her but alas he does anyway.
Henry still carries a flame for Max and is genuinely sad that she didn't get to where she wanted to in life. He believed in her and he still does. She is even more beautiful than he remembered and time has softened her outlook on life & people now.
Max jumps into her new job with enthusiasm, doing three things she loathes, cooking, cleaning and looking after a child - urgh! However, she quickly forms an unlikely bond / friendship with 9 year old Lucien and has the most interesting conversations with this boy. He is an only child and it is obvious he spends a lot of time around adults as he shares his views on every topic you can imagine. He really needed to be given a cupcake and sent outside to play in the dirt.
The more time that Henry and Max spend together, they realise that they are falling for each other. However, Max is battling her own issues and insecurities that she needs to deal with before she can ever move forward in her life. Even if it means rejection for Henry - again.
This was a really sweet second chance love story, with lots of humour and a wise arse 9 year old with insightful adult opinions.
July 10, 2017
Gosh I had just finished a book where the male lead was such a jerk that it hurt to read and I had to give up. Then starting this book thinking … with that title and it being a “Romantic Novel” what could go wrong.
It appears … A LOT….
In this case it is not the male lead but the female lead that is such a superficial jerk that it really hurts. I tried reading it like a comedy but I could not keep my mind on this focus…
Let me think a moment if there was one character in that storyline that I liked …
Ahm
NO.
If I had to choose than maybe Henry would be the remotely most likeable person.
But even he was shallow – sorry.
And in comparison to the previous book with the male lead that was a jerk I can not even say that the storyline of this book was good. Because (sorry to say it so blunt) it wasn’t.
Or at least it wasn’t really well developed and nothing felt believable
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August 16, 2017
This was just... not good.
*Max was one of the most unlikable characters I have ever encountered. Shallow, selfish, self-absorbed and immature. If there was supposed to be some kind of redemption by the end of the book... I missed it.
*The dialogue was cringe-worthy.
*Nothing felt believable. For the first 50 pages I wasn't even sure if this was supposed to be some tongue-in-cheek satire or if this was for real. Sadly, I believe this is supposed to be a legit contemporary romance.
*Max's "showdown" with an abusive ex was so ludicrous it was laughable.
*On the plus side, this was incredibly short.
*Max was one of the most unlikable characters I have ever encountered. Shallow, selfish, self-absorbed and immature. If there was supposed to be some kind of redemption by the end of the book... I missed it.
*The dialogue was cringe-worthy.
*Nothing felt believable. For the first 50 pages I wasn't even sure if this was supposed to be some tongue-in-cheek satire or if this was for real. Sadly, I believe this is supposed to be a legit contemporary romance.
*Max's "showdown" with an abusive ex was so ludicrous it was laughable.
*On the plus side, this was incredibly short.
July 3, 2017
Oh dear, having said I don't like to write mean reviews I find myself writing a second one within days!
I love a rich/ popular girl learning the value in a nerd/ hard work kind of story; heck I love Hallmark movies, Movies 24 and pretty much every high school film there is. But the key thing is that the rich/popular/beautiful girl has to have some redeeming qualities, she has to be thoughtless not spiteful. I didn't think that Max had any redeeming qualities, she was borderline stupid, clumsy, self-absorbed, she had no work ethic, she felt no compunction about lying to her employer, she rummaged around in her employer's personal possessions, she was egotistical, she scrounged off her brother and his wife whilst also bad-mouthing her sister-in-law and she judged people on their looks. By page 21 I had decided I didn't like her. This is supposed to Max's chance at redemption but she doesn't seem to take the opportunity.
The writing was stilted and awkward, for example:
But if Max was unpleasant and unlikeable Henry was a cardboard cut-out. The nerd who was rejected by Max at Harvard (yep, you can have difficulty tying your own shoe laces but get into Harvard to study acting) has now become unbelievably wealthy and successful. Yet when he runs into Max again and gives her a job as his housekeeper/ nanny to his nephew he falls in love with her all over again. And I just kept thinking, why? She was unpleasant at college and she is still unpleasant in the present day but apparently he falls for her and I can't understand why, it doesn't make sense. He is such a Pollyanna it's nauseating.
And don't get me started on the two Michelin Star restaurant which you can just walk into off the street and get a table (try a three month waiting list), which serves mozzarella sticks, tomato an basil "something", shrimp and chocolate cake. It sounds more like a chain restaurant!
I can only assume that this was supposed to be satire of some kind because it wasn't funny and the plot was unrealistic.
I really wanted to like this book but it totally missed the mark for me, maybe others will find Max and her misadventures hysterically funny.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I love a rich/ popular girl learning the value in a nerd/ hard work kind of story; heck I love Hallmark movies, Movies 24 and pretty much every high school film there is. But the key thing is that the rich/popular/beautiful girl has to have some redeeming qualities, she has to be thoughtless not spiteful. I didn't think that Max had any redeeming qualities, she was borderline stupid, clumsy, self-absorbed, she had no work ethic, she felt no compunction about lying to her employer, she rummaged around in her employer's personal possessions, she was egotistical, she scrounged off her brother and his wife whilst also bad-mouthing her sister-in-law and she judged people on their looks. By page 21 I had decided I didn't like her. This is supposed to Max's chance at redemption but she doesn't seem to take the opportunity.
The writing was stilted and awkward, for example:
"I'm really good at speaking in front of people because I studied acting."or maybe
"Rob, stop using your strength to intimidate me. I'm not the cowering kitten I once was."At times Max sounded like a twelve year old girl, but that's okay because the nine year old boy sounded like a cross between a five year old and a 40 year old.
But if Max was unpleasant and unlikeable Henry was a cardboard cut-out. The nerd who was rejected by Max at Harvard (yep, you can have difficulty tying your own shoe laces but get into Harvard to study acting) has now become unbelievably wealthy and successful. Yet when he runs into Max again and gives her a job as his housekeeper/ nanny to his nephew he falls in love with her all over again. And I just kept thinking, why? She was unpleasant at college and she is still unpleasant in the present day but apparently he falls for her and I can't understand why, it doesn't make sense. He is such a Pollyanna it's nauseating.
"When I was sick, I realized how fortunate I was t have people to look after me. I wanted to be useful to them in my own way. because I couldn't move, or even talk much, all I could do was smile. That way, I could at least cheer them up. Since then, I've decided not to be grumpy or get mad at anyone."
And don't get me started on the two Michelin Star restaurant which you can just walk into off the street and get a table (try a three month waiting list), which serves mozzarella sticks, tomato an basil "something", shrimp and chocolate cake. It sounds more like a chain restaurant!
I can only assume that this was supposed to be satire of some kind because it wasn't funny and the plot was unrealistic.
I really wanted to like this book but it totally missed the mark for me, maybe others will find Max and her misadventures hysterically funny.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 24, 2022
It was a short and easy read. To be completely honest, this was a little bit too fast-paced for me because there were some serious topics, which is good, but they were 'solved' way too quickly, which, in my opinion, is not very realistic. Other than that, I did enjoy Max and Henry's story.
June 14, 2017
High expectations and big dreams was what Max was about. She wanted all the excellent things in and life and a man. When Henry, a nerd and slightly skinny and shabbly dressed asked her out, she turns him down flat. judging the book by it cover instead of opening it and reading the pages. she skimmed over the good parts and put him out of his misery. Years later her expectations didn't turn out the way she wanted. Living with her brother and his wife. she takes the only job she can get a housekeeper and nanny. it just turns out the house she'd be keeping is Henry and his quirky nephew she'd be looking after. She thinks she isn't going to get the job,but to her surprise Henry hires her. Max finds herself drawn to him, he isn't all that he seems to be. maybe she judged him wrong all those years ago. Sweet, Kind, Pacient and passionate about his nephew. Henry begins to creep his way into her heart. But, can she let go of the issues that forces her to leave LA for New York and the saftey of Her Brothers house?
August 27, 2017
3.5
"I'm twenty-eight. Unemployed. Mooching off my brother, with no job in sight. In simple words, my life's a wreck."
I liked the premise of the story and I had to read it. It starts in a way that you kind of hate the heroine. The "What? Did he just ask me -- hot, twenty, in the prime of my beauty, size zero with perfect heart-shaped face and Angelina Jolie lips -- to go out with him?" says it all.
Reading a bit further made me think that the heroine was really dumb. A nine year old boy knew more than she did.
Reading a bit further she managed to woo me by her dumbness and I realised that she's not that bad. And I realised that I really did like her. And the story became really sweet and was totally into it.
And that 9 year old boy stole my heart.
"I'm twenty-eight. Unemployed. Mooching off my brother, with no job in sight. In simple words, my life's a wreck."
I liked the premise of the story and I had to read it. It starts in a way that you kind of hate the heroine. The "What? Did he just ask me -- hot, twenty, in the prime of my beauty, size zero with perfect heart-shaped face and Angelina Jolie lips -- to go out with him?" says it all.
Reading a bit further made me think that the heroine was really dumb. A nine year old boy knew more than she did.
Reading a bit further she managed to woo me by her dumbness and I realised that she's not that bad. And I realised that I really did like her. And the story became really sweet and was totally into it.
And that 9 year old boy stole my heart.
June 28, 2017
Love this story! The author has written a wonderful storyline with a several meaningful messages; at least to me. It’s an awesome story about how mean college kids can be to those that are different or in a different social standing, about lessons learned the hard way, about never judging a book by it’s cover, about never underestimating yourself and to follow your heart or passions and not giving up, about standing up for what you believe and and to remember that things have a way of coming back on you years later and biting you on the butt. Yep all that is wrapped up in a funny witty storyline. The characters and the their banter will have you smiling, laughing and at times wanting to either scream or just shake them to get it together.
It started years ago in college when Max just “knew” she would become a well know actress and Henry, a nerdy prop guy, had the audacity to ask her out. Rather than just say no she was very rude and hateful. Now years later Max has fallen from her high horse and ends up a housekeeper and nanny to Lucien, a very precocious 9 year old. Oh wait I fail to mention she’s working for the “rich and successful” Henry Stone! Yep the same Henry she blasted years ago. Let the fun begin (because honestly the spoiled Max knows zip about housekeeping or being a nanny).
I can’t recommend this great storyline enough. I suggest 1-clicking it now, sitting back and simply enjoying this fun, flirty yet meaningful story about Max, Henry and a really great supporting cast!
It started years ago in college when Max just “knew” she would become a well know actress and Henry, a nerdy prop guy, had the audacity to ask her out. Rather than just say no she was very rude and hateful. Now years later Max has fallen from her high horse and ends up a housekeeper and nanny to Lucien, a very precocious 9 year old. Oh wait I fail to mention she’s working for the “rich and successful” Henry Stone! Yep the same Henry she blasted years ago. Let the fun begin (because honestly the spoiled Max knows zip about housekeeping or being a nanny).
I can’t recommend this great storyline enough. I suggest 1-clicking it now, sitting back and simply enjoying this fun, flirty yet meaningful story about Max, Henry and a really great supporting cast!
March 3, 2022
This was a super cute story. It really dealt with some hard issues, and in such a realistic & touching way.
Max is so amazingly awkward and adorable, & a lot clueless.
Henry is sweet, and mellow & understanding.
Lucien is obnoxious and adorable.
Max is so amazingly awkward and adorable, & a lot clueless.
Henry is sweet, and mellow & understanding.
Lucien is obnoxious and adorable.
July 8, 2017
Henry & Me, Sasha Clinton
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance , Women's Fiction
Well, I loved Sasha's NYC singles 1 ( and have just borrowed the next two on KU) so was keen to read this.
Wow, what a b itch Max was back then. she can't just reject him politely but has to humiliate him, astonished that a guy with zits can have the audacity to ask a hot, popular girl like her out. She really decimates him in her refusal, and I so felt for him.
She's convinced she's on her way to the top, but when we catch up with her six years later her plans have gone wildly astray.
Max is a very different person now, much more likable, thinks about others, cares about not hurting people. At first I still wanted to hate her for how awful she was to Henry but she'd changed so much.
That change came at a huge price though, and her career was a casualty of things that happened to her which have left lasting effects. They make acting out of the picture now, her dreams are dust, she can't seem to want to pick herself up and try again, she's too scared.
As for relationships and love, they're a no-go. I felt for her, she'd had a tough time and yet she was still a happy, cheery person even with the problems she was facing.
She's living with her brother and sister in law in a tiny flat, so getting a job and then hopefully a place of her own...well, a share of a place anyway, is priority.
I love her sister in law, such a fantastic person, full of confidence, and always ready to knuckle down and work for what she wants. She's not letting Max slide either, and soon accompanying her to an interview she's arranged.
She's like a tiny steamroller, so forceful everyone cant help but go with her plans.
Its Henry though who wants the housekeeper, and a nanny for his 9 year old nephew Lucien.
I loved that kid, full of clever humour, snark, and ways to play the restrictions his overbearing, over protective mother sets.
She's a heart surgeon and Lucien isn't allowed sweets, sugar, fat, carbs, flavour and ...well.. anything 9 years olds love, but he manages to sneak around Max and get some fun and treats.
He's only 9 but at times feels 29 in experience and ideas, full of knowledge that make him seem so much older. I love his conversations with Max.
So there's Max, housekeeping for Henry, who's lost the zits, made loads of dosh and is a really lovely guy. How could she not fall in love with him, but for her relationships are out. From her past its the one thing she just can't do, it makes her physically ill. Henry though has plans...
Its a great fun read, full of humour, with characters that feel so real. they aren't perfect but flawed and that makes them feel as if I know them, and Henry, well...I'd love to know him!
There some really emotional moments here too, sad ones but also ones that leave you cheering, such as when she meets Rob. Way to go Max!
Stars: four, a real fun read which made me smile, and also had the sadness, heartbreaking emotions, the part that made me wonder if all could come right, that I love.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
July 21, 2017
ARC review
Henry & Me is a cute story. I read it in one sitting, mainly. There is a precocious kid. There is a nerdy hero. And a few other nerdy characters… Second chance romance, anyone? There is family. There is humility. And there is love. Here are a few things that caught my attention:
-The heroine, Max is dumb. Seriously she is not the brightest lamp in the room. Even the kid she babysits knows it. But she is gullible and super sweet! And she tries to make herself better by learning new things, like imaginary numbers. Math hurts my brain so I applaud that!
-It reads NA…BIG TIME! That might go back to the dumb thing. I’m sorry…is dumb too mean? Max seems very innocent and naïve, even if she has her bitchy moments. Maybe it’s because she is a little bit broken? She is an out of work actress who recently came home and abruptly decided to quit acting.
Henry is smart! That makes up for the d word thing, right?! He’s such a nerd. I love nerds. And he loves Max. I knew it from the beginning even if Max did not.
-Henry is WAY too forgiving! She was sooooo mean to him back in college. Like, she really doesn’t deserve him, mean.
-There is a little comic relief. Max is an actress and not a housekeeper/nanny, after all. Plus she is always dreaming up her Oscar acceptance speech, which was amusing.
-Diversity! Kind of, sort of, maybe, not really because our protagonists are white. BUT Max’s brother is married to a first gen Korean American. And Ji-ae is awesome! She is really there for Max, she shows her how true family is, true friends, act. She is awesome and she plays a great role in this story. And the author touches on Ji-ae’s mixed race marriage with Ji-ae and her husband. It reads very true…at least to this white girl.
-Easy to read! I think I read this book in a matter of hours without putting it down. That is saying something coming from a busy mom of 3, who are running her ragged in the summer months.
-The chemistry! Max notices Henry (in present day) and the longing and the realization, the knowing what you want is there and you just have to grab hold of it. But for Max it is not that easy. She is coming off of a tough time; she really has some healing to do.
So, there you have it, Henry & Me is a cute story, a fun read, not for Scandal because of the NA-ish and probably the dumb part but we all know that about Scandal! It’s an easy read, by the pool maybe? It could be for you! Also, it’s currently on KU.
Henry & Me is a cute story. I read it in one sitting, mainly. There is a precocious kid. There is a nerdy hero. And a few other nerdy characters… Second chance romance, anyone? There is family. There is humility. And there is love. Here are a few things that caught my attention:
-The heroine, Max is dumb. Seriously she is not the brightest lamp in the room. Even the kid she babysits knows it. But she is gullible and super sweet! And she tries to make herself better by learning new things, like imaginary numbers. Math hurts my brain so I applaud that!
-It reads NA…BIG TIME! That might go back to the dumb thing. I’m sorry…is dumb too mean? Max seems very innocent and naïve, even if she has her bitchy moments. Maybe it’s because she is a little bit broken? She is an out of work actress who recently came home and abruptly decided to quit acting.
Henry is smart! That makes up for the d word thing, right?! He’s such a nerd. I love nerds. And he loves Max. I knew it from the beginning even if Max did not.
-Henry is WAY too forgiving! She was sooooo mean to him back in college. Like, she really doesn’t deserve him, mean.
-There is a little comic relief. Max is an actress and not a housekeeper/nanny, after all. Plus she is always dreaming up her Oscar acceptance speech, which was amusing.
-Diversity! Kind of, sort of, maybe, not really because our protagonists are white. BUT Max’s brother is married to a first gen Korean American. And Ji-ae is awesome! She is really there for Max, she shows her how true family is, true friends, act. She is awesome and she plays a great role in this story. And the author touches on Ji-ae’s mixed race marriage with Ji-ae and her husband. It reads very true…at least to this white girl.
-Easy to read! I think I read this book in a matter of hours without putting it down. That is saying something coming from a busy mom of 3, who are running her ragged in the summer months.
-The chemistry! Max notices Henry (in present day) and the longing and the realization, the knowing what you want is there and you just have to grab hold of it. But for Max it is not that easy. She is coming off of a tough time; she really has some healing to do.
So, there you have it, Henry & Me is a cute story, a fun read, not for Scandal because of the NA-ish and probably the dumb part but we all know that about Scandal! It’s an easy read, by the pool maybe? It could be for you! Also, it’s currently on KU.
July 3, 2017
***ARC provided by the author for an honest review***
Henry & Me by Sasha Clinton is a lighthearted second chance romance with a wisecrack of a 9 year old boy who knows too much for his own good! I enjoyed this book immensely.
Max had one hell of a super-ego back in college. Thinking she is Miss. High & Mighty with her dream of stardom and fame set forth in LA. When nerdy Henry Stone asks her out, she rejects him with the flick of her wrists… well, it’s more than that! Now, 7 years later, LA in her rearview mirror, Max is back in NYC looking for work. Thanks to her sister in law she becomes a housekeeper/nanny and her first assignment is to non-other… Henry Stone himself!
She can’t believe it! The nerd from college has done well... a little too well. His son Lucien keeps her on her toes throughout her days, she never thought life would land her in this position.
In due time, Henry helps Max overcome her obstacles and Max learns about trust and friendship, especially through a very wise Lucien. Feelings become a little too real for both and the chemistry blossoms, but Max must face her past before she moves towards her future.
Henry & Me is a wonderful feel good romance. Max was so kind, thoughtful and passionate and the way he treated Max with so much heart was… just… swoon-worthy! I liked how we saw Max fall from high to low and was able to pick herself up again. Within the book there were a couple of meaningful messages that I believe readers can relate too. This was truly an enjoyable read, I would recommend this book to those who need a great book for the summer!
5 Stars
Henry & Me by Sasha Clinton is a lighthearted second chance romance with a wisecrack of a 9 year old boy who knows too much for his own good! I enjoyed this book immensely.
Max had one hell of a super-ego back in college. Thinking she is Miss. High & Mighty with her dream of stardom and fame set forth in LA. When nerdy Henry Stone asks her out, she rejects him with the flick of her wrists… well, it’s more than that! Now, 7 years later, LA in her rearview mirror, Max is back in NYC looking for work. Thanks to her sister in law she becomes a housekeeper/nanny and her first assignment is to non-other… Henry Stone himself!
She can’t believe it! The nerd from college has done well... a little too well. His son Lucien keeps her on her toes throughout her days, she never thought life would land her in this position.
In due time, Henry helps Max overcome her obstacles and Max learns about trust and friendship, especially through a very wise Lucien. Feelings become a little too real for both and the chemistry blossoms, but Max must face her past before she moves towards her future.
Henry & Me is a wonderful feel good romance. Max was so kind, thoughtful and passionate and the way he treated Max with so much heart was… just… swoon-worthy! I liked how we saw Max fall from high to low and was able to pick herself up again. Within the book there were a couple of meaningful messages that I believe readers can relate too. This was truly an enjoyable read, I would recommend this book to those who need a great book for the summer!
5 Stars
June 22, 2017
3.5 stars!
I really liked the premise of this book. However, I felt disconnected from Max a little. When the book opens, I found myself hard pressed to like her. That changed as the book progressed, but I still wasn't fully able to get on the Max train. My feelings regarding Henry are also weird. When we first meet Henry, he's no where near meeting the physical descriptors most heroes do. But I hated the way he was callously hurt.
When Max and Henry meet again, things are different. Both Max and Henry are different and I enjoyed seeing them be around each other under their new circumstances. Both of them likable as adults. However I was a little confused. Sasha Clinton kept changing descriptors when it came to Henry. At first he'd filled out a little, then he was built like the typical hero, and then was later described as still being lean with a hint of muscle. The multiple descriptors kept throwing off the mental image of Henry I'd created.
Other than that, the book is both funny and sweet. The humor is provided in a large part by Henry's nephew, who is a precocious nine year old. The sweet came from Max and Henry trying to figure out their feelings for one another and dealing with trauma from Max's romantic past. I also loved Ji-ae and Cooper, Max's sister-in-law and brother.
This is my first book by Sasha Clinton. I feel like she has a lot of promise and talent. I would definitely read her again. If you're looking for a second chance romance with lots of potential, laughter, and romance, I'd check this one out!
I really liked the premise of this book. However, I felt disconnected from Max a little. When the book opens, I found myself hard pressed to like her. That changed as the book progressed, but I still wasn't fully able to get on the Max train. My feelings regarding Henry are also weird. When we first meet Henry, he's no where near meeting the physical descriptors most heroes do. But I hated the way he was callously hurt.
When Max and Henry meet again, things are different. Both Max and Henry are different and I enjoyed seeing them be around each other under their new circumstances. Both of them likable as adults. However I was a little confused. Sasha Clinton kept changing descriptors when it came to Henry. At first he'd filled out a little, then he was built like the typical hero, and then was later described as still being lean with a hint of muscle. The multiple descriptors kept throwing off the mental image of Henry I'd created.
Other than that, the book is both funny and sweet. The humor is provided in a large part by Henry's nephew, who is a precocious nine year old. The sweet came from Max and Henry trying to figure out their feelings for one another and dealing with trauma from Max's romantic past. I also loved Ji-ae and Cooper, Max's sister-in-law and brother.
This is my first book by Sasha Clinton. I feel like she has a lot of promise and talent. I would definitely read her again. If you're looking for a second chance romance with lots of potential, laughter, and romance, I'd check this one out!
July 4, 2017
Henry & Me is a wonderfully written RomCom that will warm your heart just as much as it makes you chuckle. It brings you through the years of Henry and Max, from their first meeting and her shooting down his request for a date because he was a nerd and she was beautiful and going to be a star. But the future is not set in stone and you know how things usually end up with nerds, right?!?!?! Yea...that happens too!
The characters are well written and quite loveable, especially the little precocious Lucian, Henry's 9 year old nephew who is cunning, smart and gives Max a run for her money. Henry, well yes he's a nerd, but he is now a successful and wealthy nerd who has grown into his own (and into his body) and is quite handsome. Max still has her beauty, she's smart (but not Henry kinda of smart...or Lucian for that matter as he reminds her quite often how stupid she is). But her dreams were ruined by the guy she was living with and now she lives with her brother and his wife and needs to get a job to get out of their house. And this is where things take a turn and really get interesting, in both their lives.
This story will have smiling, laughing, frowning, and irritate you a bit at times, but when all is said and done, you will smile and smile big!
Lovely story and I highly recommend this book!
The characters are well written and quite loveable, especially the little precocious Lucian, Henry's 9 year old nephew who is cunning, smart and gives Max a run for her money. Henry, well yes he's a nerd, but he is now a successful and wealthy nerd who has grown into his own (and into his body) and is quite handsome. Max still has her beauty, she's smart (but not Henry kinda of smart...or Lucian for that matter as he reminds her quite often how stupid she is). But her dreams were ruined by the guy she was living with and now she lives with her brother and his wife and needs to get a job to get out of their house. And this is where things take a turn and really get interesting, in both their lives.
This story will have smiling, laughing, frowning, and irritate you a bit at times, but when all is said and done, you will smile and smile big!
Lovely story and I highly recommend this book!
April 20, 2022
This book was a light and uplifting read, but it also had a couple of raw and emotional moments. I enjoy the do over trope and this one was executed very well. I was relieved to see that Henry didn't hire Max with the sole intention of getting back at her for the humiliation she put him through, but rather he opted for giving her a second chance and wanted to get to know the person she became over the years.
While I enjoyed the romance between the MCs a lot, it was Max's relation with Lucien that truly brought me joy. I liked their friendly banter and how in many ways they were there for each other in some difficult moments. His bold and quirky comments introduced a bit of playfulness to the book and made me smile a couple of times.
The ending (before the epilogue) felt a bit rushed/unfinished, as if it ended in the middle of a scene. But it didn't bother me as much as the epilogue did a nice job of wrapping up everyone's storylines.
A copy of the book was generously provided by the author in return for my honest review
While I enjoyed the romance between the MCs a lot, it was Max's relation with Lucien that truly brought me joy. I liked their friendly banter and how in many ways they were there for each other in some difficult moments. His bold and quirky comments introduced a bit of playfulness to the book and made me smile a couple of times.
The ending (before the epilogue) felt a bit rushed/unfinished, as if it ended in the middle of a scene. But it didn't bother me as much as the epilogue did a nice job of wrapping up everyone's storylines.
A copy of the book was generously provided by the author in return for my honest review
September 1, 2017
My third one by this author and definitely my favorite!
"AWWWWWW" that's what I was saying out loud after only two pages And the more I read the more I loved it! I love when you start reading a book and right away you are hooked and you can't put it down. That's what happened - It was love at first read!
Excellent character development. Oh how I loved Henry and Max... and Lucian (who was a brat at first but totally won my heart). OK and when I say I loved Max... I didn't love her at first. She was a stuck up snob. But she truly grew on me, she humbled herself and I fell in love with her. There are two different relationships going on - Max & Henry and Max & Lucian, and I loved them both equally. I loved watching these two relationships grow.
This was a wonderful sweet story - perfection!
I liked the other two stories I read by this author - In My Arms Tonight
and Love Me Like You Do. But this one took the cake!
This is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author Sasha Clinton - Thank You!
"AWWWWWW" that's what I was saying out loud after only two pages And the more I read the more I loved it! I love when you start reading a book and right away you are hooked and you can't put it down. That's what happened - It was love at first read!
Excellent character development. Oh how I loved Henry and Max... and Lucian (who was a brat at first but totally won my heart). OK and when I say I loved Max... I didn't love her at first. She was a stuck up snob. But she truly grew on me, she humbled herself and I fell in love with her. There are two different relationships going on - Max & Henry and Max & Lucian, and I loved them both equally. I loved watching these two relationships grow.
This was a wonderful sweet story - perfection!
I liked the other two stories I read by this author - In My Arms Tonight
and Love Me Like You Do. But this one took the cake!
This is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author Sasha Clinton - Thank You!
June 19, 2017
***4.5 Stars!***
"You shouldn't judge people so quickly," ~ Henry Stone
"And you shouldn't dream the impossible dreams of dating me," ~ Maxima 'Max' Anderson
You can say she's one high maintenance kinda girl? My heart just broke when she said no to Henry cos he was a nerd! I absolutely adore Henry, he's got some balls in asking her out on a date & only to get rejected....
Fast forward 8 years..... Max isn't living the life she was thinking ever since she was in college, learning some home truths in life along the way. Henry clearly came up on top of the world - right? Here's me thinking yeah that's karma! lol
I don't post spoilers as I prefer the element of surprise in how the story follows.... But I can honestly say I really enjoyed reading Henry & Max's story.
Oh, Henry's little nephew - OMG I love him! And his wit, God he's so funny & a genius too!!!
The best part is that this is the first book I've read written by this author - guess what??? Not going to be my last!
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
"You shouldn't judge people so quickly," ~ Henry Stone
"And you shouldn't dream the impossible dreams of dating me," ~ Maxima 'Max' Anderson
You can say she's one high maintenance kinda girl? My heart just broke when she said no to Henry cos he was a nerd! I absolutely adore Henry, he's got some balls in asking her out on a date & only to get rejected....
Fast forward 8 years..... Max isn't living the life she was thinking ever since she was in college, learning some home truths in life along the way. Henry clearly came up on top of the world - right? Here's me thinking yeah that's karma! lol
I don't post spoilers as I prefer the element of surprise in how the story follows.... But I can honestly say I really enjoyed reading Henry & Max's story.
Oh, Henry's little nephew - OMG I love him! And his wit, God he's so funny & a genius too!!!
The best part is that this is the first book I've read written by this author - guess what??? Not going to be my last!
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 5, 2017
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Henry & Me focuses on Max who is a big star in college who thought she was destined for stardom, so when Henry a geeky stage hand asked her out she made sure he knew his place. Now 6 years later it is Max’s dreams never came true. She is currently living with her brother and sister-in-law waiting to find a new passion in life. Her sister-in-law is sick of waiting, so she takes it upon herself to find her a part-time housekeeping and nanny job for a rich man on the upper west side. Max has no desire to clean someone’s house, but how can she refuse. However when this man turns out to be no one other than Henry the geek she turned down in college, Max wants to show him that she has become a better person than she was in the past. This journey for her to find herself again leads her to face her own demons and also find love in the last place she thought she would.
Clinton writes an amazing second chance romance that brings hope to the little guy. Have you ever wanted a do over for being a horrible person or for the one that got away. Clinton wrote that type of story for Max and Henry. Not only did Henry get his chance to make Max fall in love with again, but Max also got her chance to show Henry that she was not that horrible person. Both characters had the time to grow up while they were apart, but they were brought together by fate again for some reason. This is not an insta-love story, both characters have had heartache and issues they have to work through. Even once they have their moment, they still must fight in order to get their happily ever after. Clinton does an amazing job of making this love story seem realistic while also keeping all of us engaged during the entire story. Henry and Max both had to grow up in order to understand the other and their motivations, but it will take a lot of work in order for them to obtain that happily ever after that they both so desperately want with one another.
Clinton has written us an amazing summer read that shows us that second chances don’t come easy. Nothing that is worth having comes easy, but sometimes if you work hard for what you want and wait patiently it will find you when you least expect it.
Henry & Me focuses on Max who is a big star in college who thought she was destined for stardom, so when Henry a geeky stage hand asked her out she made sure he knew his place. Now 6 years later it is Max’s dreams never came true. She is currently living with her brother and sister-in-law waiting to find a new passion in life. Her sister-in-law is sick of waiting, so she takes it upon herself to find her a part-time housekeeping and nanny job for a rich man on the upper west side. Max has no desire to clean someone’s house, but how can she refuse. However when this man turns out to be no one other than Henry the geek she turned down in college, Max wants to show him that she has become a better person than she was in the past. This journey for her to find herself again leads her to face her own demons and also find love in the last place she thought she would.
Clinton writes an amazing second chance romance that brings hope to the little guy. Have you ever wanted a do over for being a horrible person or for the one that got away. Clinton wrote that type of story for Max and Henry. Not only did Henry get his chance to make Max fall in love with again, but Max also got her chance to show Henry that she was not that horrible person. Both characters had the time to grow up while they were apart, but they were brought together by fate again for some reason. This is not an insta-love story, both characters have had heartache and issues they have to work through. Even once they have their moment, they still must fight in order to get their happily ever after. Clinton does an amazing job of making this love story seem realistic while also keeping all of us engaged during the entire story. Henry and Max both had to grow up in order to understand the other and their motivations, but it will take a lot of work in order for them to obtain that happily ever after that they both so desperately want with one another.
Clinton has written us an amazing summer read that shows us that second chances don’t come easy. Nothing that is worth having comes easy, but sometimes if you work hard for what you want and wait patiently it will find you when you least expect it.
June 19, 2017
Cute story about karma and making things right again....
Max was the it girl in college. She was lead in all the plays at Harvard (all I was thinking was who goes to Harvard for acting!?!?!?)... when geeky Henry asks he out, she was mean and rude. WAY mean, WAY rude... and now 10 years later, Max is now desperate for work, so she applies work for Max as him nanny and housecleaner... oh how times have turned.
I found the story very slow. The only thing that kept me reading was Henry's Lucien, who I enjoyed. His antics were funny.
I didn't really care for Max. She was not one of my favorite characters... she started out so mean, I couldn't shake it for the rest of the book.
Max was the it girl in college. She was lead in all the plays at Harvard (all I was thinking was who goes to Harvard for acting!?!?!?)... when geeky Henry asks he out, she was mean and rude. WAY mean, WAY rude... and now 10 years later, Max is now desperate for work, so she applies work for Max as him nanny and housecleaner... oh how times have turned.
I found the story very slow. The only thing that kept me reading was Henry's Lucien, who I enjoyed. His antics were funny.
I didn't really care for Max. She was not one of my favorite characters... she started out so mean, I couldn't shake it for the rest of the book.
June 20, 2017
Henry and Me is a very enjoyable book, this is a quick and very easy read, its lighthearted but does touch on some serious issues.
Lucian was such a perfect support charter and i would love to read a book with him as the main focus he added a little laughter into all his scene.
Such a good feel good book, would happily re-read
Lucian was such a perfect support charter and i would love to read a book with him as the main focus he added a little laughter into all his scene.
Such a good feel good book, would happily re-read
July 13, 2017
I was given a copy for an honest review.
I liked the second chance romance in the book and the fact that they find their HEA. I just found the heroine a bit dim for someone who went to Harvard. But it's my personal preference to have a witty strong heroine in a book.
The story is sweet and it briefly touches on PTSD after an abusive relationship.
I would recommend the read definitely.
I liked the second chance romance in the book and the fact that they find their HEA. I just found the heroine a bit dim for someone who went to Harvard. But it's my personal preference to have a witty strong heroine in a book.
The story is sweet and it briefly touches on PTSD after an abusive relationship.
I would recommend the read definitely.
July 17, 2017
Henry & Me is a book that I couldn't stop reading. The book arrived and I devoured Sasha Clinton's gem of a story. Henry & Me captured my heart.
July 8, 2017
I got this book a bit after 6am and I have now finished reading it at 10am.
Really, really enjoyed this book. Fast and light read.
Let's just say I would marry Henry if I wasn't married myself!!
Get this book, read it and you will enjoy it.
Really, really enjoyed this book. Fast and light read.
Let's just say I would marry Henry if I wasn't married myself!!
Get this book, read it and you will enjoy it.
September 3, 2022
1,5⭐️
This book was so bad it doesn’t even need a review so yeah just no
This book was so bad it doesn’t even need a review so yeah just no
July 8, 2017
Henry Stone gets an interesting first impression from Maxima “Max” Anderson. My first impression of her is that she’s a little self absorbed and superficial. Then it goes onto rude. It left me rooting for Henry – he came up with the perfect retort for her! I’m his cheering section. Max is a woman who seems to base her impressions on what a person looks like on the outside. But it almost doesn’t surprise me – especially because of what she’s like on the inside.
It didn’t take me long before I truly wanted to hate Max. She seemed to have the “I’m so much better than you” attitude. She’s definitely someone who would look down on me. If it weren’t for Henry and his nephew, I probably would have given up on her – as a lot of other people did. The times I liked her most was when she spent time with Lucien. I wouldn’t say he was a scene stealer but more of a scene enhancer.
Through the whole story, Max had me confused. Some of it might be the fact that in a way she’s confused too. Life isn’t cut and dry, it doesn’t come with a manual, and some people have to have things happen to them in order to learn what works and what we have to work on. We sometimes hold ourselves back because we’re afraid – afraid of the unknown. And life is the biggest unknown of them all. What makes Max is a good character is that she shows how really tough it is to learn.
Henry was great at showing perseverance. Although at times I felt he could do better and he was too good a man to go through the heartache but this is what makes this story so romantic. He had to be my favorite character with his nephew a close second. One thing the author does is show her readers that you don’t need a lot of sex in a story to have romance. But you do need the right male character for that to happen and she does have that here.
There were times that I really wanted to hate this story. Max just continually rubbed me the wrong way. But she has a sister-in-law that had me laughing. She was a great compliment to Max. The Epilogue made up for a lot of my feelings that I was having up to that point because it shows the reason that I kept on reading. Left me glad that I didn’t give up on her. Personally I like a story that somehow gets me involved – it’s one thing that keeps me turning the pages. I also like to see that second chances are possible when it comes to love.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
It didn’t take me long before I truly wanted to hate Max. She seemed to have the “I’m so much better than you” attitude. She’s definitely someone who would look down on me. If it weren’t for Henry and his nephew, I probably would have given up on her – as a lot of other people did. The times I liked her most was when she spent time with Lucien. I wouldn’t say he was a scene stealer but more of a scene enhancer.
Through the whole story, Max had me confused. Some of it might be the fact that in a way she’s confused too. Life isn’t cut and dry, it doesn’t come with a manual, and some people have to have things happen to them in order to learn what works and what we have to work on. We sometimes hold ourselves back because we’re afraid – afraid of the unknown. And life is the biggest unknown of them all. What makes Max is a good character is that she shows how really tough it is to learn.
Henry was great at showing perseverance. Although at times I felt he could do better and he was too good a man to go through the heartache but this is what makes this story so romantic. He had to be my favorite character with his nephew a close second. One thing the author does is show her readers that you don’t need a lot of sex in a story to have romance. But you do need the right male character for that to happen and she does have that here.
There were times that I really wanted to hate this story. Max just continually rubbed me the wrong way. But she has a sister-in-law that had me laughing. She was a great compliment to Max. The Epilogue made up for a lot of my feelings that I was having up to that point because it shows the reason that I kept on reading. Left me glad that I didn’t give up on her. Personally I like a story that somehow gets me involved – it’s one thing that keeps me turning the pages. I also like to see that second chances are possible when it comes to love.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 6, 2017
I am obsessive about finishing books even if I don't like them. In spite of this book being only 183 pages, I am shocked I managed to finish it. I also won this in a giveaway, so I felt obligated to read the entire book.
I think one of the biggest issues I had was with the main character, Max. Much worse, the book is from her point of view. This "person" was shallow, immature, and stupid. How she managed to get into Harvard is beyond me. Within the first half of the book, she resembled Evelyn Williams, or Elle Woods meets Patrick Bateman. By the end of the book, it was impossible to imagine her as anything other than Shelley from The House Bunny (but neither funny nor in any way likeable). I couldn't tell if this character was supposed to be funny or just an exaggeration. She was impossible to like. If the book had been written from another point of view and Max had been a minor character...maybe it could have worked.
The writing style was good, but the writing itself was often lacking. The dialogue was terrible. I'm not sure how many times I said "wow" incredulously. (Probably 8 billions times.) It was usually in response to Max's level of maturity, which is somewhere between a 12 year old and a 17 year old. There were also extremely awkward "romantic" scenes that made me cringe and feel uncomfortable.
The blurb on the back of the book is a little confusing. She mentions having "demons." I thought her demons would be an issue with addiction or mental health issues. Obviously, PTSD falls into the category of mental health issues, but "demons" just didn't sound right.
Lastly, we don't really get to know any other characters since the book is from her point of view. You don't learn much about Henry until the last 30 or so pages.
I don't know why I'm giving this as much as 2 stars. Perhaps the writing style saved it a little. The author knows HOW to write. This book just wasn't for me.
I think one of the biggest issues I had was with the main character, Max. Much worse, the book is from her point of view. This "person" was shallow, immature, and stupid. How she managed to get into Harvard is beyond me. Within the first half of the book, she resembled Evelyn Williams, or Elle Woods meets Patrick Bateman. By the end of the book, it was impossible to imagine her as anything other than Shelley from The House Bunny (but neither funny nor in any way likeable). I couldn't tell if this character was supposed to be funny or just an exaggeration. She was impossible to like. If the book had been written from another point of view and Max had been a minor character...maybe it could have worked.
The writing style was good, but the writing itself was often lacking. The dialogue was terrible. I'm not sure how many times I said "wow" incredulously. (Probably 8 billions times.) It was usually in response to Max's level of maturity, which is somewhere between a 12 year old and a 17 year old. There were also extremely awkward "romantic" scenes that made me cringe and feel uncomfortable.
The blurb on the back of the book is a little confusing. She mentions having "demons." I thought her demons would be an issue with addiction or mental health issues. Obviously, PTSD falls into the category of mental health issues, but "demons" just didn't sound right.
Lastly, we don't really get to know any other characters since the book is from her point of view. You don't learn much about Henry until the last 30 or so pages.
I don't know why I'm giving this as much as 2 stars. Perhaps the writing style saved it a little. The author knows HOW to write. This book just wasn't for me.
December 23, 2017
Gotta say, this was cute. I marked this book as reading a week ago but didn't start it until today and finished it today. It's a light quick read.
Maxima Anderson, a twenty year old aspiring actress is practicing her winning Oscar speech when Henry stone asks her out only to get rejected by her, because why would someone as beautiful, talented and popular as herself go out with a spotty, scrawny nerd like him?
Eight years later, Max is unemployed, having given up on her chances to become an actress due to past demons she still has yet to face. When her sister-in-law finds her a job working as a housekeeper/babysitter little did she know that she'd be working for none other than Henry Stone himself, and soon finds herself falling for him. But nothing comes without its complications.
So Max was obviously a very selfish and shallow person years ago, although she's changed over the years. She's actually hilarious most of the time but has her inner struggles and issues which it delves into and addresses at crucial moments and also how she overcomes these issues as well.
Henry isn't your typical charming, dashing, romantic guy. He's still his nerdy self but an adorable nerd and he's got an endearing quality to his character. I liked him. I liked the both of them together. They just suited. He was so patient with Max when she was being a bit of a pain, thinking he won't understand her, bless him.
And Lucien, the nephew of Henry, is a nine-year-old riot and I adored his relationship with Max and his smartass comments.
This was an enjoyable read, and I did really feel for both Max and Henry and was so happy when they got the happy ending they deserved. And loved that Max was still heading towards her dream, with Henry encouraging her.
Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maxima Anderson, a twenty year old aspiring actress is practicing her winning Oscar speech when Henry stone asks her out only to get rejected by her, because why would someone as beautiful, talented and popular as herself go out with a spotty, scrawny nerd like him?
Eight years later, Max is unemployed, having given up on her chances to become an actress due to past demons she still has yet to face. When her sister-in-law finds her a job working as a housekeeper/babysitter little did she know that she'd be working for none other than Henry Stone himself, and soon finds herself falling for him. But nothing comes without its complications.
So Max was obviously a very selfish and shallow person years ago, although she's changed over the years. She's actually hilarious most of the time but has her inner struggles and issues which it delves into and addresses at crucial moments and also how she overcomes these issues as well.
Henry isn't your typical charming, dashing, romantic guy. He's still his nerdy self but an adorable nerd and he's got an endearing quality to his character. I liked him. I liked the both of them together. They just suited. He was so patient with Max when she was being a bit of a pain, thinking he won't understand her, bless him.
And Lucien, the nephew of Henry, is a nine-year-old riot and I adored his relationship with Max and his smartass comments.
This was an enjoyable read, and I did really feel for both Max and Henry and was so happy when they got the happy ending they deserved. And loved that Max was still heading towards her dream, with Henry encouraging her.
Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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