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Bashful
Callie Miller loves drama. As a theatre major, that’s a given. It’s hard to date in the theatre department when all the guys are either taken or gay—like her best friend and longtime crush. When Callie becomes the lead in the biggest production of the year, she realizes she has no time for love. Until Sebastian “Bash” Moore reenters her life, stage left. He left everything behind three years ago to chase his dreams. But his heart remained at home, tied to memories of a tiny blonde with a flair for the dramatics—on and off the stage. Bash is determined to become her leading man, and he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone and win her love. Only, it might not be so easy. Callie Miller might love drama, but she’s out to protect her heart…
Unknown Binding
First published March 29, 2018
260 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Lo Brynolf
3 books414 followersLo Brynolf was born and raised in southeast Michigan. A lover of all things creative, she spent the majority of her life singing and acting before settling down with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 29, 2018
*3.5 stars*
This book was so cute! It was funny and had the right amount of feels. I really liked Callie and Bash. I enjoyed the whole theater scene (actors can be so dramatic lol) and how Callie and Bash got their second chance.
Callie was very relatable. She's funny, a good friend and hardworking. Sebastian (Bash) was great too! He's a gentleman and a good guy. I was rooting for them from the start but they were pretty oblivious about each others feelings. I was so happy when they finally got together.
Overall this was a sweet, fun, witty second chance romance and a good debut novel by Lo Brynolf. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
This book was so cute! It was funny and had the right amount of feels. I really liked Callie and Bash. I enjoyed the whole theater scene (actors can be so dramatic lol) and how Callie and Bash got their second chance.
Callie was very relatable. She's funny, a good friend and hardworking. Sebastian (Bash) was great too! He's a gentleman and a good guy. I was rooting for them from the start but they were pretty oblivious about each others feelings. I was so happy when they finally got together.
Overall this was a sweet, fun, witty second chance romance and a good debut novel by Lo Brynolf. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
February 20, 2018
Bashful is fun and flirty with just the right amount of feels. I am so impressed by Lo's debut novel. The characters are so well developed. I feel like I could be friends with them in real life. The dialogue is realistic and witty. I just loved it! Bravo, Lo! So proud of you!
April 6, 2018
The Good.
This debut by Ms. Brynolf has some cute moments for Callie and Bash (aka Sebastian), and their long running misunderstanding-laden relationship. I have a soft spot for actor romances, and I’ve enjoyed several young actors in love stories. That they’re theater kids falling in love, well I was prepared for some melo to come with that drama. They’re both navigating their feelings and their school play after an extended time apart while Bash went to Great Britain to study abroad for a couple of years. I liked their set of friends and the general college vibe was genuine. While there’s a fairly serious subplot involving a professor, the overall tone is very young and light, and funny.
The Bad.
Without major spoilers, I have to say the biggest issue I had with this story is the big misunderstanding could have been resolved with one question. One. Allegedly, Callie and Bash are “best friends” but the reader is never allowed into that friendship except on the surface. Any opportunity for some dialogue, real conversations to show their connection is glossed over in favor of focusing on the “impossible” longing for Bash. Callie had deeper discussions with her friend Evie than Bash.
It was frustrating and not in the good way. The answer was way too simple and the author never gives a good explanation as to why Callie had gotten the impression she had in the first place. It didn’t make sense emotionally, and there’s not alot of time that passes until it’s pretty much pushed aside and just ignored in favor of the HEA, which made it less than satisfactory.
Also, the story could have been so much better if the reader had been given time in Bash’s head way, way earlier. At least the misunderstanding could have, perhaps, made more sense, or at least given a solid basis for Calie’s impression, so that the reader doesn’t heap all the blame on Callie.
Everything in Between
As I said earlier, the new adult setting, as well as the fact that they’re actors with a tendency towards the dramatic made the constant lack of communication understandable to an extent, even if I was very frustrated.
It’s cute and funny at times, but I really struggled with the misunderstanding being so easy to dispel and that it dragged on for way, way too long. There are moments throughout that I enjoyed, so I wouldn’t be adverse to checking out this author in the future, even if this particular story didn’t quite work for me.
**ARC provided by author for review**
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March 29, 2018
Bashful was a fun debut novel, one of those stories that sucks you in from the start until the end, leaving you turning pages at a rapid pace, unable to put the book down. There is no doubt I’ll be looking to read more Lo Brynolf in the future, as I’m interested in seeing what the author brings us next (and a small part of me hopes some of the future books will include side characters from this one).
There is no way to describe this book other than addictive – I was addicted to it from the very first chapter. I was sucked into the story by the possibilities, and the more I read the deeper I was sucked in. With great characters, a bit of humour, and plenty of angst and drama, this one has all you could hope for from a fun new adult romance. Honestly, I could spend a lot of time writing about how addictive this story was, but my words will not do the story justice.
The one thing I was disappointed by was the humour. I was of the belief this was to be a rom-com. Although there were a few chuckle worthy lines throughout this, I would not label it a rom-com. There were a couple of times where the book seemed to make an attempt to lean towards such a label, but those moments felt forced. It was much better when there were naturally funny lines thrown in, rather than the occasional forced attempt to make it amusing. Had I not been made to believe this was a rom-com, though, I probably wouldn’t have picked up on this quite as much.
Overall the story is fun, the characters are entertaining, and the romance is great, making for a fabulous debut book.
There is no way to describe this book other than addictive – I was addicted to it from the very first chapter. I was sucked into the story by the possibilities, and the more I read the deeper I was sucked in. With great characters, a bit of humour, and plenty of angst and drama, this one has all you could hope for from a fun new adult romance. Honestly, I could spend a lot of time writing about how addictive this story was, but my words will not do the story justice.
The one thing I was disappointed by was the humour. I was of the belief this was to be a rom-com. Although there were a few chuckle worthy lines throughout this, I would not label it a rom-com. There were a couple of times where the book seemed to make an attempt to lean towards such a label, but those moments felt forced. It was much better when there were naturally funny lines thrown in, rather than the occasional forced attempt to make it amusing. Had I not been made to believe this was a rom-com, though, I probably wouldn’t have picked up on this quite as much.
Overall the story is fun, the characters are entertaining, and the romance is great, making for a fabulous debut book.
March 28, 2018
Bashful was a nice read.
Lo Brynolf debut novel was a win for me even if sometimes her writing and flow were still green but she has all the time to get better and better and I'll definitely want to read more of her future works.
I really liked the characters.
I'd like to have them as friends,they are the right mix of funny and sweet and smart and sassy.
Following Callie and Bash journey was interesting and entertaining but I won't disclose any spoiler because I don't want to ruin your reading experience.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 19, 2018
This book is adorable! I loved it!
To be honest this book really impressed me. This is the authors first book and she did a fantastic job, the writing is on point and the plot was great.I honestly couldnt tell this was written by a first time author. The book was fun, witty, and cute, and kept me smiling from beginning to end.
I really loved how easy it was to connect with these characters, they are super relateable. I absolutely adore Bash, and his and Callies friendship is too cute. I love these two together. This was just a super fun book and I can't wait to see what else is to come from this author.
I received and ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
To be honest this book really impressed me. This is the authors first book and she did a fantastic job, the writing is on point and the plot was great.I honestly couldnt tell this was written by a first time author. The book was fun, witty, and cute, and kept me smiling from beginning to end.
I really loved how easy it was to connect with these characters, they are super relateable. I absolutely adore Bash, and his and Callies friendship is too cute. I love these two together. This was just a super fun book and I can't wait to see what else is to come from this author.
I received and ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
March 28, 2018
Bashful is a great debut novel by Lo Brynolf! This is a college romantic comedy, was humorous albeit frustrating for me to read at time. I'm talking, I had full on reader rage at one point. This tends to be a problem for me when I read dual POV books and I know things that the other characters don't know.
I adored Bash! He is sweet and charming and protective. I felt awful for him because he was giving Callie mixed signals, but at the same time, he was pretty hot and cold himself. One of my favorite things about this story were the friendships that were built into Bashful, I felt like I actually knew the friends and families, they were so well developed.
No, let's discuss Callie. This girl. Gah. At some points I really liked her and then other times she made me want bash ;) my head into a wall. I just wanted her to open her freaking eyes. And drama, it says in the blurb that she loves drama, and that is so true! She was ALL ABOUT THE DRAMA. Which let's be honest, that holds true to most 21 year old girls.
Overall I was impressed with the writing of Bashful, it was a fun, quick read that was able to evoke all kinds of emotion from me and I would recommend to friends that love drama filled flirty books and I can't wait to see how Lo Brynolf will follow up Bashful.
I adored Bash! He is sweet and charming and protective. I felt awful for him because he was giving Callie mixed signals, but at the same time, he was pretty hot and cold himself. One of my favorite things about this story were the friendships that were built into Bashful, I felt like I actually knew the friends and families, they were so well developed.
No, let's discuss Callie. This girl. Gah. At some points I really liked her and then other times she made me want bash ;) my head into a wall. I just wanted her to open her freaking eyes. And drama, it says in the blurb that she loves drama, and that is so true! She was ALL ABOUT THE DRAMA. Which let's be honest, that holds true to most 21 year old girls.
Overall I was impressed with the writing of Bashful, it was a fun, quick read that was able to evoke all kinds of emotion from me and I would recommend to friends that love drama filled flirty books and I can't wait to see how Lo Brynolf will follow up Bashful.
March 4, 2018
Bash and Callie unique Second chance story was sweet loving funny and addicting.Entertaining from start to finish.Hopefully they'll be more of these 2.
March 7, 2018
This was Lo Brynolf's debut novel and I can't say enough good things about it. It was a fun, flirty read that kept me engaged throughout. Callie is gorgeous, fun, and always ready with a witty comeback. Sebastian (Bash) is model worthy, with washboard abs and a definite attraction to Callie, but how can that be if he's gay? The story was fresh, with great secondary characters and a depth that made me root for all of them. So excited for future books.
October 22, 2018
This was an amazing first novel! This was a second chance story that I loved. Callie and Bash were so damn cute you guys. (This is obviously going to be a review about me fangirling)
I loved the writing style and my goodness was this hilarious. There were so much humor and witty characters that I spent more time laughing than anything. I’ll leave a few quotes below.
Y'all, I’m in with love Lo Brynolf’s writing and I swear we need to be friends so she can make me laugh all the time! Not only were Callie and Bash great, but so were all the side characters! I loved Evie and I would love to see her get her own story.
The plot was good and not something that I’ve read before. I don’t want to talk too much about because I don’t want to give too much of the story away.
Overall, just know that I loved it and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
I received a copy for an honest review.
Quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication
I loved the writing style and my goodness was this hilarious. There were so much humor and witty characters that I spent more time laughing than anything. I’ll leave a few quotes below.
“Did he put ranch in your hidden valley?”
“His custard slinger was about to bust out of his jeans.”
Y'all, I’m in with love Lo Brynolf’s writing and I swear we need to be friends so she can make me laugh all the time! Not only were Callie and Bash great, but so were all the side characters! I loved Evie and I would love to see her get her own story.
The plot was good and not something that I’ve read before. I don’t want to talk too much about because I don’t want to give too much of the story away.
Overall, just know that I loved it and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
I received a copy for an honest review.
Quotes were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication
March 4, 2018
When I first started to read Bashful, I noticed that this is the author's first book and I felt a little apprehensive because lately the books I have been reviewing have left me super frustrated and some I have had to literally force myself to continue. So I didn't want to hate the book and have to tell a new author that I didn't like it. Um yeah, that isn't how it went down at all. Bashful was like breathing fresh air. The characters were amazing and relatable and you couldn't help but want to be apart of their group. The writing was ON POINT. She did an amazing job of pulling you into Callie's world and making it so you didn't want to leave. There is nothing about this book that I didn't like. It was just that great.
The plot was so unique and it hasn't been done ten thousand times in ten thousand different ways and I just loved it!
Meet Callie. Callie has been head over heels ( sneakers in her case) for her BFF Bash for three years. But it was never to be. Why? Because he is Gay. Just hasn't came out of the closet yet. He had also been in Europe for a few years, studying abroad but now he's back. Just in time to costar with her in a new play.
So are we going to do any Bash-bashing? I looked up a whole new set of curse words online just for this occasion. My personal favorites were, fucktrumpet and thundercunt, but I'm sure there are better ways to describe the way he treated you. -Evie ( Callie's BFF)
I had to learn to toughen up. The hurt was going to have to be channeled into other things. Like getting into character. Or figuring out Bash....
Despite knowing that Callie is in love with Bash, their friendship is so sweet and their banter is the most fun I have had reading in a long time. I have smiled so much while reading this book, my cheeks hurt!
" You took me to get murdered? Awesome. Did you bring the duct tape and the garbage bags or does Chet provide them for us?" Bash
" Wait so is that like your version of girl code? We don't steal each others guys, you don't steal each others fries?" Evie
Despite knowing Bash is gay, she gets a little confused when she felt like they were connecting, but she didn't know what to do. They were spending a lot of time together because of rehearsals and him needing the extra help running lines...
Those were the nights where we solidified our friendship, our connection more intense than anything I had ever felt. Those were the nights I fell a little bit in love with him, even though I knew it was wrong...
Ugh just a fantastic read! I loved every page. I devoured it in one sitting. I didn't move until it was over.
The plot was so unique and it hasn't been done ten thousand times in ten thousand different ways and I just loved it!
Meet Callie. Callie has been head over heels ( sneakers in her case) for her BFF Bash for three years. But it was never to be. Why? Because he is Gay. Just hasn't came out of the closet yet. He had also been in Europe for a few years, studying abroad but now he's back. Just in time to costar with her in a new play.
So are we going to do any Bash-bashing? I looked up a whole new set of curse words online just for this occasion. My personal favorites were, fucktrumpet and thundercunt, but I'm sure there are better ways to describe the way he treated you. -Evie ( Callie's BFF)
I had to learn to toughen up. The hurt was going to have to be channeled into other things. Like getting into character. Or figuring out Bash....
Despite knowing that Callie is in love with Bash, their friendship is so sweet and their banter is the most fun I have had reading in a long time. I have smiled so much while reading this book, my cheeks hurt!
" You took me to get murdered? Awesome. Did you bring the duct tape and the garbage bags or does Chet provide them for us?" Bash
" Wait so is that like your version of girl code? We don't steal each others guys, you don't steal each others fries?" Evie
Despite knowing Bash is gay, she gets a little confused when she felt like they were connecting, but she didn't know what to do. They were spending a lot of time together because of rehearsals and him needing the extra help running lines...
Those were the nights where we solidified our friendship, our connection more intense than anything I had ever felt. Those were the nights I fell a little bit in love with him, even though I knew it was wrong...
Ugh just a fantastic read! I loved every page. I devoured it in one sitting. I didn't move until it was over.
March 28, 2018
This was such a cute and funny read. Callie is such a relatable character. From her all around awkwardness to her bad luck with dating. Cause let's be real, any one who has jumped into the dating pool in the last 5 or so years has experienced at least one Tinder Jason. I think a lot of us can even relate to the unrequited love too. That is the piece that really drew me in. I felt for her and her struggle to deal with feelings that she couldn't control and was certain would never be returned. I loved the dynamic between her and the rest of her group. Every girl needs a Tucker and an Evie in their life. Bash was super sexy and sweet. It's easy to understand how hard and fast she fell for him. In all its funny, awkward and sweet moments it does have it's serious spots. One of them being the issue of sexual harassment/assault being committed by a person in a position of power. With the fight against these situations being such a huge movement right now it could be difficult to broach this subject in a story line. But Lo did an amazing job with these scenes. While it's not the focus of the book I feel like it was a pretty significant moment for these characters. I enjoyed Bashful from beginning to end. It's one I will be sure to share with my book club. I look forward to reading more from Lo Brynolf in the future.
March 5, 2018
Great debut novel by this author!
I loved the premise of the "relationship" between Callie & Bash and her crush on him. The banter between them is excellent and both characters are so realistic and believable. Evie is a hoot and Tucker was also a great supporting character! Hopefully we will see more of them in books to come (HINT HINT!!).
Not your typical love story, but I loved following their path and seeing where it took them. Fun, flirty, but enough serious that it was realistic. You could really feel Callie's emotions throughout the book.
Will definitely be looking for more from Lo!
I loved the premise of the "relationship" between Callie & Bash and her crush on him. The banter between them is excellent and both characters are so realistic and believable. Evie is a hoot and Tucker was also a great supporting character! Hopefully we will see more of them in books to come (HINT HINT!!).
Not your typical love story, but I loved following their path and seeing where it took them. Fun, flirty, but enough serious that it was realistic. You could really feel Callie's emotions throughout the book.
Will definitely be looking for more from Lo!
March 20, 2018
Bashful is the type of book that effortlessly seams sweet and sassy together and has you falling in love with it! Callie and Bash's story is so sweet and weird. Lol. I love Callie. She's confident, weird, sassy, and talented. Then we have Bash who is sexy, sweet, witty, and fun. Throw in Evie and Tucker as the best friends and you have the best romcom! Callie has been in love with Bash for three years now. He's her best friend and he's also gay. Bash returns from studying abroad in England and gives Callie some pretty mixed signals. I don't know how she didn't explode from the sexual tension they leaked. Between best friends, landing the lead roles in their play, bad dates, and pervy guys you are taken on a hilarious and flirty ride.
I laughed and swooned. I love how Callie embraces her weirdness and shrugs off everyone else. I kinda want her as my new best friend, sorry Britt. She is hilarious and so witty. The relationship between her and Bash was a fun one. The banter between the two of them was funny. The writing kept me engaged and lost to the world around me. Bashful is a hilarious romp that teaches you not to make snap judgements. You could be wrong and miss out on something great!
I laughed and swooned. I love how Callie embraces her weirdness and shrugs off everyone else. I kinda want her as my new best friend, sorry Britt. She is hilarious and so witty. The relationship between her and Bash was a fun one. The banter between the two of them was funny. The writing kept me engaged and lost to the world around me. Bashful is a hilarious romp that teaches you not to make snap judgements. You could be wrong and miss out on something great!
March 29, 2018
Bashful by Lo Brynolf was a nice surprise. It was a fun and sexy second chance romance. This is the author’s first novel and I truly enjoyed it. The story was creative and enjoyable, and I loved the characters and the story so much!
Callie and Bash were just such great characters. Callie has been in love with her best friend for years, but it seemed like it was never to be. He was gone for a few years, but now he is back. Bash was just so sweet. And now they are both cast as the leads in an upcoming play. I must say I really enjoyed how Bash and Callie’s friendship and banter.
Their chemistry was off the charts, even when they did not see it. There was drama, laughs, and feels all around. Callie tries so hard to move past her feelings, but when Bash starts to give her mixed feelings, she knows she must protect her heart.
Bashful was such a great read and I truly enjoyed it. It had great characters, made my laugh and truly got lost in the story. I am so excited to see what other stories Lo Brynolf will bring us in the future.
4.5 stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Callie and Bash were just such great characters. Callie has been in love with her best friend for years, but it seemed like it was never to be. He was gone for a few years, but now he is back. Bash was just so sweet. And now they are both cast as the leads in an upcoming play. I must say I really enjoyed how Bash and Callie’s friendship and banter.
Their chemistry was off the charts, even when they did not see it. There was drama, laughs, and feels all around. Callie tries so hard to move past her feelings, but when Bash starts to give her mixed feelings, she knows she must protect her heart.
Bashful was such a great read and I truly enjoyed it. It had great characters, made my laugh and truly got lost in the story. I am so excited to see what other stories Lo Brynolf will bring us in the future.
4.5 stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
March 4, 2018
Oh Lo! Im so excited that you trusted me to read your debut novel before it hits the shelves. It was such a poignant, flirty, sexy and beautiful story. I fell in love with Callie and Bash on page one. I cannot wait to watch everyone else fall in love with these characters. Here's to many more of your fabulous novels 🍾🍾🍾
March 4, 2018
I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book and truly loved the story of Callie and Bash. It was a sweet tale of second chance love.
March 23, 2018
I love this book so hard! I really can’t believe this is Lo’s first book, it’s written very well and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope Lo has another book in the works, I need more of her writing! I loved Callie and Bash but my favorite character has got to be Evie. Some of the things she said had me laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. I think she needs her own book.
March 20, 2018
Wow what an amazing book. You wouldn’t know, but it’s Lo’s first book. I loved all the characters, my favorite was probably Evie, Callie’s BFF. She had some good quotes and advice. There were twists that I didn’t see coming and the book lead up to a great explosive ending. I laughed mostly through this book, felt as though this story could fit anyone. A lot of people don’t speak up or ask questions, just assume, and that doesn’t help Callie. You have to speak up for what you believe in. Gotta love Bash for his patience. Go read to find out why!
March 23, 2018
bashful is a fun, sweet, quirky romance that had you falling in love with the characters. It had the right amount of feels that got you. It will have you until you reach the end.....
March 21, 2018
Lo Brynolf delivers a quirky, funny, adorable debut with Bashful. This quick, sweet read is full of knee-slapping one-liners and characters that will stay in your heart long after you read “The End.”
March 28, 2018
3.0 ☆☆☆
Even tho I liked this book over all i found myself skimming over it quit a bit. There were parts that were just too detailed for my liking. But the story was cute and the writing was done well. I would read other things by this author as I'm sure her talents will only improve from here. Congrats on your first book!!
Even tho I liked this book over all i found myself skimming over it quit a bit. There were parts that were just too detailed for my liking. But the story was cute and the writing was done well. I would read other things by this author as I'm sure her talents will only improve from here. Congrats on your first book!!
March 8, 2018
The blurb caught my eye. *To be in love with your gay best friend*
This is a short read, but it did take me a bit long than normal. Not sure if it was the subject, writing, or just life happening that kept me from devouring this.
You can tell almost from the get go that Bash and Callie are lacking in the communication department. Callie come across as immature (lack of talking things out and often running away). I didn't even get the impression that Bash *was* her best friend. I thought it was Tucker (which she inconstantly blew off).
I did find Tinder Jordan to be a fun addition.
It really took off for me once we got to Bash's POV. But then it ended quickly. The wrap up was swift and while it did give a good HEA, it felt rushed.
I'd rate this more 3.5-3.75
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.~
This is a short read, but it did take me a bit long than normal. Not sure if it was the subject, writing, or just life happening that kept me from devouring this.
You can tell almost from the get go that Bash and Callie are lacking in the communication department. Callie come across as immature (lack of talking things out and often running away). I didn't even get the impression that Bash *was* her best friend. I thought it was Tucker (which she inconstantly blew off).
I did find Tinder Jordan to be a fun addition.
It really took off for me once we got to Bash's POV. But then it ended quickly. The wrap up was swift and while it did give a good HEA, it felt rushed.
I'd rate this more 3.5-3.75
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.~
March 9, 2018
This is the first book for Lo Brynolf and it was really good. Miscommunication will lead you down the wrong path. Callie thought Bash was gay and kept giving her mixed signals. She fell in love with him but didn't want to set herself up for failure. Bash was awesome. He came back into Callie's life after being away for a few years. They had a lot of chemistry on and off the stage.
March 27, 2018
Some people are just inherently funny...humor and wit come as naturally to them as breathing. Lo Brynolf is one of those people.
Bashful is an expertly crafted story that will have you LOL-ing late into the night.
Bashful is an expertly crafted story that will have you LOL-ing late into the night.
March 30, 2018
Release Date: March 29, 2018
BLURB: Callie Miller loves drama. As a theatre major, that’s a given.
It’s hard to date in the theatre department when all the guys are either taken or gay—like her best friend and longtime crush.
When Callie becomes the lead in the biggest production of the year, she realizes she has no time for love.
Until Sebastian “Bash” Moore reenters her life, stage left.
He left everything behind three years ago to chase his dreams. But his heart remained at home, tied to memories of a tiny blonde with a flair for the dramatics—on and off the stage.
Bash is determined to become her leading man, and he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone and win her love. Only, it might not be so easy.
Callie Miller might love drama, but she’s out to protect her heart…
Thoughts: What an interesting and enjoyable new adult read with a twist on the 'friends to lovers' theme! New adult is typically kind of touch and go for me, with the characters sometimes so immature that the young adult characters who are younger are more aged and mature! I felt like the author struck a good balance in this area - the characters were young and it showed, but an appropriate level of young for the age group they represent. I didn't agree with Bash knowing he had feelings for Callie but still spending his years away from her hooking up with other women, but that's a whole other thing and one of my own personal dislikes. Bottom line - does it fit in with the characters, the age level, and potentially be realistic behavior? Yes, so I managed to overlook it...:)
I LOVE the friends to lovers theme, but I can honestly say that I have never read one in which the heroine believes for the majority of the book - and has a crush on - the hero who she thinks is gay! I would have liked to have known more about what actually led her to think that in the first place, but nevertheless it certainly added an interesting element to it, and I give the author major props for maintaining a balance with that and still managing to write in great chemistry and intimate moments between these characters. Exceptionally well done!
Grade: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
BLURB: Callie Miller loves drama. As a theatre major, that’s a given.
It’s hard to date in the theatre department when all the guys are either taken or gay—like her best friend and longtime crush.
When Callie becomes the lead in the biggest production of the year, she realizes she has no time for love.
Until Sebastian “Bash” Moore reenters her life, stage left.
He left everything behind three years ago to chase his dreams. But his heart remained at home, tied to memories of a tiny blonde with a flair for the dramatics—on and off the stage.
Bash is determined to become her leading man, and he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone and win her love. Only, it might not be so easy.
Callie Miller might love drama, but she’s out to protect her heart…
Thoughts: What an interesting and enjoyable new adult read with a twist on the 'friends to lovers' theme! New adult is typically kind of touch and go for me, with the characters sometimes so immature that the young adult characters who are younger are more aged and mature! I felt like the author struck a good balance in this area - the characters were young and it showed, but an appropriate level of young for the age group they represent. I didn't agree with Bash knowing he had feelings for Callie but still spending his years away from her hooking up with other women, but that's a whole other thing and one of my own personal dislikes. Bottom line - does it fit in with the characters, the age level, and potentially be realistic behavior? Yes, so I managed to overlook it...:)
I LOVE the friends to lovers theme, but I can honestly say that I have never read one in which the heroine believes for the majority of the book - and has a crush on - the hero who she thinks is gay! I would have liked to have known more about what actually led her to think that in the first place, but nevertheless it certainly added an interesting element to it, and I give the author major props for maintaining a balance with that and still managing to write in great chemistry and intimate moments between these characters. Exceptionally well done!
Grade: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
March 21, 2018
Do you ever stumble across something and think to yourself....OMG this is gonna be so huge and soon everyone is going to know about it? Yes? No? Either way.....that's exactly how I felt as soon as I started this book and I hope this author is ready for so much more after this amazing debut novel!!!
I knew going into this book it's her debut but I was super excited regardless. And I was not at all disappointed at any point during this entire read!! The whole book has so much humor...I legit laughed out loud. The story line is very unique in a world that I think it's hard to stand out in. The characters were brilliantly developed and they all complimented each other well and worked perfectly to create a truly masterful storyline. Did I mention funny...because the one liners in this book are on point and I may or may not be trying to figure out how to incorporate some of them into my every day life.
I am in love with Callie and Sebastian's story.....I was hooked from the very beginning and sad to see The End. The book delivers the perfect blend of everything you want and need in a romantic comedy...heavy emphasis on comedy here. It's sweet, it will make you laugh, it will make you teary eyed, (at least for me it did!), it will make you a little sad, it will you swoon a lot.....and I guarantee it's going to make you want more from this new author ASAP. I can't wait for what's next....and I'm excited to sit back and watch this new author soar!!
Kel
Kel and Mel Tell Book Blog
I knew going into this book it's her debut but I was super excited regardless. And I was not at all disappointed at any point during this entire read!! The whole book has so much humor...I legit laughed out loud. The story line is very unique in a world that I think it's hard to stand out in. The characters were brilliantly developed and they all complimented each other well and worked perfectly to create a truly masterful storyline. Did I mention funny...because the one liners in this book are on point and I may or may not be trying to figure out how to incorporate some of them into my every day life.
I am in love with Callie and Sebastian's story.....I was hooked from the very beginning and sad to see The End. The book delivers the perfect blend of everything you want and need in a romantic comedy...heavy emphasis on comedy here. It's sweet, it will make you laugh, it will make you teary eyed, (at least for me it did!), it will make you a little sad, it will you swoon a lot.....and I guarantee it's going to make you want more from this new author ASAP. I can't wait for what's next....and I'm excited to sit back and watch this new author soar!!
Kel
Kel and Mel Tell Book Blog
March 25, 2018
***I voluntarily reviewed this book for Katsindiebookblog, and I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book.*** I just absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was cute, funny, and mixed with a little bit of drama. You definitely get a feel for how the characters feel. The writing is excellent, especially for a debut author. I was highly impressed with the author and her story.
Callie has been doing what she can to leave the past in the past, especially when it involves the one and only Sebastian “Bash”. After Bash left, to further his education for a couple years, Callie was left picking up the pieces of her heart. But was Bash even reciprocating his feelings for Callie? Or was Bash into someone else? 2 Years later, a certain someone returns. Callie finally gets her shot as one of the leading roles in the play at her school, the one and only Bash gets the other role. What can Callie do to protect her heart? Can they remain friends for the sake of their possible futures?
If you want a really great read, I highly suggest this one. You will feel just about every emotion that’s out there as this story plays out.
Callie has been doing what she can to leave the past in the past, especially when it involves the one and only Sebastian “Bash”. After Bash left, to further his education for a couple years, Callie was left picking up the pieces of her heart. But was Bash even reciprocating his feelings for Callie? Or was Bash into someone else? 2 Years later, a certain someone returns. Callie finally gets her shot as one of the leading roles in the play at her school, the one and only Bash gets the other role. What can Callie do to protect her heart? Can they remain friends for the sake of their possible futures?
If you want a really great read, I highly suggest this one. You will feel just about every emotion that’s out there as this story plays out.
March 28, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
Bashful is a very cute, irresistibly funny romantic comedy that had me giggling on and off through the story! This is my first Lo Brynolf story and I just am so pleased with it! Brynolf has a all natural humor that you can plainly see with her writing. Bashful had wit, charm, entertainment, wonderfully satisfying characters and a too adorable for words storyline that will sure to please even the pickiest of romantic comedy lovers!
Bashful had me enthralled from the very first chapter. The characters are funny and the banter is wonderfully smart and witty while the sexual tension crackles like a campfire....it made me feel all warm and tingly. I smiled, I laughed a lot and I felt entertained.
I give Bashful a TOO CHARMING AND TOO FUN FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Bashful is a very cute, irresistibly funny romantic comedy that had me giggling on and off through the story! This is my first Lo Brynolf story and I just am so pleased with it! Brynolf has a all natural humor that you can plainly see with her writing. Bashful had wit, charm, entertainment, wonderfully satisfying characters and a too adorable for words storyline that will sure to please even the pickiest of romantic comedy lovers!
Bashful had me enthralled from the very first chapter. The characters are funny and the banter is wonderfully smart and witty while the sexual tension crackles like a campfire....it made me feel all warm and tingly. I smiled, I laughed a lot and I felt entertained.
I give Bashful a TOO CHARMING AND TOO FUN FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
March 27, 2018
Lo Brynolf just wrote her first book and I’m so giddy about it!!!! Y’all this story is absolutely hilarious, I’m blown away by the amount of humor. I legit laughed out loud the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story and fell hard for these characters. You will no doubt be hooked from the beginning. Between the main characters to their friends you will be entertained until the very end.
Congratulations Lo Brynolf you just rocked the hell out of your debut novel and I am so extremely proud of you!!!!
Congratulations Lo Brynolf you just rocked the hell out of your debut novel and I am so extremely proud of you!!!!
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