What do you think?
Rate this book
Love in New Highland #1
Unfriended
A steamy comedy. A friends-to-lovers romance. Readers may prefer the latest, revised edition of this book, entitled UNFRIENDED RETOLD.
Charis
Asher Norrell is my dream man - hot, brilliant, and charming, every big, strapping inch of him. Too bad he thinks of me as a platonic buddy.
I mean, I get it. I'm no femme fatale. Nope, I'm the tomboy who shoots hoops with the guys, not the love bunny who sits on their laps.
But, oh, well. I guess it's all for the best. Because I just got engaged. Even if the marriage won't be quite...the usual kind.
I just wonder if Asher will be pissed when he finds out who my fiance is.
Asher
On the surface things are perfect. I'm sailing through college, I'm already successful in my field, I've got a beautiful girlfriend, and life is sweet.
To top it off, I have the best f*cking friend in the world in Charis Sloane, doctoral student, gamer, and honorary family member from way back. Sure, she's a geek, but so am I under all these muscles.
She and I connect via brainwaves. I don't need my bestie to be a girly-girl; I already have one of those to warm my bed. The important thing is, I have Charis's back and she has mine.
Good thing, too, because below the surface? My life isn't nearly as awesome as it looks.
Then Charis tells me she's getting married to...to...
Pissed? Right, try livid.
Now I have to stop her, or we'll miss our last chance to make right what should have happened long ago.
Us.
Charis
Asher Norrell is my dream man - hot, brilliant, and charming, every big, strapping inch of him. Too bad he thinks of me as a platonic buddy.
I mean, I get it. I'm no femme fatale. Nope, I'm the tomboy who shoots hoops with the guys, not the love bunny who sits on their laps.
But, oh, well. I guess it's all for the best. Because I just got engaged. Even if the marriage won't be quite...the usual kind.
I just wonder if Asher will be pissed when he finds out who my fiance is.
Asher
On the surface things are perfect. I'm sailing through college, I'm already successful in my field, I've got a beautiful girlfriend, and life is sweet.
To top it off, I have the best f*cking friend in the world in Charis Sloane, doctoral student, gamer, and honorary family member from way back. Sure, she's a geek, but so am I under all these muscles.
She and I connect via brainwaves. I don't need my bestie to be a girly-girl; I already have one of those to warm my bed. The important thing is, I have Charis's back and she has mine.
Good thing, too, because below the surface? My life isn't nearly as awesome as it looks.
Then Charis tells me she's getting married to...to...
Pissed? Right, try livid.
Now I have to stop her, or we'll miss our last chance to make right what should have happened long ago.
Us.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2017
1153 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Deana Farrady
18 books110 followersDeana writes steamy, feel-good, sometimes angsty contemporary romances that walk the line between reality and outrageous fantasy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 25, 2017
Oh my god.
This book could have been amazing. I could have loved it so much. Both characters had so much potential to be well-liked, well in my eyes at least, but no. It was terrible, complete shit, and the characters were frustratingly annoying as fuck.
I'm not going to hide my spoilers because this book made me so mad. So uh don't read this review if you plan to read this book.
Let's start with Asher. Oh my fucking god where to start? Asher is the type of guy who deserves to live forever alone. He's so fucking self-absorbed that I wanted to punch him the face repeatedly. He wasn't over his ex-girlfriend, which thank god she isn't with his lame ass anymore, or comparing the girl is with to someone the complete opposite of her. Or something like that but he did break up with her ex because he despised her but then compared everyone to her?!? UGH! It was so frustrating to read that if I pulled out my hair during each thing that frustrated me about this book I'd be fucking bald people. I hated everything about him.
Then there's Charis. First off, who the fuck is naming their kid Charis?! Besides that she was also annoying as fuck. I honestly didn't care what happened to her or anything. I probably would've liked this book a whole lot more if it didn't have these annoying ass characters and the plot was completely different.
I feel like my review was all over the place and for that I'm sorry. But I can't help it since this book was beyond frustrating and I hated every single second of reading it. I'm happy to be done with this book forever.
This book could have been amazing. I could have loved it so much. Both characters had so much potential to be well-liked, well in my eyes at least, but no. It was terrible, complete shit, and the characters were frustratingly annoying as fuck.
I'm not going to hide my spoilers because this book made me so mad. So uh don't read this review if you plan to read this book.
Let's start with Asher. Oh my fucking god where to start? Asher is the type of guy who deserves to live forever alone. He's so fucking self-absorbed that I wanted to punch him the face repeatedly. He wasn't over his ex-girlfriend, which thank god she isn't with his lame ass anymore, or comparing the girl is with to someone the complete opposite of her. Or something like that but he did break up with her ex because he despised her but then compared everyone to her?!? UGH! It was so frustrating to read that if I pulled out my hair during each thing that frustrated me about this book I'd be fucking bald people. I hated everything about him.
Then there's Charis. First off, who the fuck is naming their kid Charis?! Besides that she was also annoying as fuck. I honestly didn't care what happened to her or anything. I probably would've liked this book a whole lot more if it didn't have these annoying ass characters and the plot was completely different.
I feel like my review was all over the place and for that I'm sorry. But I can't help it since this book was beyond frustrating and I hated every single second of reading it. I'm happy to be done with this book forever.
October 27, 2017
Why even make the book multi POV when you only give the girl 3 chapters, tops? Most of it was from his immature, douchebag mind, and for someone who despised his ex and had moved on, he really compared his bf/gf and the ex a LOT in his head. Even in the bedroom. It really pissed me off a couple of times... especially when he said things about her such as, ‘her hips aren’t as curvy as I’d normally go for’, or her ‘boobs are basically nonexistent’. Okay, shithead.
And the party in the end?? First, there was too much going on. Second, Charis’s attitude and reason not to tell his family about them was super lame (4 years is not a big enough age gap for that kind of freak out). She was annoying. And third, I would never set up a room of half naked women IN MY HOME for my brother to have an orgy. That’s just weird. And all of the family was there and in on getting him laid (including his parents). And then he’s waking around shirtless at his sisters birthday party like he just screwed some girl? Ugh. Not a good read. But I did finish it, so I can rate it accurately.
And the party in the end?? First, there was too much going on. Second, Charis’s attitude and reason not to tell his family about them was super lame (4 years is not a big enough age gap for that kind of freak out). She was annoying. And third, I would never set up a room of half naked women IN MY HOME for my brother to have an orgy. That’s just weird. And all of the family was there and in on getting him laid (including his parents). And then he’s waking around shirtless at his sisters birthday party like he just screwed some girl? Ugh. Not a good read. But I did finish it, so I can rate it accurately.
October 11, 2017
I want to love this book because he was so confident and she was so awesome .... but he was either not over his ex or loved comparing his "amazing beautiful, never loved anyone else, but only f**cked every single person he ever met, but it was all a lie, because he actually only wants to smash the exact opposite girl" little prick that wanted his cake and eat it to. Honestly I don't like Asher, he's a self absorbed little shit who doesn't deserve to get the girl at the end. And SLOAN!!
Good Lord. Maybe some self respect? Or not, because Asher suddenly "loves" this girl ... same guy who just dumped his girlfriend of 3 years, but it's cool because Sloan has a crush? Girl, slurp up those crumbs because a short while ago, he was going to f×ck her, then revenge fxck her, then use her to make Sloan jealous.
Also ... idk if this is a spoiler ... but always bringing up sex with your ex, comparing them with each other DURING SEX, or in general referencing them in the moment is a huge discomfort and makes me HATE Asher.
We learned in the first 4 minutes what he likes .... stop giving him an excuse to be a fuckhead. You would think his family was the redeeming factor, but the sister is a douchebag and the brother clearly has problems of his own, so who's looking out for who here?
Is wrong, I wanna love the story. I cannot in good faith give this story more than a 2 review, 1 being absolute loathing.
Good Lord. Maybe some self respect? Or not, because Asher suddenly "loves" this girl ... same guy who just dumped his girlfriend of 3 years, but it's cool because Sloan has a crush? Girl, slurp up those crumbs because a short while ago, he was going to f×ck her, then revenge fxck her, then use her to make Sloan jealous.
Also ... idk if this is a spoiler ... but always bringing up sex with your ex, comparing them with each other DURING SEX, or in general referencing them in the moment is a huge discomfort and makes me HATE Asher.
We learned in the first 4 minutes what he likes .... stop giving him an excuse to be a fuckhead. You would think his family was the redeeming factor, but the sister is a douchebag and the brother clearly has problems of his own, so who's looking out for who here?
Is wrong, I wanna love the story. I cannot in good faith give this story more than a 2 review, 1 being absolute loathing.
January 21, 2019
So bad
Wow, this is the worst book I've read in a long time. I mean, I hated pretty much every character. At the very beginning, Asher starts talking to the reader to tell them how great he is and that he is literally ruled by his cock. He has to be able to have sex with a woman at any time or he can't focus. Ugh! And Charis, what kind of name is that? And she's so weird about him being 4 years younger and how it's cradle robbing and blah blah. Their friends and family were kind of crazy and really meddling. I hated when the MCs talked directly to us, like they know they're in a story. I only finished this for a challenge, otherwise I would have stopped after the first chapter.
Wow, this is the worst book I've read in a long time. I mean, I hated pretty much every character. At the very beginning, Asher starts talking to the reader to tell them how great he is and that he is literally ruled by his cock. He has to be able to have sex with a woman at any time or he can't focus. Ugh! And Charis, what kind of name is that? And she's so weird about him being 4 years younger and how it's cradle robbing and blah blah. Their friends and family were kind of crazy and really meddling. I hated when the MCs talked directly to us, like they know they're in a story. I only finished this for a challenge, otherwise I would have stopped after the first chapter.
January 22, 2018
This one wasn’t for me! But that doesn’t mean it won’t tick all of your romance boxes.
The H used the word “Cock” so bloody much I started wanting him to go and fuck himself with it!
I need my H to want/desire/adore the h and in this read he spent the first few chapters discussing how much he loved fucking his GF ( eh they spilt up but it was the nail in the coffin within the 1st chapter for me) but I stuck it out, listening to him wax poetic about his “Cock” needing to fuck someone all the time! He referred to his ex as a beautiful luscious sex pot (how awesome fucking her with his cock felt, and how long he could fuck her for) and the he said the h had squinty eyes and her collar bone wasn’t as attractive as his ex’s (WTF) I struggled to believe he was in love with the h so I wasn’t at all surprised when she struggled with him wanting her as well (it honestly felt like he was just horny and wanted to put his cock somewhere)
He tried to turn it around toward the end (calling her body pornagraphic.....I’m sure he meant it as the ultimate compliment) but it was to late for me!
The sexy scenes were many for anyone wanting a saucy read, but I prefer the romance and it struggled to convey their love for me!
But like I said up top, just because I didn’t love it doesn’t mean you won’t....so if you think this one will tickle your fancy then check out a cheeky sample!
Happy reading!
P.S I think I liked his epilogue the most about the whole book, that part was pretty honest!
The H used the word “Cock” so bloody much I started wanting him to go and fuck himself with it!
I need my H to want/desire/adore the h and in this read he spent the first few chapters discussing how much he loved fucking his GF ( eh they spilt up but it was the nail in the coffin within the 1st chapter for me) but I stuck it out, listening to him wax poetic about his “Cock” needing to fuck someone all the time! He referred to his ex as a beautiful luscious sex pot (how awesome fucking her with his cock felt, and how long he could fuck her for) and the he said the h had squinty eyes and her collar bone wasn’t as attractive as his ex’s (WTF) I struggled to believe he was in love with the h so I wasn’t at all surprised when she struggled with him wanting her as well (it honestly felt like he was just horny and wanted to put his cock somewhere)
He tried to turn it around toward the end (calling her body pornagraphic.....I’m sure he meant it as the ultimate compliment) but it was to late for me!
The sexy scenes were many for anyone wanting a saucy read, but I prefer the romance and it struggled to convey their love for me!
But like I said up top, just because I didn’t love it doesn’t mean you won’t....so if you think this one will tickle your fancy then check out a cheeky sample!
Happy reading!
P.S I think I liked his epilogue the most about the whole book, that part was pretty honest!
October 31, 2017
This was...all over the place. The H was crude, even for my tastes. The massive freakout over a FOUR YEAR AGE GAP was way over the top. There was a lot of potential here but the execution fell short. It was really difficult, but finish I did.
December 15, 2017
SO DARN CUTE !!!
Title: Unfriended
Series: Love in New Highland
Author: Deana Farrady
Designation: Contemporary Romantic Comedy, Full-Length, Standalone. NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Deliciously Cute Stars*****
Oh my! What a lovely surprise! I loved, loved, loved Unfriended! I've been a Deana Farrady fan since reading His Vengeance, a dark enemies to lovers trope, a few years ago. When I heard Farrady had released a new romantic comedy, I raced to Amazon to check it out. As much as I would love to purchase every release from my favorite authors, I simply can't afford it, so I did my due diligence by reading the blurb and the reviews and was shocked to see quite a few negative comments. After reading the free sample, I decided to trust my instincts and purchased Unfriended, then quickly dove in. I am SOOOO glad I ignored the naysayers and less than complimentary opinions of this book. It was fabulous! Unfriended is a light, quirky, modern, fast-paced, easy to follow and exceptionally well-crafted contemporary romantic comedy with a beautifully written dual his and her first person narrative. Surprisingly, the primary perspective is given by the male protagonist, twenty-two-year-old wealthy engineer/entrepreneur and college senior Asher Norrell. The author also gives us an enlightening secondary point of view from twenty-six-year-old, geeky doctoral student Charis Sloane. I truly thought I'd read every conceivable spin on the traditional friends to lovers trope, but I was so wrong! Unfriended is not your conventional romance. It's about as unconventional as you can get, and I'm not talking about just the age difference(older woman - younger man). Unfriended is a delightfully entertaining progressive love story between an older woman and younger man but with a modern twist. I was immediately smitten with handsome, intelligent, and charming Asher Norrell and shy, self conscious, brilliant, and outrageously nerdy Charis Sloane. I simply adored the amusing and somewhat existential flashback conversations between Asher and Charis at the beginning of each chapter. These brief glimpses into the relationship between the two protagonists were insightful as well as entertaining and quickly became one of my favorite elements of the story. I snickered, snorted, chuckled, and laughed aloud through the entire book, but by the end, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained. No spoilers from me but I will say this.... Lovely, brilliant, nerdy, and very self-conscious doctoral student who's been secretly in love with her four-year younger best friend for years but thinks he could never be attracted to someone like her when he could have his choice of beautiful babes-check! Handsome, wealthy, intelligent, successful, and very cocky college senior who's had a crush on his former babysitter and now older best friend since he was thirteen but has finally realized it's so much more-check! An infuriating older brother-check! An unexpected engagement-check! A crazy ex-girlfriend-check! A large cast of engaging characters-check! Secret unrequited love that, as it turns out, is not so secret and is most definitely reciprocated-oh my! Snappy banter, laugh-out-loud humor, steamy passion, dreamy sex, sweet heartwarming romance, and a beautiful happy ending-check! That and a whole lot more!
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! WOuld I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain graphic language and explicit, dreamy love scenes. Asher does have a flirty, dirty mouth, and I loved it! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! Best 99 cents I ever spent!
Title: Unfriended
Series: Love in New Highland
Author: Deana Farrady
Designation: Contemporary Romantic Comedy, Full-Length, Standalone. NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Deliciously Cute Stars*****
Oh my! What a lovely surprise! I loved, loved, loved Unfriended! I've been a Deana Farrady fan since reading His Vengeance, a dark enemies to lovers trope, a few years ago. When I heard Farrady had released a new romantic comedy, I raced to Amazon to check it out. As much as I would love to purchase every release from my favorite authors, I simply can't afford it, so I did my due diligence by reading the blurb and the reviews and was shocked to see quite a few negative comments. After reading the free sample, I decided to trust my instincts and purchased Unfriended, then quickly dove in. I am SOOOO glad I ignored the naysayers and less than complimentary opinions of this book. It was fabulous! Unfriended is a light, quirky, modern, fast-paced, easy to follow and exceptionally well-crafted contemporary romantic comedy with a beautifully written dual his and her first person narrative. Surprisingly, the primary perspective is given by the male protagonist, twenty-two-year-old wealthy engineer/entrepreneur and college senior Asher Norrell. The author also gives us an enlightening secondary point of view from twenty-six-year-old, geeky doctoral student Charis Sloane. I truly thought I'd read every conceivable spin on the traditional friends to lovers trope, but I was so wrong! Unfriended is not your conventional romance. It's about as unconventional as you can get, and I'm not talking about just the age difference(older woman - younger man). Unfriended is a delightfully entertaining progressive love story between an older woman and younger man but with a modern twist. I was immediately smitten with handsome, intelligent, and charming Asher Norrell and shy, self conscious, brilliant, and outrageously nerdy Charis Sloane. I simply adored the amusing and somewhat existential flashback conversations between Asher and Charis at the beginning of each chapter. These brief glimpses into the relationship between the two protagonists were insightful as well as entertaining and quickly became one of my favorite elements of the story. I snickered, snorted, chuckled, and laughed aloud through the entire book, but by the end, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained. No spoilers from me but I will say this.... Lovely, brilliant, nerdy, and very self-conscious doctoral student who's been secretly in love with her four-year younger best friend for years but thinks he could never be attracted to someone like her when he could have his choice of beautiful babes-check! Handsome, wealthy, intelligent, successful, and very cocky college senior who's had a crush on his former babysitter and now older best friend since he was thirteen but has finally realized it's so much more-check! An infuriating older brother-check! An unexpected engagement-check! A crazy ex-girlfriend-check! A large cast of engaging characters-check! Secret unrequited love that, as it turns out, is not so secret and is most definitely reciprocated-oh my! Snappy banter, laugh-out-loud humor, steamy passion, dreamy sex, sweet heartwarming romance, and a beautiful happy ending-check! That and a whole lot more!
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! WOuld I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain graphic language and explicit, dreamy love scenes. Asher does have a flirty, dirty mouth, and I loved it! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! Best 99 cents I ever spent!
November 5, 2017
Unfriended
This book is excellent and I'm going to favorite it because it totally blows all other books out of the water in this genre. I love Asher, not because he's ridiculously good-looking, but because he is so thoughtful and smart and kind and witty and smart and smart and smart. Char is me, in a sense. She's afraid she's not good enough. She's afraid she's going to lose Ash and his family which she considers to be her family. Her own mother and father are drug addicts. She is smart, anxiety-ridden, funny and geeky, what's not to love? When I say what's not to love, I mean her loving herself. I can totally see how women confuse men when they don't think they're good enough. The Norrels are a fantastic family I would love to be a part of. They are loving, funny, direct and don't tolerate bullshit. Mel rockeths! Happy reading!!!
This book is excellent and I'm going to favorite it because it totally blows all other books out of the water in this genre. I love Asher, not because he's ridiculously good-looking, but because he is so thoughtful and smart and kind and witty and smart and smart and smart. Char is me, in a sense. She's afraid she's not good enough. She's afraid she's going to lose Ash and his family which she considers to be her family. Her own mother and father are drug addicts. She is smart, anxiety-ridden, funny and geeky, what's not to love? When I say what's not to love, I mean her loving herself. I can totally see how women confuse men when they don't think they're good enough. The Norrels are a fantastic family I would love to be a part of. They are loving, funny, direct and don't tolerate bullshit. Mel rockeths! Happy reading!!!
October 27, 2017
Love it
It's funny, smart, and sexy. I loved every minute of reading this book!! This is not your run of the mill romantic comedy, it's so much more!
It's funny, smart, and sexy. I loved every minute of reading this book!! This is not your run of the mill romantic comedy, it's so much more!
November 12, 2017
Just not for me...
Sex sex and sex..... followed by pointless flash backs and maybe five pages of actual content. Mind numbing to read:
Sex sex and sex..... followed by pointless flash backs and maybe five pages of actual content. Mind numbing to read:
August 2, 2022
I accidentally 1-clicked this book (the pitfalls of using my phone in bed while I'm half asleep) but decided to keep it because the blurb sounded okay and at the time it was only 99 cents. But now I feel like it's a wasted dollar.
The book started off fine. Asher is narrating the story in a Ferris Bueller kind of vibe and it was funny. Slowly, once it became evident what a shallow douchebag he is, it grew tiresome. Charis, his bestie, is a great example of book smarts not equalling common people smarts. He claims to know her better than anyone but he tries to seduce her by saying the most awkward awful things to her that clearly make her uncomfortable. The scenes that were supposed to be sexy were so not. I didn't feel any chemistry at all between them - even as friends since we were never shown that relationship. Just telling us doesn't make us believe it. Prove it to us.
Each chapter starts with a transcript of a past conversation between Asher & Charis. Stylistically that's fine but sometimes it slowed down the flow of the story and most of the time the conversation didn't have any or little connection to the chapter.
This book was easy to put down but hard to pick back up. I just couldn't stick with it. It took me a long time to get through which is very unusual for my reading habits.
The book started off fine. Asher is narrating the story in a Ferris Bueller kind of vibe and it was funny. Slowly, once it became evident what a shallow douchebag he is, it grew tiresome. Charis, his bestie, is a great example of book smarts not equalling common people smarts. He claims to know her better than anyone but he tries to seduce her by saying the most awkward awful things to her that clearly make her uncomfortable. The scenes that were supposed to be sexy were so not. I didn't feel any chemistry at all between them - even as friends since we were never shown that relationship. Just telling us doesn't make us believe it. Prove it to us.
Each chapter starts with a transcript of a past conversation between Asher & Charis. Stylistically that's fine but sometimes it slowed down the flow of the story and most of the time the conversation didn't have any or little connection to the chapter.
This book was easy to put down but hard to pick back up. I just couldn't stick with it. It took me a long time to get through which is very unusual for my reading habits.
March 6, 2018
Tapped out at 21%. Nothing - absolutely nothing - has happened in the first fifth of the book. If I wanted to listen to some douchecanoe's random stream of consciousness for hours on end I'd have gone into psychiatry. This is capital B boring.
March 20, 2018
I'm Unfriending This Book.
Update: I'm bailing AGAIN. I'm not sure why I went back to this, other than the fact it's free on audio from the library and I hadn't returned it yet. But I'm now just past 50% and I'm pretty sure the smut's going to start momentarily and still... It's hard for me to like anyone in this book. ANYONE. But I especially hate the hero and the guy reading him on the audiobook. I tried going back one more time and got so irritated, during a sex scene of all things, that I bailed in the middle of it, never to return out of pure hatred. Okay, now you can read my earlier review:
I'm bailing early on this one. Like, forty minutes in to a 9+ hour audiobook. I liked the blurb, but I've already heard so much about Asher's dick, how his dick controls him, how he needs pussy constantly or I'm not sure what will happen - his cock will explode from lack of use after a few weeks? The world will spin off its axis? Also, HE HAS TWO WORKING HANDS. It's just one of those annoying "men need sex all the time!" sort of tropes that I wish would stop, both in literature and real life. It's a shame, since there are some fun turns of phrase and Asher might be an okay character voice, but it's just too problematic for me to find out.
Reading other GR reviews, it's clear I really shouldn't keep going or I'll just be pissy for the next 8.5 hours of it, so ... I'm out!
Audiobook only: The way the male narrator reads women makes me want to slap his face and ask if he's ever spoken to a real woman. Ever. Or heard women speak who aren't on trashy reality shows on E! They all sound like weird breathy babydoll stereotype voices. (OK, that's not fair. I think I've only heard his take on two women. But ugh. I've had the same problem with this narrator before and probably should have stayed away from the audio here.)
Update: I'm bailing AGAIN. I'm not sure why I went back to this, other than the fact it's free on audio from the library and I hadn't returned it yet. But I'm now just past 50% and I'm pretty sure the smut's going to start momentarily and still... It's hard for me to like anyone in this book. ANYONE. But I especially hate the hero and the guy reading him on the audiobook. I tried going back one more time and got so irritated, during a sex scene of all things, that I bailed in the middle of it, never to return out of pure hatred. Okay, now you can read my earlier review:
I'm bailing early on this one. Like, forty minutes in to a 9+ hour audiobook. I liked the blurb, but I've already heard so much about Asher's dick, how his dick controls him, how he needs pussy constantly or I'm not sure what will happen - his cock will explode from lack of use after a few weeks? The world will spin off its axis? Also, HE HAS TWO WORKING HANDS. It's just one of those annoying "men need sex all the time!" sort of tropes that I wish would stop, both in literature and real life. It's a shame, since there are some fun turns of phrase and Asher might be an okay character voice, but it's just too problematic for me to find out.
Reading other GR reviews, it's clear I really shouldn't keep going or I'll just be pissy for the next 8.5 hours of it, so ... I'm out!
Audiobook only: The way the male narrator reads women makes me want to slap his face and ask if he's ever spoken to a real woman. Ever. Or heard women speak who aren't on trashy reality shows on E! They all sound like weird breathy babydoll stereotype voices. (OK, that's not fair. I think I've only heard his take on two women. But ugh. I've had the same problem with this narrator before and probably should have stayed away from the audio here.)
August 3, 2018
Sloane is awkward and she knows this and noone accepts her better than her bestfriend Asher. Asher is a bit younger but he's wiser and more mature than Sloane is - in the ways of the world. That's why he when he finally had the guts to ditch his toxic relationship he decided to divert his focus to getting the one person he loves the most. Sloane fights it at first but then gives in in the long run as jealously and paranoia gets the best of her.
Summaries are so hard to write. Some people have a knack for this stuff kudos to all of you!
Highlights
All the random conversation bits in between the main story. They are hilarious, I know I think about some random stuff but Sloane takes the title.
Sloane finally growing a proverbial pair and claiming Ash
Ash taking to his baby about the theory of probability. I don't know about gender affirming but I believe it'll make the baby smarter (the whole talking to the baby part)
Summaries are so hard to write. Some people have a knack for this stuff kudos to all of you!
Highlights
All the random conversation bits in between the main story. They are hilarious, I know I think about some random stuff but Sloane takes the title.
Sloane finally growing a proverbial pair and claiming Ash
Ash taking to his baby about the theory of probability. I don't know about gender affirming but I believe it'll make the baby smarter (the whole talking to the baby part)
October 26, 2018
Couldn't get into it.
Very stilted, on and off again chapters, stopping in the middle of scenes.
Over all I couldn't connect to the characters.
Started off strong but I didn't like where it was going.
Decided not to fully finish.
Very stilted, on and off again chapters, stopping in the middle of scenes.
Over all I couldn't connect to the characters.
Started off strong but I didn't like where it was going.
Decided not to fully finish.
October 19, 2017
❤️🌼🔥UNFRIENDED: A GEEK AND STUD ROMANCE (LOVE IN NEW HIGHLAND, BOOK 1).....YES...THAT’S THE FULL NAME OF THIS BOOK..❤️🌼🔥
First, To be completely honest with you, I saw this book while scrolling through FaceBook, after I had just made a decision to read a book by an entirely new (to me) and unheard of (to me) author...The book cover caught my attention, and when I pulłed it up on Amazon, the title was so different (and long), I was one-clicking it, before I knew it....and although I never pick my books to read using that criteria, I was on a “risk and reward” path...and I am so happy to say....I should do this more often...❤️🌼🔥
This is probably the best “best friends to lovers” book I’ve read (at least, it’s the best I can remember reading)..in...well...maybe, ever.....❤️🌼🔥
I’m not sure how to review this book, because there are so many “moving parts,” and, as I have been told, reviews are relevant, because everyone is different, but I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. And I hope the “Book 1” in the title means this author will write another book in this vein and is not just a part of the tone of this book....because it has lots of humor in it...I was never bored....❤️🌼🔥
The author is either extremely intelligent, and/or she did her science and philosophy research unbelievably well, and, believe it or not, these references and sections of the book, made the book fun, “educational” and totally believable...❤️🌼🔥
I loved the story, I loved the intelligence and likability of the characters, and I loved the way the book ended....I loved this book from the first page of chapter 1 to the last page of the epilogue... and, now, I just have to determine if all of Deana Farrady’s books are written like this, or if this is just a different direction she has taken....❤️🌼🔥
This book is different from any book I’ve read, in the way that it gives us previous discussions of the two best friends who, obviously have loved each other since “having a crush” age, (and they aren’t oblivious to this fact) but took forever to cross that line for several reasons....I hope all of this author’s books are as good as this one, because I absolutely plan on reading some of her others...❤️🌼🔥
I know I am different....This book is different....The characters are different...The way it is written is different...and...dare I say....Deana Farrady is different....And, with UNFRIENDED, different can be perfect.❤️🌼🔥
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Did I mention it was HOT!!!!! WELL, IT IS!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
October 18, 2017
I really tried with this book. I loved the synopsis. I really wanted to like the book, but it was just not meant to be. I struggled to get into the book. That isn't that uncommon. Some books are hard to start, but once you really get into them they are worth the rough start. This was not one of those. The further in I got the less I liked the main characters. Finally, I threw in the towel. I don't have so much free time that I can use it on a book that I just wasn't that into, and didn't care how it ended. This is one of my go to story lines, but this one was not a keeper.
The writing was pretty good grammatically. That is a definite plus. The characters are okay, but not great. You can understand them a little, but connecting with them was impossible for me. Asher is convinced he is amazing and has things figured out. This just comes off as cocky and annoying. The age difference and insecurity gets brought up so much that I started skipping over it. Then skimming, and then I gave up. Some people have really enjoyed this book; it was just not for me.
The writing was pretty good grammatically. That is a definite plus. The characters are okay, but not great. You can understand them a little, but connecting with them was impossible for me. Asher is convinced he is amazing and has things figured out. This just comes off as cocky and annoying. The age difference and insecurity gets brought up so much that I started skipping over it. Then skimming, and then I gave up. Some people have really enjoyed this book; it was just not for me.
January 2, 2018
Worst book ever but I finished it anyway. Out of 100%, I probably only read 25%.
I don't even understand all the italic past conversations Asher and Charis had. At first, I read them thinking it was necessary information but when I realized it was irrelevant to the story and not to mentioned boring, I stopped. Who carees about their past topic conversations..
I did not like how it was written. 75% of the book was written with the hero or herione describing what he/she was thinking, feeling, doing, etc. The other 25% (the part I read) was them actually interacting with each other or with other characters in the book.
The story itself was ok... and dang ASHER was a strong, confident man. I wish more heros would just tell it like it is and not beat around the bush.
I swear Asher talked dirty most of the book. Although, Auroa was the ex.. It seemed I read her name more than Caris.
I don't recommend. Sorry it was so harsh but I just don't understand the 5 star ratings.
I don't even understand all the italic past conversations Asher and Charis had. At first, I read them thinking it was necessary information but when I realized it was irrelevant to the story and not to mentioned boring, I stopped. Who carees about their past topic conversations..
I did not like how it was written. 75% of the book was written with the hero or herione describing what he/she was thinking, feeling, doing, etc. The other 25% (the part I read) was them actually interacting with each other or with other characters in the book.
The story itself was ok... and dang ASHER was a strong, confident man. I wish more heros would just tell it like it is and not beat around the bush.
I swear Asher talked dirty most of the book. Although, Auroa was the ex.. It seemed I read her name more than Caris.
I don't recommend. Sorry it was so harsh but I just don't understand the 5 star ratings.
October 28, 2017
I DO NOT understand why some authors let the H compare the h to a former lover (and the comparison isn't favorable). It never turns favorable, he just decides he'll "accept" her "non-existent breasts". Really? REALLY? In order for me to believe in the HEA I kinda like the H to be into her and not some other chick. I mean, they both compare her to his former gf, it just boggles my mind. But maybe Farraday was going with a real life romance kinda book (snort) but if this is the case, I hate to say, most of those kind go belly up. I honestly can't say that the writing was bad and in cases like these I usually will give a 2 or 3 star rating, but as you can tell, the story line really bothered me.
November 12, 2017
Nope.
Nope.
I was not a fan of hero or heroine.
Let’s see...
Asher was way too much, like waaaaaaaay too much. His constant reference to his dick and it’s magically powers was irritating. Confidence is sexy, cockiness is not. On top of that, he kept comparing Charis to his ex. We got it, Charis isn’t his usual type. Enough with the ex, who was obviously an insecure turd.
Charis was supposed to be Asher’s confident, doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks best friend. I didn’t feel it. The friendship was weird and so was her supposed, yet nonexistent confidence.
Don’t get me started on Asher’s brother and his choices...
This read just definitely wasn’t for me.
Nope.
I was not a fan of hero or heroine.
Let’s see...
Asher was way too much, like waaaaaaaay too much. His constant reference to his dick and it’s magically powers was irritating. Confidence is sexy, cockiness is not. On top of that, he kept comparing Charis to his ex. We got it, Charis isn’t his usual type. Enough with the ex, who was obviously an insecure turd.
Charis was supposed to be Asher’s confident, doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks best friend. I didn’t feel it. The friendship was weird and so was her supposed, yet nonexistent confidence.
Don’t get me started on Asher’s brother and his choices...
This read just definitely wasn’t for me.
June 2, 2019
First time reading something by this author. The concept of the story was good. But I didn’t like the writing style at all. Very Add and all over the place, the conversing was rushed and the storyline. It didn’t flow well. The dialogue between the characters wasn’t consistent at all, sweet and romantic to cheesy and corny to raunchy to intelligent and meaningful. You couldn’t get a grasp on who these characters really were, maybe too much of the author herself was bleeding through instead of strong character development. I usually don’t say this, I usually always give a author another chance but I don’t think I’ll read any more of her work.
October 26, 2017
Good story
I liked the basic story, simply did not like the form it was written in. I did not connect well with either character maybe because I could not get their connection and their personalities seemed slight off. I will read more from this author I think it was just technicalities that threw me off this story.
I liked the basic story, simply did not like the form it was written in. I did not connect well with either character maybe because I could not get their connection and their personalities seemed slight off. I will read more from this author I think it was just technicalities that threw me off this story.
October 12, 2017
4,5 stars
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
I love reading different genres of romance stories. Friends to lovers is one of them.
When I read the blurb of ‘Unfriended’ I instantly got curious and I wanted to read it not knowing what to expect.
The story is mostly told from Asher (the guy) POV, something that I didn’t expect but that was a nice change. We did get Charis’ POV now and then and I was very happy with that because as a reader you sometimes really want to know what the other person is thinking and feeling. The writer really knew when to give us Charis POV and when not.
Charis Sloane was Asher Norrell first crush when he was very young and it was a huge crush but the fact that she was 4 years older than him and his older sister’s best friend AND his babysitter were all things that worked in his disadvantage. Luckily, Charis let him down gently and he grew up and moved on. For a little while he was a real playboy but for the last three years he has been in a steady relationship with Aura.
Now, Charis is his best friend (something that Aura isn’t really happy about) but with Charis he can let out his ‘nerdy’ side something that isn’t possibly with Aura.
But lately his relationship with Aura isn’t making him happy anymore. Yes, the sex is still fantastic but is that reason enough to stay together? Asher isn’t so sure anymore. So after another big argument he decides to end their relationship and afterwards he seeks comfort by his best friend Charis but Charis is acting very strange on the news. At the end of the night Asher discovers why, Charis is engaged to someone else. Someone he knows really well! Asher can’t believe that Charis would do that! So from that moment on Asher is determined to change Charis mind about the marriage. He doesn’t only do it because he thinks that her reasons are wrong for entering this marriage but also because he realized that he wants Charis for his own. Her reasons for rejecting him may still be the same (she’s older and his sister’s best friend) but Asher doesn’t care about those reasons anymore. Because he knows deep down in his heart that they are meant to be together. He only has to convince Charis of this and he has to do it before she says ‘I do’ to the wrong man. Can Asher change Charis mind on time?
I’m going to be totally honest here and tell you that after reading the first pages of this story I was having a little bit of doubts about this book. I found Asher an arrogant, cocky, sex obsessed guy but I decided to read on and I’m so very glad that I did BECAUSE SUDDENLY THE MAGIC HAPPENED! That moment where you’re pulled into the story and you don’t want to leave it (something that my nephew can confirm!!). Slowly I got so see the other side of Asher, the real guy underneath it all. A guy that felt for a nerdy, older girl when he was very young and for whom he has always held a soft spot in his heart. Asher was smart, loyal, stubborn and I totally felt for him.
Charis was also a character that I really liked, she really was a total geek, a little naïve and she really wasn’t social but she was a very loyal and good friend.
One of the other thing that I really appreciated was the fact that we discovered Asher and Charis friendship through ‘past conversations’. In each chapter we slowly discovered the friendship between them. That gave the story more depth. The sex scenes were hot. I will never look at a changing room the same way! I was a little bit worried when I read in the blurb that Asher already had a girlfriend but the writer solved that ‘problem’ very neatly.
I really loved this story, it had everything that I wanted and I’m really hoping that there will be more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
I love reading different genres of romance stories. Friends to lovers is one of them.
When I read the blurb of ‘Unfriended’ I instantly got curious and I wanted to read it not knowing what to expect.
The story is mostly told from Asher (the guy) POV, something that I didn’t expect but that was a nice change. We did get Charis’ POV now and then and I was very happy with that because as a reader you sometimes really want to know what the other person is thinking and feeling. The writer really knew when to give us Charis POV and when not.
Charis Sloane was Asher Norrell first crush when he was very young and it was a huge crush but the fact that she was 4 years older than him and his older sister’s best friend AND his babysitter were all things that worked in his disadvantage. Luckily, Charis let him down gently and he grew up and moved on. For a little while he was a real playboy but for the last three years he has been in a steady relationship with Aura.
Now, Charis is his best friend (something that Aura isn’t really happy about) but with Charis he can let out his ‘nerdy’ side something that isn’t possibly with Aura.
But lately his relationship with Aura isn’t making him happy anymore. Yes, the sex is still fantastic but is that reason enough to stay together? Asher isn’t so sure anymore. So after another big argument he decides to end their relationship and afterwards he seeks comfort by his best friend Charis but Charis is acting very strange on the news. At the end of the night Asher discovers why, Charis is engaged to someone else. Someone he knows really well! Asher can’t believe that Charis would do that! So from that moment on Asher is determined to change Charis mind about the marriage. He doesn’t only do it because he thinks that her reasons are wrong for entering this marriage but also because he realized that he wants Charis for his own. Her reasons for rejecting him may still be the same (she’s older and his sister’s best friend) but Asher doesn’t care about those reasons anymore. Because he knows deep down in his heart that they are meant to be together. He only has to convince Charis of this and he has to do it before she says ‘I do’ to the wrong man. Can Asher change Charis mind on time?
I’m going to be totally honest here and tell you that after reading the first pages of this story I was having a little bit of doubts about this book. I found Asher an arrogant, cocky, sex obsessed guy but I decided to read on and I’m so very glad that I did BECAUSE SUDDENLY THE MAGIC HAPPENED! That moment where you’re pulled into the story and you don’t want to leave it (something that my nephew can confirm!!). Slowly I got so see the other side of Asher, the real guy underneath it all. A guy that felt for a nerdy, older girl when he was very young and for whom he has always held a soft spot in his heart. Asher was smart, loyal, stubborn and I totally felt for him.
Charis was also a character that I really liked, she really was a total geek, a little naïve and she really wasn’t social but she was a very loyal and good friend.
One of the other thing that I really appreciated was the fact that we discovered Asher and Charis friendship through ‘past conversations’. In each chapter we slowly discovered the friendship between them. That gave the story more depth. The sex scenes were hot. I will never look at a changing room the same way! I was a little bit worried when I read in the blurb that Asher already had a girlfriend but the writer solved that ‘problem’ very neatly.
I really loved this story, it had everything that I wanted and I’m really hoping that there will be more books in this series.
July 2, 2019
Three hundred plus pages - long read. Some repeating - could use a good trim down to 250.
NOT A NORMAL ROMANCE. These are college-age kids making college-age mistakes. Learning the difference between love and lust. Lying to themselves and getting blinders ripped off by their own actions. Sexually active, crude, and free.
Asher has been dating someone and finally dumps her realizing he can't live with that level of manipulation anymore. He still likes her and would like to keep her around for bang-age, but it was time to cut rope. He still thinks about her, even goes out on a date with her - because college-age kid learning about breakups after a long commitment.
Charis is a graduate student. She babysat Asher and became friends with him when they meet up again as adults, but she hasn't forgotten getting paid cash to keep his teenage tuckus out of trouble. Yes, she was attracted to him when she visited his family (her and his older sister were close friends in high school) as an undergrad - come on, sixteen year olds are hot - still .... jailbait .... so she compartmentalized him into a box and locked it HARD.
Friendship at university - while Asher learned how to have a committed relationship and Charis kept on, keeping on the Ivory Tower doctorate degree track - gave them breathing space. Playing games, someone to talk to from back home, no pressure. Three years of being there for each other.
Then Asher breaks up with his long-term. Now in their twenties together, safe rules don't apply.
Not a normal romance. Messy and more real-life than anything I have read. The family situations are over-the-top, like the author was aiming for, but Asher and Charis ... I knew these kids in college and from my talks with other friends, my college wasn't the only one to have people like Asher and Charis on campus.
I like them having a history. And I liked them making mistakes, real ones - not "I wonder if he thinks that I think" but "He was jailbait, but he isn't now, but what will his family/my friends think about our age differences ... and there he goes being the jerk I remember babysitting!".
Oh, and I really liked their esoteric discussions. The topics they diverge on! Um, I have to admit my friends and I have unwound conversations like "we started with birthday cake, how did we end up here?"
So, yeah, I liked it a lot. Yes, it needs a trimming. Yes it is not a typical romance or even erotica genre. But it is more real than most. Oh, and yes, I think that Asher is a complete and utter jerk - but he is the baby and you got to love him. Charismatic to the max. Again. I know this guy - I regularly D&D and played video games (why yes, I am a nerd) with this guy, manwhore though he was. I wouldn't DATE an Asher, but the Ashers of the world are really fun to be friends with.
I liked it.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
NOT A NORMAL ROMANCE. These are college-age kids making college-age mistakes. Learning the difference between love and lust. Lying to themselves and getting blinders ripped off by their own actions. Sexually active, crude, and free.
Asher has been dating someone and finally dumps her realizing he can't live with that level of manipulation anymore. He still likes her and would like to keep her around for bang-age, but it was time to cut rope. He still thinks about her, even goes out on a date with her - because college-age kid learning about breakups after a long commitment.
Charis is a graduate student. She babysat Asher and became friends with him when they meet up again as adults, but she hasn't forgotten getting paid cash to keep his teenage tuckus out of trouble. Yes, she was attracted to him when she visited his family (her and his older sister were close friends in high school) as an undergrad - come on, sixteen year olds are hot - still .... jailbait .... so she compartmentalized him into a box and locked it HARD.
Friendship at university - while Asher learned how to have a committed relationship and Charis kept on, keeping on the Ivory Tower doctorate degree track - gave them breathing space. Playing games, someone to talk to from back home, no pressure. Three years of being there for each other.
Then Asher breaks up with his long-term. Now in their twenties together, safe rules don't apply.
Not a normal romance. Messy and more real-life than anything I have read. The family situations are over-the-top, like the author was aiming for, but Asher and Charis ... I knew these kids in college and from my talks with other friends, my college wasn't the only one to have people like Asher and Charis on campus.
I like them having a history. And I liked them making mistakes, real ones - not "I wonder if he thinks that I think" but "He was jailbait, but he isn't now, but what will his family/my friends think about our age differences ... and there he goes being the jerk I remember babysitting!".
Oh, and I really liked their esoteric discussions. The topics they diverge on! Um, I have to admit my friends and I have unwound conversations like "we started with birthday cake, how did we end up here?"
So, yeah, I liked it a lot. Yes, it needs a trimming. Yes it is not a typical romance or even erotica genre. But it is more real than most. Oh, and yes, I think that Asher is a complete and utter jerk - but he is the baby and you got to love him. Charismatic to the max. Again. I know this guy - I regularly D&D and played video games (why yes, I am a nerd) with this guy, manwhore though he was. I wouldn't DATE an Asher, but the Ashers of the world are really fun to be friends with.
I liked it.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
November 30, 2023
I enjoyed this book! It was hot! And cute as hell!
There were a few tropes:
- First friends to lovers, which the author caught well. I could see how they made the shifts. Uncomfortably at first for her, but she finally arrived.
- Next geek vs. stud. She was scientific but so was he...he just didn't live, speak and breathe it like she did.
- Older woman younger man. This is my least favorite trope, but I've never seen older sister's bff and baby bro (love the twist), but eww bc I have a bff and a baby bro so not my favorite trope. HOWEVER, the author made him so aggressive and sure in his sexuality...such a stark contrast to her very limited experience. He was the alpha, chaser, sure-footed, red-blooded man... I barely felt the age difference. After a while, I was telling her to chill because he had this! lol!
My favorite character was Asher. In the reviews, he got so much slack for being cocky but the author explains he's the youngest brother, treated like a God, does everything well but was raised respectfully. She did a great job of showing him being corky, caring, and respectful.
I also love the authors writing style, I felt like I was one of the guys Asher hung out with. At the same time, he said something and then did a great job of explaining in a way that made his POV understandable to me as a female. Ex: explaining a mans thought process in the moment of trying to prolong things (I said it wqs hot!). And he was funny, carefree, and confident. Have you ever been at a party and there's one person that had everyone's attention as they speak? That's Asher. Extrovert/life of the party vibes.
Then that part where they went to the sisters' party together had me cringing but justifies just how three demetional and well the author knows her characters! I know some introverts who would have definitely did the same things Sloan did...down to letting Asher play the game and trying to kiss his cousin's cheek to keep up pretenses...and especially hiding in a dark corner to overthink AKA have an inner monologue.
And I know some extroverts that would've sat back and waited for their significant other to bury themselves until they snapped.
Very well captured and SHOWN not told.
I'll be looking for more books from this author.
There were a few tropes:
- First friends to lovers, which the author caught well. I could see how they made the shifts. Uncomfortably at first for her, but she finally arrived.
- Next geek vs. stud. She was scientific but so was he...he just didn't live, speak and breathe it like she did.
- Older woman younger man. This is my least favorite trope, but I've never seen older sister's bff and baby bro (love the twist), but eww bc I have a bff and a baby bro so not my favorite trope. HOWEVER, the author made him so aggressive and sure in his sexuality...such a stark contrast to her very limited experience. He was the alpha, chaser, sure-footed, red-blooded man... I barely felt the age difference. After a while, I was telling her to chill because he had this! lol!
My favorite character was Asher. In the reviews, he got so much slack for being cocky but the author explains he's the youngest brother, treated like a God, does everything well but was raised respectfully. She did a great job of showing him being corky, caring, and respectful.
I also love the authors writing style, I felt like I was one of the guys Asher hung out with. At the same time, he said something and then did a great job of explaining in a way that made his POV understandable to me as a female. Ex: explaining a mans thought process in the moment of trying to prolong things (I said it wqs hot!). And he was funny, carefree, and confident. Have you ever been at a party and there's one person that had everyone's attention as they speak? That's Asher. Extrovert/life of the party vibes.
Then that part where they went to the sisters' party together had me cringing but justifies just how three demetional and well the author knows her characters! I know some introverts who would have definitely did the same things Sloan did...down to letting Asher play the game and trying to kiss his cousin's cheek to keep up pretenses...and especially hiding in a dark corner to overthink AKA have an inner monologue.
And I know some extroverts that would've sat back and waited for their significant other to bury themselves until they snapped.
Very well captured and SHOWN not told.
I'll be looking for more books from this author.
October 17, 2021
Dnf at 51%
Friends-to-lovers story.
The heroine is friends with the hero’s older sister and that’s how they became so close.
I didn’t like the pace. The book starts off with the engagement announcement and so much of the book is spent seeing the hero trying to change the heroine's mind. It goes back and forth between the present and the past where we see a short scene of the two being friends, but it doesn't really work in making us feel their connection. Because the book starts with the hero wanting to stop the engagement, the friendship is poorly developed. Just because the author says they are best friends, we are supposed to just take her word for it.
Another thing that bothered me is the 'age-gap'. The heroine goes on and on about how she's a cougar robbing the cradle and how she's too old for him. She's 4 years older not a decade. 4 years is nothing, especially because the hero is in his 20s. I think the age gap thing was pointless. The fact that she's his sister's friend should have been what the author concentrated on not the small age gap.
And the heroine in general was not a good heroine. She was annoying and kept convincing herself that the hero didn't really want her and he wanted his ex. The guy literally told her he wanted nothing to do with his ex and that he wants her and she doesn't believe him and makes up these ideas in her head that he saying these things because he's upset about the break up (even though he broke up with the ex). If a person tells you something about how they are feeling, it's annoying when you tell them no, this is not how you really feel. Wtf.
Friends-to-lovers story.
The heroine is friends with the hero’s older sister and that’s how they became so close.
I didn’t like the pace. The book starts off with the engagement announcement and so much of the book is spent seeing the hero trying to change the heroine's mind. It goes back and forth between the present and the past where we see a short scene of the two being friends, but it doesn't really work in making us feel their connection. Because the book starts with the hero wanting to stop the engagement, the friendship is poorly developed. Just because the author says they are best friends, we are supposed to just take her word for it.
Another thing that bothered me is the 'age-gap'. The heroine goes on and on about how she's a cougar robbing the cradle and how she's too old for him. She's 4 years older not a decade. 4 years is nothing, especially because the hero is in his 20s. I think the age gap thing was pointless. The fact that she's his sister's friend should have been what the author concentrated on not the small age gap.
And the heroine in general was not a good heroine. She was annoying and kept convincing herself that the hero didn't really want her and he wanted his ex. The guy literally told her he wanted nothing to do with his ex and that he wants her and she doesn't believe him and makes up these ideas in her head that he saying these things because he's upset about the break up (even though he broke up with the ex). If a person tells you something about how they are feeling, it's annoying when you tell them no, this is not how you really feel. Wtf.
December 19, 2017
This story could have been good but it went into too much telling about stuff, rather than showing. I don't normally rate the sex scenes when reviewing romance because those are very individual tastes, but I found the book had way too many sex scenes where there was so much conversation and not anything romantic or sexy about the scenes. I guess because it was mostly from the guy POV, we got a lot of mechanical action and not much into the feelings side of things. Just too much dirty talk from him, and blushing virginal reactions from her even though she's not virginal. It was just unbelievable. And of course he was amazing at everything to a more ridiculous degree than these stories normally have. Worst part - I couldn't just skip the scenes because there was too much dialog going on that was trying to advance the plot.
And the heroine - ugh. She acted inappropriate for her age. Very immature and freaking over a measly four year difference? Again, not believable.
I wanted to like this story but I darn near gave up halfway through. I slogged onward and it didn't get better. Everyone felt very shallow and one dimensional. There was no real character growth and the romance between the two friends was like a switch was flipped. I didn't get to see a decent, slow realization of the whole friends to lovers thing which is my preferred type of story. And the part where he was trying to change her mind felt kind of stalkerish to me. I didn't like his behavior and I didn't much like hers either. :(
And the heroine - ugh. She acted inappropriate for her age. Very immature and freaking over a measly four year difference? Again, not believable.
I wanted to like this story but I darn near gave up halfway through. I slogged onward and it didn't get better. Everyone felt very shallow and one dimensional. There was no real character growth and the romance between the two friends was like a switch was flipped. I didn't get to see a decent, slow realization of the whole friends to lovers thing which is my preferred type of story. And the part where he was trying to change her mind felt kind of stalkerish to me. I didn't like his behavior and I didn't much like hers either. :(
November 9, 2018
I wanted to love this, I really did, but I realized, as I reached the final chapter, that I spent so much time going back and forth over enjoying parts and rolling my eyes wishing my OCD didn't keep me from skipping entire pages, that I couldn't call it a success in my book. Don't get me wrong, it was an interesting premise. The plot was good, but there was something lacking in the execution.
Asher comes across as an ass who is using his girlfriend to get over his feelings for his best friend. And Charis is just pathetic! She's a grown woman with the attention span of a gnat. The inserted flashbacks didn't always have any correlation to the following chapter. All it did was give us a look at Charis' mind and how truly dizzying it is. Following her conversations with Asher was like trying to have a conversation with my special needs son when he was 6. Which made me wonder if Charis was possibly on the spectrum as well. She was 26 to Asher's 22 but let's be honest, she acted as if she were the younger of the two.
Don't get me started on Asher's family. They outright state that Asher and Charis should be thinking of each other as siblings, but they push for them to hook up? What the hell kind of family is this? I just finished it... barely. I'll give this author a second chance because let's face it, any author can have that one bad book, but I have to admit to being in no rush to do so.
Asher comes across as an ass who is using his girlfriend to get over his feelings for his best friend. And Charis is just pathetic! She's a grown woman with the attention span of a gnat. The inserted flashbacks didn't always have any correlation to the following chapter. All it did was give us a look at Charis' mind and how truly dizzying it is. Following her conversations with Asher was like trying to have a conversation with my special needs son when he was 6. Which made me wonder if Charis was possibly on the spectrum as well. She was 26 to Asher's 22 but let's be honest, she acted as if she were the younger of the two.
Don't get me started on Asher's family. They outright state that Asher and Charis should be thinking of each other as siblings, but they push for them to hook up? What the hell kind of family is this? I just finished it... barely. I'll give this author a second chance because let's face it, any author can have that one bad book, but I have to admit to being in no rush to do so.
December 11, 2017
My Review of Unfriended by Deana Farrady
Let's Talk About the Girl...
Charis Sloane has known the Norrell family all her life. Best friends with Asher’s older sister since junior high. She is loyal to a fault. Charis “is five feet eight inches of sticks and angles.” But Asher has a huge crush on her as a boy. She handled his crush and they are still friends. Years later, they are still friends as she professor and Asher is finished up his last year of college. Charis is geeky, awkward, and a bit of an oddball.
Let's Talk About the Guy...
A geek in hot guy clothing. He has already set up a successful company and is really just biding his time to graduation.
Let's Talk about the Story...
Asher had a crush on Charis. Charis has a crush on Asher, now. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to help his brother. Asher has been in a long term relationship for a few years and everyone assumes its just a matter of time before he gives her a ring. Charis know that she never has a chance with him. He thinks of her as his sister. So, Charis decides to help his older brother get some inheritance from his grandmother. She stipulated that he had to marry by 30 to get everything she had.
After months of radio silence from Asher, Charis decides that she could marry for companionship. She never thought that she would marry at all. But to be a part of the family that she loves has always been a dream of hers. One night, Asher shows up at her apartment and tells her that he has broken up with his long time girlfriend. But she has already made her promise to his brother.
Hilarity ensues and Asher tries everything and anything to get Charis to call off the engagement, even going so far as to call his brother and set him up with Asher’s ex. That goes over really well and his brother does call of the plans to get married in the next few day and marries Asher’s ex.
Our two lovebirds do eventually come clean with each other. In front of everyone. By kissing each other and trying to make each other jealous. It’s a very funny book. 😀
Let's Talk About the Girl...
Charis Sloane has known the Norrell family all her life. Best friends with Asher’s older sister since junior high. She is loyal to a fault. Charis “is five feet eight inches of sticks and angles.” But Asher has a huge crush on her as a boy. She handled his crush and they are still friends. Years later, they are still friends as she professor and Asher is finished up his last year of college. Charis is geeky, awkward, and a bit of an oddball.
She’s everyone’s friend, everyone’s pal, and a bit oddball if you want the truth. Not that I give a fuck. As far as I’m concerned, she’s just the way she should be.
Let's Talk About the Guy...
A geek in hot guy clothing. He has already set up a successful company and is really just biding his time to graduation.
“You might say I’m blessed with the four big advantages we Norrells like to pride ourselves on: Brain smarts. People smarts. Street sense. Common sense.”
Let's Talk about the Story...
Asher had a crush on Charis. Charis has a crush on Asher, now. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to help his brother. Asher has been in a long term relationship for a few years and everyone assumes its just a matter of time before he gives her a ring. Charis know that she never has a chance with him. He thinks of her as his sister. So, Charis decides to help his older brother get some inheritance from his grandmother. She stipulated that he had to marry by 30 to get everything she had.
After months of radio silence from Asher, Charis decides that she could marry for companionship. She never thought that she would marry at all. But to be a part of the family that she loves has always been a dream of hers. One night, Asher shows up at her apartment and tells her that he has broken up with his long time girlfriend. But she has already made her promise to his brother.
'"There’s something important I need to tell you. I’ve been putting it off, or maybe not exactly putting it off, more like I haven’t had the chance with you being incommunicado, but you see, the fact is, I’m getting married.”
It was only then, in that stunned moment of pure horror, that I began to sense the true scale of my life’s upfuckedness.’
Hilarity ensues and Asher tries everything and anything to get Charis to call off the engagement, even going so far as to call his brother and set him up with Asher’s ex. That goes over really well and his brother does call of the plans to get married in the next few day and marries Asher’s ex.
Our two lovebirds do eventually come clean with each other. In front of everyone. By kissing each other and trying to make each other jealous. It’s a very funny book. 😀
July 25, 2018
With a summary like that, I was imagining a different type of story. While I don’t like cheating, I do like stories where one character realizes their feelings for another and tries to convince that character to start dating them instead of the person they are currently with. However, I don’t like mixing that plot with family relationships, so this was a bust for me. I don’t even know how she kept that person/relationship a secret.
Also, I didn’t care for the fourth wall/Ferris Bueller moments, and I didn’t care for the sprinkling of past encounters. Past, present, future, and fourth-wall, it was all there, and made for a doozy. All-in-all, I wish that the author would have stuck with one writing style. Even though I didn’t care for....everything, the way it was written was enjoyable. I liked the flow between backstory to dialogue. (Yes, I know that contradicts me not liking the different story tenses, but I can appreciate the was the author transitioned everything.)
In the end, I wish this was a different book than what I read. While I fabricated an idea about the story before reading, my actually encounter with the authors story was vastly different than the image in my mind. Thus, I was disappointed. Won’t read again, but I thought it was fine.
Also, I didn’t care for the fourth wall/Ferris Bueller moments, and I didn’t care for the sprinkling of past encounters. Past, present, future, and fourth-wall, it was all there, and made for a doozy. All-in-all, I wish that the author would have stuck with one writing style. Even though I didn’t care for....everything, the way it was written was enjoyable. I liked the flow between backstory to dialogue. (Yes, I know that contradicts me not liking the different story tenses, but I can appreciate the was the author transitioned everything.)
In the end, I wish this was a different book than what I read. While I fabricated an idea about the story before reading, my actually encounter with the authors story was vastly different than the image in my mind. Thus, I was disappointed. Won’t read again, but I thought it was fine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews