What do you think?
Rate this book
Stubborn Hearts #2
The Love Coupon
How many coupons does it take to fall in love?Flick Dalgetty knows what she wants and how to get it, which is why she’s about to start her dream job in Washington. Until then, she needs somewhere to crash, and Tom O’Connell’s place is her sole option. He’s a repressed, antisocial ogre…but man can he kiss.For Tom, being around Flick is like being too close to the sun. Her untamed energy is overwhelming, and he’d spontaneously combust if he had to live with her long-term. Housemates with benefits—and an expiration date—suits him just fine. Then Flick gives Tom thirty coupons, each entitling him to one obligation-free activity, from bowling and bubble-bathing to morning delight, removing all the guesswork from being incompatible partners and shifting their fling into high gear.Now the problem is their arrangement is drawing to a close, and they might be falling in love—and there wasn’t a coupon for that.This book is approximately 90,000 wordsOne-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Mackenzie Walton
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2018
3 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Ainslie Paton
40 books144 followersAinslie Paton always wanted to write stories to make people smile, but the need to eat, accumulate books, and have bedclothes to read under was ever present. She sold out, and worked as a flack, a suit, and a creative, ghosting for business leaders, rabble-rousers, and politicians, and making words happen for companies, governments, causes, conditions, high-profile CEOs, low-profile celebs, and the occasional misguided royal. She still does that. She also writes for love and so she can buy shoes, and the good cat food.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 18, 2018
Flick is full of energy and her life appears to be a little chaotic, but really, she’s a determined woman when it comes to her goals. Flick rose above her circumstances and exceled despite having no help from her family (a family that fully pissed me off!). Now she’s finally landed her dream job, helping less fortunate ones to succeed with education and opportunities, but she needs a place to stay for three months before she moves. This is where Tom comes in.
Tom has a room to rent, but he’s used to living a regimented life and everything about Flick is out of his comfort zone. They end up together, and she annoys him, but there’s something refreshing, and intriguing about her, too. They push each other’s buttons, but Tom and Flick are definitely attracted to each other.
The Love Coupon was very much an opposites attract/antagonistic romance with a lot of witty banter back and forth. Ainslie Paton’s writing is clever and sharp. Tom and Flick were at odds and I loved seeing them gradually get on the same page. Surreptitious glances, and lusty thoughts finally gave way to some hot encounters! Those tightly wound guys are all kinds of hot when they finally let lose! The love coupons didn’t come into play until well after the 50% mark, but oh my!
This was a little more angsty than I usually read because Flick’s stay had an expiration date, and neither one wanted to admit they were getting more and more serious. Still, this is a romance, so I knew things would probably work out, lol.
A copy was kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tom has a room to rent, but he’s used to living a regimented life and everything about Flick is out of his comfort zone. They end up together, and she annoys him, but there’s something refreshing, and intriguing about her, too. They push each other’s buttons, but Tom and Flick are definitely attracted to each other.
The Love Coupon was very much an opposites attract/antagonistic romance with a lot of witty banter back and forth. Ainslie Paton’s writing is clever and sharp. Tom and Flick were at odds and I loved seeing them gradually get on the same page. Surreptitious glances, and lusty thoughts finally gave way to some hot encounters! Those tightly wound guys are all kinds of hot when they finally let lose! The love coupons didn’t come into play until well after the 50% mark, but oh my!
This was a little more angsty than I usually read because Flick’s stay had an expiration date, and neither one wanted to admit they were getting more and more serious. Still, this is a romance, so I knew things would probably work out, lol.
A copy was kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
This was enjoyable and well written and though the first time I tried to read this I stalled and just couldn't get into it I decided to give this another go and I am happy to report this second time was much better.
This is an opposite's attract, roommates with benefits type romance.
Tom O'Connell needs a temporary roommate: Flick Dalgetty is in need of a temporary room while she works off her notice before leaving for a new job in a fresh city.
The two are polar opposites in upbringing and also temperament.
Flick's family leave a lot to be desired and I hate how she has allowed them to take advantage of her generous nature I really wanted her to tell them where to get off and kick them to the kerb especially her waste of space mother and manipulative lazy sister.
Where Flick has been raised in chaos Tom's regimented childhood couldn't be more different his father a former military man has instilled in Tom the need for order and restraint.
Tom is all methodical and rigid Flick lives life at full speed ahead only pausing to briefly catch her breath.
I loved watching Flick's energy infect Tom as he gradually started to let loose slightly.
The two then started to bring out the best in each other: Tom was a rock that Flick could lean on in times of upset while Flick's spontaneity is something that Tom comes to appreciate.
This was well written and empathetic and I liked that Both Tom and Flick seemed real with flaws and all else.
I also really liked the coupon idea though it did come much later in the book than I was initially expecting.
Lastly, the couple from book 1 do make a brief appearance at the start of this but this a standalone read and you don't have to have read that to read this.
All in this was an enjoyable book.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Love Coupon (Stubborn Hearts, #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 4, 2018
DNF-41%...After starting this book, I cleaned, finished an audiobook, kicked around, looked up stuff and more stuff on goodreads, relistened to a different audiobook, read all your reviews on here, reread some of my own, tried to figure out where this author lived and finally, finally replayed A Christmas Story a million times in my head.
Do not name a main character 'Flick' unless you can quickly engage me, I guess. Worst name. I guess what this review is trying to say is I was bored. Basically, I use any excuse to read. Microwave=> Book. 10 seconds downtime?=> book. So when I try to entertain myself doing anything else we have a problem.
This started with a modicum of sexual tension and ended up with the MCs in bed together. The heroine in all her grand life experience wanted to teach the hero (a considerate lover) how to, I dunno, lose control? Get nasty? Be rough? I mean she was disappointed-by her own expectations. And I think here's where I started to really take issue. She wanted to rile him up. Go find a fire-tempered man then. Why poke at someone incessantly. As an adult, probably better to just respect their boundaries/issues and quirks. I'm not against challenging people. In fact, we love that around here. But this is different. This was like saying "you are flawed and I do not accept it. I know the way to live. I will teach you." Instead of "try to be a better person by letting go of things sometimes" its "A good person doesn't care about this."
So not only was a bored, I guess I was completely put off the romance aspect of this one. 1.5 for the 41% I did read. And so much sex. I think I've mentioned before--that is a very high bar for me to say so much sex.
Do not name a main character 'Flick' unless you can quickly engage me, I guess. Worst name. I guess what this review is trying to say is I was bored. Basically, I use any excuse to read. Microwave=> Book. 10 seconds downtime?=> book. So when I try to entertain myself doing anything else we have a problem.
This started with a modicum of sexual tension and ended up with the MCs in bed together. The heroine in all her grand life experience wanted to teach the hero (a considerate lover) how to, I dunno, lose control? Get nasty? Be rough? I mean she was disappointed-by her own expectations. And I think here's where I started to really take issue. She wanted to rile him up. Go find a fire-tempered man then. Why poke at someone incessantly. As an adult, probably better to just respect their boundaries/issues and quirks. I'm not against challenging people. In fact, we love that around here. But this is different. This was like saying "you are flawed and I do not accept it. I know the way to live. I will teach you." Instead of "try to be a better person by letting go of things sometimes" its "A good person doesn't care about this."
So not only was a bored, I guess I was completely put off the romance aspect of this one. 1.5 for the 41% I did read. And so much sex. I think I've mentioned before--that is a very high bar for me to say so much sex.
July 14, 2021
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Work Relationship, Forced proximity, Opposites Attract, Unstarched (him)
If you like Sally Thorne and Lucy Parker, this author will be right up your alley. I don’t know how this book ended up on my to read list, but I was pleasantly surprised. Funny, charming, sexy (at times a little too much sexy times…), while still having characters with depth and baggage.
I immediately book bought #1 in this series.
4 stars.
*****
- “No smoking, no drugs. No possessions left all over the place. No mess in the kitchen. No parties, no loud music, no coming and going all times of the day and night. No loud sex. No sex anywhere but in the bedroom. No sleepover partners. Thinking about it, my preference is that you live like a cloistered nun who has taken a lifelong vow of silence.”
“Why didn’t you cut to the chase and say no fun?”
*****
- He could no sooner live with Flick Dalgetty than he could become a man who believed whims, distractions and impulsiveness were good notions to live by. Tom’s ambitions were better contained in goal setting, scheduling, discipline. He’d get what he wanted in life methodically, by staying the course, not zigzagging all over the shop.
- Having Flick in his condo was like getting a puppy. You knew the destructive phase wasn’t going to last forever, got caught up in the sheer adorableness factor and couldn’t resist playing around, and suddenly the whole day was gone.
- “You need to put your stuff away.” Her satchel was on the countertop, her gym bag by the front door.
“You’re bothered about my stuff right now?”
He moved past her to his own door. He was bothered by her, full stop. By the way she looked, by the way she looked at him, by the fact he might be imagining some shared arc of attraction. It was all a sideshow.
- He was the planner, the strategist, the general. She was the pop-up event, the random occurrence, the black-swan rare incident, and he simply hadn’t factored for her.
- She pushed him to his back and draped over him. “That was fun.”
“It was.” He was mellowed out from it.
“I could hear you thinking.”
“Ah.” He gave her hair a tug. “I wanted to be enough for you.”
She sat up. “Why would you think you wouldn’t be?”
“You like everything. I’m not built that way.”
- She put her teeth to his neck, but he felt her laughter and echoed it. He half expected colors to be brighter, the air more refreshing. It felt like he’d woken from a deep sleep after a long period with a vague illness that’d left him lacking in energy and confused.
- That’s what Tom had done to her, roused the part of her that was tired of being alone, that craved someone who had her back, who understood her and loved her for who she was now, not who she was at fifteen, at twenty, not who she could be, or what she could buy for them.
- “You don’t have to seduce me, Flick. I’m a sure thing.”
- Oh, the chemistry was every letter in the alphabet, and the alphabet was freezing, melting, burning, giving off vapor, reducing, expanding and fusing.
- “When you dirty-talked, you had me rigid. I couldn’t walk out into the office. If you’re wet right now, it’s because you’re crying with laughter.”
- He stood in front of her feeling every crack and bruise, knock and splinter and concussion he’d ever received, his body aching with them. She looked up at him with a defiance that was breathtaking, but under that was a ripple of defeat he’d put in her eyes. He had a choice to make, to live in the moment with all its heightened emotion or back them away from the crumbling edge.
- The problem was she was a mountain he wanted to climb, a splinter under his skin, buried so deep he’d never dig her out. Never wanted to. She was his comfort food and his starry night and his afternoon delight. She was his ambition and he had to make her understand that.
- Somewhere between becoming his temporary tenant and a TV marathon, she’d discovered he was the one.
If you like Sally Thorne and Lucy Parker, this author will be right up your alley. I don’t know how this book ended up on my to read list, but I was pleasantly surprised. Funny, charming, sexy (at times a little too much sexy times…), while still having characters with depth and baggage.
I immediately book bought #1 in this series.
4 stars.
*****
- “No smoking, no drugs. No possessions left all over the place. No mess in the kitchen. No parties, no loud music, no coming and going all times of the day and night. No loud sex. No sex anywhere but in the bedroom. No sleepover partners. Thinking about it, my preference is that you live like a cloistered nun who has taken a lifelong vow of silence.”
“Why didn’t you cut to the chase and say no fun?”
*****
- He could no sooner live with Flick Dalgetty than he could become a man who believed whims, distractions and impulsiveness were good notions to live by. Tom’s ambitions were better contained in goal setting, scheduling, discipline. He’d get what he wanted in life methodically, by staying the course, not zigzagging all over the shop.
- Having Flick in his condo was like getting a puppy. You knew the destructive phase wasn’t going to last forever, got caught up in the sheer adorableness factor and couldn’t resist playing around, and suddenly the whole day was gone.
- “You need to put your stuff away.” Her satchel was on the countertop, her gym bag by the front door.
“You’re bothered about my stuff right now?”
He moved past her to his own door. He was bothered by her, full stop. By the way she looked, by the way she looked at him, by the fact he might be imagining some shared arc of attraction. It was all a sideshow.
- He was the planner, the strategist, the general. She was the pop-up event, the random occurrence, the black-swan rare incident, and he simply hadn’t factored for her.
- She pushed him to his back and draped over him. “That was fun.”
“It was.” He was mellowed out from it.
“I could hear you thinking.”
“Ah.” He gave her hair a tug. “I wanted to be enough for you.”
She sat up. “Why would you think you wouldn’t be?”
“You like everything. I’m not built that way.”
- She put her teeth to his neck, but he felt her laughter and echoed it. He half expected colors to be brighter, the air more refreshing. It felt like he’d woken from a deep sleep after a long period with a vague illness that’d left him lacking in energy and confused.
- That’s what Tom had done to her, roused the part of her that was tired of being alone, that craved someone who had her back, who understood her and loved her for who she was now, not who she was at fifteen, at twenty, not who she could be, or what she could buy for them.
- “You don’t have to seduce me, Flick. I’m a sure thing.”
- Oh, the chemistry was every letter in the alphabet, and the alphabet was freezing, melting, burning, giving off vapor, reducing, expanding and fusing.
- “When you dirty-talked, you had me rigid. I couldn’t walk out into the office. If you’re wet right now, it’s because you’re crying with laughter.”
- He stood in front of her feeling every crack and bruise, knock and splinter and concussion he’d ever received, his body aching with them. She looked up at him with a defiance that was breathtaking, but under that was a ripple of defeat he’d put in her eyes. He had a choice to make, to live in the moment with all its heightened emotion or back them away from the crumbling edge.
- The problem was she was a mountain he wanted to climb, a splinter under his skin, buried so deep he’d never dig her out. Never wanted to. She was his comfort food and his starry night and his afternoon delight. She was his ambition and he had to make her understand that.
- Somewhere between becoming his temporary tenant and a TV marathon, she’d discovered he was the one.
April 9, 2018
This book is set in the same world as the previous book, and we even meet Jack and Derelie for a second in the beginning, but it can be read as a complete standalone!
Flick - Felicity - is about to leave Chicago for Washington. She got her dream job. She still has to work for her old company for another three months - but she's already moved out of her apartment.
Enter Tom. His roommate just got promoted, and left for China and Flick would be the perfect solution.
Only she wouldn't be.
Crazy, loud and wild and chaotic Flick is the complete opposite of Tom's calm, organized and serious persona. They would kill each other within the first few days.
But Flick is way too convincing and bam - she's living with poor Tom now.
Perfect recipe for falling in love, right?
What will happen with Flick & Tom?
Will there be a HEA?
Read the book to find out! ☺
═══════════════════
Well ... that was adorable & funny!
Ainslie's book are often a bit ... different. Which is SO not a bad thing.
She has this completely different writing style - and sometimes it can come across as a bit strange, a bit much. But I really loved this story!
You immediately fall in love with Tom and Flick and you want them to end up together.
But of course we have this mega-long way to go until there might be a happily ever after in sight.
But we enjoy every single moment of that journey!
They are so over-the-top opposites. It's just hilarious.
But they also somehow click. And they're mega attracted to each other.
We have lots of adorable moments. Funny moments. Frustrating moments. Sexy moments. Moving moments. I even cried a bit here and there!! I just loved it!
THE LOVE COUPON was an amazingly adorable & funny & different kind of love story! I just adored it! I loved Flick & Tom. I loved the sparks and the talks and the fighting and the coupons ... I just loved everything! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Tom - this one is MINE! ☺
If I had to name some things I didn't love-love - it might have been a little bit too long. It's kind of Ainslie's thing to write a lot of words and thoughts. I prefer to read more conversations and interactions between the 2 main people and not too much inner debate and stuff like that.
It's not necessarily a bad thing - those were not bad words. Beautiful words and thoughts - but it was just a bit too long for me!
And the Love COUPON thing. I'm writing this now that I'm at 55% of the story, and there isn't a coupon to be found anywhere??? Huh? Why give a book that title when those coupons show up mega late into the book? They don't have anything to do with how and if Flick and Tom fell for each other... very weird. Maybe a title and blurb change would be wise!
Ok - back now after finishing the book. They coupons arrived right at the 56% mark and it was a mega adorable addition to this great book - to their already blossoming love story. I just would've added them a tiny bit sooner into the story. But it was totally ok the way it was. BUT, I'm also sure that some weird readers might be offended by the blurb and title and the not happening coupons ... ☺
♡
♡
♡
♡
April 4, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in this series THE LOVE EXPERIMENT and I was super excited to see if the same quality of writing and characters could be replicated but differently. I can report that the answer is yes. THE LOVE COUPON has two rather different characters (thankfully) but they have the same level of chemistry, hilarious connection and banter. I am of the mind that Ainslie Paton writes some of the best dialogue out there.
Flick is an acquaintance of Tom’s and she wrangles an agreement out of him to rent his spare room for a fixed term till she moves for her new job. Tom is organisation and tidiness epitomised whilst Flick is spontaneous and a little messy.
“Landlord and roommate with extracurricular activities on the side. You cook and ***k like a god. I try to stay tidy and be your ***k goddess. We get to have a good time before we go our separate ways.”
The build of their connection was fun and hot to observe. Their banter was electric and kept me so very entertained. Sometimes side characters are important in a story, but with this book, there is only Tom and Flick. I could be a fly on their wall forever. I loved the concept of love coupons, it worked brilliantly and I waited for each to play out.
“It was unclear what kind of relationship they had. Tormented and victim, maybe.”
I am here for what Ainslie Paton has to offer next, she has talent, she needs more exposure.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Flick is an acquaintance of Tom’s and she wrangles an agreement out of him to rent his spare room for a fixed term till she moves for her new job. Tom is organisation and tidiness epitomised whilst Flick is spontaneous and a little messy.
“Landlord and roommate with extracurricular activities on the side. You cook and ***k like a god. I try to stay tidy and be your ***k goddess. We get to have a good time before we go our separate ways.”
The build of their connection was fun and hot to observe. Their banter was electric and kept me so very entertained. Sometimes side characters are important in a story, but with this book, there is only Tom and Flick. I could be a fly on their wall forever. I loved the concept of love coupons, it worked brilliantly and I waited for each to play out.
“It was unclear what kind of relationship they had. Tormented and victim, maybe.”
I am here for what Ainslie Paton has to offer next, she has talent, she needs more exposure.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
September 4, 2018
Conceptually this book has an intriguing premise. Two very different people are wildly attracted to each other despite being complete opposites, but because of temporary circumstances they are forced to get to know each other well. Tom is an introvert with a dedication to living a very orderly and controlled life. Flick is a reincarnation of Holly Golightly, a bit of a wacky extrovert and a socializing risk-taker dedicated to living life on her terms. If I had been Tom in this book though, I would have fled from Flick too, and that he doesn't in the end is one of the reasons the book did not quite work for me. I simply never believed that two such different people could build a sustainable life together. There are a number of issues still left unresolved by the end, which is an interesting, if unsettling, way to conclude a romance. One of the lessons the book tries to impart though is to avoid superficial views of someone and take the time to get to know someone. The problem for me is that after taking a few months to get to know each other, Tom is in the end still a controlled introvert and Flick is still an unbridled extrovert ready to take risks in life. Overlooking the final few pages where Tom makes a grand gesture that struck me as a bit improbable, these are two people not really suited for each other.
Most of the novel takes place within the confines of Tom's designer apartment in downtown Chicago where he reluctantly allows Flick to move in for a few months until her new job in D.C. begins. Flick is the Oscar to Tom's Felix, and I truly felt for Tom as he struggled to contain his irritation with a messy and somewhat obnoxious roommate. It took me quite a while to warm to Flick, including her annoying name, as she really is a bit too over-the-top for the first half of the book. She softens and becomes more three-dimensional as the story progresses, thankfully, but I still sided with Tom many times when he refers to her as a brat. I was not entirely comfortable either with Flick's deliberate attempts to push Tom out of his comfort zone for his own sake. I truly hate when romances construct men as characters who simply know better than the heroine what they want or what is good for them, and just because this is a gender reversal of that idea does not make it any more palatable. Also, Tom does not change Flick one iota in the book, and so in the end, this is a book about an uptight man who needs a carefree and fearless woman to change him rather than two opposites who learn and grow from each other. Clearly we are meant to take away a love of Flick's attributes, but for me, while some of her traits are admirable, not all are. Some of Tom's traits are admirable to me, but he is set up as a bit of a broken person, and that niggled at me right to the end. I will say too that seventy percent of the book consists of sex, and though well-written, it bored me. I found my mind wandering many times, and the book as a result took me far too long to read.
I'll end on a more positive note though by saying that the coupon device is clever and fun and really works here to allow two people a chance to explore in a freeing way the excitement of the infatuation stage of a romance. On the surface the coupons are simple, but the ways in which the characters use them to serve their goals and to honor their own personality traits was clever. They were the best part of the book.
Most of the novel takes place within the confines of Tom's designer apartment in downtown Chicago where he reluctantly allows Flick to move in for a few months until her new job in D.C. begins. Flick is the Oscar to Tom's Felix, and I truly felt for Tom as he struggled to contain his irritation with a messy and somewhat obnoxious roommate. It took me quite a while to warm to Flick, including her annoying name, as she really is a bit too over-the-top for the first half of the book. She softens and becomes more three-dimensional as the story progresses, thankfully, but I still sided with Tom many times when he refers to her as a brat. I was not entirely comfortable either with Flick's deliberate attempts to push Tom out of his comfort zone for his own sake. I truly hate when romances construct men as characters who simply know better than the heroine what they want or what is good for them, and just because this is a gender reversal of that idea does not make it any more palatable. Also, Tom does not change Flick one iota in the book, and so in the end, this is a book about an uptight man who needs a carefree and fearless woman to change him rather than two opposites who learn and grow from each other. Clearly we are meant to take away a love of Flick's attributes, but for me, while some of her traits are admirable, not all are. Some of Tom's traits are admirable to me, but he is set up as a bit of a broken person, and that niggled at me right to the end. I will say too that seventy percent of the book consists of sex, and though well-written, it bored me. I found my mind wandering many times, and the book as a result took me far too long to read.
I'll end on a more positive note though by saying that the coupon device is clever and fun and really works here to allow two people a chance to explore in a freeing way the excitement of the infatuation stage of a romance. On the surface the coupons are simple, but the ways in which the characters use them to serve their goals and to honor their own personality traits was clever. They were the best part of the book.
May 7, 2018
Ainslie Paton was one of my favorite romance discoveries last year. I completely adored The Love Experiment - it turned me into an instant fan of the author. I was beyond thrilled to find out that she was continuing the series on with The Love Coupon. I didn't think it was possible, but I think I fell for this book even more than The Love Experiment. It had all the ingredients for a perfect romance read.
I'm all for pairings of grumpy heroes and peppy heroines, and I got exactly that with The Love Coupon. Flick was an adorable ball of energy! And an ambitious ball of energy at that. I loved how hardworking she was. Flick was also a girl with a huge heart. Despite the way her family members mistreated her for being successful, she still went out of her way to ensure that they were happy. She had just gotten her dream job in Washington and had to find temporary housing, which is how she and the hero Tom come to be roommates. Of course, grumpy Tom wanted nothing to do with Flick. He found her annoying and far too chipper for his likes. I was very easily charmed by Tom. He had me swooning - I don't know what it is about the silent grumpy hero that I can't resist. Underneath all those buttoned-up layers was a sweetheart. Even though he didn't like to show it, he grew to care deeply about Flick. Honestly, there was so much to love about the guy, but I'm going to let you discover him all yourself. :)
Flick and Tom's romance had a great progression to it. They annoyed each other, but there was a lot of chemistry between them even when they were pushing each other's buttons. Flick found a way to worm herself and settle in Tom's heart, and it was adorable to watch. I'm a little bit ashamed to admit this, but I may have squeed a few times in joy. When the love coupons were introduced in the second half of the book, they amplified the tension between them. The banter, the sexy games and all the romantic declarations made my heart so happy! As always, I was engrossed in Ainslie's writing in The Love Coupon. There's something very unique and addicting about it.
The Love Coupon was a blast to read! If you enjoy hot roommate romances with some hate to love dynamics, then give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!
June 17, 2018
Reviewed for Dear Author.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
4.5 stars, rounded up.
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
April 17, 2018
A few of my fellow bloggers put Paton on my radar, and am I glad they did, because The Love Coupon was such a fun and sexy read, which I am filing this under "books that made my face hurt", because that ending left with smiling from ear to ear.
Who?
• Tom, a super disciplined PR man, who likes his life nice and tidy.
• Flick, a lobbyist, who was ambitious, and ascribed to a "no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach".
What?
His roommate recently relocated for a job, and Tom was unable to afford his mortgage on his own as he awaited his promotion. Flick was looking for short-term housing as she finished out her current employment contract and prepared for her move to Washington DC to begin her dream job. It seemed like they were each other's perfect solution, but would Tom be able to handle Flick turning his world upside down?
Why?
I was such a fan of this couple. Tom was this outwardly grumpy guy with a secret heart of gold, and Flick was a total spitfire. I loved watching hurricane Flick knock Tom off his rails. The chemistry between Flick and Tom was off the charts! Flick described it like this, and I sort of agree:
Yes to awesome chemistry, and also to the fun, sassy, sexy banter. Tom and Flick had an interesting rapport. This was a hate-to-love sort of thing, where Tom was not Flick's biggest fan in the beginning, but she was relentless, and eventually won him over.
I, for one, was grateful that Flick was so persistent, because these two were something special together. They made each other see the world in a new way and rethink the things they believed. They made each other world bigger and better.
And let's give it up for epically beautiful endings! My heart exploded at the end of this book. My sappy sap self was beyond happy with the way Paton wrapped up Flick and Tom's story, and I couldn't think of a better way to end it.
Overall
A steamy hate-to-love-roommate romance, which left me brimming with joy.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Who?
• Tom, a super disciplined PR man, who likes his life nice and tidy.
• Flick, a lobbyist, who was ambitious, and ascribed to a "no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach".
What?
His roommate recently relocated for a job, and Tom was unable to afford his mortgage on his own as he awaited his promotion. Flick was looking for short-term housing as she finished out her current employment contract and prepared for her move to Washington DC to begin her dream job. It seemed like they were each other's perfect solution, but would Tom be able to handle Flick turning his world upside down?
Why?
I was such a fan of this couple. Tom was this outwardly grumpy guy with a secret heart of gold, and Flick was a total spitfire. I loved watching hurricane Flick knock Tom off his rails. The chemistry between Flick and Tom was off the charts! Flick described it like this, and I sort of agree:
"Oh, the chemistry was every letter in the alphabet, and the alphabet was freezing, melting, burning, giving off vapor, reducing, expanding and fusing."
Yes to awesome chemistry, and also to the fun, sassy, sexy banter. Tom and Flick had an interesting rapport. This was a hate-to-love sort of thing, where Tom was not Flick's biggest fan in the beginning, but she was relentless, and eventually won him over.
"You're a rodeo, Flick Delgetty. Always trying to throw me off."
I, for one, was grateful that Flick was so persistent, because these two were something special together. They made each other see the world in a new way and rethink the things they believed. They made each other world bigger and better.
And let's give it up for epically beautiful endings! My heart exploded at the end of this book. My sappy sap self was beyond happy with the way Paton wrapped up Flick and Tom's story, and I couldn't think of a better way to end it.
Overall
A steamy hate-to-love-roommate romance, which left me brimming with joy.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2018
On the heels of The Love Experiment which was a fun look at two reporters pushed into working on a story together and discovering they quite liked finding out what made the other tick, the Love Coupon is the second and equally enjoyable romance in the Stubborn Hearts series. Stubborn Hearts is a great tagline for this series as in each instance the characters are determined to keep their hearts protected - to no avail, as it turns out. Where book 1 has a more lighthearted feel, this one gets quite emotional (It's got ALL THE FEELS) and takes you on a ride of joy and sadness and everything in between on the way to a well deserved happy ending.
Flick is a lobbyist who's had a tough upbringing, moving out on her own as a teenager and with the opportunity for a dream job in Washington. But it's a few weeks away and in the meantime she needs a place to stay. Tom's in marketing, his latest client a pharmaceutical company looking for branding. He's neat, organized, quiet, and in line for a promotion. Until then he needs someone to help pay half the mortgage since his roommate moved away, and Flick, a woman in his career circle whom he defines as 'made of bees' for her energetic non-stop buzz is probably going to be the roommate from hell, but he can't say no.
What follows is an adventure in lust and love as these two go from wary acquaintances to friends to lovers (and back to friends, and then again to lovers) in a roller coaster ride of emotions and hot sex. The sex surprises them both in how compatible they turn out to be, sharing their desires and secrets and finding themselves challenged to keep it in a neat little box with a definite time clock ticking as Flick's departure gets ever closer. The 'coupons' Flick uses to show Tom some of what he's been missing in his ordered life don't actually come into play until later in the story, once they've already established their somewhat complicated relationship. There are some gut wrenching emotional scenes too, more angst than I'd expected, but ones that make their connection all the more real. As opposites, they complement each other in so many ways and I loved seeing them make those little connections that turn their worlds upside down. There are interesting scenes with friends, difficult scenes with family, sharp scenes on the disadvantages of women in the workplace and scenes that moved me to laughter and tears. The ending flayed me. If you're expecting a romantic comedy, you'll get that, but a lot more too. Don't say I didn't warn you.
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Flick is a lobbyist who's had a tough upbringing, moving out on her own as a teenager and with the opportunity for a dream job in Washington. But it's a few weeks away and in the meantime she needs a place to stay. Tom's in marketing, his latest client a pharmaceutical company looking for branding. He's neat, organized, quiet, and in line for a promotion. Until then he needs someone to help pay half the mortgage since his roommate moved away, and Flick, a woman in his career circle whom he defines as 'made of bees' for her energetic non-stop buzz is probably going to be the roommate from hell, but he can't say no.
What follows is an adventure in lust and love as these two go from wary acquaintances to friends to lovers (and back to friends, and then again to lovers) in a roller coaster ride of emotions and hot sex. The sex surprises them both in how compatible they turn out to be, sharing their desires and secrets and finding themselves challenged to keep it in a neat little box with a definite time clock ticking as Flick's departure gets ever closer. The 'coupons' Flick uses to show Tom some of what he's been missing in his ordered life don't actually come into play until later in the story, once they've already established their somewhat complicated relationship. There are some gut wrenching emotional scenes too, more angst than I'd expected, but ones that make their connection all the more real. As opposites, they complement each other in so many ways and I loved seeing them make those little connections that turn their worlds upside down. There are interesting scenes with friends, difficult scenes with family, sharp scenes on the disadvantages of women in the workplace and scenes that moved me to laughter and tears. The ending flayed me. If you're expecting a romantic comedy, you'll get that, but a lot more too. Don't say I didn't warn you.
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
April 13, 2018
Also on Romances Ever After.
I love Ainslie's The Love Experiment with all my heart, and I've gushed about it on this blog too. I kept putting off reading this ARC because I knew I'd be wanting more after I finish, and I wanted to spare myself the pain. I made the right decision for once because Ainslie's coming out with a new book in May so I don't have to wait that long (oyeaaaaaaa).
Just like The Love Experiment, the biggest reason why I love The Love Coupon is the characters. I'd love to be best friends with Flick, I think she's a riot. I love her drive and ambition, and how she wouldn't sacrifice her goals for anything or anyone. I'm also still pissed that she didn't give up on her no-good family members, but her loyalty streak is admirable.
"You're a rodeo, Flick Dalgetty. Always trying to throw me off."
While I love Flick, the star of the show for me is Tom. I adore Tom, stiff and repressed as he is. I thought Jack Haley was a grouch, but Tom O'Connell was the definition of the word. He runs on tight rails (Tom's words) and prefers everything a certain way--his way. He is the product of his childhood and strict upbringing, and you really couldn't fault him for being such a cold fish at times. Did I mention that he also cooks and bakes and can be wild in bed if he lets himself lose control? I'm marrying Tom, brb.
Now that I think about it, Tom reminds me of one of my favourite Cara McKenna heroes, Duncan Welch. They would totally hit it off, I feel.
"But this was Tom, and no matter how much he let go, he wouldn't deliberately hurt her. He didn't know how."
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of Tom and Flick's roomie relationship, the sexual tension between them, and the sexy games they ended up playing with each other and of course, how they fell in love with each other. I love how Flick casually invaded Tom's life, dismantled everything, and basically taught him to lighten up and live a little, and Tom just let her do it. There is also a bit of angst and intensity in this book that I love, especially in the sexy scenes. I'm going to sound crass but oh my God have I ever read a more intense blowjob scene than the one in this book oh my God-
"She was lovesick over him. She'd couponed herself into a corner and she was going to break her own heart."
The only beef I have with this book is the coupons bit. It was introduced probably 60% into the story, and on the one hand, I didn't really mind because the way Ainslie wrote the placement made sense. But on the other hand, I went in expecting the coupons to be an important part of the story the way the questionnaire did in The Love Experiment, so...
That being said, it wasn't a big deal to me as a whole because I was completely engrossed in whatever's happening between Tom and Flick anyway, but other people might feel differently.
Overall, I expected The Love Coupon to wow me, and it really did. The groveling scene is A+. For you who love music with your books, Ainslie put it a lot of songs in the story. I highlighted every song mention to make myself a little playlist--and turns out Ainslie already included the list of songs at the end of the story, LOL. I also did a little digging around Ainslie's website and found that we can expect one more book in this series, and I'm already super hyped.
E-ARC is received thanks to the author.
I love Ainslie's The Love Experiment with all my heart, and I've gushed about it on this blog too. I kept putting off reading this ARC because I knew I'd be wanting more after I finish, and I wanted to spare myself the pain. I made the right decision for once because Ainslie's coming out with a new book in May so I don't have to wait that long (oyeaaaaaaa).
Just like The Love Experiment, the biggest reason why I love The Love Coupon is the characters. I'd love to be best friends with Flick, I think she's a riot. I love her drive and ambition, and how she wouldn't sacrifice her goals for anything or anyone. I'm also still pissed that she didn't give up on her no-good family members, but her loyalty streak is admirable.
"You're a rodeo, Flick Dalgetty. Always trying to throw me off."
While I love Flick, the star of the show for me is Tom. I adore Tom, stiff and repressed as he is. I thought Jack Haley was a grouch, but Tom O'Connell was the definition of the word. He runs on tight rails (Tom's words) and prefers everything a certain way--his way. He is the product of his childhood and strict upbringing, and you really couldn't fault him for being such a cold fish at times. Did I mention that he also cooks and bakes and can be wild in bed if he lets himself lose control? I'm marrying Tom, brb.
Now that I think about it, Tom reminds me of one of my favourite Cara McKenna heroes, Duncan Welch. They would totally hit it off, I feel.
"But this was Tom, and no matter how much he let go, he wouldn't deliberately hurt her. He didn't know how."
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of Tom and Flick's roomie relationship, the sexual tension between them, and the sexy games they ended up playing with each other and of course, how they fell in love with each other. I love how Flick casually invaded Tom's life, dismantled everything, and basically taught him to lighten up and live a little, and Tom just let her do it. There is also a bit of angst and intensity in this book that I love, especially in the sexy scenes. I'm going to sound crass but oh my God have I ever read a more intense blowjob scene than the one in this book oh my God-
"She was lovesick over him. She'd couponed herself into a corner and she was going to break her own heart."
The only beef I have with this book is the coupons bit. It was introduced probably 60% into the story, and on the one hand, I didn't really mind because the way Ainslie wrote the placement made sense. But on the other hand, I went in expecting the coupons to be an important part of the story the way the questionnaire did in The Love Experiment, so...
That being said, it wasn't a big deal to me as a whole because I was completely engrossed in whatever's happening between Tom and Flick anyway, but other people might feel differently.
Overall, I expected The Love Coupon to wow me, and it really did. The groveling scene is A+. For you who love music with your books, Ainslie put it a lot of songs in the story. I highlighted every song mention to make myself a little playlist--and turns out Ainslie already included the list of songs at the end of the story, LOL. I also did a little digging around Ainslie's website and found that we can expect one more book in this series, and I'm already super hyped.
E-ARC is received thanks to the author.
March 2, 2018
|Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!|
I would like to say that I loved this book but sadly, that was not the case. I found this book really overwhelming and all over the place.
I didn’t enjoy our female lead and her “quirkiness” was like nails on a chalkboard. I, definitely, wasn’t a fan. Other thing I didn’t like was the pacing and the writing style. In my review for her previous book I said I didn’t mind her contemporary-matter-of-fact style, but it took a toll on this story and I guess it was due to her main characters.
The coupon part of the book takes place way too far in the book and that just didn’t do it for me. I know that it was in order to establish the relationship between the MCs first, but I found it tiring and kind of pointless where it came around.
To make this short, I don’t see myself reading any book from this author soon. I like her ideas, but the execution is poorly done.
I would like to say that I loved this book but sadly, that was not the case. I found this book really overwhelming and all over the place.
I didn’t enjoy our female lead and her “quirkiness” was like nails on a chalkboard. I, definitely, wasn’t a fan. Other thing I didn’t like was the pacing and the writing style. In my review for her previous book I said I didn’t mind her contemporary-matter-of-fact style, but it took a toll on this story and I guess it was due to her main characters.
The coupon part of the book takes place way too far in the book and that just didn’t do it for me. I know that it was in order to establish the relationship between the MCs first, but I found it tiring and kind of pointless where it came around.
To make this short, I don’t see myself reading any book from this author soon. I like her ideas, but the execution is poorly done.
April 13, 2018
I didn't end up liking this as much as I thought I would, both based on premise and past experience with the author, and I think there are a couple reasons why.
1) It's a super short time period for a romance. Ostensibly, the relationship develops over three months, but there's a period where they are just roommates who avoid each other, and then roommates who don't, and then roommates who are having sex, and then the whole title gimmick comes into play in the last thirty days they have together before she leaves for her dream job. Compressed time frames aren't my favorite, and I think it hurt the relationship development.
2) I'm not sure I'll be able to explain this well, but the way the heroine pushed the hero out of some of his comfort zones made me uncomfortable. Like, I think there's a totally valid space where a partner can and should do that for you, but they weren't partners for most of the books, they were just people who liked each other and had a very defined end date. In particular, with the sexual boundaries, the hero has them and the heroine doesn't, and she consistently is trying to edge him out of them. There's lip service to the idea that she'd stop if he really meant it, but I don't know. If the gender of the characters had been swapped, and the hero was the one trying to edge the heroine into things she said she didn't want, I think the author wouldn't have written it. It wasn't bad and consent was always there, I just felt a little icky about it.
3) They're both emotionally dumb, which is fine, but I can't forgive the spontaneous quit my job so we can be together in a city where one of is going to be in an extended stay hotel at their dream job and the other one doesn't have a plan ESPECIALLY from the hero as constructed. Could he ease out of his rigidity? Sure! The entire book was about that. That much, that fast? It felt less grand gesture and more these two are going to break up in six months because neither of them knew what the hell they were doing.
This all sounds more negative than I really am about it, and I will definitely try more by this author, it was just that this left me a little sad that it was not for me.
(But yay heroes giving shit up for the heroine! I appreciate you in theory, even if I don't love you in execution.)
1) It's a super short time period for a romance. Ostensibly, the relationship develops over three months, but there's a period where they are just roommates who avoid each other, and then roommates who don't, and then roommates who are having sex, and then the whole title gimmick comes into play in the last thirty days they have together before she leaves for her dream job. Compressed time frames aren't my favorite, and I think it hurt the relationship development.
2) I'm not sure I'll be able to explain this well, but the way the heroine pushed the hero out of some of his comfort zones made me uncomfortable. Like, I think there's a totally valid space where a partner can and should do that for you, but they weren't partners for most of the books, they were just people who liked each other and had a very defined end date. In particular, with the sexual boundaries, the hero has them and the heroine doesn't, and she consistently is trying to edge him out of them. There's lip service to the idea that she'd stop if he really meant it, but I don't know. If the gender of the characters had been swapped, and the hero was the one trying to edge the heroine into things she said she didn't want, I think the author wouldn't have written it. It wasn't bad and consent was always there, I just felt a little icky about it.
3) They're both emotionally dumb, which is fine, but I can't forgive the spontaneous quit my job so we can be together in a city where one of is going to be in an extended stay hotel at their dream job and the other one doesn't have a plan ESPECIALLY from the hero as constructed. Could he ease out of his rigidity? Sure! The entire book was about that. That much, that fast? It felt less grand gesture and more these two are going to break up in six months because neither of them knew what the hell they were doing.
This all sounds more negative than I really am about it, and I will definitely try more by this author, it was just that this left me a little sad that it was not for me.
(But yay heroes giving shit up for the heroine! I appreciate you in theory, even if I don't love you in execution.)
March 19, 2018
***3.5***
You can find this and many more reviews on my blog Marianna's Corner!
The Love Coupon confused me like no other. It’s been two weeks (maybe more) since I finished reading it, and I still have no idea what the rating will be. What is it that is troubling me so? The writing style.
If you know me, then you know that the writing style is my holy grail; the determining factor; I may be meh about the plot, but once the writing has me, I’m in heaven. And this writing style, sadly, was not for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the plot and therefore found it difficult to sympathise with their situation.
Having said all that, I LOVED THE PLOT! That is the paradox; I loved the plot but hated the writing style.
The story is told in a dual perspective; Flick’s and Tom’s. Flick is a total extrovert: she is outgoing, fun, lives life to the fullest. Tom is a total introvert: he is guarded, not taking risks, he is a rock of a man. They have one thing in common: their ambition.
Let’s talk a bit about the romance; it was totally swoon worthy and H O T! I loved their relationship and their banter was hilarious. Tom and Flick’s relationship is absolutely a very healthy and consensual one. I was giggling like a fool for the most part.
I also liked that it discussed the inequality of the genders in the workplace. Flick always had something to say about how she is treated in comparison to men and I am so here for this.
BUT, but, but. The writing style couldn’t let me live. Seriously it was so frustrating, because I was so immersed in the story, and just as I was ready to feel all the feels BAM! I got detatched. I’m telling you if not for the writing, the story itself could potentially get 5 stars. Yep, THAT good.
I recommend it to all romance lovers out there. Who knows, maybe you will love the writing style and get to fully experience the book and the story. The reason I am a little meh is very subjective so give it a go!
General Thoughts: The Love Coupon is a hot and steamy romance between an introvert male and an extrovert female. Opposites collide and steam rises! My main issue is subjective and has to do with the writing style; so give it a try and see for yourselves!
I received this e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
You can find this and many more reviews on my blog Marianna's Corner!
The Love Coupon confused me like no other. It’s been two weeks (maybe more) since I finished reading it, and I still have no idea what the rating will be. What is it that is troubling me so? The writing style.
If you know me, then you know that the writing style is my holy grail; the determining factor; I may be meh about the plot, but once the writing has me, I’m in heaven. And this writing style, sadly, was not for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the plot and therefore found it difficult to sympathise with their situation.
Having said all that, I LOVED THE PLOT! That is the paradox; I loved the plot but hated the writing style.
The story is told in a dual perspective; Flick’s and Tom’s. Flick is a total extrovert: she is outgoing, fun, lives life to the fullest. Tom is a total introvert: he is guarded, not taking risks, he is a rock of a man. They have one thing in common: their ambition.
Let’s talk a bit about the romance; it was totally swoon worthy and H O T! I loved their relationship and their banter was hilarious. Tom and Flick’s relationship is absolutely a very healthy and consensual one. I was giggling like a fool for the most part.
I also liked that it discussed the inequality of the genders in the workplace. Flick always had something to say about how she is treated in comparison to men and I am so here for this.
BUT, but, but. The writing style couldn’t let me live. Seriously it was so frustrating, because I was so immersed in the story, and just as I was ready to feel all the feels BAM! I got detatched. I’m telling you if not for the writing, the story itself could potentially get 5 stars. Yep, THAT good.
I recommend it to all romance lovers out there. Who knows, maybe you will love the writing style and get to fully experience the book and the story. The reason I am a little meh is very subjective so give it a go!
General Thoughts: The Love Coupon is a hot and steamy romance between an introvert male and an extrovert female. Opposites collide and steam rises! My main issue is subjective and has to do with the writing style; so give it a try and see for yourselves!
I received this e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
February 11, 2018
Quirk is the order of the day each time I read an Ainslie Paton novel, from the (sometimes hilarious) descriptions of her characters to the even odder situations that they find themselves in. But these can also be a refreshing change from the monotony of encountering variants of the same type of plots that have been reworked in so many ways.
Paton’s style however, does take getting used to—from metaphors that never quite occur to you make regular occurrences to odd, long dialogues to hyperboles that give you pause—and I suspect it might put some readers in one camp or the other. ‘The Love Coupon’ safe to say, follows this kind of pattern in what’s essentially, a roommates to lovers story based on Flick Dalgetty pulling Tom O’Connell out of his comfort zone in every direction he’d never anticipated.
Make no mistake, Flick Dalgetty came in with a bang. True to her name (like a fly you want to flick off), Flick was already made out to be a circus-act protagonist who went at everything like the Duracell Bunny and then some—just to read in third person about her was exhausting. As a character who seemed to exist to poke the conservative, routine-based Tom out of his comfort zone, I couldn’t help but at times find her pesky, needy and almost petulantly acting up when it came to the long-suffering Tom—essentially rubbing me the wrong way because she didn’t know how to leave things alone. There were parts about her family though, that made her vulnerably relatable and those were the bits that I enjoyed reading the most.
What I found odd was that the love coupon part of the story didn’t come in until at least half the story later, the first of which felt like long dialogues and Tom/Flick rather quickly feeling their way around each other, at parts literally. I did however, appreciate Paton establishing their odd relationship first, before the coupon idea came in, which definitely helped solidify this weird bond that they had going by then.
Still, while I’m sold on the premise of the story, Tom/Flick felt like a batty idea that I couldn’t quite shake by the end of their tearful declarations that they couldn’t live without each other. There was overall, still an oddity about ‘The Love Coupon’ that felt a tad ‘off’ to me—this is obviously just me—as Tom/Flick abruptly and impulsively rode off into their (Washington) sunset before the credits rolled. It’s definitely rom-com worthy though, so if that’s your sort of thing, ‘The Love Coupon’ is a perfect bet.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Paton’s style however, does take getting used to—from metaphors that never quite occur to you make regular occurrences to odd, long dialogues to hyperboles that give you pause—and I suspect it might put some readers in one camp or the other. ‘The Love Coupon’ safe to say, follows this kind of pattern in what’s essentially, a roommates to lovers story based on Flick Dalgetty pulling Tom O’Connell out of his comfort zone in every direction he’d never anticipated.
Make no mistake, Flick Dalgetty came in with a bang. True to her name (like a fly you want to flick off), Flick was already made out to be a circus-act protagonist who went at everything like the Duracell Bunny and then some—just to read in third person about her was exhausting. As a character who seemed to exist to poke the conservative, routine-based Tom out of his comfort zone, I couldn’t help but at times find her pesky, needy and almost petulantly acting up when it came to the long-suffering Tom—essentially rubbing me the wrong way because she didn’t know how to leave things alone. There were parts about her family though, that made her vulnerably relatable and those were the bits that I enjoyed reading the most.
What I found odd was that the love coupon part of the story didn’t come in until at least half the story later, the first of which felt like long dialogues and Tom/Flick rather quickly feeling their way around each other, at parts literally. I did however, appreciate Paton establishing their odd relationship first, before the coupon idea came in, which definitely helped solidify this weird bond that they had going by then.
Still, while I’m sold on the premise of the story, Tom/Flick felt like a batty idea that I couldn’t quite shake by the end of their tearful declarations that they couldn’t live without each other. There was overall, still an oddity about ‘The Love Coupon’ that felt a tad ‘off’ to me—this is obviously just me—as Tom/Flick abruptly and impulsively rode off into their (Washington) sunset before the credits rolled. It’s definitely rom-com worthy though, so if that’s your sort of thing, ‘The Love Coupon’ is a perfect bet.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
April 19, 2018
I didn't like the first book in the series but this one was loads better. Even though I do not like uptight heroes this book worked for me maybe because the heroine was so awesome. She was so kick-ass in her job and so vulnerable when it came to her family. Even when these two were keeping things casual you could actually see them getting in deeper with each other. I find this author's voice very different.
March 22, 2018
An instant addition to the favorites shelf. Clever, fun, and with an opposites attract pairing that is paradoxically made for each other.
September 17, 2018
4.5 stars
exactly my kind of book
exactly my kind of book
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars, rounding down
I struggled a bit with this book and found myself putting it down to read other books, something that definitely wasn’t the case with the previous book
I love forced proximity and roommate plots. I often enjoy opposites attract. I love the concept of the coupons (even though those don’t actually come into play until quite far into the book).
I love grumpy heroes. I felt like I understood the way Tom was. Why he liked to be in control and why he liked everything orderly.
It took me much longer to warm up to Flick. I found her a little too zany and immature at first. I would’ve hated her as a roommate. I really identified with Tom in how he likes things neat and clean and organised and I don’t think it’s funny or charming when people fuck with me by messing things up, the way Flick does in order to provoke a reaction out of him.
I found Flick the most relatable when she talked about her family and her background. I hate that her family doesn’t appreciate her and takes advantage of her. I really like that Tom tried to help her manage this better. And I do like that she helps him loosen up a bit, even after his father is kind of awful to her.
They hook up fairly early in the book, and I guess I felt like a lot of their relationship was physical? They have great chemistry, no question about that. But as for spending their lives together... the ending felt more HFN than HEA. All the things Flick says to him, all the doubts she expresses are valid and I’m not sure how they’ll reconcile those things in the future.
I struggled a bit with this book and found myself putting it down to read other books, something that definitely wasn’t the case with the previous book
I love forced proximity and roommate plots. I often enjoy opposites attract. I love the concept of the coupons (even though those don’t actually come into play until quite far into the book).
I love grumpy heroes. I felt like I understood the way Tom was. Why he liked to be in control and why he liked everything orderly.
It took me much longer to warm up to Flick. I found her a little too zany and immature at first. I would’ve hated her as a roommate. I really identified with Tom in how he likes things neat and clean and organised and I don’t think it’s funny or charming when people fuck with me by messing things up, the way Flick does in order to provoke a reaction out of him.
I found Flick the most relatable when she talked about her family and her background. I hate that her family doesn’t appreciate her and takes advantage of her. I really like that Tom tried to help her manage this better. And I do like that she helps him loosen up a bit, even after his father is kind of awful to her.
They hook up fairly early in the book, and I guess I felt like a lot of their relationship was physical? They have great chemistry, no question about that. But as for spending their lives together... the ending felt more HFN than HEA. All the things Flick says to him, all the doubts she expresses are valid and I’m not sure how they’ll reconcile those things in the future.
April 10, 2018
The Love Coupon is a unique, sexy and smart opposites-attract romance that shines with Ainslie Paton’s sharp, witty and distinctive voice. Flick Dalgetty and Tom O’Connell are temporary roommates with very different personalities. He’s serious, tightly wound, a little grumpy and has a plan for everything, and she’s a vibrant whirlwind of energy with an easygoing demeanor and relishes living life to its fullest. Tom is confused and distressed when he realizes that he’s attracted to Flick, because she doesn’t fit neatly into any category and she tempts him to pursue pleasure without restraint, which he equates with losing control. He tries to resist her and swings between hot and cold until Flick gives him 30 coupons for self-indulgent activities they can do together, such as a massage, afternoon delight or binge-watch a show. It’s a brilliant tactic and demonstrates how well Flick understands Tom, because the coupons allow him to stop overthinking and just enjoy their time together. Their romance is beautifully developed at a leisurely, captivating pace with entertaining twists and turns, wonderful dialogue and sensual love scenes. The Love Coupon is a clever, sigh-worthy contemporary romance that truly stands out.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on April 10, 2018.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on April 10, 2018.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
February 18, 2022
Another strong and silent type, this H was practically perfect. Did a ton of swooning here. At first I found the h not totally to my liking but she really grew on me and I ended up really loving her, LOVING THEM! They were magic together.... The ending slightly seemed rushed but it's no biggie, their chemistry and conversation and relationship were just wonderful!
April 11, 2018
The Love Coupon is a wild, crazy ride with redeemable coupons for fun, laughter and sexy shenanigans. It's deep, emotional and will rock your world as you dive headlong into Flick's antics and Tom's reticence. It will crush your heart, delight you and make you think about what really matters in life and love.
I love Ms Paton's writing. She's the only author I read who has a very unusual, almost poetic cadence to her writing. It's like reading to a beat of something playing in the back of your mind. I find this utterly unique even if it does take a little getting used to if it's not something you've encountered before or if you haven't read one of her books in the past. It's what attracted me to her writing in the first place way back when I read my first book she'd written.
When you look at the cover for The Love Coupon and read the blurb, you think this is a fun, light read. In part, it is. But mostly, it's not. It's a deep emotional exploration into the lives of two completely different people and how they come together to play and to love. How people can grow in their relationships from barely tolerable, to friendship, to love. Ms Paton has a tendency to pull the rug out from under the heroes in this series, to shake them up and inject some vulnerability into them. She empowers the heroines to be bigger than themselves and what the world expects of them. It becomes an exercise in learning to live and learning to love when there are obstacles in your way. It's worth taking the time to read it and examine the exploration into human nature.
"Look at the two of them. Many talking. Much relationship. Who needed thirty-six questions designed to create intimacy like Jack and Derelie? They had honest distrust, mutual necessity and grudging sexual awareness."
On the point of the coupons, it doesn't happen till later in the book. It's Flick's way of making Tom loosen up and live more in the moment. I think they are a fantastic idea in the way they got Tom to get involved and ultimately fall in love. And for that reason, they worked perfectly. The coupons are cute and fun, but that's not what this story is all about.
Flick makes me dizzy. She is this roller coaster ride of chaos and color but underneath that she's ambitious, professional and responsible. At first glance, Flick is all cotton candy and sugary sweet. Too much of her and you'll throw up on your own shoes. Then you get to know her and find out there's surprising depth to her. She struggles with an ungrateful family, cares for someone who means a lot to her, grieves with heart-wrenching painfulness when something tragic happens, and she is open and honest with her heart. Yes, she probably took Tom on as a challenge but along the way, she got to know him. She was brave when she confessed her feelings and reasonable when things didn't work out exactly the way she hoped. She has her insecurities and pain, but she's also fire and flame and zest for life. I started off being uncertain about Flick and ended up loving her. She'll probably still make me dizzy if I ever met her because I can't handle people like that. They make me want to hide in my room, but for short periods of time, I think she'd be fun to hang out with.
"“I think you’re part fun fair, part wrecking ball. I think you have an on switch but no off. I think you’re good at your job. Ambitious. Pushy. You’ll play rough if it gets you what you want, but you’re a politician too, so you’re not above manipulation, razzle-dazzle ’em, move fast so they can’t see you coming and don’t see the trail of destruction you leave behind till it’s too late. I think you’ll burn out hard because you can’t pace yourself."
"Flick bowled like she lived. She learned the rules, she got expert at interpreting them. She knew when she could break them and get away with it and she never held back. She took professional and personal risks without being reckless. Tom had bowled like it meant something to lose and so he’d been cautious, restrained."
"Flick Dalgetty was made of ants and bees, fear-inducing roller-coaster bends, and gravity-defying Gravitron revolutions. She was the spun sugar of fun-fair cotton candy, and right now standing in front of him, she was made of disappointment and doubt and it was killing him."
"He thought he’d begun to understand her, less a whirlwind, erratic and out of control, and more a storm front, deliberate and direct. He had no right to question her choices, but the anger he felt wasn’t only for Flick, it was for all women who had to play by different rules to be in the same game, and for how little he’d recognized that."
I adore Tom. He's the kind of hero I love to read about. He's so stoic, controlled, cautious, reliable and responsible. He's all rock solid steadiness and steadfastness. He's the kind of man you can depend on. The person you call when you need help. The one you turn to when there's an emergency. And he COOKS! Any man who can cook can have my heart. It takes Flick's spontaneity to shake him loose a little and open up to the possibilities of fun. They say opposites attract, and perhaps that's the case along with the way Flick so aggressively pursued him, and got him to play. Tom needed the fun and play in his life. Without it, without Flick, he's a boring old stick in the mud. But I loved him anyway. I also loved his reaction to Flick. Oftentimes bewildered, mostly confused, a lot befuddled. Flick is this hurricane that blew into Tom's life and left his reeling. It does him good to be shaken up.
"All of his successes had come from plain old-fashioned hard work, application, diligence and the luck of having been born a white male. He was decisive but he wasn’t a risk-taker. He had a comfort zone and he was happy in it, didn’t like disruption or change not of his own making."
The ending is wonderful, if a bit too much "happy for now" for me. That seems to be the norm with the books in this series. I need to know things work out permanently for Flick and Tom, that they have a happy future ahead of them, life, love, work, home. All of it. I hope Ms Paton satisfies my curiosity and need for completion with the next book or a short story.
I loved this book. It might have taken me a little while to warm up to Flick and fall into the story but I'm glad I did. Ms Paton topped it off with an epic love coupon at the end which was swoony, melty, and just oh-so-perfect. I hope everyone reads this book. It's worth reading.
See more from Deanna's World
I love Ms Paton's writing. She's the only author I read who has a very unusual, almost poetic cadence to her writing. It's like reading to a beat of something playing in the back of your mind. I find this utterly unique even if it does take a little getting used to if it's not something you've encountered before or if you haven't read one of her books in the past. It's what attracted me to her writing in the first place way back when I read my first book she'd written.
When you look at the cover for The Love Coupon and read the blurb, you think this is a fun, light read. In part, it is. But mostly, it's not. It's a deep emotional exploration into the lives of two completely different people and how they come together to play and to love. How people can grow in their relationships from barely tolerable, to friendship, to love. Ms Paton has a tendency to pull the rug out from under the heroes in this series, to shake them up and inject some vulnerability into them. She empowers the heroines to be bigger than themselves and what the world expects of them. It becomes an exercise in learning to live and learning to love when there are obstacles in your way. It's worth taking the time to read it and examine the exploration into human nature.
"Look at the two of them. Many talking. Much relationship. Who needed thirty-six questions designed to create intimacy like Jack and Derelie? They had honest distrust, mutual necessity and grudging sexual awareness."
On the point of the coupons, it doesn't happen till later in the book. It's Flick's way of making Tom loosen up and live more in the moment. I think they are a fantastic idea in the way they got Tom to get involved and ultimately fall in love. And for that reason, they worked perfectly. The coupons are cute and fun, but that's not what this story is all about.
Flick makes me dizzy. She is this roller coaster ride of chaos and color but underneath that she's ambitious, professional and responsible. At first glance, Flick is all cotton candy and sugary sweet. Too much of her and you'll throw up on your own shoes. Then you get to know her and find out there's surprising depth to her. She struggles with an ungrateful family, cares for someone who means a lot to her, grieves with heart-wrenching painfulness when something tragic happens, and she is open and honest with her heart. Yes, she probably took Tom on as a challenge but along the way, she got to know him. She was brave when she confessed her feelings and reasonable when things didn't work out exactly the way she hoped. She has her insecurities and pain, but she's also fire and flame and zest for life. I started off being uncertain about Flick and ended up loving her. She'll probably still make me dizzy if I ever met her because I can't handle people like that. They make me want to hide in my room, but for short periods of time, I think she'd be fun to hang out with.
"“I think you’re part fun fair, part wrecking ball. I think you have an on switch but no off. I think you’re good at your job. Ambitious. Pushy. You’ll play rough if it gets you what you want, but you’re a politician too, so you’re not above manipulation, razzle-dazzle ’em, move fast so they can’t see you coming and don’t see the trail of destruction you leave behind till it’s too late. I think you’ll burn out hard because you can’t pace yourself."
"Flick bowled like she lived. She learned the rules, she got expert at interpreting them. She knew when she could break them and get away with it and she never held back. She took professional and personal risks without being reckless. Tom had bowled like it meant something to lose and so he’d been cautious, restrained."
"Flick Dalgetty was made of ants and bees, fear-inducing roller-coaster bends, and gravity-defying Gravitron revolutions. She was the spun sugar of fun-fair cotton candy, and right now standing in front of him, she was made of disappointment and doubt and it was killing him."
"He thought he’d begun to understand her, less a whirlwind, erratic and out of control, and more a storm front, deliberate and direct. He had no right to question her choices, but the anger he felt wasn’t only for Flick, it was for all women who had to play by different rules to be in the same game, and for how little he’d recognized that."
I adore Tom. He's the kind of hero I love to read about. He's so stoic, controlled, cautious, reliable and responsible. He's all rock solid steadiness and steadfastness. He's the kind of man you can depend on. The person you call when you need help. The one you turn to when there's an emergency. And he COOKS! Any man who can cook can have my heart. It takes Flick's spontaneity to shake him loose a little and open up to the possibilities of fun. They say opposites attract, and perhaps that's the case along with the way Flick so aggressively pursued him, and got him to play. Tom needed the fun and play in his life. Without it, without Flick, he's a boring old stick in the mud. But I loved him anyway. I also loved his reaction to Flick. Oftentimes bewildered, mostly confused, a lot befuddled. Flick is this hurricane that blew into Tom's life and left his reeling. It does him good to be shaken up.
"All of his successes had come from plain old-fashioned hard work, application, diligence and the luck of having been born a white male. He was decisive but he wasn’t a risk-taker. He had a comfort zone and he was happy in it, didn’t like disruption or change not of his own making."
The ending is wonderful, if a bit too much "happy for now" for me. That seems to be the norm with the books in this series. I need to know things work out permanently for Flick and Tom, that they have a happy future ahead of them, life, love, work, home. All of it. I hope Ms Paton satisfies my curiosity and need for completion with the next book or a short story.
I loved this book. It might have taken me a little while to warm up to Flick and fall into the story but I'm glad I did. Ms Paton topped it off with an epic love coupon at the end which was swoony, melty, and just oh-so-perfect. I hope everyone reads this book. It's worth reading.
See more from Deanna's World
April 17, 2018
I was a pretty big fan of the first novel in this series, The Love Experiment so I was pretty keen to read this, especially because the blurb contains two of my favourite words in a hero: repressed, antisocial. I don’t know what it is but sign me up for an uptight type, especially when the female love interest is a more forward personality. I just really enjoy reading that dynamic. It’s much more interesting to me than the manwhore/virginal female pairing.
Tom’s room mate moved out when he took a job overseas and although Tom knows he needs a new one in order to have the level of financial comfort he prefers, he definitely does not want Felicity ‘Flick’ Dalgetty as his room mate. She’s chaos and Tom is organised, clean and tidy. He doesn’t like mess and Flick is sure to be a whirlwind tearing through his apartment. But she does only need a room for three months before she takes a job interstate and eventually she wears him down.
At first their interactions are minimal – Flick leaves early and is generally in her room when Tom returns from work. But eventually their paths start crossing a little more often. Tom offers to share his cooked meals with her and they share conversations which lead to a kiss. I really liked the chemistry between the two of them. Flick has a great, refreshing attitude towards a fling and she’s very confident in herself, which was fantastic. Tom often has doubts (although I think his reasons are fine) and he at times attempts to retreat a bit, perhaps a bit afraid of truly being able to let go. This book takes time to explore both Tom and Flick’s backgrounds in a really in depth manner and you can see how where they’ve come from has shaped their interactions with others. Flick’s relationship with her family I found really interesting – and also a bit puzzling. In some ways I understand why she continues to do what she does but to be honest the majority of my thoughts were wondering why she even bothered. There’s only so much someone should be expected to endure before making decisions for their own good.
Tom and Flick bounce off each other really well and although they both sometimes touch a nerve with their frank questions, they’re very equal. I really liked the idea of the coupons and how fun Flick made some of them, as well as sexy. I got the feeling Tom lived a very ordered life, did the same things every day and Flick was definitely more about having fun, being spontaneous and even though the coupons mean things are decided in advance, Tom can redeem any one he chooses and a lot of them are fun and sort of casual so it pushes him to do things he wouldn’t normally do and open himself up to new experiences, both in bed and out. The coupons were such a cool idea and added so much to the story, I only wish they’d been introduced a little earlier as it’s quite far into the book when they appear. Most of them do get described but I do wish it could’ve been in greater detail and time spent on all of them as they are quite an important part of Flick and Tom’s growing relationship.
From the very beginning it’s clear that this is just supposed to be a fling, because Flick is leaving in three months to go to a new job interstate and Tom has a plan, which results in him being promoted sooner rather than later. This is a romance novel so you know it’s going to end differently to that but I loved the fact that I couldn’t pick how it was going to go. Both Tom and Flick had careers that were very important to them and Tom was on the property ladder and was very focused on his future and how he wanted things to go. The chemistry between them was so strong both sexually and emotionally that I was incredibly invested in the outcome. Both of them compliment the other in lots of ways – Tom takes care of Flick in a way that she hasn’t really experienced. Not a “boyfriend protecting the little woman way” but in a more nurturing, feeding her and providing stability sort of way. And Flick encourages Tom to live a little, explore his feelings, indulge. Relax the rules, enjoy things. There’s a balance there and it works, although small things can tip that balance out and result in struggle.
I loved this….perfect blend of characters that for me were both likeable and interesting. Their journey was a fun one to go on and I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
Tom’s room mate moved out when he took a job overseas and although Tom knows he needs a new one in order to have the level of financial comfort he prefers, he definitely does not want Felicity ‘Flick’ Dalgetty as his room mate. She’s chaos and Tom is organised, clean and tidy. He doesn’t like mess and Flick is sure to be a whirlwind tearing through his apartment. But she does only need a room for three months before she takes a job interstate and eventually she wears him down.
At first their interactions are minimal – Flick leaves early and is generally in her room when Tom returns from work. But eventually their paths start crossing a little more often. Tom offers to share his cooked meals with her and they share conversations which lead to a kiss. I really liked the chemistry between the two of them. Flick has a great, refreshing attitude towards a fling and she’s very confident in herself, which was fantastic. Tom often has doubts (although I think his reasons are fine) and he at times attempts to retreat a bit, perhaps a bit afraid of truly being able to let go. This book takes time to explore both Tom and Flick’s backgrounds in a really in depth manner and you can see how where they’ve come from has shaped their interactions with others. Flick’s relationship with her family I found really interesting – and also a bit puzzling. In some ways I understand why she continues to do what she does but to be honest the majority of my thoughts were wondering why she even bothered. There’s only so much someone should be expected to endure before making decisions for their own good.
Tom and Flick bounce off each other really well and although they both sometimes touch a nerve with their frank questions, they’re very equal. I really liked the idea of the coupons and how fun Flick made some of them, as well as sexy. I got the feeling Tom lived a very ordered life, did the same things every day and Flick was definitely more about having fun, being spontaneous and even though the coupons mean things are decided in advance, Tom can redeem any one he chooses and a lot of them are fun and sort of casual so it pushes him to do things he wouldn’t normally do and open himself up to new experiences, both in bed and out. The coupons were such a cool idea and added so much to the story, I only wish they’d been introduced a little earlier as it’s quite far into the book when they appear. Most of them do get described but I do wish it could’ve been in greater detail and time spent on all of them as they are quite an important part of Flick and Tom’s growing relationship.
From the very beginning it’s clear that this is just supposed to be a fling, because Flick is leaving in three months to go to a new job interstate and Tom has a plan, which results in him being promoted sooner rather than later. This is a romance novel so you know it’s going to end differently to that but I loved the fact that I couldn’t pick how it was going to go. Both Tom and Flick had careers that were very important to them and Tom was on the property ladder and was very focused on his future and how he wanted things to go. The chemistry between them was so strong both sexually and emotionally that I was incredibly invested in the outcome. Both of them compliment the other in lots of ways – Tom takes care of Flick in a way that she hasn’t really experienced. Not a “boyfriend protecting the little woman way” but in a more nurturing, feeding her and providing stability sort of way. And Flick encourages Tom to live a little, explore his feelings, indulge. Relax the rules, enjoy things. There’s a balance there and it works, although small things can tip that balance out and result in struggle.
I loved this….perfect blend of characters that for me were both likeable and interesting. Their journey was a fun one to go on and I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
April 10, 2018
This is a fun, sexy, and sensual story, a story of opposites who take a bit to realize their love for each other, but what a journey to get there. I love Tom such a hero and Flick tiny, feisty, fabulous and maybe a little vulnerable where family is concerned, this is the second book in this series and I am loving it there are laughs tears and lots of enjoyment to keep a reader turning the pages.
Flick Dalgetty has worked hard to get to where she is today she maybe be tiny but she knows what she wants and goes out and gets it, and she has just got her dream job and this means moving to Washington, away from family that could be a bonus but for Flick it means some thought. In the mean time she needs a place to stay for 6 weeks till the move happens, suddenly through her friend Jack she gets herself invited to move into up and coming managing director Tom O’Connell’s condo. This is going to be exciting times for Flick and Tom.
Tom is waiting on a promotion at the company he has worked at for years he is good at his job and things are changing, his friend and room-mate has moved out and he needs a new roomy step in Flick and he has a room-mate, there are a few rules that she must follow you see Tom is pedantic about how he keeps the condo nothing left lying around, no drinking, no partying, no sex, Flick is going to do his head in, in more ways than one it seems.
Flick and Tom are so very different and this draws them together, Flick does her best to liven Tom up and wow Tom cooks divinely and it doesn’t take long before they are talking and getting along famously so good that Flick comes up with a plan of giving Tom coupons for the thirty days they have left together including bowling, bubble baths cooking dressing these are so much fun and they fall so beautifully in love during them. This is a book I highly recommend so many emotions, sensually beautiful and I just loved Tom he is the best and Flick is adorable, they are so good for each other. I do highly recommend this one thank you MS Paton I loved it and I do hope that Wren gets her story.
Flick Dalgetty has worked hard to get to where she is today she maybe be tiny but she knows what she wants and goes out and gets it, and she has just got her dream job and this means moving to Washington, away from family that could be a bonus but for Flick it means some thought. In the mean time she needs a place to stay for 6 weeks till the move happens, suddenly through her friend Jack she gets herself invited to move into up and coming managing director Tom O’Connell’s condo. This is going to be exciting times for Flick and Tom.
Tom is waiting on a promotion at the company he has worked at for years he is good at his job and things are changing, his friend and room-mate has moved out and he needs a new roomy step in Flick and he has a room-mate, there are a few rules that she must follow you see Tom is pedantic about how he keeps the condo nothing left lying around, no drinking, no partying, no sex, Flick is going to do his head in, in more ways than one it seems.
Flick and Tom are so very different and this draws them together, Flick does her best to liven Tom up and wow Tom cooks divinely and it doesn’t take long before they are talking and getting along famously so good that Flick comes up with a plan of giving Tom coupons for the thirty days they have left together including bowling, bubble baths cooking dressing these are so much fun and they fall so beautifully in love during them. This is a book I highly recommend so many emotions, sensually beautiful and I just loved Tom he is the best and Flick is adorable, they are so good for each other. I do highly recommend this one thank you MS Paton I loved it and I do hope that Wren gets her story.
May 24, 2018
2.5 stars
How does this author take a seemingly simple premise (grumpy hero and spunky heroine become roommates and fall in love with each other) and drag it for SO. LONG? Seriously, the repetition and accumulation of unnecessary events and dialogue made this one so hard to read. I really enjoyed this author's previous work, but what in the world was this. While I appreciate the lack of drama, the whole book revolved around the ONE conflict: I'm falling in love with him/her but we're going to separate in two months.
Okay, you can use that as a conflict. But other things have to happen too. There was no clear resolution regarding the strained family relationships of both Flick and Tom (WHY WERE THEY THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE THEN), and the only thing I really enjoyed was the workplace vibe, and putting career over romance. I'm sorry to say, this book was not a hit for me. It may have been if it were half its length, but it continued for wayy too long over a bunch of nothing. Sometimes it felt like the writing just became RAMBLING instead of actual exposition. And the ship was meh. Nice steamy scenes. Both characters were okay on their own but nothing special.
I would only recommend this to fans of the author. Otherwise, pick up the first book in this series instead. There's much more going on, and it doesn't drag, and the characters are more unique.
"Forget grief and consolation, forget expectation and obligation. They'd become something to each other independent of those things. Roommates with benefits and a shelf life. Occasional lovers. Friends."
How does this author take a seemingly simple premise (grumpy hero and spunky heroine become roommates and fall in love with each other) and drag it for SO. LONG? Seriously, the repetition and accumulation of unnecessary events and dialogue made this one so hard to read. I really enjoyed this author's previous work, but what in the world was this. While I appreciate the lack of drama, the whole book revolved around the ONE conflict: I'm falling in love with him/her but we're going to separate in two months.
Okay, you can use that as a conflict. But other things have to happen too. There was no clear resolution regarding the strained family relationships of both Flick and Tom (WHY WERE THEY THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE THEN), and the only thing I really enjoyed was the workplace vibe, and putting career over romance. I'm sorry to say, this book was not a hit for me. It may have been if it were half its length, but it continued for wayy too long over a bunch of nothing. Sometimes it felt like the writing just became RAMBLING instead of actual exposition. And the ship was meh. Nice steamy scenes. Both characters were okay on their own but nothing special.
I would only recommend this to fans of the author. Otherwise, pick up the first book in this series instead. There's much more going on, and it doesn't drag, and the characters are more unique.
April 15, 2018
***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
At first, I wasn't really feeling this book. I was like, "Great, my first review book and I'm going to have to give it a negative review." That's OK because I want to be honest but I would still feel bad. But once the coupons showed up (mostly the second half), the book became more enjoyable for me.
One of my favorite things is that Tom is an introvert. This just isn't a very common character type especially for heroes in romance. As a fellow introvert, I appreciate the representation. Flick was harder for me to connect with, but I can appreciate how confident, outgoing, and competent she is.
Like I said before, I liked the second half more. The coupons and how they were executed helped show of Flick and Tom's personalities. During this part was also when there was more character development. Flick and Tom were able to help each other and learn from the other to make their lives better.
Now, for some things I didn't like. My main problem is with the writing style. It is written in 3rd person which I my preferred POV for romance. But it was muddled in this book. I would often get confused about who was talking or which character's head I was in. Especially since Tom and Flick are supposed to be drastically different that should have been easier to differentiate. This did continue throughout the whole book and never go easier.
Posted on my blog: https://daydreamingthroughbooks.blogs...
At first, I wasn't really feeling this book. I was like, "Great, my first review book and I'm going to have to give it a negative review." That's OK because I want to be honest but I would still feel bad. But once the coupons showed up (mostly the second half), the book became more enjoyable for me.
One of my favorite things is that Tom is an introvert. This just isn't a very common character type especially for heroes in romance. As a fellow introvert, I appreciate the representation. Flick was harder for me to connect with, but I can appreciate how confident, outgoing, and competent she is.
Like I said before, I liked the second half more. The coupons and how they were executed helped show of Flick and Tom's personalities. During this part was also when there was more character development. Flick and Tom were able to help each other and learn from the other to make their lives better.
Now, for some things I didn't like. My main problem is with the writing style. It is written in 3rd person which I my preferred POV for romance. But it was muddled in this book. I would often get confused about who was talking or which character's head I was in. Especially since Tom and Flick are supposed to be drastically different that should have been easier to differentiate. This did continue throughout the whole book and never go easier.
Posted on my blog: https://daydreamingthroughbooks.blogs...
February 10, 2018
Tom can only take so much, “too much attention and I’m not gonna make it inside you. Feels like I’ve been this hard since last night.” Tom could be so considerate, "he’d changed out of his suit into sweats and a T-shirt. “I’m going to be here with you, because you’re scaring me. You look like you’ve had a shock.” When Tom is frisky he's quite the sexy man, "he raised a brow at her peremptory tone, while he took his tie off. “You’re not in any position to make demands.” I liked this book, I liked Tom.
Read
February 24, 2018This was a DNF for me. I could not get into this book. I tried many time too!
April 13, 2018
Despite some issues at the beginning and a bit rocky endings, I quite enjoyed this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews