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The Hartigans #1
Butterface
It’s true. I’m not what most people would call “pretty” and, well, high school was rough. Fast forward ten years and life is good…
Until a bunch of jerks think it’s hilarious to put the “butterface” (AKA me) on a wedding Kiss Cam with the hottest guy ever—and that old humiliation hits hard.
I recognize him immediately. The sexiest cop in Waterbury and totally out of my league.
But then he kisses me. And we totally forget the room, the crowd, everything.
Then he tells everyone we’ve been dating for months.
Soon everything starts to feel too real, from adorable fights over “necessary” tools to fix my broken porch to surviving a free-for-all dinner with his six siblings to picking up where our last kiss left off.
But there’s something he’s not telling me about why he’s really hanging around, and I’m pretty sure it has to do with my mob-connected brothers.
Because this is not a make-over story, and Cinderella is only a fairy tale…
Until a bunch of jerks think it’s hilarious to put the “butterface” (AKA me) on a wedding Kiss Cam with the hottest guy ever—and that old humiliation hits hard.
I recognize him immediately. The sexiest cop in Waterbury and totally out of my league.
But then he kisses me. And we totally forget the room, the crowd, everything.
Then he tells everyone we’ve been dating for months.
Soon everything starts to feel too real, from adorable fights over “necessary” tools to fix my broken porch to surviving a free-for-all dinner with his six siblings to picking up where our last kiss left off.
But there’s something he’s not telling me about why he’s really hanging around, and I’m pretty sure it has to do with my mob-connected brothers.
Because this is not a make-over story, and Cinderella is only a fairy tale…
293 pages, ebook
First published July 10, 2018
5783 people are currently reading
11004 people want to read
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July 19, 2021
Butterface is book one in the brand new series, The Hartigans, by Avery Flynn. I’ve been so excited about this book and it completely did not let me down. It is fun, sweet, and sexy and the characters stole my heart. I hadn’t expected that little tie in to The Charmer of The Harbor City series so that made my day.
Ford Hartigan is a Police Detective for the Waterbury Police Department. Ford is a by the rules man. It’s how he lives. Except that Ford comes from a huge family of firefighters. So he is the black sheep of his family. Ford is at a wedding that has gotten out of hand. Instead of showing video of the attendees of the reception, they turn it into a kiss cam. When it zeroes in on Ford, he just happens to be standing next to the wedding planner. When they give in and kiss, they forget everything except each other, and their worlds are forever changed.
Gina Luca has suffered from the cruelty of her peers her entire life. She inherited the famous Luca schnoz but she has come to accept her looks and considers herself undateable. She has started a successful wedding planner business and she loves it. She inherited her grandfather’s old Victorian house and she is in the middle of renovating it. She has her two best friends and a good life. She doesn’t need a man in it. But when Ford kisses her, it makes her reconsider that decision because everything in her wakes up and takes notice. He is hot and so out of her league.
“She wasn’t waiting for Prince Charming, and no fairy godmother was going to give her a makeover. She was who she was, and that was Miss Right Now and Not Miss Forever. She’d better remember that, or there was nothing but trouble ahead for her.”
Gina’s brothers are well known for living on the wrong side of the law. Plus, her family has ties to the Esposito crime family so fantasizing about a sexy cop was completely out of the question. But when he shows up claiming that she needs protection, and offering to help her with her house, how can she refuse? It doesn’t take long, though, for feelings to develop. And that chemistry they felt when they first kissed is sizzling hot enough that it’s a wonder the roof was still in tact.
Ford believes in rules, but his feelings for Gina are getting harder and harder to ignore. Except that he might not have been completely honest with her regarding his reasons for hanging around. And if she finds out, he’s pretty sure she won’t forgive him.
“The woman just did things to him. She shook things up. And he liked it. A lot. Probably too much. He should probably be worried about that. He wasn’t.”
I think you get the picture here. Hot cop. Woman who feels herself to be undesirable. Chemistry through the roof. And secrets. Throw it all together with two crazy families in the background and you’ve got a great story. Gina really did break my heart with her history of how she had been treated. And Ford was so clueless as to how to handle his feelings. But he definitely didn’t lack in knowing how to steam up the pages. These two were hot together. This was such a fun book but at the same time, such a meaningful book. Gina was amazing and strong and I want to be her someday. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Muffin Top, which will be Lucie and Frankie’s story.
Ford Hartigan is a Police Detective for the Waterbury Police Department. Ford is a by the rules man. It’s how he lives. Except that Ford comes from a huge family of firefighters. So he is the black sheep of his family. Ford is at a wedding that has gotten out of hand. Instead of showing video of the attendees of the reception, they turn it into a kiss cam. When it zeroes in on Ford, he just happens to be standing next to the wedding planner. When they give in and kiss, they forget everything except each other, and their worlds are forever changed.
Gina Luca has suffered from the cruelty of her peers her entire life. She inherited the famous Luca schnoz but she has come to accept her looks and considers herself undateable. She has started a successful wedding planner business and she loves it. She inherited her grandfather’s old Victorian house and she is in the middle of renovating it. She has her two best friends and a good life. She doesn’t need a man in it. But when Ford kisses her, it makes her reconsider that decision because everything in her wakes up and takes notice. He is hot and so out of her league.
“She wasn’t waiting for Prince Charming, and no fairy godmother was going to give her a makeover. She was who she was, and that was Miss Right Now and Not Miss Forever. She’d better remember that, or there was nothing but trouble ahead for her.”
Gina’s brothers are well known for living on the wrong side of the law. Plus, her family has ties to the Esposito crime family so fantasizing about a sexy cop was completely out of the question. But when he shows up claiming that she needs protection, and offering to help her with her house, how can she refuse? It doesn’t take long, though, for feelings to develop. And that chemistry they felt when they first kissed is sizzling hot enough that it’s a wonder the roof was still in tact.
Ford believes in rules, but his feelings for Gina are getting harder and harder to ignore. Except that he might not have been completely honest with her regarding his reasons for hanging around. And if she finds out, he’s pretty sure she won’t forgive him.
“The woman just did things to him. She shook things up. And he liked it. A lot. Probably too much. He should probably be worried about that. He wasn’t.”
I think you get the picture here. Hot cop. Woman who feels herself to be undesirable. Chemistry through the roof. And secrets. Throw it all together with two crazy families in the background and you’ve got a great story. Gina really did break my heart with her history of how she had been treated. And Ford was so clueless as to how to handle his feelings. But he definitely didn’t lack in knowing how to steam up the pages. These two were hot together. This was such a fun book but at the same time, such a meaningful book. Gina was amazing and strong and I want to be her someday. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Muffin Top, which will be Lucie and Frankie’s story.
March 30, 2020
From the synopsis, you clearly pick up on the fact Gina, the heroine, had a past history of being picked on for being an ugly duckling in high school. What was surprising and unexpected was she is still cast in that very unfavorable role in the present, as well. To the point I gringed every time her looks were mentioned. Whether by herself or others, the bulging eyes, huge honker nose, and other disportionate facial features described twisted my stomach into knots. In heart break and anguish for her, my fellow romance book loving friends, because everyone, including herself, thought she was an unattractive, eye sore. You would think she resembled the hideous creature from the Black Lagoon. It just felt distasteful, disrespectful, and totally unnecessary to demonize her looks in such a repetitive, harsh, demeaning fashion. It ruined the book for me. It was plain and simply overkill.
Ford, the hero, of course, was supermodel gorgeous. To humanize him a little bit, so Gina would slightly be worthy breathing the same air as him, he was given a small quirk or two. Nothing major or overly annoying though. In fact, some may find those few things more a positive than negative aspect.
What actually endeared me the most was the unapologetic, ferocious protectiveness of Gina’s two gangster type brothers towards anyone who gave their baby sister any grief. Yeah, they would not hesitate twice about rearranging your face or other body parts if you disrespected or messed with her. I wanted to hug and high five them to thank them for having her back no matter what. Even though they could be a tad overzealous, she recognized and appreciated their unconditional love. It was the main thing she had going for her, and Ford was putting that in jeopardy.
It was pretty obvious where this storyline was headed, folks. Ford is lying to her from the get go and deceiving himself in the process. Well, this gal may be uglier than sin, but she’s not completely stupid, but still rather gullible. I wish I could have finished it to the end. I’m hoping all the many characters who made fun of Gina to and behind her back get a heaping dose of karma sent their way and regret every single hurtful remark. I simply couldn’t tolerate seeing a heroine being considered/treated this way for one single second longer.
Make no mistake, I normally love this author’s romantic tales. I wish her continued writing success. If the ugly factor had been toned down, I might have enjoyed it more. But by almost 70% into, I realized even the writing itself had not lived up to my expectations. I officially no longer cared if this couple got their HEA.
P.S. I’m surprised the cover didn’t feature the heroine wearing a big bag over her head instead of strategically placed balloons. It would have been more appropriate and fitting considering how most people, including herself, viewed her appearance.
Title: Butterface, Series: The Hartigans (Book 1), Author: Avery Flynn, Pages: 250, stand-alone but part of a series, very unattractive heroine with a sweet personality, gorgeous cop hero, very steamy scenes, didn’t want to finish, author I usually like.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Ford, the hero, of course, was supermodel gorgeous. To humanize him a little bit, so Gina would slightly be worthy breathing the same air as him, he was given a small quirk or two. Nothing major or overly annoying though. In fact, some may find those few things more a positive than negative aspect.
What actually endeared me the most was the unapologetic, ferocious protectiveness of Gina’s two gangster type brothers towards anyone who gave their baby sister any grief. Yeah, they would not hesitate twice about rearranging your face or other body parts if you disrespected or messed with her. I wanted to hug and high five them to thank them for having her back no matter what. Even though they could be a tad overzealous, she recognized and appreciated their unconditional love. It was the main thing she had going for her, and Ford was putting that in jeopardy.
It was pretty obvious where this storyline was headed, folks. Ford is lying to her from the get go and deceiving himself in the process. Well, this gal may be uglier than sin, but she’s not completely stupid, but still rather gullible. I wish I could have finished it to the end. I’m hoping all the many characters who made fun of Gina to and behind her back get a heaping dose of karma sent their way and regret every single hurtful remark. I simply couldn’t tolerate seeing a heroine being considered/treated this way for one single second longer.
Make no mistake, I normally love this author’s romantic tales. I wish her continued writing success. If the ugly factor had been toned down, I might have enjoyed it more. But by almost 70% into, I realized even the writing itself had not lived up to my expectations. I officially no longer cared if this couple got their HEA.
P.S. I’m surprised the cover didn’t feature the heroine wearing a big bag over her head instead of strategically placed balloons. It would have been more appropriate and fitting considering how most people, including herself, viewed her appearance.
Title: Butterface, Series: The Hartigans (Book 1), Author: Avery Flynn, Pages: 250, stand-alone but part of a series, very unattractive heroine with a sweet personality, gorgeous cop hero, very steamy scenes, didn’t want to finish, author I usually like.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
November 11, 2025
Possible spoilers!!!!!And rants!!!
This could be very good lighthearted and fun romantic comedy.
Could be...
But it isn't...
Because I find it very hard to enjoy a story when I'm constantly reminded of how unattractive heroine looks like. Every couple of pages someone teases her mocks her, or she is doing it herself. I mean what does she looks like? That is that bad...what? how? I'm so confused.
I'm aware of the superficial world we live in. Of all the beauty standards that are put on all of us by the media, celebs, and society. But that standard often changes...there was a time when Jennifer Lopez was mocked for having a booty...now apparently big butt is a must.
Every person goes through awkward teen years. When you try to find your place in a world and what is at that time expected of you to look like and look "acceptable". But as this heroine is 31 years old woman, I find it hard to believe she is so hung up on it. Especially as she is established as a business owner..smart and educated.. I think there comes a time you accept your body just how it is..you grow up. I guess low self-esteem is something some people battle long into their adult life I can accept that fact..But in this book, she doesn't come to her senses in a way that she accepts her body as it is more she is ridiculed for it, and then she kind of just stops at the end of a book that is no longer mentioned. Nothing is resolved with that huge issue...and I say huge because that is constant through this book.
I would love for a book to be more about her learning to love herself.
Because until you love yourself and think of yourself worthy of love, you cannot be happy and accept the love of in this case hot hero. Because she is so fixated on looks she doesn't see past it. He is to her this hot guy but what about his other qualities. People get together because they are attracted to one another sure, but they stay together because of what and who they truly are as a person.
Do you know that looks are not a guarantee of a happy life and relationship? If that was the case then Beyonce would never ever ever be cheated on.
And it seems that all of this series will be the same pattern or at least the next book in this series...So color me skeptical of reading more.
I find it hard to say that this is a romantic comedy. Really hard.
I guess I'm really upset with this book. I love to read about the nontraditional, underdogs, and coming out of their shelves characters, but this just was not my taste how this topic should be done.
There is a saying that there are no ugly people just poor ones. So maybe if you have enough money you can buy yourself some new body parts that you don't like...But we can't buy a personality or brain or heart...Love yourself just the way you are.
This could be very good lighthearted and fun romantic comedy.
Could be...
But it isn't...
Because I find it very hard to enjoy a story when I'm constantly reminded of how unattractive heroine looks like. Every couple of pages someone teases her mocks her, or she is doing it herself. I mean what does she looks like? That is that bad...what? how? I'm so confused.
I'm aware of the superficial world we live in. Of all the beauty standards that are put on all of us by the media, celebs, and society. But that standard often changes...there was a time when Jennifer Lopez was mocked for having a booty...now apparently big butt is a must.
Every person goes through awkward teen years. When you try to find your place in a world and what is at that time expected of you to look like and look "acceptable". But as this heroine is 31 years old woman, I find it hard to believe she is so hung up on it. Especially as she is established as a business owner..smart and educated.. I think there comes a time you accept your body just how it is..you grow up. I guess low self-esteem is something some people battle long into their adult life I can accept that fact..But in this book, she doesn't come to her senses in a way that she accepts her body as it is more she is ridiculed for it, and then she kind of just stops at the end of a book that is no longer mentioned. Nothing is resolved with that huge issue...and I say huge because that is constant through this book.
I would love for a book to be more about her learning to love herself.
Because until you love yourself and think of yourself worthy of love, you cannot be happy and accept the love of in this case hot hero. Because she is so fixated on looks she doesn't see past it. He is to her this hot guy but what about his other qualities. People get together because they are attracted to one another sure, but they stay together because of what and who they truly are as a person.
Do you know that looks are not a guarantee of a happy life and relationship? If that was the case then Beyonce would never ever ever be cheated on.
And it seems that all of this series will be the same pattern or at least the next book in this series...So color me skeptical of reading more.
I find it hard to say that this is a romantic comedy. Really hard.
I guess I'm really upset with this book. I love to read about the nontraditional, underdogs, and coming out of their shelves characters, but this just was not my taste how this topic should be done.
There is a saying that there are no ugly people just poor ones. So maybe if you have enough money you can buy yourself some new body parts that you don't like...But we can't buy a personality or brain or heart...Love yourself just the way you are.
June 1, 2022
What I liked the most is that every character was a lot of fun, interesting and lovable. Especially, our head strong heroine "Gina Luca"! The feelings and experiences that Gina has gone through all her life have made me a little sad. Yet, despite being so humiliated, the way she was tough without changing herself is truly inspiring!
Read
January 20, 2019DNF at 25% no rating as I did not finish
Unfortunately, this one was not for me. Considering Butterface is described as a comedy, all I've felt is disgust and sadness so I'm guessing I'm not the right audience. I don't find it funny that people judge others based solely on looks. It sickens me that the adult characters in this story found humour in pranking a woman because they considered her unattractive. For these adult characters to be police officers as well, that made it even worse. To be honest, I'm shocked that it's even a possibility someone would say out loud that another is ugly. When I came to the reason behind the title, it made me even sadder. I did not laugh at all.
Unfortunately, this one was not for me. Considering Butterface is described as a comedy, all I've felt is disgust and sadness so I'm guessing I'm not the right audience. I don't find it funny that people judge others based solely on looks. It sickens me that the adult characters in this story found humour in pranking a woman because they considered her unattractive. For these adult characters to be police officers as well, that made it even worse. To be honest, I'm shocked that it's even a possibility someone would say out loud that another is ugly. When I came to the reason behind the title, it made me even sadder. I did not laugh at all.
Read
July 3, 2018Hey all! I am so excited to share Butterface with y'all! It's out July 30, so be sure to add this hot RomCom to your Goodreads TBR! xoxo
November 1, 2018
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was a pretty fun and easy read. There wasn't a ton of angst thrown in so the tone of the book was kept pretty light. There were a few times that the whole "She's a butterface" thing got a little too immature for me, mostly when it came to Ford's co-workers but overall I wasn't majorly bothered by it. I actually liked that the heroine wasn't described as the most beautiful woman in the world or something similar to that. It made the story more realistic in a way since most people certainly aren't walking around looking like a runway model.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was a pretty fun and easy read. There wasn't a ton of angst thrown in so the tone of the book was kept pretty light. There were a few times that the whole "She's a butterface" thing got a little too immature for me, mostly when it came to Ford's co-workers but overall I wasn't majorly bothered by it. I actually liked that the heroine wasn't described as the most beautiful woman in the world or something similar to that. It made the story more realistic in a way since most people certainly aren't walking around looking like a runway model.
February 24, 2021
3 stars
I loved the humor in this book, and the H was definitely swoon-worthy. The one thing that kept me from really enjoying it was the tremendous and CONSTANT insecurities of the h. I understand her reasons for her lack of self-confidence (the guys at the beginning of the book who recur later as they are co-workers of the H are serious dicks), but it was well over-used in this story to the extent that it detracted from the plot.
What I liked:
--- As I said, the H was very swoon-worthy
--- I enjoyed the author's sense of humor (aside from the constant h's self-depreciating whinings)
--- Solid steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- I felt like the author could have done more with the plot by making it more twisty since there was mob connections involved
--- TOO. MUCH. SELF-HATE.
Overall, it was a decent read that, if you don't mind intense self-bashing by the h in your romances, would suffice for an enjoyable read.
Story --- 3/5
Main Characters --- H 4/5; h 2/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing stands out
Language --- some
Steam Level --- 3/5
I loved the humor in this book, and the H was definitely swoon-worthy. The one thing that kept me from really enjoying it was the tremendous and CONSTANT insecurities of the h. I understand her reasons for her lack of self-confidence (the guys at the beginning of the book who recur later as they are co-workers of the H are serious dicks), but it was well over-used in this story to the extent that it detracted from the plot.
What I liked:
--- As I said, the H was very swoon-worthy
--- I enjoyed the author's sense of humor (aside from the constant h's self-depreciating whinings)
--- Solid steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- I felt like the author could have done more with the plot by making it more twisty since there was mob connections involved
--- TOO. MUCH. SELF-HATE.
Overall, it was a decent read that, if you don't mind intense self-bashing by the h in your romances, would suffice for an enjoyable read.
Story --- 3/5
Main Characters --- H 4/5; h 2/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing stands out
Language --- some
Steam Level --- 3/5
November 28, 2018
(Cross-posted review)
I didn't read the blurb before purchasing (yes, I know) because I really want to read the sequel and I prefer to start series at the beginning. If I HAD read the blurb, I wouldn't have bought this book - even though the premise is great! - because the hero is a police officer, and I don't read cop romances. However, I'm very glad that I accidentally read this one.
I love romantic comedies, but every rose has its thorns, and the rom-com genre's is an occasional overreliance on cruelty and punching down. This book turned that issue on its head with a heroine who, due to her apparent ugliness, is usually a victim of such 'humour'. The laughs in this book came from the shenanigans of loving but annoying families and sweet but ridiculous characters, not from others' pain.
And, coming back to that 'ugly' heroine - the whole point of this book is that Gina the strong-willed, sweetheart wedding planner is a butterface. Y'know, everything's hot but her face. I like the explicit description of her facial flaws and her own scathing acknowledgment of the 'makeover/remove her glasses' trope. This is not an ugly duckling story. It's not an 'A Star is Born' (aka she's not even ugly) story. This is a story about a below-average-looking heroine who doesn't need to change because, gasp, there is nothing wrong with being less than gorgeous, and physical 'flaws' =/= unattractive.
Think about it - there are certainly heroes in the romance genre who aren't conventionally attractive, facially speaking, but they're hot anyway because of their big strong hands or their smiling eyes or whatever. And everyone accepts that phenomenon. How come it doesn't really happen with heroines? Well, we know why, but I didn't realise how refreshing it would be to read about.
Aside from that whole situation, this book is just so much fun. While Gina definitely has insecurities about her appearance, the crux of this book and the key obstacle doesn't revolve around her being too ugly for him or whatever. That idea is present, but it's not the plot. Butterface is an interesting and compelling story about family ties, duty, trust, honour, and an Italian dessert I have never tried but clearly need to. Also, the sex scenes were great.
(Note: heat-wise, I'd give this book three flames out of five, which is not 'bad', just my sliding scale of quantifying explicitness and frequency of sex scenes.)
If you couldn't tell from this essay, I wholeheartedly recommend Butterface. Yay!
I didn't read the blurb before purchasing (yes, I know) because I really want to read the sequel and I prefer to start series at the beginning. If I HAD read the blurb, I wouldn't have bought this book - even though the premise is great! - because the hero is a police officer, and I don't read cop romances. However, I'm very glad that I accidentally read this one.
I love romantic comedies, but every rose has its thorns, and the rom-com genre's is an occasional overreliance on cruelty and punching down. This book turned that issue on its head with a heroine who, due to her apparent ugliness, is usually a victim of such 'humour'. The laughs in this book came from the shenanigans of loving but annoying families and sweet but ridiculous characters, not from others' pain.
And, coming back to that 'ugly' heroine - the whole point of this book is that Gina the strong-willed, sweetheart wedding planner is a butterface. Y'know, everything's hot but her face. I like the explicit description of her facial flaws and her own scathing acknowledgment of the 'makeover/remove her glasses' trope. This is not an ugly duckling story. It's not an 'A Star is Born' (aka she's not even ugly) story. This is a story about a below-average-looking heroine who doesn't need to change because, gasp, there is nothing wrong with being less than gorgeous, and physical 'flaws' =/= unattractive.
Think about it - there are certainly heroes in the romance genre who aren't conventionally attractive, facially speaking, but they're hot anyway because of their big strong hands or their smiling eyes or whatever. And everyone accepts that phenomenon. How come it doesn't really happen with heroines? Well, we know why, but I didn't realise how refreshing it would be to read about.
Aside from that whole situation, this book is just so much fun. While Gina definitely has insecurities about her appearance, the crux of this book and the key obstacle doesn't revolve around her being too ugly for him or whatever. That idea is present, but it's not the plot. Butterface is an interesting and compelling story about family ties, duty, trust, honour, and an Italian dessert I have never tried but clearly need to. Also, the sex scenes were great.
(Note: heat-wise, I'd give this book three flames out of five, which is not 'bad', just my sliding scale of quantifying explicitness and frequency of sex scenes.)
If you couldn't tell from this essay, I wholeheartedly recommend Butterface. Yay!
September 12, 2019
Butterface by Avery Flynn
Fantastic contemporary romance. Slightly humorous with heartfelt tugs of lasting love after disappointment, betrayal, righteous anger, attraction, and family caused embarrassment.
A fast read that you won’t want to put down.
Alternating viewpoints between Gina and Ford.
I listened mostly to the audio version alternating with an ecopy. I found it interesting that each viewpoint had them talking to themselves (with sarcasm and silently) but it was apparent they were male and female in their thinking. It was distinctly different voices both literally and conceptually. Very well done.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Fantastic contemporary romance. Slightly humorous with heartfelt tugs of lasting love after disappointment, betrayal, righteous anger, attraction, and family caused embarrassment.
A fast read that you won’t want to put down.
Alternating viewpoints between Gina and Ford.
I listened mostly to the audio version alternating with an ecopy. I found it interesting that each viewpoint had them talking to themselves (with sarcasm and silently) but it was apparent they were male and female in their thinking. It was distinctly different voices both literally and conceptually. Very well done.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 12, 2019
*3.5 stars*
I don't typically love M/F contemporary romances, but I enjoyed Butterface, mostly due to a really great narration job from both the male and female narrators.
I've read stories about atypical beauties, but it's very, very unusual to get a romance with a heroine who is truly... not attractive. I mean, when you look at the real world, there is a big range of attractiveness levels, and those people who aren't conventionally pretty deserve their love stories to be told too, damn it!
I was thrilled to read a love story with a female MC who has a, well, butterface. However, I think the plot of the story rested on that face a little too much at times.
The romance was actually very cute, but I found the plot to be a bit draggy and a lot thing. It took me about three weeks to listen to the whole thing, and that's a long time for me. There just wasn't much substance there aside from the chemistry between the two MCs (which isn't something to sneeze at, I might add).
A really unique story and a cute one at that, I would still recommend it to all contemporary romance fans.
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September 10, 2018
I LOVE THE SH*T OUT OF THIS BOOK.
It's fresh and hilarious and everything I adore in a romance. The hero is super swoony, and adorably awkward, and ridiculously hot and the heroine is unconventional and just amazing. I can't wait for the next book in this series! Do yourself a favour and one click this!
It's fresh and hilarious and everything I adore in a romance. The hero is super swoony, and adorably awkward, and ridiculously hot and the heroine is unconventional and just amazing. I can't wait for the next book in this series! Do yourself a favour and one click this!
October 15, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
3.5 Own You Look hearts
Totally Cute!
What I genuinely like about this is Gina ‘the Butterface’ heroine in question isn’t the ponytail and glasses girl that goes from not to hot in two scenes. She is a smart, independent woman with a sweet and fun personality and a very nice body. But she has super frizzy hair, teeth and eyes that are a bit too big and a honker of a nose she inherited from her mobbed-up grandpa.
Still Gina knows she isn’t the cosmo version of pretty and most people have made fun of her over the years for the way she looks. She is trying to own it with her other Single and Slaying it girls. However, truth be told she feels like she is Miss Right Now and not Miss Right when it comes to men and the dating scene.
Ford Hartigan is the straight laced by all the rules cop who is a man with a plan to be the youngest Chief in district history. Being the only boy of the family not to go into the Firefighting business, he seems to think he has a lot to prove since he is the black sheep of the family. Ford meets Gina at a wedding she is the planner for and when the impromptu kiss cam swings their way he is surprised that the awkward kiss with a stranger he was expecting, turned out to curl his toes and kindle something deep inside him.
It was all supposed to be a joke on Ford set up by some fellow police officers to make the uber handsome boy scout Ford kiss the Butterface girl. But, he isn’t complaining since there is just something about Gina that has peaked his interest. Too bad her brothers are hanging with a known crime family and the Chief wants Ford to try and get an in with Gina to get more intel. When the opportunity presents itself, Ford decides to play Gina’s boyfriend in hopes of finding something on a crime family and keep her out of anything criminal all at the same time.
I definitely liked the cute of this. Ford and Gina hanging out is kinda adorable at first and later it is sexy. She is totally in on Ford being boyfriend in name only and it suites her needs. She needs her family off her back and she needs a handyman to help her with the Victorian house she is trying to remodel.
The only thing I didn’t love about this book is how often Gina is down on herself. She doesn’t like people to see her face. She likes to turn all the lights off for sex so the man can’t see her and she puts up with a lot of cruel comments from others. We are reminded constantly that this bubbly and fun girl is deficient and it isn’t just from the outside, most of the time it is from Gina herself.
That said, I love that Gina stays true to herself and she doesn’t get some huge makeover to get the guy. She is who she is, huge honker and all and she will totally own it and shine.
I was able to listen to this at my normal 1.5x speed. There is both a male and female narrator for the various PoV changes. I preferred Brian Pallino to Savannah Peachwood but that was only because of the way he performed Ford’s voice. Both narrators represented all of the characters well
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 Own You Look hearts
Totally Cute!
What I genuinely like about this is Gina ‘the Butterface’ heroine in question isn’t the ponytail and glasses girl that goes from not to hot in two scenes. She is a smart, independent woman with a sweet and fun personality and a very nice body. But she has super frizzy hair, teeth and eyes that are a bit too big and a honker of a nose she inherited from her mobbed-up grandpa.
Still Gina knows she isn’t the cosmo version of pretty and most people have made fun of her over the years for the way she looks. She is trying to own it with her other Single and Slaying it girls. However, truth be told she feels like she is Miss Right Now and not Miss Right when it comes to men and the dating scene.
“She wasn’t waiting for Prince Charming, and no fairy godmother was going to give her a makeover. She was who she was, and that was Miss Right Now and Not Miss Forever. She’d better remember that, or there was nothing but trouble ahead for her.”
Ford Hartigan is the straight laced by all the rules cop who is a man with a plan to be the youngest Chief in district history. Being the only boy of the family not to go into the Firefighting business, he seems to think he has a lot to prove since he is the black sheep of the family. Ford meets Gina at a wedding she is the planner for and when the impromptu kiss cam swings their way he is surprised that the awkward kiss with a stranger he was expecting, turned out to curl his toes and kindle something deep inside him.
It was all supposed to be a joke on Ford set up by some fellow police officers to make the uber handsome boy scout Ford kiss the Butterface girl. But, he isn’t complaining since there is just something about Gina that has peaked his interest. Too bad her brothers are hanging with a known crime family and the Chief wants Ford to try and get an in with Gina to get more intel. When the opportunity presents itself, Ford decides to play Gina’s boyfriend in hopes of finding something on a crime family and keep her out of anything criminal all at the same time.
I definitely liked the cute of this. Ford and Gina hanging out is kinda adorable at first and later it is sexy. She is totally in on Ford being boyfriend in name only and it suites her needs. She needs her family off her back and she needs a handyman to help her with the Victorian house she is trying to remodel.
“He kissed her like a man who believed that if he did it right, she’d forget that anyone had ever called her awful names or made her feel like she wasn’t everything a man could want.”
The only thing I didn’t love about this book is how often Gina is down on herself. She doesn’t like people to see her face. She likes to turn all the lights off for sex so the man can’t see her and she puts up with a lot of cruel comments from others. We are reminded constantly that this bubbly and fun girl is deficient and it isn’t just from the outside, most of the time it is from Gina herself.
That said, I love that Gina stays true to herself and she doesn’t get some huge makeover to get the guy. She is who she is, huge honker and all and she will totally own it and shine.
I was able to listen to this at my normal 1.5x speed. There is both a male and female narrator for the various PoV changes. I preferred Brian Pallino to Savannah Peachwood but that was only because of the way he performed Ford’s voice. Both narrators represented all of the characters well
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 30, 2018
Find this and other reviews at Carlene Inspired.
Butterface is a laugh-out-loud funny and sweet romantic comedy that gets the truth about love, and looks, right. Main character Gina Luca practices being honest with herself on the daily. She has a big nose, she has her dream job, and she has brothers with careers that aren't quite legal. She isn't expecting to win any beauty pageants, but her personality in this novel shines brighter than any beauty queen's smile. Ford Hartigan is a handsome guy, a cop unfortunately, and apparently blind, at least that's what Gina thinks. He's also got his own insecurities, as the only cop in a family of firefighter brothers and pretty sisters, he follows every single rule even if it isn't what he really wants. The two have a by-chance meeting, the kind that makes readers laugh and character's faces turn red. When the two are pushed together again it's an opportunity both take advantage of, unaware that they're allowing their insecurities to stop trust from building between them.
"He glanced down, making eye contact, and for a second they weren't the hottie and the nottie."
I loved Butterface, I wasn't expecting the true-to-reality story we got from Avery Flynn, but boy did I enjoy it. Gina is a classic romantic comedy woman, with a few flaws, some klutzy behaviors, and in her case a face she doesn't find beautiful, but someone else does. Ford is absolutely the most by the book cop I've ever read in a book, but it makes him endearing, especially with him falling for Gina and the family she belongs to. It seems too easy, a hot cop and a wedding planner and happily ever after, but the two have secrets and both struggle to overcome the image of themselves they've believed for so long. Avery Flynn tells an engaging romance that makes you both laugh and feel a bit of emotion as you hope that Gina one day realizes she's beautiful and deserving of love too. Ford and Gina don't have it easy, neither are perfect, but it makes their relationship and their chemistry all the more believable.
"Ford Hartigan, are you breaking the rules?"
Butterface is a powerful rom-com, it has a meaningful message built in with the laughs. It has a bit of a feminist roar to it, with Gina owning her flaws, fighting for her dream, and accepting only good into her life, even if it takes a few messy tries first. It's a story readers will embrace and connect with, because we all want to feel beautiful in our skin and loved for just being who we are. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely can't wait for the next. Avery Flynn has a new fan in me.
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC.
Butterface is a laugh-out-loud funny and sweet romantic comedy that gets the truth about love, and looks, right. Main character Gina Luca practices being honest with herself on the daily. She has a big nose, she has her dream job, and she has brothers with careers that aren't quite legal. She isn't expecting to win any beauty pageants, but her personality in this novel shines brighter than any beauty queen's smile. Ford Hartigan is a handsome guy, a cop unfortunately, and apparently blind, at least that's what Gina thinks. He's also got his own insecurities, as the only cop in a family of firefighter brothers and pretty sisters, he follows every single rule even if it isn't what he really wants. The two have a by-chance meeting, the kind that makes readers laugh and character's faces turn red. When the two are pushed together again it's an opportunity both take advantage of, unaware that they're allowing their insecurities to stop trust from building between them.
"He glanced down, making eye contact, and for a second they weren't the hottie and the nottie."
I loved Butterface, I wasn't expecting the true-to-reality story we got from Avery Flynn, but boy did I enjoy it. Gina is a classic romantic comedy woman, with a few flaws, some klutzy behaviors, and in her case a face she doesn't find beautiful, but someone else does. Ford is absolutely the most by the book cop I've ever read in a book, but it makes him endearing, especially with him falling for Gina and the family she belongs to. It seems too easy, a hot cop and a wedding planner and happily ever after, but the two have secrets and both struggle to overcome the image of themselves they've believed for so long. Avery Flynn tells an engaging romance that makes you both laugh and feel a bit of emotion as you hope that Gina one day realizes she's beautiful and deserving of love too. Ford and Gina don't have it easy, neither are perfect, but it makes their relationship and their chemistry all the more believable.
"Ford Hartigan, are you breaking the rules?"
Butterface is a powerful rom-com, it has a meaningful message built in with the laughs. It has a bit of a feminist roar to it, with Gina owning her flaws, fighting for her dream, and accepting only good into her life, even if it takes a few messy tries first. It's a story readers will embrace and connect with, because we all want to feel beautiful in our skin and loved for just being who we are. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely can't wait for the next. Avery Flynn has a new fan in me.
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC.
Read
January 13, 2019Dnf
Lines from this book:
"Well, there was no missing the family resemblance with Big Nose Tommy, and her eyes didn't quite fit her face, but it wasn't like she was some kind of snaggletooth troll with poisonous drool. She definitely didn't look like the women he normally dated, which made the fact that he'd gotten hard almost every time he'd thought about her during the past week more than little interesting. So how bad was she?"
This is a romance book??
Lines from this book:
"Well, there was no missing the family resemblance with Big Nose Tommy, and her eyes didn't quite fit her face, but it wasn't like she was some kind of snaggletooth troll with poisonous drool. She definitely didn't look like the women he normally dated, which made the fact that he'd gotten hard almost every time he'd thought about her during the past week more than little interesting. So how bad was she?"
This is a romance book??
January 26, 2022
Moderately cute rom-com with some spicy scenes. For some reason, I just didn’t care for the premise— too much emphasis on looks. Despite the fact I usually love when an author features a non-Barbie Doll looking heroine. But in this case, of course, she still had a hot bod...
Okay, I know that sounds odd coming from a reader who has read a few hundred HF romances but this seemed sadly too real and yet too unrealistic.
But it is my wedding anniversary and the first book of the month, so it seems right to start the month off with a happy ending.
Okay, I know that sounds odd coming from a reader who has read a few hundred HF romances but this seemed sadly too real and yet too unrealistic.
But it is my wedding anniversary and the first book of the month, so it seems right to start the month off with a happy ending.
July 25, 2020
Butterface is suppose to be about empowerment about body image. Or face image in this case. I was expecting Gina to be kick ass heroine.
Now the way the story went and how the character developed, Gina is more whinny selfish, self pity heroine. Just because she had traumatic past she demanded everyone to feel sorry for her.
This book can be so much better with a strong heroine.
3 stars
Now the way the story went and how the character developed, Gina is more whinny selfish, self pity heroine. Just because she had traumatic past she demanded everyone to feel sorry for her.
This book can be so much better with a strong heroine.
3 stars
August 2, 2018
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Butterface by Avery Flynn is a sweet, adorable, and charming read that tackles the aspects of love,beauty and new beginnings. Flynn introduces her readers to Gina Luca, a wedding planner who loves her job but has insecurities about her beauty since she grew up being teased and called “Butterface.” And so when she meets Ford Hartigan, a straight lace cop, Gina’s life is turned upside down for the better. For the first time in a long time, he made her feel special, worthy and beautiful inside and out. But what happens when Gina learns that Ford may have taken interest in her because of her brothers affiliation to the mob ties. Will Gina be able to find Ford's true motives in wanting to get to know her? Or will she discover that Ford wants Gina...all of her and doesn't see her as butterface? So if you are looking for a romance that was brimming with adorable awkward romance and playfulness then this is the book for you.
Butterface by Avery Flynn is a sweet, adorable, and charming read that tackles the aspects of love,beauty and new beginnings. Flynn introduces her readers to Gina Luca, a wedding planner who loves her job but has insecurities about her beauty since she grew up being teased and called “Butterface.” And so when she meets Ford Hartigan, a straight lace cop, Gina’s life is turned upside down for the better. For the first time in a long time, he made her feel special, worthy and beautiful inside and out. But what happens when Gina learns that Ford may have taken interest in her because of her brothers affiliation to the mob ties. Will Gina be able to find Ford's true motives in wanting to get to know her? Or will she discover that Ford wants Gina...all of her and doesn't see her as butterface? So if you are looking for a romance that was brimming with adorable awkward romance and playfulness then this is the book for you.
August 3, 2018
I'm disappointed. The heroine received nothing but shameful remarks over and over and I'm so sick of it. Even the Hero didn't do anything to reassure her, to make her realize that she's so much more. Nope, didn't see anything remotely close to that from him. I'm appalled at the way the Hero's fellow cops behave. I mean, I can see it coming from high schoolers, but from grown a$$ men? Hugely disappointed.
July 30, 2018
Because this is not a makeover story, and Cinderella is only a fairy tale…
Well, I am not sure where to start with Butterface. At first, I was like, where is she going with this story? Then, as everything progressed, I was like, holy shit, I'm thrilled that she went there. But then I think to myself … it's the incomparable Avery Flynn, of course she went there and made it so worth the journey. Thinking I am going to read a story about an ugly duckling, I, instead, got a story about a Swan.
Ford and Gina. What a lovely couple .. if everyone would just leave them alone. Cops can be down right rude and ignorant in the station. But, when they bring their childish ways out into the general public, well bad things could happen. Just ask Ford and Gina. Who ever heard of a Kiss Cam at a wedding? But, there it was and there was Ford standing next to the sexy woman in the unbelievable green dress. He's been wondering about her all night and now he has his chance of getting to know her. Too bad she doesn't feel the same way. She may not be the prettiest woman at the wedding but, to him, she's sexy, beautiful and definitely kissable. Thanks to his “friends” he now not only kissed her but drove her away faster than a speeding bullet. And then, everything really backfires and he has no choice but to lie to get close to her again.
Regina Luca, granddaughter of Big Nose Tommy Luca, a wedding planner who never plans on planning her own wedding … Butterface. So many bad memories growing up that, when a handsome, sexy cop shows interest in her, she knows it's because he was put on the spot. She is only kissing him because she was shamed into it … now she'll walk away since she knows it can't go any further. Until she's leaving the wedding and finds out there may have been more to that kiss than just a prank. But, the joke is definitely on her and, when she walks away the second time, she gets the surprise of her life. Now, she has to deal with the consequences and make the best out of a strange situation.
As time goes on … as Gina and Ford get closer … as they deal with their frustrations, she starts to hope, just a little, that Ford sees the woman that she is and not big nosed Butterface that she is.
Wow, Avery took two very delicate subjects and turned them into one fantastic Romcom. Bullying and shaming are prevalent in our society and I was thrilled that it was Avery that took a shot at them and hit the bullseye. She made us understand what Gina felt and why and then made her a strong, independent, vivacious woman who honestly didn't give a damn what other people thought and accepted herself and the love of a good man. There were times that I got upset with Gina and her self-depreciation but, Ford was there to prove her wrong. And, when he finally got her where he desperately wanted her, he showed her just how much he saw the real woman ... time and time and time again. Rocco and Paul were great. I love over-protective brothers especially when they truly love their sister. Ruggiero and Gallo need to find a hole to crawl into and never get out of. And, the Hartigan Family? Well, I'd invite them to any party at all – they were hilarious, had a great time no matter what and had each others backs. I fell in love with each and every character that made an appearance in this story and can't wait to see what Ms. Flynn has in store for Lucy in Muffin Top. But, until she graces us with her next hot story (yea, this one is a firefighter) you seriously need to read and enjoy the shenanigans between Gina and Ford. Believe me, you will fall in love with the sexy, hard-bodied Ford and the beautiful and vibrant Gina. And, remember, beauty is only skin deep … it's what's inside that matters more than any schnoz.
August 2, 2018
DNF @ 11%.
I'm sorry--I was interested in the synopsis for this book, but after just a short time, I'm annoyed AF. Like, okay, I get wanting to have a non traditional heroine. I GET IT. But like, I don't need the fact that she, and everyone around her, thinks she's ugly, to be the main point of the story. So far, that's what I've got. Even the hero has thought she's unattractive. Why would I even bother with him? Nope.
I'm sorry--I was interested in the synopsis for this book, but after just a short time, I'm annoyed AF. Like, okay, I get wanting to have a non traditional heroine. I GET IT. But like, I don't need the fact that she, and everyone around her, thinks she's ugly, to be the main point of the story. So far, that's what I've got. Even the hero has thought she's unattractive. Why would I even bother with him? Nope.
did-not-finish
February 24, 2021DNF @29%
Seriously, if I have to hear one more time how "someone like her" isn't enough for "someone like him" or to hear her put herself down or not hear the hero stand up for her or read about some other asinine-juvenile-bully pulling pranks on the "ugly girl"...
done.
Seriously, if I have to hear one more time how "someone like her" isn't enough for "someone like him" or to hear her put herself down or not hear the hero stand up for her or read about some other asinine-juvenile-bully pulling pranks on the "ugly girl"...
done.
August 1, 2018
2 Stars
I don't know what to write about this book.
It's cheesy and predictable. That wouldn't have bothered me, but the heroine, who repeats a million times how ugly she is, got on my nerves. Of course, the guy is gorgeous and just a little weird so that they make a good match.
I expected more from a story that deals with some serious subjects: Self-love, the expectations people have on us and also our appearance, which makes it more difficult or easier to find love.
It could have been a great book if the idea of an "ugly" woman (according to society's standards) finding love had been better executed.
I don't know what to write about this book.
It's cheesy and predictable. That wouldn't have bothered me, but the heroine, who repeats a million times how ugly she is, got on my nerves. Of course, the guy is gorgeous and just a little weird so that they make a good match.
I expected more from a story that deals with some serious subjects: Self-love, the expectations people have on us and also our appearance, which makes it more difficult or easier to find love.
It could have been a great book if the idea of an "ugly" woman (according to society's standards) finding love had been better executed.
August 3, 2018
This was quite a cute read.
I didn't enjoy the beginning as much but then it started to get better.
I loved the characters.
I will go on to read the other books in this series.
4 stars.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I didn't enjoy the beginning as much but then it started to get better.
I loved the characters.
I will go on to read the other books in this series.
4 stars.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 30, 2018
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. A fun romance with a lot of heart, and a sweet, sexy romance with lots of chemistry and swoon.
Gina Luca grew up knowing that she wasn’t attractive. She endured teasing, taunts, stares and heartbreaking ridicule as she was christened ‘Butterface’, which set the stage for her to not expect romance and come to accept the single life.
She has created a good life for herself, and is building her wedding planning business, and it’s at one of her weddings when she is caught on the kiss cam with one of the hottest men she’s seen – detective Ford Hartigan – who kisses her like he means it, sparking a chemistry that surprises them both.
Ford is a strong, straight-laced, by-the-book police officer. He is dedicated to his job and doesn’t have time for much else in his life, but the kiss he shared with Gina at a colleague’s wedding put him into a spin. And then he learns that she is Gina Luca - sister of the two Luca brothers who have ties to an organised crime ring and he is on a taskforce to bring them down. So not only is she not his usual type, but she’s now completely off limits… until his Captain asks him to stay close to her to see if he can get an ‘in’ for his case.
It may not be the most honest of set-ups, but the chemistry is there and Ford is only too happy to force himself into Gina’s life under the pretence of ‘protection’, moving into her inherited Victorian disaster, helping her out with her renovations, and becoming a part of each other’s lives – giving them the perfect opportunity to get to know each other.
OMG, the sexual tension between these two is off the charts! They want each other badly, and while Ford tries to keep his distance to avoid breaking the rules, Gina knows that the sexy-as-all-hell detective couldn’t possibly want her. My heart broke for her, all that she has endured, and her belief about herself, but rather than wallow in low self-esteem, she acknowledges it, and just carries on with her life, and though I hurt for her, I couldn’t help but admire her courage.
People are unspeakably cruel, and I was shocked at the taunts and ‘jokes’ that are made towards Gina, but Ford saw past outward appearances and Gina’s perceptions of herself, to the smart, funny, warm and bright woman that she is, and despite his intention to keep things professional between them, I loved watching him begin to fall.
And when they finally reach breaking point…. Holy damn the sexy time is seriously steamy!
But despite how much they want each other, there is still so much standing in their way – Ford’s job and Gina’s family ties to organised crime, on top of her personal issues, and Ford’s inability to handle all that he is feeling and his complete cluelessness when it comes to dealing with it all. It’s going to take a whole lot of soul searching for them to figure out what they want and then find the courage to go after it.
This is a really sweet and fun read. There are aspects of it that are really sad as we get an up-close look at all that Gina has gone through, and I did wonder if the author took it a little too far at times? But if her goal was to show Gina’s strength in overcoming all she’s been through and Ford’s heartfelt realisation of his feelings for Gina despite her perceived “flaws”, then that was accomplished.
I really enjoyed these two as characters. Their journey was realistic and heartfelt with loads of chemistry, and their love story was just gorgeous. I could feel everything between them, and loved seeing them fight their way to their HEA.
This is the first book in the Hartigans series, and it introduces us to Ford’s loud, brash, and in-your-face family, and I’m keen to get to know more of this wild clan – starting with eldest Hartigan, the hilarious Frankie, and Gina’s outspoken friend, Lucy in Muffin Top .
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. A fun romance with a lot of heart, and a sweet, sexy romance with lots of chemistry and swoon.
Gina Luca grew up knowing that she wasn’t attractive. She endured teasing, taunts, stares and heartbreaking ridicule as she was christened ‘Butterface’, which set the stage for her to not expect romance and come to accept the single life.
Butterface. Why? Because her body was okay, “but her face?” Not so much.
She has created a good life for herself, and is building her wedding planning business, and it’s at one of her weddings when she is caught on the kiss cam with one of the hottest men she’s seen – detective Ford Hartigan – who kisses her like he means it, sparking a chemistry that surprises them both.
Ford is a strong, straight-laced, by-the-book police officer. He is dedicated to his job and doesn’t have time for much else in his life, but the kiss he shared with Gina at a colleague’s wedding put him into a spin. And then he learns that she is Gina Luca - sister of the two Luca brothers who have ties to an organised crime ring and he is on a taskforce to bring them down. So not only is she not his usual type, but she’s now completely off limits… until his Captain asks him to stay close to her to see if he can get an ‘in’ for his case.
It may not be the most honest of set-ups, but the chemistry is there and Ford is only too happy to force himself into Gina’s life under the pretence of ‘protection’, moving into her inherited Victorian disaster, helping her out with her renovations, and becoming a part of each other’s lives – giving them the perfect opportunity to get to know each other.
OMG, the sexual tension between these two is off the charts! They want each other badly, and while Ford tries to keep his distance to avoid breaking the rules, Gina knows that the sexy-as-all-hell detective couldn’t possibly want her. My heart broke for her, all that she has endured, and her belief about herself, but rather than wallow in low self-esteem, she acknowledges it, and just carries on with her life, and though I hurt for her, I couldn’t help but admire her courage.
“What, do you think people believe this is some lame romantic comedy where the hot guy falls for the ugly chick? Newsflash, I don’t wear glasses, so there’s no taking them off and then suddenly I’m a total babe and believably your girlfriend.”
People are unspeakably cruel, and I was shocked at the taunts and ‘jokes’ that are made towards Gina, but Ford saw past outward appearances and Gina’s perceptions of herself, to the smart, funny, warm and bright woman that she is, and despite his intention to keep things professional between them, I loved watching him begin to fall.
She did a little shimmy dance move, threw her arms in the air, and turned to face her brothers and Ford at the table with a smile that lit up her whole face.
Maybe there was some asshole out there who could look at her and not return her grin. Ford was a dickhead, but he couldn’t stop the end of his lips from curling upward.
And when they finally reach breaking point…. Holy damn the sexy time is seriously steamy!
He kissed her like a man who believed that if he did it right, she’d forget that anyone had ever called her awful names or made her feel like she wasn’t everything a man could want.
But despite how much they want each other, there is still so much standing in their way – Ford’s job and Gina’s family ties to organised crime, on top of her personal issues, and Ford’s inability to handle all that he is feeling and his complete cluelessness when it comes to dealing with it all. It’s going to take a whole lot of soul searching for them to figure out what they want and then find the courage to go after it.
“You’re gonna break me, Ford Hartigan,” she said, her voice ragged and her back still to him.
“I won’t. Trust me.” And he meant it.
This is a really sweet and fun read. There are aspects of it that are really sad as we get an up-close look at all that Gina has gone through, and I did wonder if the author took it a little too far at times? But if her goal was to show Gina’s strength in overcoming all she’s been through and Ford’s heartfelt realisation of his feelings for Gina despite her perceived “flaws”, then that was accomplished.
“I wish you saw the woman I see when I look at you.”
I really enjoyed these two as characters. Their journey was realistic and heartfelt with loads of chemistry, and their love story was just gorgeous. I could feel everything between them, and loved seeing them fight their way to their HEA.
This is the first book in the Hartigans series, and it introduces us to Ford’s loud, brash, and in-your-face family, and I’m keen to get to know more of this wild clan – starting with eldest Hartigan, the hilarious Frankie, and Gina’s outspoken friend, Lucy in Muffin Top .
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2024
I picked this one because it was supposedly humorous. Nope. It had some funny moments but definitely not humorous. The plot was good but the heroine... She was supposedly accepted her look and came to terms but all she was talking about was her look. That was quite irritating.
February 1, 2025
Here are some of my thoughts:
• I was actually very skeptical to read this because of reviews I’ve read that made me worry that Ford would be an asshole and make Gina feel bad for being ugly. Ford wasn’t an asshole, in my opinion, and Gina was perfectly capable of standing up for herself, so she wasn’t a pushover. Did she have insecurities about her looks? Yes, as she naturally would. I also liked that Gina wasn’t the classic beauty that you see in 99.999% of romances. A lot of people thought she was really ugly – which was sad but realistic because not everyone in the world has classically beautiful features. I think what mattered in this book was that even though she was seen as physically ugly by most people, she found people who liked her for herself. And even MORE importantly, she liked herself as she was.
• Despite the unfairness that we saw Gina received due to her looks, I couldn’t stop seeing the positives. I mean I definitely hated seeing people bully her left and right, but she really held strong and made a good life for herself. A good job, supportive friends, a family she adores – I appreciated that she could count her own riches in all the bad events she went through. Her friends were funny and supportive. I think one of the things I loved best about this book was seeing her relationship with her 2 brothers. They were overprotective but so dang sweet. They felt indignant for her when people treated her badly just because she was ugly, and I liked that they stood up for her and just wanted her to be safe and happy. It was touching to see the depth of their relationship.
• So besides me acknowledging that Ford was not an asshole like I thought he would be, in general, I liked him. He made mistakes here and there, but I felt like he had good intentions for the most part. He defended Gina but also recognized how strong she was. I adored all their moments with getting cannoli, buying groceries, watching movies, fixing up her house, and being pretty much a married couple at her house even though they weren’t married.
• I loved Ford’s family. In particular, I loved that Kate, Fallon, and Frankie were rooting for Ford and Gina. They were all so wacky but fun-loving and affectionate. I can’t wait to get to Fallon’s book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it got progressively better as the book went on. I was reading it quite fast because it was pretty entertaining throughout. 4 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
• I was actually very skeptical to read this because of reviews I’ve read that made me worry that Ford would be an asshole and make Gina feel bad for being ugly. Ford wasn’t an asshole, in my opinion, and Gina was perfectly capable of standing up for herself, so she wasn’t a pushover. Did she have insecurities about her looks? Yes, as she naturally would. I also liked that Gina wasn’t the classic beauty that you see in 99.999% of romances. A lot of people thought she was really ugly – which was sad but realistic because not everyone in the world has classically beautiful features. I think what mattered in this book was that even though she was seen as physically ugly by most people, she found people who liked her for herself. And even MORE importantly, she liked herself as she was.
• Despite the unfairness that we saw Gina received due to her looks, I couldn’t stop seeing the positives. I mean I definitely hated seeing people bully her left and right, but she really held strong and made a good life for herself. A good job, supportive friends, a family she adores – I appreciated that she could count her own riches in all the bad events she went through. Her friends were funny and supportive. I think one of the things I loved best about this book was seeing her relationship with her 2 brothers. They were overprotective but so dang sweet. They felt indignant for her when people treated her badly just because she was ugly, and I liked that they stood up for her and just wanted her to be safe and happy. It was touching to see the depth of their relationship.
• So besides me acknowledging that Ford was not an asshole like I thought he would be, in general, I liked him. He made mistakes here and there, but I felt like he had good intentions for the most part. He defended Gina but also recognized how strong she was. I adored all their moments with getting cannoli, buying groceries, watching movies, fixing up her house, and being pretty much a married couple at her house even though they weren’t married.
• I loved Ford’s family. In particular, I loved that Kate, Fallon, and Frankie were rooting for Ford and Gina. They were all so wacky but fun-loving and affectionate. I can’t wait to get to Fallon’s book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it got progressively better as the book went on. I was reading it quite fast because it was pretty entertaining throughout. 4 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
September 15, 2018
I pick up romance books for the feels, the romance, the swoony moments, and most especially, the HEA. So I was very excited about this book bec I thought it would be super relatable. Hey, it's a romance with a "normal" heroine, one who isn't a supermodel, gorgeous, celebrity-type.
But I'm sorry because I really didn't like this book.
Instead of being uplifting about how everyone is beautiful not just bec of their physical appearances, this book, imo, excessively highlighted what the heroine felt to be her ugly traits. Her "ugliness" is mentioned throughout the book. Everyone and their cousin seemed to harp on her nose, her bulging eyes, yadda, yadda. The frequency was making me cringe. And frankly, it was making me feel bad.
After I finished the book, I didn't feel all light and happy, even if it was HEA. I felt like I needed to give the heroine a huge hug and tell her that you're beautiful because of your heart and who you are. Who cares what all these assholes think?!
Dammit, now I need chocolate. I need happy endorphins or whatever one gets from eating chocolate. So, I'm going to grab some after I delete this from my Kindle. Sorry but this is not my kind of book.
But I'm sorry because I really didn't like this book.
Instead of being uplifting about how everyone is beautiful not just bec of their physical appearances, this book, imo, excessively highlighted what the heroine felt to be her ugly traits. Her "ugliness" is mentioned throughout the book. Everyone and their cousin seemed to harp on her nose, her bulging eyes, yadda, yadda. The frequency was making me cringe. And frankly, it was making me feel bad.
After I finished the book, I didn't feel all light and happy, even if it was HEA. I felt like I needed to give the heroine a huge hug and tell her that you're beautiful because of your heart and who you are. Who cares what all these assholes think?!
Dammit, now I need chocolate. I need happy endorphins or whatever one gets from eating chocolate. So, I'm going to grab some after I delete this from my Kindle. Sorry but this is not my kind of book.
February 14, 2019
An enjoyable light romance between a wedding planner with a criminal family and beauty-related self-esteem issues and a straight-laced police detective from an overbearing family of firemen. There's not a lot to say about this other than that, except that the sort of bullying that the main character receives around her looks feels a bit over-the-top behavior in adult society. But then again, I'm neither female or American, so how would I know?
I will probably read at least another one in the series as I liked the writing and the main male character's family that I believe the series will follow.
I will probably read at least another one in the series as I liked the writing and the main male character's family that I believe the series will follow.
June 10, 2020
The workflow was slow so I grabbed this one, was a funny fast read and a hot romance as the subtitle suggested, however I don’t understand the American obsession with getting married as the happy ending and I am from the Middle East!!!
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