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No One But Us
She's my little sister's best friend. And exactly who I should NOT be spending a summer with...
The last time I saw Elle, she was a child. A Harry Potter-obsessed 13-year-old with a penchant for fan fiction and following me around. Six years later she’s on my doorstep. The braces are gone. The “Team Gryffindor” t-shirt’s been replaced with a bikini the size of my index finger. And I can’t get her out of my head, no matter how hard I try.
Except she’s still the girl I’m not allowed to have, the center of a secret I hope she never learns.
Resisting what I feel for Elle Grayson is the only way to protect my family. But am I willing to break both our hearts in the process?
*This is a completely rewritten and re-edited version of Bloom. It is now dual point-of-view, and there are major changes to plot.
The last time I saw Elle, she was a child. A Harry Potter-obsessed 13-year-old with a penchant for fan fiction and following me around. Six years later she’s on my doorstep. The braces are gone. The “Team Gryffindor” t-shirt’s been replaced with a bikini the size of my index finger. And I can’t get her out of my head, no matter how hard I try.
Except she’s still the girl I’m not allowed to have, the center of a secret I hope she never learns.
Resisting what I feel for Elle Grayson is the only way to protect my family. But am I willing to break both our hearts in the process?
*This is a completely rewritten and re-edited version of Bloom. It is now dual point-of-view, and there are major changes to plot.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2018
816 people are currently reading
2088 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth O'Roark
31 books7,586 followersElizabeth O’Roark lives in Washington, DC with her 3 children. After many years spent writing scintillating brochures about amniocentesis and heart surgery, she is thrilled to have found a job that allows her to just make s*** up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
November 22, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! No One But Us (stand-alone). Elle is set on her best friend’s older brother finally noticing her & gets a summer of secrets & scandal!
“I open my eyes, though, to find he’s no longer smiling. He’s looking at me in a way he never has before, eyes heavy-lidded, mouth slightly ajar.”
No One But Us (stand-alone) opens up to student Eleanor Grayson, Elle’s life in shambles, her coveted internship cancelled. With the threat of scandal she escapes in her parent’s Porsche to spend the summer with her bestie, Ginny. And with the hopes of finally catching the attention of Ginny’s older brother.
Law student James Campbell is painfully aware of Elle but a sense of protectiveness and nobleness has prevented him from acting on it. That and a dark family secret.
The story goes into follow them for a summer of work, parties and romance. With Elle trying her hardest for James to notice her and James fighting to stay detached. All set against the backdrop of an unfolding secret, complicated by suitors, vindictive exes and much more.
Told from dual POVs it’s an off-limits sister’s much younger best friend romance with conflicted feelings, dangerous secrets, loyalties, lies, jealousy, scandal and sexual tension overload. It ends with truth and forgiveness, but I would welcome an epilogue much further into their future.
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | LOW FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
ARC provided to me by author Elizabeth O’Roark in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
2.75 stars.
I really wanted to love this one as much as I truly adored "Waking Olivia" and "Drowning Erin" by this author but sadly that was not the case.
Overall the book was okay and it held my interest but I did have some seriously "hard to overlook" issues with it.
Mainly..... almost all the characters in this story were unlikable for one reason or another except for the heroine Elle - and maybe Max to some degree and Elle's ex Ryan (he was honest and sweet towards Elle, I actually liked him a lot).
Elle's parents were pretty appalling but it was probably James and his sister Ginny that bothered me the most.
James made such a big deal about the age difference between him and Elle but honestly he is 25 and she is 19, I don't get it!!
Reading this book you would think it was the other way round. He behaved like a jealous school boy at times and was so indecisive , his back and forth attitude towards Elle was so exasperating to say the least.
His main MO appeared to be avoidance hence his frequent disappearances with all the late night runs on the beach.
The character that I really hated though was Ginny, she was so full of hate and spite - also what a back stabbing bitch!!! Who needs a best friend like that. Even the apology she delivered at the end of the book was so pathetic and did not either excuse her actions or behavior. Genuinely not best friend material👎 whatsoever IMO and they had supposedly known each other for 16 years .
I do like this authors writing rather a lot and that really wasn't the problem here . My rating is based mainly on my distaste for so many of the characters.
The story had some great plot facets... what with all the drama centered around Elle's loss of job situation but I found the love story was overshadowed by much of the frustrating behavior exhibited by James even though he clearly wanted Elle so badly.
Also to a lesser degree it bothered me that Elle let everybody simply walk all over her including James.
If I could have rated this book at the half way mark it would be probably closer to a 4 but by the end it was barely scratching a 3.
I volunteered for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this one as much as I truly adored "Waking Olivia" and "Drowning Erin" by this author but sadly that was not the case.
Overall the book was okay and it held my interest but I did have some seriously "hard to overlook" issues with it.
Mainly..... almost all the characters in this story were unlikable for one reason or another except for the heroine Elle - and maybe Max to some degree and Elle's ex Ryan (he was honest and sweet towards Elle, I actually liked him a lot).
Elle's parents were pretty appalling but it was probably James and his sister Ginny that bothered me the most.
James made such a big deal about the age difference between him and Elle but honestly he is 25 and she is 19, I don't get it!!
Reading this book you would think it was the other way round. He behaved like a jealous school boy at times and was so indecisive , his back and forth attitude towards Elle was so exasperating to say the least.
His main MO appeared to be avoidance hence his frequent disappearances with all the late night runs on the beach.
The character that I really hated though was Ginny, she was so full of hate and spite - also what a back stabbing bitch!!! Who needs a best friend like that. Even the apology she delivered at the end of the book was so pathetic and did not either excuse her actions or behavior. Genuinely not best friend material👎 whatsoever IMO and they had supposedly known each other for 16 years .
I do like this authors writing rather a lot and that really wasn't the problem here . My rating is based mainly on my distaste for so many of the characters.
The story had some great plot facets... what with all the drama centered around Elle's loss of job situation but I found the love story was overshadowed by much of the frustrating behavior exhibited by James even though he clearly wanted Elle so badly.
Also to a lesser degree it bothered me that Elle let everybody simply walk all over her including James.
If I could have rated this book at the half way mark it would be probably closer to a 4 but by the end it was barely scratching a 3.
I volunteered for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2019
This. Was. So. Freaking. Sweet.
Like maple syrup pancakes (these are the best kinds of pancakes, I'm Canadian, don't fight me on this), chocolate milkshake, followed by a variety of pastries kind of sweet 💖
Omg I have so much to say, ok, here we go!
19-year-old Elle's life is about to go completely haywire when a nasty rumour arises, accusing her of being involved with her married, late-show-host boss. To lay low from the lies, she spends the summer with her best friend since childhood, Ginny, at a beach house. There, she is reunited with her crush and Ginny's brother, James. And so a summer of desire, family truths and conspiracies, and Hollywood drama ensues. Told in dual-POV, Elle and James face decisions every college/uni student has to question, feel emotions too intense to ignore, and push the limits of expectations and societal judgement.
Ya'll. I love the storyline. This was my first friends-to-lovers story and I'm so content with it! I literally cannot explain how sweet and REAL this was! Even though I couldn't connect to the Hollywood, country-wide rumour aspect, I did find a variation of myself in some of the struggles the characters faced. Ahh, I freaking adored this angsty, sweet, beach romance!!
I mentioned that I found myself in some parts of the book and it was through Elle and James. Elle grew up lonely because of neglectful parents and James questioned his entire academic and career life, and I really understood those parts of them. I question my life choices every day so basically hello hi I am James Campbell #2.
I loved that each of them just knew what the other needed, what advice they needed to hear, and just how they needed to be loved. It's a healthy relationship amidst all the familial and friendship drama (LET 👏 THEM 👏 REST 👏). They're so perfect together omg. So soft™ yet so real.
He literally stole every scene he was in and he's such a potent character! He's James' best friend, a college dropout, party master, and the guy you go to have a good time AND need advice from. He's so layered and intriguing, a walking contradiction, and I wish we got more of him during the last quarter of the book. My dudes, I'm not kidding when I say I would do anything to make sure he always remains happy and bubbly, and if anyone wants to test this, meet me at the curb aND I WILL E N D YOU.
Listen, if my real-life best friend of 10 damn years started being a little shit to me because of a few rumours and a truckload of poorly placed judgements then she wouldn't be my best friend in the first place. Elle knew Ginny since she was 4 years old and you're telling me that throughout all those years, Ginny never brought up her insecurity of being around Elle? As if being a tall, blonde, daughter of a model is enough to make you feel inadequate. Huh.
Towards the end of the book, . *sigh* I just couldn't deal with Ginny 99.9% of the time.
...Okay, so maybe I did get why she was such a little shit but ya girl ain't here for naive BS. Did she redeem herself? In my eyes, not as much as she should've.
DON'T READ THIS IF YOU TRULY DON'T WANNA BE SPOILED BUT HUUUUNNY I AM ABOUT TO VENT.
Anyways, here is The List of Things™:
Like maple syrup pancakes (these are the best kinds of pancakes, I'm Canadian, don't fight me on this), chocolate milkshake, followed by a variety of pastries kind of sweet 💖
Omg I have so much to say, ok, here we go!
19-year-old Elle's life is about to go completely haywire when a nasty rumour arises, accusing her of being involved with her married, late-show-host boss. To lay low from the lies, she spends the summer with her best friend since childhood, Ginny, at a beach house. There, she is reunited with her crush and Ginny's brother, James. And so a summer of desire, family truths and conspiracies, and Hollywood drama ensues. Told in dual-POV, Elle and James face decisions every college/uni student has to question, feel emotions too intense to ignore, and push the limits of expectations and societal judgement.
Ya'll. I love the storyline. This was my first friends-to-lovers story and I'm so content with it! I literally cannot explain how sweet and REAL this was! Even though I couldn't connect to the Hollywood, country-wide rumour aspect, I did find a variation of myself in some of the struggles the characters faced. Ahh, I freaking adored this angsty, sweet, beach romance!!
📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMES 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMES 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMES 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMES 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMES 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 ELLE 📢 I 📢 LOVE 📢 JAMESI SHIP IT SO HARD SFJDKSHF
I mentioned that I found myself in some parts of the book and it was through Elle and James. Elle grew up lonely because of neglectful parents and James questioned his entire academic and career life, and I really understood those parts of them. I question my life choices every day so basically hello hi I am James Campbell #2.
I loved that each of them just knew what the other needed, what advice they needed to hear, and just how they needed to be loved. It's a healthy relationship amidst all the familial and friendship drama (LET 👏 THEM 👏 REST 👏). They're so perfect together omg. So soft™ yet so real.
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 MY MAN MAX 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖Two things: I love Max and I would die for him.
He literally stole every scene he was in and he's such a potent character! He's James' best friend, a college dropout, party master, and the guy you go to have a good time AND need advice from. He's so layered and intriguing, a walking contradiction, and I wish we got more of him during the last quarter of the book. My dudes, I'm not kidding when I say I would do anything to make sure he always remains happy and bubbly, and if anyone wants to test this, meet me at the curb aND I WILL E N D YOU.
GINNYMy sympathy for Ginny can be found between a big F YOU and my less than none tolerance for trashy friends.
Listen, if my real-life best friend of 10 damn years started being a little shit to me because of a few rumours and a truckload of poorly placed judgements then she wouldn't be my best friend in the first place. Elle knew Ginny since she was 4 years old and you're telling me that throughout all those years, Ginny never brought up her insecurity of being around Elle? As if being a tall, blonde, daughter of a model is enough to make you feel inadequate. Huh.
Your best friend is with you through the thick and thin.Ginny was such a shitty friend and Elle didn't deserve her half-apologies and gross assumptions. AND THAT'S THE TEA BOO 💅
Your best friend would never judge you based on piss-poor lies.
Your best friend should never let someone else's opinion taint their view of you.
Your best friend should understand you in ways more intimate than a lover.
Your best friend should never make you feel filthy and disgusting.
Your best friend should be worthy of your love, time, and effort.
Towards the end of the book, . *sigh* I just couldn't deal with Ginny 99.9% of the time.
...Okay, so maybe I did get why she was such a little shit but ya girl ain't here for naive BS. Did she redeem herself? In my eyes, not as much as she should've.
DON'T READ THIS IF YOU TRULY DON'T WANNA BE SPOILED BUT HUUUUNNY I AM ABOUT TO VENT.
Anyways, here is The List of Things™:
- God, I love Elle. She handles stress so much better than I ever could and she's literally such a soft sun queen?? ☀️Thank you to Elizabeth O'Roark for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Quotes extracted from an ARC.
- James, you jealous snACK 💓💓 if there's one thing I want more than anything for him is that he fulfills his dreams. I vibed with him so much like wow what a 10/10 character
- Hollywood can be so deceitful and I was begging the literary overlords that things would turn around for my lil muffins Elle and James
- MAX. LOVE YOU BBY 💖 most of my highlighted notes were something he said ahh keep winning and doing you boo ilysm
- 4 stars because some things made me livid but I can't share why because spoilers
- I LOVE THE TITLE SO MUCH IT'S PERFECT FOR ELLE AND JAMES!!
- The itty bitty cliffhanger wasn't necessary but I could see it turning into a sequel. There was one thing that wasn't communicated and idk maybe it'll be the drive for a sequel ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- SUNSETS. SUMMER. BEACH. TENDER MOMENTS. GLORIOUS PASSION. yaaaaass
If you're not doing what you want, then you'll always disappoint yourself. And if someone's going to wind up disappointed, make sure it's not you because you're the one who has to live with the consequences.
March 31, 2023
I can not believe this. No One But Us is coing from Misd O'Roark and the story is so silly. Elle and James are one dimensional character. Especilly James. His logic and his back and forth is so annoying and frustrating.
I do not like this book at all. I am still processing how Miss O'Roark with such huge talent, wrote something like No One But Us.
2 stars
I do not like this book at all. I am still processing how Miss O'Roark with such huge talent, wrote something like No One But Us.
2 stars
July 21, 2018
i don't know what elle sees in james, he treated her like trash throughout almost the entire novel like literally every. single. other character. he only ever appreciated her looks as well, like… shut up… in this house we only stan elle, max and ryan and she should have ended up with one of them instead of james the jerk because she deserves better
edit: i thought about it some more and i got angry about the age difference thing again 19 and 25 doesn't seem like that big of a jump to me shut up james, when he said "sometimes you sound older than me" to elle that really stuck with me because it's the only correct thing he's said in the entire book. get over urself dumbass. she acts more mature than you YOU JAMES are the immature one u act like u are 12. it's 2am and i was drinking so i am fueled. i've been thinking about this the entire way home. i hate james. this was not satisfying at all. elle deserves better. justice for her and max and ryan. everyone else was a big dumbass. f*** allison and ginny and james and elle's parents and ginny and james's parents. i hate them all. i wish elle would have escaped to italy and gone incognito
edit: i thought about it some more and i got angry about the age difference thing again 19 and 25 doesn't seem like that big of a jump to me shut up james, when he said "sometimes you sound older than me" to elle that really stuck with me because it's the only correct thing he's said in the entire book. get over urself dumbass. she acts more mature than you YOU JAMES are the immature one u act like u are 12. it's 2am and i was drinking so i am fueled. i've been thinking about this the entire way home. i hate james. this was not satisfying at all. elle deserves better. justice for her and max and ryan. everyone else was a big dumbass. f*** allison and ginny and james and elle's parents and ginny and james's parents. i hate them all. i wish elle would have escaped to italy and gone incognito
February 18, 2023
Originally, a 2-star. But downgraded to a 1.5-star, after reading its original 2014 version (Bloom).
Skimmed from 13% til the end coz boring & predictable.
#1. Lacked emotion and was stilted
Showed no continuity of how h could claim that she'd always thought of H and been crushing on him since childhood yet she had a college BF she was really into and had good sex with until they broke up just weeks prior to seeing H again. Transition not smooth.
#2. Shallow two-dimensional characters
Both 25yo law-student H and 19yo freshman intern h were immature and spoiled. They were both still financially-tied to their parents’ purse strings. So, struggled with being told what career/major to have as as result. Quite a bit of content re: their iffy career goals. But the central character focus was on H&h's sexy good looks and their uber-confidence from knowing they were attractive to others.
They're into the typical college scene of partying, drinking, and hooking up. That’s why it didn’t make sense that H was stressing about h being 6 years younger than him since she’s in college like him and interning like him and has quite a bit of life experiences already.
#3. Lust-focused and lacked touching romance
Sexual tension was good due to their resisting their attraction while living in the same house and working the same bar. But too much focus on body parts (i.e., h's boobs, h's figure from her sexy clothes, H's muscles). Very meh romance and emotion so neither characters seemed truly into each other despite what some of their POV stated.
#.4 lacked emotional depth
Sexual History:
19yo freshman h celibate for 6 weeks since breaking up with her musician ex-BF coz he couldn’t guarantee to stay faithful to her when he was on tour. She let her ex-BF visit her @ her BFF’s & H’s house and let him kiss her neck and worried that she may smex him if she sees him perform with his band coz that usually turns her on (“You’ll change your mind after you see me play,” he says .He’s right. I already know this. His hands are still on my hips, his mouth on my neck, and I know that seeing him play is all it would take to sway me.“). No other info on how many other previous lovers h had but her ex-BF taught her sexual things and they both seemed quite sexually active together.
H celibate for 2 months since he 1st broke up with his GF who wanted him to wait a few weeks to give their relationship a chance. But when she came to visit H, he told her they were completely done & turned down her sex offer and he slept on the floor in his room while she slept in his bed.
Skimmed from 13% til the end coz boring & predictable.
#1. Lacked emotion and was stilted
Showed no continuity of how h could claim that she'd always thought of H and been crushing on him since childhood yet she had a college BF she was really into and had good sex with until they broke up just weeks prior to seeing H again. Transition not smooth.
#2. Shallow two-dimensional characters
Both 25yo law-student H and 19yo freshman intern h were immature and spoiled. They were both still financially-tied to their parents’ purse strings. So, struggled with being told what career/major to have as as result. Quite a bit of content re: their iffy career goals. But the central character focus was on H&h's sexy good looks and their uber-confidence from knowing they were attractive to others.
They're into the typical college scene of partying, drinking, and hooking up. That’s why it didn’t make sense that H was stressing about h being 6 years younger than him since she’s in college like him and interning like him and has quite a bit of life experiences already.
#3. Lust-focused and lacked touching romance
Sexual tension was good due to their resisting their attraction while living in the same house and working the same bar. But too much focus on body parts (i.e., h's boobs, h's figure from her sexy clothes, H's muscles). Very meh romance and emotion so neither characters seemed truly into each other despite what some of their POV stated.
#.4 lacked emotional depth
Sexual History:
19yo freshman h celibate for 6 weeks since breaking up with her musician ex-BF coz he couldn’t guarantee to stay faithful to her when he was on tour. She let her ex-BF visit her @ her BFF’s & H’s house and let him kiss her neck and worried that she may smex him if she sees him perform with his band coz that usually turns her on (“You’ll change your mind after you see me play,” he says .He’s right. I already know this. His hands are still on my hips, his mouth on my neck, and I know that seeing him play is all it would take to sway me.“). No other info on how many other previous lovers h had but her ex-BF taught her sexual things and they both seemed quite sexually active together.
H celibate for 2 months since he 1st broke up with his GF who wanted him to wait a few weeks to give their relationship a chance. But when she came to visit H, he told her they were completely done & turned down her sex offer and he slept on the floor in his room while she slept in his bed.
Read
July 17, 2018When I requested this ARC I didn't realize that it was a revision of a previous O'Roark novel that I didn't particularly enjoy. That was published under the title Bloom. I wish that would have been stated. But as it wasn't, I received this ARC and decided to take a chance with the updated version. While O'Roark definitely made improvements, it still fell flat for me. I've linked my original review below in case anyone wants more details.
Review of Bloom
Review of Bloom
July 21, 2018
Stand-Alone
Release date: 07-18-18
****
This is a great "knew you forever" summer romance "No One But Us" about James and Beautiful, Blonde and sweet Elle. And I received an advance copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review. ... So, where do I start?
James, 25, and Elle, 19 -- give "privileged, talented and hot" new meaning. James tries and tries to stay away from Elle, since she's his sister's best friend and he's known her since grade school, well, that's just not going to happen.
Poor Elle, the kind of poor when your parents are ultra rich and you borrow Dad's new Porsche for a summer trip to your friends' New England beach mansion. She just can't catch a break -- she loses her TV news internship, and has to struggle with her "tabloid Mom" and a Dad who is threatening to stop her college support since he has a new baby on the way.
And Jame's parents have just as many issues and secrets in their closet, with a Mom who loves to guilt-trip her kids every chance she gets.
But Elle is of course the magnet here. Men just can't keep from staring and fantasizing over her (always compared to her Mom), when she's very savvy, with her own smarts, drive, and ambition... The model figure and long blonde hair are also great assets. Especially when that ambition is James, who she's crushed on forever. And while the drama is seemingly endless, the "house party" scene just gets more intriguing and laugh-out-loud funny by the day.
This is a light, fluffy, fun read, and I breezed right through it. I loved and hated James, the super hot brother of her best friend, Ginny; of course James remembers her from almost pre-school and struggles with falling for his Sister's "bestie." But I've never seen a girl get the kind of "hot and cold" that James dishes out, over and over. She takes the only job in the beach town, even though she has to dress "Hooter's style". But hey, James is a bartender, so she can secretly lust and work at the same time. He's so tightly-wound when around Elle, the hunky man can hardly talk. But Elle knows what she wants, had a good teacher (her man-killer Mom), and goes after him with all her charms.
How long can he hold out? Will he drive her back into the arms of her ex-boyfriend, a hot guitarist who is determined he can win her back... but maybe after his next groupie. So while James gives "whiplash" new meaning, Elle is having a "drama summer from hell" and the weeks are counting down. Even Ginny seems to turn on her and has her own agenda. James' friend, Max, adds to the constant drama, as he turns the beach mansion into a revolving door for a host of party animals for days at a time.
NO ONE BUT US, was a fun read with great chemistry between the guy and gal, and never a dull moment. No cliffie ending... but hope we get more of James and Elle!
July 13, 2018
Spoilers? Maybe, most probably idk
I don't know how to feel about No One But Us, I mean I like it hence the three stars but there were so many things that I disliked. I loved loved loved Waking Olivia so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book but sadly, it just disappointed me.
The premise of it is 'guy falls for sister's best friend' but does everything in his power to not act on these feelings such as going running in the middle of the night for hours. Sounds stupid but I found it so entertaining. All the characters annoyed me, every single one of them. Even Max and I loved him. But the character I hated was Ginny. She's a hater, backstabber, and so jealous of her best friend. If there is a second book and it's about Ginny and Max, I'm going to be hesitant to read it because of the way she came across. The apology at the end of this book to Elle did not redeem her at all in my eyes, she's still a spiteful little girl. Also, it irritated me how Elle was basically described as the most beautiful girl in the world where all the guys wanted her. There was just too much focus on it just like the age difference. Also, Max said Elle was the hottest girl in the world and that bloody annoyed me because I know he's interested in Ginny. Yes, I know this is such a petty and stupid thing to point out but stuff like that pisses me off.
Anyway, I'm glad I read this because I needed an easy, fluffy and cute book to read. This trope is one of my favourites when its done well. It was actually sweet and I loved Max and James! The interactions between Elle and James were hot and witty, the sexual tension were undeniable so I can't wait for the next book!!
I was provided an ARC in an exchange for an honest review
I don't know how to feel about No One But Us, I mean I like it hence the three stars but there were so many things that I disliked. I loved loved loved Waking Olivia so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book but sadly, it just disappointed me.
The premise of it is 'guy falls for sister's best friend' but does everything in his power to not act on these feelings such as going running in the middle of the night for hours. Sounds stupid but I found it so entertaining. All the characters annoyed me, every single one of them. Even Max and I loved him. But the character I hated was Ginny. She's a hater, backstabber, and so jealous of her best friend. If there is a second book and it's about Ginny and Max, I'm going to be hesitant to read it because of the way she came across. The apology at the end of this book to Elle did not redeem her at all in my eyes, she's still a spiteful little girl. Also, it irritated me how Elle was basically described as the most beautiful girl in the world where all the guys wanted her. There was just too much focus on it just like the age difference. Also, Max said Elle was the hottest girl in the world and that bloody annoyed me because I know he's interested in Ginny. Yes, I know this is such a petty and stupid thing to point out but stuff like that pisses me off.
Anyway, I'm glad I read this because I needed an easy, fluffy and cute book to read. This trope is one of my favourites when its done well. It was actually sweet and I loved Max and James! The interactions between Elle and James were hot and witty, the sexual tension were undeniable so I can't wait for the next book!!
I was provided an ARC in an exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2018
Are all books on ku because they're so stereotypical it hurts? This book is exhibit a of why I tend to shun na books. It's completely filled with petty drama, snarky girl fights (verbal), and a 25 year old hero who is such a douche to the heroine because of his own shit. He was such a dick to her because of how he felt they shouldn't be together that by the time I quit I agreed that they shouldn't, not because of her age or their family drama but because she deserved better than him.
Dnf
Dnf
November 17, 2024
This book is terrible. Even after the complete rewrite, it’s terrible. It’s nothing but ridiculous angst, horrible as hell best friend that deserves no forgiveness and about 500 feet of distance from at all times, some out of this world frustrating back and forth, and two characters I can’t stand.
I’m an Elizabeth O’Roark girl and this wasn’t it here.
I’m an Elizabeth O’Roark girl and this wasn’t it here.
September 29, 2023
1.5-2 stars
Me after reading this book:
I'll sum it up very quickly.
The heroine was a pathetic doormat with two marbles rolling around where her brain should be, her "best friend" was a class A, two-faced byotch who deserved a slap every time she opened her stupid mouth, the hero was apparently bipolar and apologized to the heroine every time he kissed her, and the entire story felt lika a never-ending middle school drama.
Add to it the hero's bimbo ex girlfriend trying to stir the pot and voila!
*insert multiple eyerolls
It did have the potential to be a good book but the maturity just wasn't there.
Same like the depth.
Or the self-respect of the heroine.
I love O'Roark so I'll pretend this book just never happened.
If you wanna read it, fine, just don't say I didn't warn ya.
Me after reading this book:
I'll sum it up very quickly.
The heroine was a pathetic doormat with two marbles rolling around where her brain should be, her "best friend" was a class A, two-faced byotch who deserved a slap every time she opened her stupid mouth, the hero was apparently bipolar and apologized to the heroine every time he kissed her, and the entire story felt lika a never-ending middle school drama.
Add to it the hero's bimbo ex girlfriend trying to stir the pot and voila!
*insert multiple eyerolls
It did have the potential to be a good book but the maturity just wasn't there.
Same like the depth.
Or the self-respect of the heroine.
I love O'Roark so I'll pretend this book just never happened.
If you wanna read it, fine, just don't say I didn't warn ya.
November 5, 2024
This author really is becoming one of my faves.
November 25, 2024
After finishing the third book written by O'Roark I can sum-up - found another comfort author for sure!
Enjoyed this one, and oh ho much I've hated the best friend!!!!
Enjoyed this one, and oh ho much I've hated the best friend!!!!
May 23, 2019
So much sexism, so much slut-shaming ! Jesus, this book... Every single character makes a bad asumption or derogatory comment about Elle at some point, even her supposed best friend. James, the guy she falls for, is extremely disrespectful toward Elle, always shaming her for basically being a attractive woman. He also repeatedly criticizes her with the way she dresses, acts while she's single... I really don't understand why Elle is attracted to him, because the only things we know about his personality is that he's jealous, possessive, abusing, short-tempered and angry. But I guess he's hot so that makes it ok...
She is sexually harassed by several characters in the story, and James, that idiot, the "hero" of this story, acts like it's her own fault for it and accuses her of sleeping with those men. Don't get me started on Ginny, she definitely wins the "Worst Friend Ever" award by far. They grew up together, yet she always assumes the worst of Elle because of her mother's actions in the past (Elle's mother is a famous model), she's jealous of her, spreads rumors, treats her poorly and believes every bad things she hears about her best friend.
It's 2019, the violent alpha-male trend needs to die. There is nothing appealing about a person who makes his/her partner feels bad for things that are out of their control. The unjustified jealousy and possessive act are just abusive traits, it's not cute god damn it ! Oh but he sometimes apologize after, so that's ok? Right? He's just does what every abuser does after abusing their victim: apologize, say they won't do it again... and then does it again, surprise !
Romanticizing such behaviors is extremely dangerous, especially when you realize that New Adult novels are intended for young women.
Oh and my favorite quote: "I don't have a vagina, Elle. Men don't talk about their problems". - from James. One sentence that partially explains why James is such an unhealthy character, I mean it's well known that men don't talk about their issues, right? James yells an gets into figths instead, such a mature way to handle things for this 25 yo man.
She is sexually harassed by several characters in the story, and James, that idiot, the "hero" of this story, acts like it's her own fault for it and accuses her of sleeping with those men. Don't get me started on Ginny, she definitely wins the "Worst Friend Ever" award by far. They grew up together, yet she always assumes the worst of Elle because of her mother's actions in the past (Elle's mother is a famous model), she's jealous of her, spreads rumors, treats her poorly and believes every bad things she hears about her best friend.
It's 2019, the violent alpha-male trend needs to die. There is nothing appealing about a person who makes his/her partner feels bad for things that are out of their control. The unjustified jealousy and possessive act are just abusive traits, it's not cute god damn it ! Oh but he sometimes apologize after, so that's ok? Right? He's just does what every abuser does after abusing their victim: apologize, say they won't do it again... and then does it again, surprise !
Romanticizing such behaviors is extremely dangerous, especially when you realize that New Adult novels are intended for young women.
Oh and my favorite quote: "I don't have a vagina, Elle. Men don't talk about their problems". - from James. One sentence that partially explains why James is such an unhealthy character, I mean it's well known that men don't talk about their issues, right? James yells an gets into figths instead, such a mature way to handle things for this 25 yo man.
February 28, 2019
It was ok, but kind of annoying
If you don't like spoilers, please don't read this review... I don't normally put spoilers in my reviews, but I just have to for this one...
I do have to say that I did like most of the storyline. However, how many times did the age thing need to be brought up? It got a little annoying after the first two times.
Elle constantly said to herself, and others, that she's nothing like her mother. That she hated the way her mother was with men. Yet, she practically became her mother to get James. As many times as James turned her down, she still kept going after him. It would have been nice to see her have a little self respect and finally move on, making him be the one to finally admit he really did like her.
I understand crushes, especially ones that have gone on for as long as hers did. But her constantly going after him was a little annoying.
Same thing with the friends with benefits thing they started. Yes, I know in real life that feelings usually always get involved. But she had feelings before it even started and was trying to get him to change his mind, even though he said at the start that it was just sex. So for her to constantly say things like "things are really going to end at the end of the summer" or '"I thought I'd get him to change his mind" were a bit annoying as well.
So, when they *finally* get together at the end, there was no excitement in it for me.
In all honesty, the only reason I finished the book is because I can't leave books that I start unfinished. I have read other books by this author and absolutely LOVED them (especially Waking Olivia). But this one, I just couldn't get into.
If you don't like spoilers, please don't read this review... I don't normally put spoilers in my reviews, but I just have to for this one...
I do have to say that I did like most of the storyline. However, how many times did the age thing need to be brought up? It got a little annoying after the first two times.
Elle constantly said to herself, and others, that she's nothing like her mother. That she hated the way her mother was with men. Yet, she practically became her mother to get James. As many times as James turned her down, she still kept going after him. It would have been nice to see her have a little self respect and finally move on, making him be the one to finally admit he really did like her.
I understand crushes, especially ones that have gone on for as long as hers did. But her constantly going after him was a little annoying.
Same thing with the friends with benefits thing they started. Yes, I know in real life that feelings usually always get involved. But she had feelings before it even started and was trying to get him to change his mind, even though he said at the start that it was just sex. So for her to constantly say things like "things are really going to end at the end of the summer" or '"I thought I'd get him to change his mind" were a bit annoying as well.
So, when they *finally* get together at the end, there was no excitement in it for me.
In all honesty, the only reason I finished the book is because I can't leave books that I start unfinished. I have read other books by this author and absolutely LOVED them (especially Waking Olivia). But this one, I just couldn't get into.
September 8, 2019
This book was... exhausting to say the least. Considering I loved all the other books that I’ve read from this author, I was a bit surprised to hate this. The scenes were just very redundant. The jealousy streak of the H, the constant reminder of their “age gap” (which is really ridiculous since they’re only 6 years apart), and his over-the-top overprotectiveness were very annoying. Except for Ryan and Max, ALL characters in this book were terrible. 🤦🏻♀️
Plot: 2
Writing: 2
Hero: 1
Heroine: 2
Chemistry: 2
Safe: Yes
HEA: HFN
OVERALL RATING : 2 STARS
Plot: 2
Writing: 2
Hero: 1
Heroine: 2
Chemistry: 2
Safe: Yes
HEA: HFN
OVERALL RATING : 2 STARS
July 15, 2023
Nice story. Childhood friends, Best friends older brother to lovers.
Drama about the FMC's parents and their fame makes Elle's life hard. After she is involved in a scandal she goes to her best friends summer house and meets her brother again. Elle always had a crush on him but he is six years older.
James' family have their own drama. And when the family dramas collide things get difficult.
This is the third book I read from Elizabeth O'Roark. I liked the first two better, because I could relate to the characters much better. But this book is a nice read too. It worked as a palette cleanser. The hang up was that I wanted to shout: talk to each other more and don't keep secrets.
Drama about the FMC's parents and their fame makes Elle's life hard. After she is involved in a scandal she goes to her best friends summer house and meets her brother again. Elle always had a crush on him but he is six years older.
James' family have their own drama. And when the family dramas collide things get difficult.
This is the third book I read from Elizabeth O'Roark. I liked the first two better, because I could relate to the characters much better. But this book is a nice read too. It worked as a palette cleanser. The hang up was that I wanted to shout: talk to each other more and don't keep secrets.
December 16, 2018
How can I hate a book so much from the same author who wrote one of favourites books of all time ‘Waking Olivia’?
This whole book was so childish.
She’s 19 and you’re 25. So what James??
Both their parents are just plain idiots and the whole drama is so stupid.
And don’t get me started on James, because grow the hell up. Or his sister for that matter, who needs enemies when you have a ‘best friend’ like that.
The ending was cute but at the same time so unrealistic. Everything and everyone just realises how stupid they were, they apologise and everything is okay afterwards. Yey? No.
This whole book was so childish.
She’s 19 and you’re 25. So what James??
Both their parents are just plain idiots and the whole drama is so stupid.
And don’t get me started on James, because grow the hell up. Or his sister for that matter, who needs enemies when you have a ‘best friend’ like that.
The ending was cute but at the same time so unrealistic. Everything and everyone just realises how stupid they were, they apologise and everything is okay afterwards. Yey? No.
November 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️'s
Bloom has been on my TBR list so I was happy when the author included this book in her newsletter - updated and with dual POVs which I absolutely love.
Elle and James were sweet and the story was fairly predictable. Unfortunately, it's just not quite as good as the books Elizabeth O'Roark writes today. Don't get me wrong, it's good, it just doesn't have that certain something.
I did enjoy how it ended and I'm really curious if Max and Ginny get a book.
Bloom has been on my TBR list so I was happy when the author included this book in her newsletter - updated and with dual POVs which I absolutely love.
Elle and James were sweet and the story was fairly predictable. Unfortunately, it's just not quite as good as the books Elizabeth O'Roark writes today. Don't get me wrong, it's good, it just doesn't have that certain something.
I did enjoy how it ended and I'm really curious if Max and Ginny get a book.
May 4, 2019
3.5 stars ALL FOR THE HEROINE
She carried the book all by herself and by the end I felt like the hero doesn't deserve her(?) And neither does his sister. Would have been happier to read about her going far away from her toxic entourage and finding herself.
She carried the book all by herself and by the end I felt like the hero doesn't deserve her(?) And neither does his sister. Would have been happier to read about her going far away from her toxic entourage and finding herself.
May 28, 2020
4 stars. This book was enjoyable throughout but maybe took too long to get to the “good parts”. It really seemed like there was a lot of lead up in the beginning and a lot of random encounters that didn’t add much to the story. Overall though; I still liked it a lot.
July 18, 2018
The Award for the meanest friend goes to his sister.she was so jealous of the heroine and not sorry at all .I hated her .hero was weak and also not good enough!
Sorry that was too much Drama !
Sorry that was too much Drama !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2018
Well, it has been a while since I've read Bloom and from what I've read in No One But Usis the same book so if you read one, you read the other.
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars. This book was first published in 2013 as Bloom, which at the time was only the author’s second book. 5 years later she then rewrote it with a new title, gave it dual POV, made major changes to the plot, and gave it a completely different ending. If drama and angst isn’t your thing, maybe skip this one. This is a best friend’s older brother romance with so much angst! Elle has known James for most of her life, her earlier memories start with him coming to her rescue when she was just in elementary school. For years she secretly crushed on him and now they’re spending the summer together…
When the story starts Elle is 19 and just got fired from her internship at a news channel. Her boss is a lead anchor and famous news personality and rumors started to swirl that he was having an affair with her. Elle is horrified, she’s known him since she was a child and not only did he used to work with her dad but he’s her dad’s age as well. But everyone believes she’s the problem and she loses her job. On top of that when she calls to tell her dad, he instead tells her he has his own scandal going on and needs her to lay low and stay quiet in the public eye for the summer until everything can blow over. Elle’s childhood best friend Ginny tells her to join her, her brother James (the hero), and his friend Max for the summer at their beach house.
Elle hasn’t seen James for 5 years and is excited to be spending the summer with him. James can’t believe how much Elle has grown and starts to have all the feels for her. James is going through a rough time, he’s doesn’t want to follow the family footsteps of becoming a lawyer and is ready to quit law school. His mom is also trying to guilt trip him into life choices she wants for him with some very toxic, unhealthy behavior (starving herself to the point of becoming ill to get her way). Elle also has drama with her parents, they’ve never really cared for her and she’s had to kind of raise herself. Elle’s mom was a supermodel with a famous bikini poster and Elle has now constantly dealt with men coming on to her in disgusting ways because of it.
There is definitely a lot going on in this book, with all the family drama, both of their exes coming around, outside people getting involved, her best friend treating her horribly, everyone assuming the worst about Elle because of choices her mom made, etc. But if I ignore all of that and focus on just the romance, I really enjoyed this read! 😅 James is the type of hero who tries to push away his feelings…he has a reason for it every time. Either she’s too young (he’s 25, she’s 19) or he’s trying to leave the country for a new career, or his parents’ complications with her parents. We do get some delicious sexual tension and angst, he becomes very possessive and growly, and once they do give in we have some sneaking around times. Elle has never had someone who cares for her or puts her first so I did just want to see someone truly put her first for once. I don’t think James even quite did this enough, although I did enjoy their history and chemistry.
When the story starts Elle is 19 and just got fired from her internship at a news channel. Her boss is a lead anchor and famous news personality and rumors started to swirl that he was having an affair with her. Elle is horrified, she’s known him since she was a child and not only did he used to work with her dad but he’s her dad’s age as well. But everyone believes she’s the problem and she loses her job. On top of that when she calls to tell her dad, he instead tells her he has his own scandal going on and needs her to lay low and stay quiet in the public eye for the summer until everything can blow over. Elle’s childhood best friend Ginny tells her to join her, her brother James (the hero), and his friend Max for the summer at their beach house.
Elle hasn’t seen James for 5 years and is excited to be spending the summer with him. James can’t believe how much Elle has grown and starts to have all the feels for her. James is going through a rough time, he’s doesn’t want to follow the family footsteps of becoming a lawyer and is ready to quit law school. His mom is also trying to guilt trip him into life choices she wants for him with some very toxic, unhealthy behavior (starving herself to the point of becoming ill to get her way). Elle also has drama with her parents, they’ve never really cared for her and she’s had to kind of raise herself. Elle’s mom was a supermodel with a famous bikini poster and Elle has now constantly dealt with men coming on to her in disgusting ways because of it.
There is definitely a lot going on in this book, with all the family drama, both of their exes coming around, outside people getting involved, her best friend treating her horribly, everyone assuming the worst about Elle because of choices her mom made, etc. But if I ignore all of that and focus on just the romance, I really enjoyed this read! 😅 James is the type of hero who tries to push away his feelings…he has a reason for it every time. Either she’s too young (he’s 25, she’s 19) or he’s trying to leave the country for a new career, or his parents’ complications with her parents. We do get some delicious sexual tension and angst, he becomes very possessive and growly, and once they do give in we have some sneaking around times. Elle has never had someone who cares for her or puts her first so I did just want to see someone truly put her first for once. I don’t think James even quite did this enough, although I did enjoy their history and chemistry.
July 18, 2018
When Elle's life falls apart, her best friend, Ginny, tells her to come and spend the summer with her at the beach. When Ginny says her older brother James will be there, too, Elle is raring to go. He's the guy she's had a crush on her entire life, so of course she wants to spend the summer near him.
James' jaw drops when gawky, skinny little Elle, his little sister's best friend, appears at their beach house, and she's no little girl any longer. She doesn't even look 19, though; she looks like a hot, model-like woman. Now he has to spend the summer not only babysitting his sister and her friend, but he also has to try not to notice how beautiful and adult she is. Yikes.
I read Elizabeth's foreword about this being a re-worked version of one of her earlier books that she thought was flawed, Bloom, which I had wanted to read back in the day, but never got around to doing so, but since I never read Bloom, I didn't have any preconceived notions about No One But Us. I'm glad I never read Bloom, because I ended up really liking No One But Us. Yes it's New Adult, but it's really well-written, and most of the characters, aside from Elle's friend Ginny and James' friend Max, seem much more mature than the typical characters in New Adult fiction. It's also really engaging and rife with sexual tension and secrets galore. About the only thing that knocked this down a star is that there's no epilogue. The last chapter gives us a HFN ending, but it's not far into their future enough for my tastes. I like epilogues to be set years ahead, with the characters happily together, maybe married with some kiddos running around. Aside from that tiny thing, though, I thought No One But Us was a great New Adult romance.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
James' jaw drops when gawky, skinny little Elle, his little sister's best friend, appears at their beach house, and she's no little girl any longer. She doesn't even look 19, though; she looks like a hot, model-like woman. Now he has to spend the summer not only babysitting his sister and her friend, but he also has to try not to notice how beautiful and adult she is. Yikes.
I read Elizabeth's foreword about this being a re-worked version of one of her earlier books that she thought was flawed, Bloom, which I had wanted to read back in the day, but never got around to doing so, but since I never read Bloom, I didn't have any preconceived notions about No One But Us. I'm glad I never read Bloom, because I ended up really liking No One But Us. Yes it's New Adult, but it's really well-written, and most of the characters, aside from Elle's friend Ginny and James' friend Max, seem much more mature than the typical characters in New Adult fiction. It's also really engaging and rife with sexual tension and secrets galore. About the only thing that knocked this down a star is that there's no epilogue. The last chapter gives us a HFN ending, but it's not far into their future enough for my tastes. I like epilogues to be set years ahead, with the characters happily together, maybe married with some kiddos running around. Aside from that tiny thing, though, I thought No One But Us was a great New Adult romance.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
I hope to never have a friend like Ginny- my lord!
July 12, 2018
4,5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
‘No one but us’ is a bit special because it isn’t a totally ‘new’ book. No, it’s a ‘new’ version of the story ‘Bloom’. The writer decided to rewrite that story. I must confess that I haven’t read the book ‘Bloom’ so I can’t compare the two stories with each other. I can only tell you what I think of ‘No one but us’.
‘No one but us’ is a new adult story, a genre that I really enjoy reading. And I must say that I liked this story very much.
Elle Grayson can’t remember a time that she wasn’t in love with her best friend’s brother James. As a child he was always there when she needed someone. The last time that she saw him she was 14 years old. Now, 5 years later they will see each other again and will even be spending the summer together in a house. Will James finally see her as more than a friend? Elle really hope so but sadly the situation isn’t as simple as that. Family and the outside world are creating trouble for Elle and James. Is it really worth so much to be together or is it better for everyone to let things go and just be friends?
I really liked both characters. James was a good guy who has always been protective of Elle and Elle was a sweet girl. You really felt the attraction between them both but also the guilt, the doubts and the loneliness. I really felt sorry for Elle, this story really shows that it can’t be easy to grow up as an only child of famous parents, parents who are more busy with their own life and success than that they care about their child. I found it special that even after everything she had seen during her childhood, Elle still had that innocent in her. This story really shows how much influence parents can have on their child life.
The story is told from both POV’s. I was grateful for that because this way I could understand James feelings better. There was some drama in the story but nothing too much or too dark. For me it had the perfect mix of everything.
The one thing that I did miss at the end (but maybe that’s just me) is an epilogue. I would have loved to see how they were doing after a few years together. But I’m really hoping that the writer decides to write a book about James his sister Ginny and his best friend Max and maybe that way we get to see more of Elle and James too?!? I really hope so!
‘No one but us’ was a great book and I enjoyed it very much.
July 13, 2018
Elizabeth O'Roark is a new to me author. And I am now sitting here wondering why I waited so long to pick up one of her books! No One But Us follows Ellie- who has had a huge crush on her best friend's brother her whole life,- and James who sees that Ellie isn't just a little girl in braces anymore. When they are roommates for the entire summer things heat up with both of them wanting want they can't have. James can't have Ellie for numerous reasons- one being she's only 19 and he's 25. He used to babysit her- she is still just a kid! Another being she is the center of a secret between her parents that he doesn't even want to know about... Ellie can't have James- he is her best friends brother. He is older, and still views her as just a kid. And he has a girlfriend. But can they both resist what they desperately want- each other? Or will their hearts be broken before the summer comes to an end?
This book has major push and pull between these characters. Plus loads of secrets, scandals, and drama in both Ellie and James family. Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down and I want so much more from these characters and Elizabeth's writting that I will definitely have to pick up more of her books.
I loved both Ellie and James characters and even Max (one of the side characters). I felt so bad for Ellie, and everything she has put up with, but loved how the book played out. 4.5⭐ out of 5 ⭐.
This book has major push and pull between these characters. Plus loads of secrets, scandals, and drama in both Ellie and James family. Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down and I want so much more from these characters and Elizabeth's writting that I will definitely have to pick up more of her books.
I loved both Ellie and James characters and even Max (one of the side characters). I felt so bad for Ellie, and everything she has put up with, but loved how the book played out. 4.5⭐ out of 5 ⭐.
June 18, 2023
I’ve loved the other books by this author but as this is a rewrite of her second novel you can really tell she’s finding her feet.
Elle was a walking cliché of a romance book beautiful woman: oblivious to creepy advances of men, no backbone, & major daddy issues. The whole issue with her boss forcing her to spend a Summer with her “bestie” is ridiculous & got annoying.
James was a dick. To be blunt. The on again/ off again, push/pull started to drive me insane & to be fair I DNF at about 45% because I couldn’t take the same old routine. They kiss, she’s thrilled that finally this time… then he says something brutal, tears her confidence apart & on we go.
There wasn’t enough chemistry in the world to make me sit through more of that. Both of them have issues & they make such a big deal out of the fact she’s 19 & he’s 25. Really makes me wonder if I was that annoying at those ages (probably)
Ginny- James’ sister & Elle’s best friend deserves a specially mention for being an absolute bitch. I’m assuming it’s driven by jealousy but she is the worst friend ever & it made me furious how she behaved.
Never have I ever hated every character in a book & I couldn’t root for any of them.
You can see the bones of the great romance writing that follows in Waking Olivia/Drowning Erin but this didn’t work for me on any level.
Elle was a walking cliché of a romance book beautiful woman: oblivious to creepy advances of men, no backbone, & major daddy issues. The whole issue with her boss forcing her to spend a Summer with her “bestie” is ridiculous & got annoying.
James was a dick. To be blunt. The on again/ off again, push/pull started to drive me insane & to be fair I DNF at about 45% because I couldn’t take the same old routine. They kiss, she’s thrilled that finally this time… then he says something brutal, tears her confidence apart & on we go.
There wasn’t enough chemistry in the world to make me sit through more of that. Both of them have issues & they make such a big deal out of the fact she’s 19 & he’s 25. Really makes me wonder if I was that annoying at those ages (probably)
Ginny- James’ sister & Elle’s best friend deserves a specially mention for being an absolute bitch. I’m assuming it’s driven by jealousy but she is the worst friend ever & it made me furious how she behaved.
Never have I ever hated every character in a book & I couldn’t root for any of them.
You can see the bones of the great romance writing that follows in Waking Olivia/Drowning Erin but this didn’t work for me on any level.
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