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Charlie, Love and Clichés
Six years ago at a random diner I met a stranger and he became the-one-who-got-away, or more correctly the-one-who-didn’t-show-up.
A small advice from me to you: if you haven’t dated, touched *or* kissed a guy in years and *years*…do not try to crawl away or hide from the-one-who-got-away. It’s not a good look.
William Carter, the stranger I’d met six years ago was the last person I’d imagine ever seeing at my dad’s firm where I work. While I panic and fight off the butterflies in my stomach and in general struggle to act normal, I realize he doesn’t even remember me. I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or heartbroken. Things get worse when I learn we’ll need to work in close quarters to each other, but at least I let him know that I don’t have a crush on him anymore right away. Just in case he gets any ideas.
While I’m in the process of writing lists and making serious changes in my life, because I decide I’m ready to be the heroine in my own story; having William just a breath away is not helping things. Especially when things shift between us and we start to make eye contact in meetings. Then he shows up in places I least expect him to…as in blind dates and sex clubs. He also gives me cheese because he knows how much I like it and there are secret notes he leaves in my office. If you were wondering, I still don’t have a crush on him though. Nope.
Even though I’d promised myself I’d never wait around for another guy and postpone my own life, I’m afraid William Carter who looks at me as if I’m his and was always supposed to be his might ruin my hopeful plans. And quite possibly me for any other guy since I’m craving his touch like I’ve never craved anything in my life before. But we both know we’re a losing game so we keep admitting that neither one of us has a crush on the other.
Not anymore. Not at all. Not even a little bit.
A small advice from me to you: if you haven’t dated, touched *or* kissed a guy in years and *years*…do not try to crawl away or hide from the-one-who-got-away. It’s not a good look.
William Carter, the stranger I’d met six years ago was the last person I’d imagine ever seeing at my dad’s firm where I work. While I panic and fight off the butterflies in my stomach and in general struggle to act normal, I realize he doesn’t even remember me. I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or heartbroken. Things get worse when I learn we’ll need to work in close quarters to each other, but at least I let him know that I don’t have a crush on him anymore right away. Just in case he gets any ideas.
While I’m in the process of writing lists and making serious changes in my life, because I decide I’m ready to be the heroine in my own story; having William just a breath away is not helping things. Especially when things shift between us and we start to make eye contact in meetings. Then he shows up in places I least expect him to…as in blind dates and sex clubs. He also gives me cheese because he knows how much I like it and there are secret notes he leaves in my office. If you were wondering, I still don’t have a crush on him though. Nope.
Even though I’d promised myself I’d never wait around for another guy and postpone my own life, I’m afraid William Carter who looks at me as if I’m his and was always supposed to be his might ruin my hopeful plans. And quite possibly me for any other guy since I’m craving his touch like I’ve never craved anything in my life before. But we both know we’re a losing game so we keep admitting that neither one of us has a crush on the other.
Not anymore. Not at all. Not even a little bit.
429 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2023
958 people are currently reading
29158 people want to read
About the author
Ella Maise
14 books11k followersWriting has become my world and I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than giving life to new characters and new stories. You know how some things simply makes your heart burst with happiness? A really good book, a puppy, hugging someone you’ve been missing like crazy? That’s what writing does to me. And all the hard work, all the sleepless nights, all the anxiety…everything is worth it at the end. And I'm hoping that reading my books will leave you with that same happy feeling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,380 reviews
March 17, 2025
4.5 Stars
This book felt like a warm hug after reading so many heart-shattering books. I loved and enjoyed every second of it. A feel-good and refreshing romance story that will make you laugh and smile all the time. The story had me giggling, screaming, squealing, smiling, and kicking my feet in the air. William and Charlie had a hold over me from the moment I started reading—their never-ending banter and interactions were everything. And then there were scenes that made me hold my breath because the slow burn and tension were palpable. It was written so perfectly that I just wanted to throw them at each other so they would finally kiss.
There are books that you either want to devour or savour every second of. All I wanted was to savour this book and keep it in my heart forever because it made me so happy. This book was full of love, hope, clichés, cuteness, and fluff. Even if it was full of cheese and clichés, I loved all of them because, as Charlie said—and I quote:
Charlie Davis is beautiful, kind, sweet, and funny. She cares so much about people that she sometimes forgets what she needs. I love how unabashedly honest she is—how she owns her feelings, even the messiness of them, and never backs down. She’s the most relatable character I’ve ever read about, and I adored her for her honesty. Even when it made her feel vulnerable, she always tried her best to figure things out and push forward. I learned so much from her in this book, and I love her for everything she is.
“She said I looked at her in a certain way, but she had no idea how expressive her eyes were. She was stunning. Top to bottom, she was just stunning.”
William Carter is caring, thoughtful, charming, and a little grumpy without his morning coffee, and I love his grumpy side. He never let anyone control him and handled things perfectly. I loved how he always supported Charlie, took her side, and was so sweet and gentle with her—yet not a gentleman in the bedroom. He’s perfect. And every time he spoke to Charlie, I just melted. Like I already said, he has a way with words—both sweet and hot, and also a very illegal mouth. Don’t I deserve a William to my Charlie—someone who would leave sweet notes for me, bring me my favourite food, and look at me like I’m everything he’s ever wanted?
“My heart is full of you. I wouldn’t know what to do with it anymore without you. You can’t leave me now. I promise to hold your hand and be there for you and with you for as long as I breathe, Charlie. I want you.”
Charlie and William were always meant to be together from the moment they met, but timing was a bitch. They had the most easygoing, relaxed, and healthy relationship. Honesty was their foundation—they shared everything, no miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. If sharing her thoughts made Charlie feel vulnerable, William was always there, beside her, making sure she felt safe. They encouraged each other to grow but never changed who they were just for the sake of being with someone. Their chemistry was delicious—full of longing looks, stolen glances, fleeting touches, funny banter, and deep emotional connection. I want what they have! All the clichés and all the cheese. I love how they never gave up on each other, understood each other so well, and gave their relationship a real chance.
The jealousy scenes? Perfection. William looks adorably sexy when he’s jealous. It was beautiful to see how William knew all the little things Charlie loved and how he made her feel safe and cherished—through his words and the sweetest gestures. Holding her hand, resting his hand at the small of her back, and constantly reminding her how amazing she is. And Charlie? She was always there for him when he needed her.
Pepperoni is the cutest dog ever! This review would be incomplete without mentioning Pepperoni—the big puppy with adorable doe eyes who loves the pepperoni on pizza. The number of times I wanted to steal him from Charlie was insane. He’s just so adorable, like his name!
Ella Maise is one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her books always make me feel good—they’re captivating with their simple yet realistic stories and swoon-worthy characters. I love her writing; it’s beautifully effortless, and she crafts her characters with so much depth and growth. This book was medium-paced and well written, and I can’t thank her enough for this amazing story and these lovely characters.
The ending made me so happy, despite the frustrating third-act breakup. It was simply beautiful, and I loved every bit of it. This couple and their dog have my heart.
This is definitely my comfort read and my comfort couple, and I’m never getting over them anytime soon.
Thanks to Valentine Pr and Ella Maise for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
“What do you want from me?” I repeated her words softly.
“You,” she replied just as softly, eyes stuck on my lips.
This book felt like a warm hug after reading so many heart-shattering books. I loved and enjoyed every second of it. A feel-good and refreshing romance story that will make you laugh and smile all the time. The story had me giggling, screaming, squealing, smiling, and kicking my feet in the air. William and Charlie had a hold over me from the moment I started reading—their never-ending banter and interactions were everything. And then there were scenes that made me hold my breath because the slow burn and tension were palpable. It was written so perfectly that I just wanted to throw them at each other so they would finally kiss.
“Is there even a right person? The one? Or a perfect one?”
“Depends on how you look at things. I don’t believe there is somebody perfect out there, but there could be someone perfect for you. Who complements you, who fits you, who is flawed– because we’re all flawed– but is perfect for you.”
There are books that you either want to devour or savour every second of. All I wanted was to savour this book and keep it in my heart forever because it made me so happy. This book was full of love, hope, clichés, cuteness, and fluff. Even if it was full of cheese and clichés, I loved all of them because, as Charlie said—and I quote:
“A cliché is a cliché for a reason. It works on those who have a romantic heart and even on some who don’t.”
Charlie Davis is beautiful, kind, sweet, and funny. She cares so much about people that she sometimes forgets what she needs. I love how unabashedly honest she is—how she owns her feelings, even the messiness of them, and never backs down. She’s the most relatable character I’ve ever read about, and I adored her for her honesty. Even when it made her feel vulnerable, she always tried her best to figure things out and push forward. I learned so much from her in this book, and I love her for everything she is.
“She said I looked at her in a certain way, but she had no idea how expressive her eyes were. She was stunning. Top to bottom, she was just stunning.”
William Carter is caring, thoughtful, charming, and a little grumpy without his morning coffee, and I love his grumpy side. He never let anyone control him and handled things perfectly. I loved how he always supported Charlie, took her side, and was so sweet and gentle with her—yet not a gentleman in the bedroom. He’s perfect. And every time he spoke to Charlie, I just melted. Like I already said, he has a way with words—both sweet and hot, and also a very illegal mouth. Don’t I deserve a William to my Charlie—someone who would leave sweet notes for me, bring me my favourite food, and look at me like I’m everything he’s ever wanted?
“My heart is full of you. I wouldn’t know what to do with it anymore without you. You can’t leave me now. I promise to hold your hand and be there for you and with you for as long as I breathe, Charlie. I want you.”
Charlie and William were always meant to be together from the moment they met, but timing was a bitch. They had the most easygoing, relaxed, and healthy relationship. Honesty was their foundation—they shared everything, no miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. If sharing her thoughts made Charlie feel vulnerable, William was always there, beside her, making sure she felt safe. They encouraged each other to grow but never changed who they were just for the sake of being with someone. Their chemistry was delicious—full of longing looks, stolen glances, fleeting touches, funny banter, and deep emotional connection. I want what they have! All the clichés and all the cheese. I love how they never gave up on each other, understood each other so well, and gave their relationship a real chance.
“Is everything okay?” she asked quietly.
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.
“You’re not trying hard enough.”
“Trying hard enough to do what?”
“To be alone with me.”
I lowered my voice and said, “I like it when you call me baby, love, babe, sweetheart… I like everything you do or say, Charlie. And I definitely like it when you tell me I’m your man.”
The jealousy scenes? Perfection. William looks adorably sexy when he’s jealous. It was beautiful to see how William knew all the little things Charlie loved and how he made her feel safe and cherished—through his words and the sweetest gestures. Holding her hand, resting his hand at the small of her back, and constantly reminding her how amazing she is. And Charlie? She was always there for him when he needed her.
“You’re in love with me,” I repeated for the third time.
“Head over heels. And I want us to live together if that’s okay with you.”
Pepperoni is the cutest dog ever! This review would be incomplete without mentioning Pepperoni—the big puppy with adorable doe eyes who loves the pepperoni on pizza. The number of times I wanted to steal him from Charlie was insane. He’s just so adorable, like his name!
Ella Maise is one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her books always make me feel good—they’re captivating with their simple yet realistic stories and swoon-worthy characters. I love her writing; it’s beautifully effortless, and she crafts her characters with so much depth and growth. This book was medium-paced and well written, and I can’t thank her enough for this amazing story and these lovely characters.
The ending made me so happy, despite the frustrating third-act breakup. It was simply beautiful, and I loved every bit of it. This couple and their dog have my heart.
This is definitely my comfort read and my comfort couple, and I’m never getting over them anytime soon.
Thanks to Valentine Pr and Ella Maise for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2023
DNF at 58%
Charlie, Love and Snooze Fests.
A classic case of "it's not you, it's me." Others seem to be loving it, so whoever wants to read it- don't let my rating or review be a hindrance.
✔️ Workplace romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Second chance romance
See, from chapter 1 itself I was bored. I thought I should push through, it's too early to judge and maybe things will improve. Things did not improve. I was truly and utterly bored.
The plot is not bad, it's not a badly written book either but I just could not care for it. The characters seem really bland to me, especially the MMC- who doesn't know how to love and makes poor decisions and the FMC- who just cannot shut up. I was so over them.
Some of the parts were written to move the readers but I felt nothing. I was completely in an emotionless zone and I hate whenever that happens, was almost like reading non fiction 😭
I found myself skimming more than actually reading once I crossed the 50% mark and it's making me jump to the conclusion that it's simply not for me, so better stop 🤷♀️
~•~•~
Y'all better be right about this one 👀
Charlie, Love and Snooze Fests.
A classic case of "it's not you, it's me." Others seem to be loving it, so whoever wants to read it- don't let my rating or review be a hindrance.
✔️ Workplace romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Second chance romance
See, from chapter 1 itself I was bored. I thought I should push through, it's too early to judge and maybe things will improve. Things did not improve. I was truly and utterly bored.
The plot is not bad, it's not a badly written book either but I just could not care for it. The characters seem really bland to me, especially the MMC- who doesn't know how to love and makes poor decisions and the FMC- who just cannot shut up. I was so over them.
Some of the parts were written to move the readers but I felt nothing. I was completely in an emotionless zone and I hate whenever that happens, was almost like reading non fiction 😭
I found myself skimming more than actually reading once I crossed the 50% mark and it's making me jump to the conclusion that it's simply not for me, so better stop 🤷♀️
~•~•~
Y'all better be right about this one 👀
July 14, 2022
My heart is still vibrating. Pounding. Feeling. I adored this.
June 28, 2024
I need WillCharlie to adopt me pls I’m begging 🥺🙏
I have no words rn so I’m gna review after a rr 🤞
I have no words rn so I’m gna review after a rr 🤞
May 11, 2023
THE CUTEST, CHEESIEST, AND SAPPIEST ROMCOM EVER!!! AND I SAY THAT IN THE BEST WAY.
this book had me kicking and screaming. picture me giggling like a fool the whole time. i love me some ella maise so i knew she wouldn’t disappoint. this is the perfect palette cleanser if u need one.
William was the best ever??? i did feel like he was a little TOO perfect, almost in a forced way? which i didn’t love. but regardless he slayed. Charlie was an icon, i adored her.. although she was a little too quirky for me. like girl pls stop and THINK before u make moves. several times i cringed for her and for me. i moved on tho.
the slowburn was my favorite aspect of all of this. i’m a slowburn STAN through and through and this gave. and when the spice came??? it delivered.
i wish this had a bit more in the end like an epilogue or some flashbacks to their dinners? idk. something was missing there. but i’m swooning anyway.
PSA: i would’ve finished this book in one day had i not gotten so sick in the middle of reading it so a lot of my opinions did change since i had to take a week break. once i leave a book behind for too long it makes it hard for me to be put back in the story and i got w sick like 30% in so i had to take a long pause. do w this information what u will. 😭
did this top marriage for one? no. but i fear nothing ever will.
this book had me kicking and screaming. picture me giggling like a fool the whole time. i love me some ella maise so i knew she wouldn’t disappoint. this is the perfect palette cleanser if u need one.
William was the best ever??? i did feel like he was a little TOO perfect, almost in a forced way? which i didn’t love. but regardless he slayed. Charlie was an icon, i adored her.. although she was a little too quirky for me. like girl pls stop and THINK before u make moves. several times i cringed for her and for me. i moved on tho.
the slowburn was my favorite aspect of all of this. i’m a slowburn STAN through and through and this gave. and when the spice came??? it delivered.
i wish this had a bit more in the end like an epilogue or some flashbacks to their dinners? idk. something was missing there. but i’m swooning anyway.
PSA: i would’ve finished this book in one day had i not gotten so sick in the middle of reading it so a lot of my opinions did change since i had to take a week break. once i leave a book behind for too long it makes it hard for me to be put back in the story and i got w sick like 30% in so i had to take a long pause. do w this information what u will. 😭
did this top marriage for one? no. but i fear nothing ever will.
Currently reading
March 7, 2023Cover reveal coming on March 9th!
So freaking excited about this!
So freaking excited about this!
May 20, 2023
Dnf @40%
----------------------2 ☆---------------------
I really did not care about anything that happened in here. I feel like the story had some potential but the characters were... they were always either just too much or too little of something.
See the first couple of chapters were really interesting and l liked them but after the 30% mark it was just continuous rambling from the FMC and bad vibes in general from the MMC
And the main problem here is the MMC l don't know but something about him just always felt off. The FMC on the other hand was an okay character to be honest l really related to her and kinda even liked her personality but the way she would just unnecessarily talk and talk and talk even in her inner monolog just really put me off about her as well. And especially that whole "he had a short tongue" conversation Like girl is there a system of measurement or something that l'm missing? 💀
Honestly l feel like this is my fault because of the Fourth Wing hangover since literally everybody l knowl am looking mostly at Ri and Iqra 👀 have absolutely adored this book. And maybe I've finished too little to judge and dnf it but for me personally if l don't like a book within the first 100 pages l just know its not for me.
The only thing that l did like about this book is ✨Pepperoni✨ but sadly he was just not enough to make me want to continue it.
---------------------------~~~~-------------------
I blame everyone's updates and and reviews but mostly my girl, Ri 💘 Lets hope l love it 😌🤞🤞please don't kill me if l don't 🥺
----------------------2 ☆---------------------
I really did not care about anything that happened in here. I feel like the story had some potential but the characters were... they were always either just too much or too little of something.
See the first couple of chapters were really interesting and l liked them but after the 30% mark it was just continuous rambling from the FMC and bad vibes in general from the MMC
And the main problem here is the MMC l don't know but something about him just always felt off. The FMC on the other hand was an okay character to be honest l really related to her and kinda even liked her personality but the way she would just unnecessarily talk and talk and talk even in her inner monolog just really put me off about her as well. And especially that whole "he had a short tongue" conversation Like girl is there a system of measurement or something that l'm missing? 💀
Honestly l feel like this is my fault because of the Fourth Wing hangover since literally everybody l know
The only thing that l did like about this book is ✨Pepperoni✨ but sadly he was just not enough to make me want to continue it.
---------------------------~~~~-------------------
I blame everyone's updates and and reviews but mostly my girl, Ri 💘 Lets hope l love it 😌🤞🤞
July 24, 2023
dnf at %53
why WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DO THIS
i wasn't enjoying the book much because she was a walking hot mess and i was getting so much second hand embarrassment plus he wasn't that great but i was still having an okay time and thinking i could finish this BUT THEN then we finally learned why did he left her years ago AND IT RUINED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR SO CALLED CONNECTION
i'm putting the reason in spoilers BUT I FEEL SO BETRAYED RN
so they met 6 years ago and spend 1 week together at a diner every night without planning because it was faith it was so cute that they keep seeing each other 🥰🥰 BUT IT WAS NOT
so yeah i dnf at this point because i don't believe in their love or faith or whatever they claim to have. plus he's about to ruin her date and that's so unnecessary william leave her alone
at this point i wish that she just moves away from this town leaves her problematic family and this loser behind
why WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DO THIS
i wasn't enjoying the book much because she was a walking hot mess and i was getting so much second hand embarrassment plus he wasn't that great but i was still having an okay time and thinking i could finish this BUT THEN then we finally learned why did he left her years ago AND IT RUINED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR SO CALLED CONNECTION
i'm putting the reason in spoilers BUT I FEEL SO BETRAYED RN
so they met 6 years ago and spend 1 week together at a diner every night without planning because it was faith it was so cute that they keep seeing each other 🥰🥰 BUT IT WAS NOT
so yeah i dnf at this point because i don't believe in their love or faith or whatever they claim to have. plus he's about to ruin her date and that's so unnecessary william leave her alone
at this point i wish that she just moves away from this town leaves her problematic family and this loser behind
May 9, 2023
May god bless the dinosaur that died to make the fossil fuel that was treated to become petrol in the car that took Ella Maise’s mum to the hospital to give birth to her 🌝
‘Is everything okay?' she asked quietly. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, closed my eyes and took a deep breath. ‘You're not trying hard enough.’ ‘Trying hard enough for what?' ‘To be alone with me.’ 🥹💗
Tropes
- workplace romance
- slow burn
- second chance
- jealous love interest 😋
- friends to lovers
‘Is everything okay?' she asked quietly. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, closed my eyes and took a deep breath. ‘You're not trying hard enough.’ ‘Trying hard enough for what?' ‘To be alone with me.’ 🥹💗
Tropes
- workplace romance
- slow burn
- second chance
- jealous love interest 😋
- friends to lovers
Read
May 19, 2023Ri don't hate me, but I'm sadly DNFing this at 31%.
The FMC's inner monologues and verbal diarrhea are giving me anxiety with their chaotic energy.
To ne honest, I'm not a huge fan of the writing in general.
MMC lacked a certain bit of flavor.
The story itself wasn't bad, but the execution didn't have any particular impact on me.
This is my second time DNFing Ella Maise.
I think we're not meant to be.
The FMC's inner monologues and verbal diarrhea are giving me anxiety with their chaotic energy.
To ne honest, I'm not a huge fan of the writing in general.
MMC lacked a certain bit of flavor.
The story itself wasn't bad, but the execution didn't have any particular impact on me.
This is my second time DNFing Ella Maise.
I think we're not meant to be.
May 11, 2023
I am so so excited that Ella Maise has a new release! Her books make me feel all warm and cozy, and that's exactly how Charlie made me feel. From the beginning, we know that Charlie and William met briefly years ago and never forgot each other. Charlie is such a fun and quirky character and I loved how chaotic their reintroduction to each other was as William is hired on to her father's company and is her new team lead. The way they slowly first became friends and then started to fall so hard for each other was EVERYTHING. William in love? Obsessed. I loved their stolen touches at work and how much they pined over each other. They were also neighbors and Charlie had an adorable dog. There was just so much to love about this book, especially during the second half. I had a ridiculous smile on my face the whole time and absolutely loved this romance!
May 16, 2023
I was a little reluctant to pick this up after the Jack and Rose fiasco, but Ri’s review convinced me to give it a go. No regrets!
Charlie and William met six years ago but life got in the way and they lost touch. Charlie never forgot about him though. Now they have to work together and it looks like he didn’t even recognize her 😱
I loved this story. Charlie was so adorable I can even forgive her quirkiness. William was hot af with his confidence and skills both at work and between the sheets. This guy!🔥
I loved their Honesty policy and their openness towards each other. Watch and learn, kids, this is how you communicate if you want to have a healthy relationship! There were some hiccups towards the end but the drama wasn’t too forced and luckily didn’t last long.
I didn’t exactly love that he was her boss and that they were working all the freakin’ time, but I chose not to let these little flaws ruin my reading experience 😁
Read if you love
- office romance
- cheesy lines
- dogs 🐶
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Charlie and William met six years ago but life got in the way and they lost touch. Charlie never forgot about him though. Now they have to work together and it looks like he didn’t even recognize her 😱
I loved this story. Charlie was so adorable I can even forgive her quirkiness. William was hot af with his confidence and skills both at work and between the sheets. This guy!🔥
I loved their Honesty policy and their openness towards each other. Watch and learn, kids, this is how you communicate if you want to have a healthy relationship! There were some hiccups towards the end but the drama wasn’t too forced and luckily didn’t last long.
I didn’t exactly love that he was her boss and that they were working all the freakin’ time, but I chose not to let these little flaws ruin my reading experience 😁
Read if you love
- office romance
- cheesy lines
- dogs 🐶
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 14, 2023
”I want to love someone as if my heart will never break.”
after four long years, miss Ella Maise is back🙏🏻 with a cute af cover to match.
this story was sweet, swoony and dare i admit, a little cringe... but i ate it up honestly.
so fair warning, the book very much leans into the “Charlie, Love and Cliches ” we find in the title. extra bold. and underlined. so if that’s not your thing, you’ll probably wanna steer clear of the book. it’s not for everyone, that’s for sure.
but in Ella Maise’s newest book, we follow Charlie (h) who works for her dad’s company and walks into the office one day to find the newest member of the team is none other than William (H)— the mysterious guy she met everyday for seven days at a diner six years. and she’s not really been able to let go of him since.
and turns out, he hasn’t either.
”You know in your heart we’ve been waiting to find each other again and you can’t hide yourself from me. So Charlie, I want you. In every aspect of my life.”
now i have to admit, the first half of the book? cute but i didn’t love it, you know? i didn’t quite feel the spark yet and wasn’t sure where the book was going. but in the second half?
i was giggling swooning kicking my feet and holding my breath. the pace gained momentum. the tension ramped up. the cuteness was overloading... and the smut was heavenly.
William really said “Jack Hawthorn is my idol, i wanna be more like him”. Ella Maise smut never lets me down. like the way she writes the buttoned up heroes letting loose in the bedroom just >>>>>
”You’re dangerous for my sanity,” he whispered against my burning lips as we both tried to catch our breath. I felt his lips stretch against mine and I knew he was smiling. “I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to the taste of you.”
Charlie was a wonderful heroine, i really connected and empathised with her. she’s not gonna be for everyone— she’s clutzy, quirky and kinda cringe, but her deep rooted self esteem issues and family trauma were written really well for me. i adored watching her blossom into a more confident and self-assertive woman— it’s why this made me emotional quite a few times. seeing her suffer hurt my heart.
and the relationship was full of slowburn goodness that i can always rely on Ella for🙏🏻 no one beats Jack and Rose for me though, they’re truly unmatched. and their lil cameo here was low-key my fave part of this whole book😋
i feel like if you already enjoy Ella’s books then there’s no reason you wouldn’t enjoy this one!
You’re my inevitable, Charlie.
thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 23, 2024
4.25 Stars.
Reasons I want to read this book:
- Office romance
- Second chance
- Slow burn
- Dual POV
- One remembers them and the other doesn't
- Pink cover
- And it's by Ella Maise
Reasons I want to read this book:
- Office romance
- Second chance
- Slow burn
- Dual POV
- One remembers them and the other doesn't
- Pink cover
- And it's by Ella Maise
July 2, 2023
cringing my way through this. 😬 i wish the authors four year hiatus was permanent. or at least, maybe she should stop hanging out with Elena Armas. ☻ theres honesty & good communication. then theres rambling your unfiltered thoughts unashamedly. one doesnt come without the other with this h. i couldnt deal with her “quirkiness.” the H was so bland; i was weirded out by his dirty talking. could be the writing, but he was always so proper & formal, so his “horny” side felt jarring.
both MCs had romantic & erotic thoughts about each other, but their interactions mostly felt platonic. 🤷♀️ the romance had no clear direction. i mean, a forbidden office romance? fine, but it didnt feel risky enough because most of the h’s friends/colleagues were supportive of her. i HATED the toxic family dynamic. i couldnt believe how unprofessional & mean the h’s dad/boss was and how much of a b*tch her sister was. imo the h didnt stand up to them soon enough. in any case, seems like Marriage for One was a one hit wonder. 🤭
(read as an audiobook)
both MCs had romantic & erotic thoughts about each other, but their interactions mostly felt platonic. 🤷♀️ the romance had no clear direction. i mean, a forbidden office romance? fine, but it didnt feel risky enough because most of the h’s friends/colleagues were supportive of her. i HATED the toxic family dynamic. i couldnt believe how unprofessional & mean the h’s dad/boss was and how much of a b*tch her sister was. imo the h didnt stand up to them soon enough. in any case, seems like Marriage for One was a one hit wonder. 🤭
(read as an audiobook)
May 14, 2023
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮. 𝙎𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙮 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩."
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠, 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣.
Charlie; I've been reading some reviews that mentioned Charlie being too quirky, weird, and annoying, which I totally understand, but I actually love and adore her. I love how she's so unapologetic herself and vulnerable, just being herself without really caring what everyone says, especially with what happened to her family and her sister.
I love how she just embraces her quirkiness and weirdness, not changing it just for the sake of everyone liking her
William; um- I can't believe myself for saying this, but he's bland; he's just there. nothing that interesting, and more so, I lost interest in him as I read the book. At first, I found him rude. When he interrupted Charlie and Ralph's date with such nonsense, I didn't like it at all. And no, Ralph was nice; both he and Charlie were having a good time, and dude just straight up interrupted them took Charlie away and left him alone without saying sorry. The fact that he stalked her to find out where they went on the date is also a big no for me.
I found nothing special about him, he's sweet yeah sure so does my minotaur babes.
𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 ����𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
I actually enjoyed it until 50% of the story, and it just went downhill after that. My favorite part was Jack and Rose's cameo; I miss them so much. Also, I wish i could see some flashbacks to when they first met to see their connection, because I feel like their relationship feels forced, and I need more tension and passion between them.
The third-act breakup is just so silly, and the ending feels a little bit rushed.
It was an okay read. I guess I had too many expectations before reading this, which always ends miserably.
I still recommend this if you are looking for a quick, sweet read🎈
2.75⭐
------
Charlie and William are here!!!!!!!!!!
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘥'𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠, 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣.
Charlie; I've been reading some reviews that mentioned Charlie being too quirky, weird, and annoying, which I totally understand, but I actually love and adore her. I love how she's so unapologetic herself and vulnerable, just being herself without really caring what everyone says, especially with what happened to her family and her sister.
I love how she just embraces her quirkiness and weirdness, not changing it just for the sake of everyone liking her
William; um- I can't believe myself for saying this, but he's bland; he's just there. nothing that interesting, and more so, I lost interest in him as I read the book. At first, I found him rude. When he interrupted Charlie and Ralph's date with such nonsense, I didn't like it at all. And no, Ralph was nice; both he and Charlie were having a good time, and dude just straight up interrupted them took Charlie away and left him alone without saying sorry. The fact that he stalked her to find out where they went on the date is also a big no for me.
I found nothing special about him, he's sweet yeah sure so does my minotaur babes.
𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 ����𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
I actually enjoyed it until 50% of the story, and it just went downhill after that. My favorite part was Jack and Rose's cameo; I miss them so much. Also, I wish i could see some flashbacks to when they first met to see their connection, because I feel like their relationship feels forced, and I need more tension and passion between them.
The third-act breakup is just so silly, and the ending feels a little bit rushed.
It was an okay read. I guess I had too many expectations before reading this, which always ends miserably.
I still recommend this if you are looking for a quick, sweet read🎈
2.75⭐
------
Charlie and William are here!!!!!!!!!!
May 19, 2023
Ok. Here’s the deal. I love Ella. I love her so much that I’ve read her entire backlist. My expectations were over the top when she announced this book. Which is probably why I felt meh while reading it. So Im gonna leave it at that
2.5 ⭐️
2.5 ⭐️
May 18, 2023
thank god it's over!! i'm finally free! i was genuinely bored af
February 10, 2024
I love this book 💗 Charlie & William are the cutest couple 😩💖
I loved how relatable Charlie was!! The list she made and how she tries to stick to it was rlly enjoyable.
And pepperoni, my baby 😭😭 I want a dog like that 🤞🏻😩
The ending was sadly not great. It was rlly rushed, and the little miscommunication was unnecessary. Also, there was no epilogue 💀
I loved how relatable Charlie was!! The list she made and how she tries to stick to it was rlly enjoyable.
And pepperoni, my baby 😭😭 I want a dog like that 🤞🏻😩
The ending was sadly not great. It was rlly rushed, and the little miscommunication was unnecessary. Also, there was no epilogue 💀
May 12, 2023
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Charlie Davis lives in New York where she works at her dad's company. Her professional and personal lives aren't where she'd like them to be and she's decided it's time to make some changes. She's trying to figure out what she wants her future to look like when a guy from her past suddenly shows up. She hasn't seen William Carter in six years. They were strangers that met in a diner and shared an intense connection. After only a week of talking to him, he'd left a major impression on her, and their time together had been important to her. After so many years, she'd never thought they'd be in the same room again, but here he was right in front of her. She'd thought about him every now and then, but thought her crush was gone. He was still gorgeous and still affected her, but things were now complicated with him showing up where she works. She would friend zone and avoid him as much as possible. She just had to stick to her plans, but even the greatest of plans can go off track. One touch, one look and everything turns unpredictable. Will wanting William again only lead to disappointment, or will she finally get her happily ever after?
Charlie, Love and Cliches by Ella Maise is a cute, fun, flirty, slow burn, office romance told in dual POV about a quirky single woman and the one that got away. It's full of swoon, humor, emotion and second chances. I really enjoyed this one and I loved all the cheese and romance! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C53W686Q/...
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Charlie Davis lives in New York where she works at her dad's company. Her professional and personal lives aren't where she'd like them to be and she's decided it's time to make some changes. She's trying to figure out what she wants her future to look like when a guy from her past suddenly shows up. She hasn't seen William Carter in six years. They were strangers that met in a diner and shared an intense connection. After only a week of talking to him, he'd left a major impression on her, and their time together had been important to her. After so many years, she'd never thought they'd be in the same room again, but here he was right in front of her. She'd thought about him every now and then, but thought her crush was gone. He was still gorgeous and still affected her, but things were now complicated with him showing up where she works. She would friend zone and avoid him as much as possible. She just had to stick to her plans, but even the greatest of plans can go off track. One touch, one look and everything turns unpredictable. Will wanting William again only lead to disappointment, or will she finally get her happily ever after?
Charlie, Love and Cliches by Ella Maise is a cute, fun, flirty, slow burn, office romance told in dual POV about a quirky single woman and the one that got away. It's full of swoon, humor, emotion and second chances. I really enjoyed this one and I loved all the cheese and romance! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C53W686Q/...
June 15, 2023
This book was made with pure crack!
I was crying from the cuteness😭🧡
I was crying from the cuteness😭🧡
Want to read
May 12, 2023Can't wait for my exams to be finished to read this book. 🥲 WHY GOD WHY?
*🔪😭🥲🫢🤧😪🥴🙄😩🧎♀️*
*🔪😭🥲🫢🤧😪🥴🙄😩🧎♀️*
June 11, 2023
2.5 stars ✨
🧀 well.. sadly i didn't enjoy this as much as i'd hoped. i don't know if it was my mood, the book or a combination of both (seems likely), but Marriage for One remains undefeated in being my favorite Ella Maise book.
🧀 i'm gonna start with the good: William (H) was a great hero. he was sweet and caring but also HOTTT (the smut came out of nowhere and i was here for it. romcoms are so explicit these days 😋). honestly, sometimes he was even a little too perfect to be believable.. but this is how i like my men in fiction so i approve
🧀 Charlie (h), however.. dear god what did i do to deserve this. look, i've learned to expect some second hand embarrassment by romcom heroines more often than not. i don't know why authors feel the need to put them in these extremely awkward, cringe-worthy situations and expect readers to find them funny. so when i was already cringing at her antics during chapter one, i was resigned but still hopeful. but omg, Charlie ended up giving me second-hand embarrassment the WHOLE fucking book. I'M SORRY i wanted to like her so bad but boy did she make it hard. she seemed to have absolutely ZERO filter and would say some stuff that got me thinking... if William was real he'd probably run the other way 🧍♀️luckily for her he isn't. she gave me Rosie vibes from The American Roommate Experiment so make of that what you will. every time i started to find her more endearing or she'd start growing on me, she'd say something that made me want to throw my kindle far far away. anyhow i did want her to get her HEA and i was rooting for her to get the hell away from her awful family, so she wasn't the worst heroine i've ever read about, but she was definitely not for me 😭
🧀 the romance was cute and the slowburn was well done. i didn't feel too strongly about it, though. i'm not sure i really cared about the "second chance" aspect here. i think i would've liked to get some flashback chapters spaced throughout the book to see the connection they shared during that week they'd spent together all those years ago.
🧀 the smut though? it's not a lot but i approve. definitely worth the waitif you ignore the stuff charlie says when they're about to do it
🧀 overall it was a cute romcom, i'll probably forget about it in three days but it was still cute despite my issues with it. honestly, shame on me for not taking the book title more seriously cause this book was 100% all about Charlie, love and clichés so i shouldn't have expected anything other than that 💀 but if you're a huge fan of either the genre or Ella Maise, you'll probably enjoy this a lot more than i did.
"Maybe I could be your only one," she whispered quietly.
"Maybe you could stay," I murmured back against her ear.
🧀 well.. sadly i didn't enjoy this as much as i'd hoped. i don't know if it was my mood, the book or a combination of both (seems likely), but Marriage for One remains undefeated in being my favorite Ella Maise book.
🧀 i'm gonna start with the good: William (H) was a great hero. he was sweet and caring but also HOTTT (the smut came out of nowhere and i was here for it. romcoms are so explicit these days 😋). honestly, sometimes he was even a little too perfect to be believable.. but this is how i like my men in fiction so i approve
🧀 Charlie (h), however.. dear god what did i do to deserve this. look, i've learned to expect some second hand embarrassment by romcom heroines more often than not. i don't know why authors feel the need to put them in these extremely awkward, cringe-worthy situations and expect readers to find them funny. so when i was already cringing at her antics during chapter one, i was resigned but still hopeful. but omg, Charlie ended up giving me second-hand embarrassment the WHOLE fucking book. I'M SORRY i wanted to like her so bad but boy did she make it hard. she seemed to have absolutely ZERO filter and would say some stuff that got me thinking... if William was real he'd probably run the other way 🧍♀️
🧀 the romance was cute and the slowburn was well done. i didn't feel too strongly about it, though. i'm not sure i really cared about the "second chance" aspect here. i think i would've liked to get some flashback chapters spaced throughout the book to see the connection they shared during that week they'd spent together all those years ago.
🧀 the smut though? it's not a lot but i approve. definitely worth the wait
🧀 overall it was a cute romcom, i'll probably forget about it in three days but it was still cute despite my issues with it. honestly, shame on me for not taking the book title more seriously cause this book was 100% all about Charlie, love and clichés so i shouldn't have expected anything other than that 💀 but if you're a huge fan of either the genre or Ella Maise, you'll probably enjoy this a lot more than i did.
May 28, 2023
Coming in hot with an unpopular opinion but… I am underwhelmed.
There’s nothing particularly wrong with this book, it just wasn’t Swoonworthy with a capital S. William was cute, Charlie was cute and Pepperoni was the cutest of them all but it was all just very meh.
I think I struggled to get through this because the dialogue was so bizzare??? Constant, chaotic verbal diarrhoea and people just don’t talk like that to each other in real life.
It really doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. Little bit of romance, little bit of steam and I’m sold. But this just didn’t hit the spot :((
There’s nothing particularly wrong with this book, it just wasn’t Swoonworthy with a capital S. William was cute, Charlie was cute and Pepperoni was the cutest of them all but it was all just very meh.
I think I struggled to get through this because the dialogue was so bizzare??? Constant, chaotic verbal diarrhoea and people just don’t talk like that to each other in real life.
It really doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. Little bit of romance, little bit of steam and I’m sold. But this just didn’t hit the spot :((
May 2, 2023
William 😍😍😍
Okay, I'll admit it. This book was full of cliches but still it felt so good. I loved it. :) I adored Charlie & William. <3 This book gave me good vibrations! LOL
😍😍😍
***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management.
Okay, I'll admit it. This book was full of cliches but still it felt so good. I loved it. :) I adored Charlie & William. <3 This book gave me good vibrations! LOL
😍😍😍
***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management.
April 27, 2024
charlie, love and cliches 🫧🩷🌸🍰
book review:
rating: 4.5/5 stars
oh how i devoured this book.
i was in such a slump and reading my previous read… i thought i just wasn’t motivated to read and in the biggest slump of my life.
turns out, starting this book was the perfect way to get out of my 2 month long slump.
william and charlie were a couple i absolutely adored. i loved the concept of the book and the longing love i experienced between this is second chance romance. their love was so perfect and had me blushing. william, seriously, was the perfect boyfriend. the notes he left her, the longing looks between them, the obsession, the slow burn… i was literally weak in the kneeeeessss. there love is something i admire and it was epic.
ella maise, you never fail to amaze me. i am so so soooo in love with charlie and william and their love story. it’s a love that i will always remember.
i 10000% recommend this fun, amazing, slow burn, second chance romance love story. it was amazing. 🧚🏼♀️
book review:
rating: 4.5/5 stars
oh how i devoured this book.
i was in such a slump and reading my previous read… i thought i just wasn’t motivated to read and in the biggest slump of my life.
turns out, starting this book was the perfect way to get out of my 2 month long slump.
william and charlie were a couple i absolutely adored. i loved the concept of the book and the longing love i experienced between this is second chance romance. their love was so perfect and had me blushing. william, seriously, was the perfect boyfriend. the notes he left her, the longing looks between them, the obsession, the slow burn… i was literally weak in the kneeeeessss. there love is something i admire and it was epic.
ella maise, you never fail to amaze me. i am so so soooo in love with charlie and william and their love story. it’s a love that i will always remember.
i 10000% recommend this fun, amazing, slow burn, second chance romance love story. it was amazing. 🧚🏼♀️
May 14, 2023
➳ 3.5 stars. ✰
Wow what a healthy relationship.
The beginning was a snooze fest 😴 💤
I also wasn’t sure about their chemistry at the start, because they just felt too friendly? But i was definitely proven wrong, they have amazing chemistry !!!
It was giving insta love but also friends to lovers ?? idk y’all, overall i thought it was cute, but maybe a bit boring
Wow what a healthy relationship.
The beginning was a snooze fest 😴 💤
I also wasn’t sure about their chemistry at the start, because they just felt too friendly? But i was definitely proven wrong, they have amazing chemistry !!!
It was giving insta love but also friends to lovers ?? idk y’all, overall i thought it was cute, but maybe a bit boring
August 12, 2025
charlie, love and cliches
⌗ aug. 10 - aug. 11
⤿ 4.5 stars
༉ initial thoughts- spoilers ahead
why i almost willingly put myself through heart wrenching angst will forever be a mystery.
i remember really loving this book when i originally read it in 2023 and let me say it delivered. my reading superpower is that i can reread books that i’ve read after a long time and it being as if i am reading the book for the first time.
second chance romance can be a hit or miss for me but this book really did the job. i was rooting for them since the beginning. their meet-cute was so sweet and heartwarming and finding out everything that happened in the background was so interesting.
they truly seemed to have great chemistry and their banter was small but i liked it.
༉ characters - spoilers ahead
💻 charlie - i honestly disliked her family so much, they treated her horribly and i was a bit disappointed we didn’t really get closure on that aspect of the story. i was a big fan of her becoming even more independent from her family. loved the fact that she adopted pepp it seemed like step one in her taking the reins. her awkwardness was fun and added an important element to their love story. i really liked her and i enjoyed reading her perspective.
📁 william - he can’t keep his eyes off of her (neither can she) and him saying his worst mistake was not meeting her… SWOON. he was a really solid character and i am so glad he stood up to her family when they were treating her badly. it was heartbreaking to see her be so demoralized because she truly loved them and i feel like he really validated that by telling her that they were indeed horrible. the “william’ charlie”/“his charlie” scene was my FAVORITE. i loved his family and it was really funny to see him be so mad that he could get her alone because they were taking her away.
༉‧₊˚. pre - read
rereading because sotr got me in a bit of a slump. i remember really liking this book so here i am.
⌗ aug. 10 - aug. 11
⤿ 4.5 stars
༉ initial thoughts- spoilers ahead
why i almost willingly put myself through heart wrenching angst will forever be a mystery.
i remember really loving this book when i originally read it in 2023 and let me say it delivered. my reading superpower is that i can reread books that i’ve read after a long time and it being as if i am reading the book for the first time.
second chance romance can be a hit or miss for me but this book really did the job. i was rooting for them since the beginning. their meet-cute was so sweet and heartwarming and finding out everything that happened in the background was so interesting.
they truly seemed to have great chemistry and their banter was small but i liked it.
༉ characters - spoilers ahead
💻 charlie - i honestly disliked her family so much, they treated her horribly and i was a bit disappointed we didn’t really get closure on that aspect of the story. i was a big fan of her becoming even more independent from her family. loved the fact that she adopted pepp it seemed like step one in her taking the reins. her awkwardness was fun and added an important element to their love story. i really liked her and i enjoyed reading her perspective.
📁 william - he can’t keep his eyes off of her (neither can she) and him saying his worst mistake was not meeting her… SWOON. he was a really solid character and i am so glad he stood up to her family when they were treating her badly. it was heartbreaking to see her be so demoralized because she truly loved them and i feel like he really validated that by telling her that they were indeed horrible. the “william’ charlie”/“his charlie” scene was my FAVORITE. i loved his family and it was really funny to see him be so mad that he could get her alone because they were taking her away.
༉‧₊˚. pre - read
rereading because sotr got me in a bit of a slump. i remember really liking this book so here i am.
May 26, 2023
I think most of you know my feelings about this book already thanks to all the gushing I did while reading it.
First and foremost, I love Maise Ella. I love Jack in Marriage for One and I simply started falling in love with this author after that. Well, there were a few books in the middle that made me stay away from her but I read The Hardest Fall recently and wanted to continue reading her books once again. So when I saw this one on sale at The Works recently, obviously I grabbed it. And I am so glad because I was given a chance to read about William Carter, the greenest flag ever to exist in the world of book-boyfriend (I think I've been watching too many GenZ videos that I'm using terms like this). He was simply one of the best I've read and now my standards have hit a rocket high making it even more impossible for me to find a real-life boyfriend. God help my mother (Not me, I'm quite happy with my single life).
Also, we have our sweet beautiful Charlie. It's not always I find female characters that I love without any judgement. Like one of my friends here commented it was like looking into a mirror. She was such a relatable character, minus the horrible parents and siblings. A- I don't have any siblings, B- my parents are very supportive of me (Except for my choice to live my life in single-hood). Also, I had the sweetest grandmother in the world. I lie, she was not sweet, she was a firecracker and my best friend in the whole world until she left us. I used to talk about everything with her from boys to horrible teachers at school. We used to have a merry time badmouthing my mom (for her to hear) and rattling her up. Back to the review and not my family dynamics. Other than that, everything about Charlie seems to resonate with me. Including not being able to say no to anything at work and constantly getting overworked and underpaid. Even my love life as I've colourfully explained. But the one that really resonated with me was PEPPORONI!! As a dog lover with various breeds with me throughout my 28 years here, my last baby, Jace the Great Dane was my favourite. The scene where Pepp almost sat on Charlie's legs took me back to the countless time my baby just casually sat on my legs. He could be 200 pounds and still think he's the 1-month pup who used to sit on my lap during car rides and just climb onto the couch and lay half his body across my lap. I have so many pictures that my mother took of him coming to just getting on to bed to wake me up. Yes, I am still talking about my dog, the forever love of my life. He had so much love till the end of his days. The term gentle-giant is aptly given to them.
So yes, bottom line, I fell in love with this book. From William to Charlie to Pepp. With little angst and quick solving of them, this book showed how true relationships should be built on communication. And in turn maybe, just maybe, made me shed a few tears. I'm gonna blame it on my hormones as one of my other friends here commented in one of my updates for another book.
Ms. Maise Ella, please please write some more books. Also, shout out to the UK publisher. The books look so lovely lined up in my cupboard right now. I love how all the covers compliment each other just perfectly!!
First and foremost, I love Maise Ella. I love Jack in Marriage for One and I simply started falling in love with this author after that. Well, there were a few books in the middle that made me stay away from her but I read The Hardest Fall recently and wanted to continue reading her books once again. So when I saw this one on sale at The Works recently, obviously I grabbed it. And I am so glad because I was given a chance to read about William Carter, the greenest flag ever to exist in the world of book-boyfriend (I think I've been watching too many GenZ videos that I'm using terms like this). He was simply one of the best I've read and now my standards have hit a rocket high making it even more impossible for me to find a real-life boyfriend. God help my mother (Not me, I'm quite happy with my single life).
Also, we have our sweet beautiful Charlie. It's not always I find female characters that I love without any judgement. Like one of my friends here commented it was like looking into a mirror. She was such a relatable character, minus the horrible parents and siblings. A- I don't have any siblings, B- my parents are very supportive of me (Except for my choice to live my life in single-hood). Also, I had the sweetest grandmother in the world. I lie, she was not sweet, she was a firecracker and my best friend in the whole world until she left us. I used to talk about everything with her from boys to horrible teachers at school. We used to have a merry time badmouthing my mom (for her to hear) and rattling her up. Back to the review and not my family dynamics. Other than that, everything about Charlie seems to resonate with me. Including not being able to say no to anything at work and constantly getting overworked and underpaid. Even my love life as I've colourfully explained. But the one that really resonated with me was PEPPORONI!! As a dog lover with various breeds with me throughout my 28 years here, my last baby, Jace the Great Dane was my favourite. The scene where Pepp almost sat on Charlie's legs took me back to the countless time my baby just casually sat on my legs. He could be 200 pounds and still think he's the 1-month pup who used to sit on my lap during car rides and just climb onto the couch and lay half his body across my lap. I have so many pictures that my mother took of him coming to just getting on to bed to wake me up. Yes, I am still talking about my dog, the forever love of my life. He had so much love till the end of his days. The term gentle-giant is aptly given to them.
So yes, bottom line, I fell in love with this book. From William to Charlie to Pepp. With little angst and quick solving of them, this book showed how true relationships should be built on communication. And in turn maybe, just maybe, made me shed a few tears. I'm gonna blame it on my hormones as one of my other friends here commented in one of my updates for another book.
Ms. Maise Ella, please please write some more books. Also, shout out to the UK publisher. The books look so lovely lined up in my cupboard right now. I love how all the covers compliment each other just perfectly!!
October 29, 2023
Charlie and her William were one of the best couples I read this year. They tugged at my heart's strings making me feel everything they were feeling and going through.
I have always loved how Ella writes her heroines who are usually clumsy, sweet and so full of life you can't help but love them. She, and they, never fail to make me relate to them. Also, I have to admire the sense of humor in this. I was actually cackling out loud. I've missed Ella and her stories and hoping she's back for good. ❤️🩹🥺
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Four years later here we are! 💕 I’m so delighted it’s finally out. Now I just have to wait for my copy to arrive. 🥹
—————-
The cover is giving lover era vibes. 💕🥺 I love it!
—————-
It’s been over a year and we're still waiting.
I have always loved how Ella writes her heroines who are usually clumsy, sweet and so full of life you can't help but love them. She, and they, never fail to make me relate to them. Also, I have to admire the sense of humor in this. I was actually cackling out loud. I've missed Ella and her stories and hoping she's back for good. ❤️🩹🥺
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Four years later here we are! 💕 I’m so delighted it’s finally out. Now I just have to wait for my copy to arrive. 🥹
—————-
The cover is giving lover era vibes. 💕🥺 I love it!
—————-
It’s been over a year and we're still waiting.
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