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Cipher Office #3
Cutie and the Beast
Living with her mother seemed like a good idea at the time. But Elliott Donovan’s living arrangements are not working for her anymore. Desperate to get back on her financial feet after a divorce and out from under her mother’s thumb, Elliott takes a job in the child care center at Weight Expectations, a local gym.
It has everything she needs – family friendly hours, more pay than she expected, and a super cute trainer who just happens to have part of his house for rent.
Abel DiSoto was living the good life until his wife walked out taking half of the family income with her. The blow to his ego was bad enough, but after a fire at the gym scattered Abel’s clients, and consequently his commissions, he’s stuck figuring out how to make ends meet, too. Renting out the master suite of his house to his new co-worker seems like an easy solution. They’re both mature adults, they both have eight-year-old daughters, and their work schedules coordinate so they can lend each other a helping hand to ease the burden of single parenthood.
The only downside? Living like a blended family when you’re not actually a family can present some challenges.
Welcome back to Weight Expectations, where the unexpected is likely to happen.
It has everything she needs – family friendly hours, more pay than she expected, and a super cute trainer who just happens to have part of his house for rent.
Abel DiSoto was living the good life until his wife walked out taking half of the family income with her. The blow to his ego was bad enough, but after a fire at the gym scattered Abel’s clients, and consequently his commissions, he’s stuck figuring out how to make ends meet, too. Renting out the master suite of his house to his new co-worker seems like an easy solution. They’re both mature adults, they both have eight-year-old daughters, and their work schedules coordinate so they can lend each other a helping hand to ease the burden of single parenthood.
The only downside? Living like a blended family when you’re not actually a family can present some challenges.
Welcome back to Weight Expectations, where the unexpected is likely to happen.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2020
226 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 31, 2021
3.5 stars
Cutie and the Beast has the best premise. I love a good single parent romance and this book featured a single dad and single mom, both with daughters the same age. It definitely had some fun moments!
Elliot is recently divorced and living with her mother and daughter until she can get back on her feet. She finally got a good job and is moving in the right direction. Able is a single father who lives in a house far too big and far too expensive for only him, his daughter, and his one income. After his wife left him and their daughter to pursue her dreams, he's been struggling to get by.
The obvious solution- these single parents who just started working together become roommates. As I said, I loved the premise and felt like this book had so much potential. I enjoyed it, but I never felt that romantic connection or spark between the two main characters. That, along with the conflict with the kids... sigh. It was so frustrating. I wanted to love this one, but it ended up being just okay for me.
Cutie and the Beast has the best premise. I love a good single parent romance and this book featured a single dad and single mom, both with daughters the same age. It definitely had some fun moments!
Elliot is recently divorced and living with her mother and daughter until she can get back on her feet. She finally got a good job and is moving in the right direction. Able is a single father who lives in a house far too big and far too expensive for only him, his daughter, and his one income. After his wife left him and their daughter to pursue her dreams, he's been struggling to get by.
The obvious solution- these single parents who just started working together become roommates. As I said, I loved the premise and felt like this book had so much potential. I enjoyed it, but I never felt that romantic connection or spark between the two main characters. That, along with the conflict with the kids... sigh. It was so frustrating. I wanted to love this one, but it ended up being just okay for me.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Alex Kydd and Stephanie Rose
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 8h 34m
May 3, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
“I’m making a hard rule — no glitter. I don’t care what projects the kids have, do not bring glitter in this room.” I laugh at her insistence, mostly because I get where she’s coming from. “Agreed. I am not vacuuming satan’s decorations off this floor.”
I could have probably bounced a quarter off the abs on her. I, on the other hand, have lost actual quarters in my fat roll.
“Cougar guidelines?” “Half your age plus seven is how young you can date without it looking weird… When you’re old, like for real old, he’ll still be young enough to cater to your every whim.” Elliott’s eyebrows shoot up, and I can tell she’s visualizing all the ways her future self could benefit from this. “I’ve always wanted to have a cabana boy fanning me and feeding me grapes.” “There ya go!” Joey exclaims. “He can even wear a speedo!” Elliott’s eyes flash over to mine and she gives me a flirty shrug. “Make sure you keep those abs in shape.”
I really don’t want it to be here. I love my mother, but I prefer loving her from a distance.
My Review:
I am enamored with M.E. Carter’s deft and agile writing style, endearingly flawed yet well-meaning and hard-working characters, and the relevant and relatable issues tucked into her well-crafted and highly engaging storylines. I have relished these cleverly amusing Smartypants Romances, each one has been a snarkalicious smirk-fest and most have been giggle-snort worthy as well. M.E. Carter’s contributions to the series have provided me with both and I had the fleeting thought of amassing an altar of sweatbands and sweets in tribute to her keen wit, snappy banter, and amusing yet insightful observations. However, I was unable to follow-through on this scheme, as the materials seemed to mysteriously disappear as I pondered the design. I am already eagerly awaiting the arrival of her next missive on my beloved Kindle.
“I’m making a hard rule — no glitter. I don’t care what projects the kids have, do not bring glitter in this room.” I laugh at her insistence, mostly because I get where she’s coming from. “Agreed. I am not vacuuming satan’s decorations off this floor.”
I could have probably bounced a quarter off the abs on her. I, on the other hand, have lost actual quarters in my fat roll.
“Cougar guidelines?” “Half your age plus seven is how young you can date without it looking weird… When you’re old, like for real old, he’ll still be young enough to cater to your every whim.” Elliott’s eyebrows shoot up, and I can tell she’s visualizing all the ways her future self could benefit from this. “I’ve always wanted to have a cabana boy fanning me and feeding me grapes.” “There ya go!” Joey exclaims. “He can even wear a speedo!” Elliott’s eyes flash over to mine and she gives me a flirty shrug. “Make sure you keep those abs in shape.”
I really don’t want it to be here. I love my mother, but I prefer loving her from a distance.
My Review:
I am enamored with M.E. Carter’s deft and agile writing style, endearingly flawed yet well-meaning and hard-working characters, and the relevant and relatable issues tucked into her well-crafted and highly engaging storylines. I have relished these cleverly amusing Smartypants Romances, each one has been a snarkalicious smirk-fest and most have been giggle-snort worthy as well. M.E. Carter’s contributions to the series have provided me with both and I had the fleeting thought of amassing an altar of sweatbands and sweets in tribute to her keen wit, snappy banter, and amusing yet insightful observations. However, I was unable to follow-through on this scheme, as the materials seemed to mysteriously disappear as I pondered the design. I am already eagerly awaiting the arrival of her next missive on my beloved Kindle.
May 2, 2020
Elliot and Abel have a few things in common, both have gone through divorces and are now responsible for taking care of their respective daughters. Mabel is Abel's energetic little girl and Ainsley is Elliot's bubbly child. Also, they are both working at Weight Expectations - Abel as a personal trainer and Elliot as the daycare's (afternoon) manager.
When Abel finds himself looking for a roommate and Elliot is really struggling to be back at her mom's house - they figure out that it's the perfect idea for them to move in together - as friends of course.
But, that's the thing with the plot, I never really believed in their romance. It was delightful to read about them as friends, but the evolution to something more just felt a bit cold? I just needed a lot more chemistry and there was nothing that suggested that they were IN love with each other. Just maybe that it was a happy coincidence that they liked one another and were both living under the same roof. And don't get me started on the cheesy lines... I like rom-coms, but maybe this particular style wasn't for me.
I did like how Cutie and the Beast addressed the issues of forming a new family and how kids will deal with a new love interest being introduced to their routine, so I appreciate that.
Overall, this definitely had some interesting and witty parts, but the romance wasn't convincing enough to make it into a favorite.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Download your copy TODAY or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2RnGgqQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2tt0Az5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/38oFcda
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NI0xqc
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2NLdj76
When Abel finds himself looking for a roommate and Elliot is really struggling to be back at her mom's house - they figure out that it's the perfect idea for them to move in together - as friends of course.
But, that's the thing with the plot, I never really believed in their romance. It was delightful to read about them as friends, but the evolution to something more just felt a bit cold? I just needed a lot more chemistry and there was nothing that suggested that they were IN love with each other. Just maybe that it was a happy coincidence that they liked one another and were both living under the same roof. And don't get me started on the cheesy lines... I like rom-coms, but maybe this particular style wasn't for me.
I did like how Cutie and the Beast addressed the issues of forming a new family and how kids will deal with a new love interest being introduced to their routine, so I appreciate that.
Overall, this definitely had some interesting and witty parts, but the romance wasn't convincing enough to make it into a favorite.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Download your copy TODAY or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2RnGgqQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2tt0Az5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/38oFcda
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NI0xqc
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2NLdj76
Want to read
May 13, 2020
** NOW IN KINDLE UNLIMITED **
What the WHAT?!? You can now grab ‘Cutie and the Beast’ by M.E. Carter for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! What the heckerino are you waiting for?
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2RnGgqQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2tt0Az5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/38oFcda
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NI0xqc
** BLURB **
Living with her mother seemed like a good idea at the time. But Elliott Donovan’s living arrangements are not working for her anymore. Desperate to get back on her financial feet after a divorce and out from under her mother’s thumb, Elliott takes a job in the child care center at Weight Expectations, a local gym.
It has everything she needs – family friendly hours, more pay than she expected, and a super cute trainer who just happens to have part of his house for rent.
Abel DiSoto was living the good life until his wife walked out taking half of the family income with her. The blow to his ego was bad enough, but after a fire at the gym scattered Abel’s clients, and consequently his commissions, he’s stuck figuring out how to make ends meet, too. Renting out the master suite of his house to his new co-worker seems like an easy solution. They’re both mature adults, they both have eight-year-old daughters, and their work schedules coordinate so they can lend each other a helping hand to ease the burden of single parenthood.
The only downside? Living like a blended family when you’re not actually a family can present some challenges.
Welcome back to Weight Expectations, where the unexpected is likely to happen.
‘Cutie and the Beast’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Cipher Office series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
May 13, 2020 You can now grab ‘Cutie and the Beast’ by M.E. Carter in #KindleUnlimited! WooHoo! We’re so happy we can make our new Spring Launch releases available to the KU audience while also giving readers on other platforms a chance to grab them, too! If you missed grabbing your copy of Cutie and the Beast on other platforms, check back when it reemerges…in about 3 months.
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2RnGgqQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2tt0Az5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/38oFcda
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NI0xqc
** BLURB **
Living with her mother seemed like a good idea at the time. But Elliott Donovan’s living arrangements are not working for her anymore. Desperate to get back on her financial feet after a divorce and out from under her mother’s thumb, Elliott takes a job in the child care center at Weight Expectations, a local gym.
It has everything she needs – family friendly hours, more pay than she expected, and a super cute trainer who just happens to have part of his house for rent.
Abel DiSoto was living the good life until his wife walked out taking half of the family income with her. The blow to his ego was bad enough, but after a fire at the gym scattered Abel’s clients, and consequently his commissions, he’s stuck figuring out how to make ends meet, too. Renting out the master suite of his house to his new co-worker seems like an easy solution. They’re both mature adults, they both have eight-year-old daughters, and their work schedules coordinate so they can lend each other a helping hand to ease the burden of single parenthood.
The only downside? Living like a blended family when you’re not actually a family can present some challenges.
Welcome back to Weight Expectations, where the unexpected is likely to happen.
‘Cutie and the Beast’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Cipher Office series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 25, 2021
this was an okay read...
I did skip some..
if you are in the mood for a low angst romance story with two single divorced parents of two same-aged girls
I did skip some..
if you are in the mood for a low angst romance story with two single divorced parents of two same-aged girls
May 4, 2020
Grab your copy TODAY! Available in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Single parent romance books are one of my go-to tropes in this genre. Throw in double single parents and you have nowhere to go but up. Right? …. YES, RIGHT, AND UP WE WENT!! You guys, I just finished this read last night and it was the best evening read I’ve had in a while. It made me happy from beginning to end and I slept like a baby after I finished :)
These two were ridiculously perfect together. Totally different yet so complementary! The author did an excellent job with characterization and story development. Elliot and Abel did an awesome job of balancing each other out in all aspects of their lives. It was a pleasure reading this story!
There’s a lot more to this book than just a romance. It’s a story of growth and development and acceptance and dreams and hope and love and family … *happy sigh*
April 29, 2020
Check out an Excerpt HERE
*** 4 Stars***
I’m a sucker for single parent romances and having TWO single parents had me making all kinds of grabby hands at Cutie and the Beast, also the fact that I really liked Abel in Weight Expectations definitely upped the ante for me and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this slow burn romance. It had me pulling out my hair at times, but it was a fun, cute read filled with real, everyday issues that parents ~ regardless if they are single or not have to deal with.
I really liked Elliott and Abel. Both are truly good people with good hearts who have had their worlds go sideways, but do everything they can to keep things as normal for their daughters. On a personal level, I preferred Elliott’s way of parenting and interacting with kids in general because I grew up with a “It takes a village” mentality, but with that said, I couldn’t truly fault Abel with how he decided to deal with things.
Their journey was slow burn ~ which I really enjoyed because they both are dealing with trust issues, abandonment issues and their own kids hearts as they also deal with their parents. The big sinkhole in their journey wasn’t a surprise, it was building up from the start and while I did lean towards one side a tinsy bit more than the other, it was one of those things where no one was any more or less at fault. It happened and while I would have liked a little more in the effort to get back together portion of things, I’m still happy with how everything worked for them
Cutie and the Beast was a fun read. I loved Ainsley and Mabel and how they definitely brought a vibrancy to the story. I thought that everything they Elliott, Abel and their daughters were working through/dealing with, were well thought out and executed. As for the secondary characters, I loved getting back to the gym (especially since that’s not an option right now) and seeing how things played out after the fire and I’m definitely look forward Joey’s book, I may want to Gibbs smack him more often than not, but I still really liked the guy regardless.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
*** 4 Stars***
I’m a sucker for single parent romances and having TWO single parents had me making all kinds of grabby hands at Cutie and the Beast, also the fact that I really liked Abel in Weight Expectations definitely upped the ante for me and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this slow burn romance. It had me pulling out my hair at times, but it was a fun, cute read filled with real, everyday issues that parents ~ regardless if they are single or not have to deal with.
I really liked Elliott and Abel. Both are truly good people with good hearts who have had their worlds go sideways, but do everything they can to keep things as normal for their daughters. On a personal level, I preferred Elliott’s way of parenting and interacting with kids in general because I grew up with a “It takes a village” mentality, but with that said, I couldn’t truly fault Abel with how he decided to deal with things.
Their journey was slow burn ~ which I really enjoyed because they both are dealing with trust issues, abandonment issues and their own kids hearts as they also deal with their parents. The big sinkhole in their journey wasn’t a surprise, it was building up from the start and while I did lean towards one side a tinsy bit more than the other, it was one of those things where no one was any more or less at fault. It happened and while I would have liked a little more in the effort to get back together portion of things, I’m still happy with how everything worked for them
Cutie and the Beast was a fun read. I loved Ainsley and Mabel and how they definitely brought a vibrancy to the story. I thought that everything they Elliott, Abel and their daughters were working through/dealing with, were well thought out and executed. As for the secondary characters, I loved getting back to the gym (especially since that’s not an option right now) and seeing how things played out after the fire and I’m definitely look forward Joey’s book, I may want to Gibbs smack him more often than not, but I still really liked the guy regardless.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 14, 2020
Cutie and the Beast was such a cute and fun book. I was intrigued by Abel in Weight Expectations and was excited to read his story. I always love single dad stories and Abel was no exception. He had been through a rough time as an ex WE fighter,recently divorced father with a gym that just burned down. It was fun to see his comeback and growth in this novel. I also really enjoyed reading about Elliot. She was honest and refreshing as well as an amazing mother. Her and Abel had so much chemistry and I loved the older woman dynamic and that their relationship began from a friendship. You get to see glimpses of Rian and Carlos as well. Everything about this book just felt real and it was a delight to read.
April 23, 2020
I really struggled with this one.
I'm sorry to say the start was just sooooo boring.
I def won't reread.
I like this author so I was very disappointed.
It took me ages to work out the Hero's child's age. Felt to me like contradictory things, some made her seem really young, carrying her in a blanket in the early mornings then being expected to clean up dishes and the mess she made.
Ex drama on both sides.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
I'm sorry to say the start was just sooooo boring.
I def won't reread.
I like this author so I was very disappointed.
It took me ages to work out the Hero's child's age. Felt to me like contradictory things, some made her seem really young, carrying her in a blanket in the early mornings then being expected to clean up dishes and the mess she made.
Ex drama on both sides.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
April 19, 2020
Cutie and the Beast is a fun, sweet and entertaining romance with plenty of banter.
Trainer and single dad Abel (aka The Beast) is doing his best to make ends meet and raise his eight year old daughter.
Cute single mom Elliott and new manager of the gym’s daycare needs to move out of her mom’s house if she hopes to preserve their good relationship and not get on each other’s last nerve.
Abel and Elliott decide to combine resources. On paper it seems a perfect arrangement but real life can throw some curve balls at you.
“When they moved in, I didn’t anticipate they would become this part of my life that just fit, but that’s exactly what happened. They slid into this empty spot I didn’t know was there.“
I really enjoyed this story. Two smart and precocious eight year olds, two divorced parents, one workplace, and one home combine with a real life feel and true to life situations for a very believable tale.
-4.5 Stars!-
-Diane-
Trainer and single dad Abel (aka The Beast) is doing his best to make ends meet and raise his eight year old daughter.
Cute single mom Elliott and new manager of the gym’s daycare needs to move out of her mom’s house if she hopes to preserve their good relationship and not get on each other’s last nerve.
Abel and Elliott decide to combine resources. On paper it seems a perfect arrangement but real life can throw some curve balls at you.
“When they moved in, I didn’t anticipate they would become this part of my life that just fit, but that’s exactly what happened. They slid into this empty spot I didn’t know was there.“
I really enjoyed this story. Two smart and precocious eight year olds, two divorced parents, one workplace, and one home combine with a real life feel and true to life situations for a very believable tale.
-4.5 Stars!-
-Diane-
April 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It’s nice to get back to Weight Expectations and learn more about Abel and what a good guy he is. I always enjoy ME’s books...I love her writing style and her characters always feel so real and relatable.
April 26, 2020
Abel, who had a RUN of bad luck in WE, gets his chance to shine this time around. Just to recap: his wife left him, the gym burning down hit him in a very financial manner, and...uhh, wait. Maybe that was everything. Regardless, he's now a single dad struggling to do this parenting thing without messing up his kid too badly and he's looking to bring in a roommate to help ease the financial burden a bit.
Lucky for him, Elliott needs exactly what he's offering. I'm not just talking about the roommate situation, either. Admittedly, it takes her a while to wrap her head around the idea of her and Abel dating, but she had her reasons. While her parenting situation isn't as hit-or-miss with her ex as Abel's is with his, she still has to consider her daughter's well-being into every decision she makes. Plus, she has a few hangups of a more personal manner she has to come to terms with.
I like Abel's easy-going attitude (although he could be a little too laid back with Mabel sometimes, but that goes hand-in-hand with figuring out the parenting thing, so I totally get it) and I like that Elliott took her time and became comfortable with the idea of dating her sexy new roommate before jumping into a relationship. These two were just so cute together.
A familiar face or two (HA!), a few sticky situations (not literally), and crazy shenanigans of the kid-ish variety (because kids!). What can I say except I like these guys and everything they have to deal with at the gym and beyond.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Lucky for him, Elliott needs exactly what he's offering. I'm not just talking about the roommate situation, either. Admittedly, it takes her a while to wrap her head around the idea of her and Abel dating, but she had her reasons. While her parenting situation isn't as hit-or-miss with her ex as Abel's is with his, she still has to consider her daughter's well-being into every decision she makes. Plus, she has a few hangups of a more personal manner she has to come to terms with.
I like Abel's easy-going attitude (although he could be a little too laid back with Mabel sometimes, but that goes hand-in-hand with figuring out the parenting thing, so I totally get it) and I like that Elliott took her time and became comfortable with the idea of dating her sexy new roommate before jumping into a relationship. These two were just so cute together.
A familiar face or two (HA!), a few sticky situations (not literally), and crazy shenanigans of the kid-ish variety (because kids!). What can I say except I like these guys and everything they have to deal with at the gym and beyond.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 8, 2020
Cutie and the Beast By ME Carter
#Review
#Smartypants
#ContemporaryRomance
3*
‘“Thirty-five, huh?”
She drops her spoon and wipes her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t feel as old as my birthdate says I am.”
“You lied to your daughter?” I say with a snicker.
“I let her do the math. Who am I to say she’s wrong? It would break her heart to know she subtracted wrong.”’
Cutie and the Beast was peppered with some truly funny and witty repartee between our hero and heroine, however it also seemed to cement them together into the friend zone. I never really felt any heat or passion coming from either of them, and in turn we were left with a rather lacklustre story that had only a few fleeting scenes of what was supposed to pass for romance thrown in. It felt rather sedate and long winded. The story meandered, never really gaining traction. There was very little drama to break up the plot. No real hook to reel the reader in.
All the necessary ingredients were present, in that we had the sexy, single-dad, fitness trainer hero, Abel (who was also much younger than our heroine), who had a penchant for saying the most outrageous, sweet, flirty and confounding things. We were also graced with Elliot, a fun, intelligent and quirky female protagonist, to take the lead. I honestly thought that with this wonderful combination of characters, the ensuing cohabitation issue and their cute meddling little girls, it would result in Cutie and the Beast being a truly magnificent, heated and intoxicating romance. What I felt that I actually got was a very lukewarm telling of two people who happen to share a house, who occasionally do the dishes together and attempt to parent their own children.
There was zero sexual tension, practically no heat or intensity from our hero and heroine and that was most disappointing of all, how bland it all seemed. It was just a little too realistic sometimes. When I read a love story, I need there to be a connection between my protagonists. Something that defines how they feel for one another and it not simply being close proximity. There were a few great scenes, ME Carter knows how to bring out the humour in situations and is very clever when it comes to banter and dialogue. I mean, it is well written if you’re okay with a calm tale of friendship, that eventually leads to a more mature relationship. I just felt that there was a lot of enthusiasm missing from this story.
Overall, I liked parts of Cutie and the Beast. It could be charming and funny when it wanted to be, unfortunately the heat factor and the absent connection of our hero and heroine really zapped the enjoyment out of this one for me.
#Review
#Smartypants
#ContemporaryRomance
3*
‘“Thirty-five, huh?”
She drops her spoon and wipes her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t feel as old as my birthdate says I am.”
“You lied to your daughter?” I say with a snicker.
“I let her do the math. Who am I to say she’s wrong? It would break her heart to know she subtracted wrong.”’
Cutie and the Beast was peppered with some truly funny and witty repartee between our hero and heroine, however it also seemed to cement them together into the friend zone. I never really felt any heat or passion coming from either of them, and in turn we were left with a rather lacklustre story that had only a few fleeting scenes of what was supposed to pass for romance thrown in. It felt rather sedate and long winded. The story meandered, never really gaining traction. There was very little drama to break up the plot. No real hook to reel the reader in.
All the necessary ingredients were present, in that we had the sexy, single-dad, fitness trainer hero, Abel (who was also much younger than our heroine), who had a penchant for saying the most outrageous, sweet, flirty and confounding things. We were also graced with Elliot, a fun, intelligent and quirky female protagonist, to take the lead. I honestly thought that with this wonderful combination of characters, the ensuing cohabitation issue and their cute meddling little girls, it would result in Cutie and the Beast being a truly magnificent, heated and intoxicating romance. What I felt that I actually got was a very lukewarm telling of two people who happen to share a house, who occasionally do the dishes together and attempt to parent their own children.
There was zero sexual tension, practically no heat or intensity from our hero and heroine and that was most disappointing of all, how bland it all seemed. It was just a little too realistic sometimes. When I read a love story, I need there to be a connection between my protagonists. Something that defines how they feel for one another and it not simply being close proximity. There were a few great scenes, ME Carter knows how to bring out the humour in situations and is very clever when it comes to banter and dialogue. I mean, it is well written if you’re okay with a calm tale of friendship, that eventually leads to a more mature relationship. I just felt that there was a lot of enthusiasm missing from this story.
Overall, I liked parts of Cutie and the Beast. It could be charming and funny when it wanted to be, unfortunately the heat factor and the absent connection of our hero and heroine really zapped the enjoyment out of this one for me.
March 21, 2022
Our hero is a character I liked in Weight Expectations, so I was predisposed to like him in this one. He is newly divorced and trying to raise his eight-year-old girl alone. Enter a new girl working in the day care center of his gym. She also has an eight-year-old girl and the two are best friends. Our heroine is living with her mother after her divorce, but it's making her nuts.
Our hero has a house and needs a roommate to help cover costs if he doesn't want to lose his house. Our heroine needs a place to live, so he rents his master suit out to her.
Now, with today's job market and housing market the way they are, I vote for two divorced parents helping each other out. So, as the story progresses things are moving along quite nicely, until his daughter throws a wrench in the works.
A good story that is probably relatable to a lot of people who are trying to make ends meet, while raising kids.
Our hero has a house and needs a roommate to help cover costs if he doesn't want to lose his house. Our heroine needs a place to live, so he rents his master suit out to her.
Now, with today's job market and housing market the way they are, I vote for two divorced parents helping each other out. So, as the story progresses things are moving along quite nicely, until his daughter throws a wrench in the works.
A good story that is probably relatable to a lot of people who are trying to make ends meet, while raising kids.
May 7, 2021
Another unfortunate title, but this was actually a really cute story.
I was a bit hesitant to start this one because I really didn’t like the first book in this series, but I was very pleasantly surprised! This was a really sweet slow burn love story about two single parents and I really loved how the author really incorporated the kids’ struggles as well.
I was a bit hesitant to start this one because I really didn’t like the first book in this series, but I was very pleasantly surprised! This was a really sweet slow burn love story about two single parents and I really loved how the author really incorporated the kids’ struggles as well.
May 18, 2020
Cute story about two divorced single parents, looking forward next book in the series.
April 4, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange of a honest review.
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Review to come
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Review to come
March 31, 2020
Abel must be the logical one, “it’s not a far stretch. You’re hot. I’m hot. We came here with our kids. Who wouldn’t think we’re together?” Elliot has no filter, “what do you think of oral?” I choke on my bite of ice cream, completely caught off guard by Elliot’s candor." I liked this book, I liked Abel.
April 9, 2020
Publication Date: April 14, 2020
"5- It takes a Village to Raise a Child, Stars!
This was a wonderfully written contemporary romance about two single parents who are from totally different backgrounds. They would not have met under normal circumstances but as "fate" would have it, they are introduced to one another by a co-worker and come to a decision that they might be able to help one another out.
These characters Able (Beast) and Elliott (Cutie) are doing their best to raise their daughters while trying to deal with all the challenges that come with being a single parent.
Elliott needs a new place to stay, and Able needs a roommate to help with his mortgage since he lost a lot of his clients because of a fire.
What makes this decision even sweeter is that both their daughters go to the same school, are the same age, and are in the same class.
Able thought that when Elliott moved in that they simply would be roommates and cross paths every once in a while. It never occurred to him that their lives would quickly be intertwined because they soon both realized they needed one another because parenting is hard.
What started out as Able and Elliott loving and respecting each other as friends, gradually turns into them falling in love with one another.
This book was a beautiful story to read not only for the slow-burn romance but because the author did a wonderful job of showing the complexity of navigating the situations of a blended family.
Kudos M.E. Carter!
Wonderful story!
Wonderful characters!
"I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which has been provided by SmartyPants Romance"
December 13, 2020
Elliot is a divorced mom to an 8 yr old daughter and living with her mom making it all the more stressful. Abel is a divorced father to an 8 yr old daughter strapped for cash after a fire at his job as a trainer scattered is clientele. A coworker fixes the problem for both. You have Elliot move in and split the bills, case closed. Only what happens when you find each other attractive and you all act like a family and lines start blurring.
ME Carter has written a wonderful little single parents romance. A couple so different from each other yet work complimentary together as a couple. The kids steal scenes. You will laugh out loud at times. The secondary characters are well written and done well enough you hope they get books.
I really enjoyed this book as you can tell it was a one-day read.
Recommend it to all who love single parent books (Me) and just well written books.
ME Carter has written a wonderful little single parents romance. A couple so different from each other yet work complimentary together as a couple. The kids steal scenes. You will laugh out loud at times. The secondary characters are well written and done well enough you hope they get books.
I really enjoyed this book as you can tell it was a one-day read.
Recommend it to all who love single parent books (Me) and just well written books.
April 15, 2020
As those who have read the earlier books in the series will remember that the OG gym burned down. Cutie and the Beast by M.E Carter are set in the new gym and feature Abel who is one of the trainers at the gym. We learn that Abel's wife has just left them and run off to live her dream of being a model and social influencer. That has left Abel to try and figure out how to juggle between his job as a personal trainer and a single dad of Mabel who is used to being the center of attention and I have to admit she is a bit of a spoiled little brat. The other person we meet in this book is Elliot and her daughter Ainsley. Since her separation with her husband Derek, she has been living with her mother and her boisterous daughter. She is getting frustrated with her mother and trying to be the peacekeeper and determined to get her own home for her and her daughter. With a degree in Social Work, she goes to the Gym and applies to be a childcare worker in their Daycare. In the end, of course, she walks out as the new Afternoon Manager for the Daycare. Dinah knows that Abel is looking for a roommate to help with the mortgage payments of his home and Elliot and her daughter end up moving in together with Abel and his daughter. Soon they become a family unit without dating, of course, though you can guess what's going to happen. However, their parenting styles will clash as Abel's daughter Mabel starts to show her true colors and Abel is stuck in the middle. Can Abel win back Elliot when he learns why Mabel was playing up? Can the two single parents and their children work out to be the perfect family? Find out in this fun romance Cutie ( Elliot) and the Beast (Abel) by M.E Carter in the Smartypants Romance series "Cipher Office". If you love Penny Reid's books especially the Knitting in the City series, you will love this series.
May 2, 2020
This was such a fun, sweet story! I'm totally in love with Abel and Elliott.
Abel is a single dad just trying to make it through each day with this 8-year-old daughter Mabel. His wife left the two of them to pursue a life as a supermodel - living emotional scars on his daughter and leaving him tight finances. So when he decides to rent a room in his home, the last person he even thought about was renting to another single parent. Especially one who was cute and slowing started to mean more to him than a roommate.
Elliott and her daughter Aisley have been living with her mother since her divorce three years ago. Although she loves her mom, living with her is a totally different story. So when the opportunity comes up to move out - she takes it. Hey living with a super hot trainer at the gym she works at won't be a problem. There is no way a guy like him would want anything to do with an older woman - who comes with a child. Right?
Cohabitating with your best friend is one thing but when the little lady of the house starts throwing shade at Elliott - it just may be too much to handle. And when parenting styles are different, can the two of them last?
Elliott is a strong heroine who is funny and has such a great sense of humor. Abel is kindhearted and sweet and a man who loves his child the way he does is super sexy. These two together were such a good combination and made it hard to put the book down long enough to feed my own kids.
If you haven't read ME Carter before, this is a great book to jump in and fall in love with her writing. Loved it!
Abel is a single dad just trying to make it through each day with this 8-year-old daughter Mabel. His wife left the two of them to pursue a life as a supermodel - living emotional scars on his daughter and leaving him tight finances. So when he decides to rent a room in his home, the last person he even thought about was renting to another single parent. Especially one who was cute and slowing started to mean more to him than a roommate.
Elliott and her daughter Aisley have been living with her mother since her divorce three years ago. Although she loves her mom, living with her is a totally different story. So when the opportunity comes up to move out - she takes it. Hey living with a super hot trainer at the gym she works at won't be a problem. There is no way a guy like him would want anything to do with an older woman - who comes with a child. Right?
Cohabitating with your best friend is one thing but when the little lady of the house starts throwing shade at Elliott - it just may be too much to handle. And when parenting styles are different, can the two of them last?
Elliott is a strong heroine who is funny and has such a great sense of humor. Abel is kindhearted and sweet and a man who loves his child the way he does is super sexy. These two together were such a good combination and made it hard to put the book down long enough to feed my own kids.
If you haven't read ME Carter before, this is a great book to jump in and fall in love with her writing. Loved it!
April 14, 2020
3.5 stars
The set up for this book was really cute!
Abel, the personal trainer at Weight Expectations, appeared in M.E. Carter's previous book in the Smartypantsromance Cipher Office series. I really liked him and was excited to see he would be in Cutie and The Beast. He is a single father to Mabel who needs a roommate to help cover the cost of his house.
The story introduces Elliott, a single mom who gets a job in the childcare center at the gym. She needs to move out of her mother's house, and so she agrees to be Abel's roommate. Her daughter Ainsley is in the same class as Mabel so it works out well for both of them.
The story was unique as they moved in together before getting to know each other better and developing feelings. Abel and Elliott were so much fun together. I really liked that their daughters played a big part in the story. It would not have felt realistic if they were not because Abel and Elliott care so much about being good parents.
Overall, an enjoyable read that makes me want to check out more of the author's books. I am hoping there will be more from her in the Smartypantsromance universe too.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
The set up for this book was really cute!
Abel, the personal trainer at Weight Expectations, appeared in M.E. Carter's previous book in the Smartypantsromance Cipher Office series. I really liked him and was excited to see he would be in Cutie and The Beast. He is a single father to Mabel who needs a roommate to help cover the cost of his house.
The story introduces Elliott, a single mom who gets a job in the childcare center at the gym. She needs to move out of her mother's house, and so she agrees to be Abel's roommate. Her daughter Ainsley is in the same class as Mabel so it works out well for both of them.
The story was unique as they moved in together before getting to know each other better and developing feelings. Abel and Elliott were so much fun together. I really liked that their daughters played a big part in the story. It would not have felt realistic if they were not because Abel and Elliott care so much about being good parents.
Overall, an enjoyable read that makes me want to check out more of the author's books. I am hoping there will be more from her in the Smartypantsromance universe too.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
April 30, 2020
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Smartypants Romance and the Author in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
A light hearted emotional romance between two divorced single parents with a foundation laid on friendship and a family they make of their own.
Elliot and Abel cross paths when they are both struggling and juggling with a whole lot of responsibilities of not just their jobs; but also of bringing up their daughters all alone – Abel works as a personal trainer and Elliot as a day care manager at Weight Expectations.
Now, Abel needs a roommate and Elliot need to move out from her mother’s place where she has been staying after her divorce – they find a solution by moving in together – a move that lays the foundation of what would be a beautiful friendship!
Cutie and The Beast was a very sweet read- but it was more of a read where two individuals form a deep friendship because of similar circumstances rather than a romantic read – yet it was pleasurable read; mostly because of the way these two and their two precocious daughters form their own little family!
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April 10, 2020
Wow...just wow! M.E. has always impressed me with how she’s able to bring realistic situations into her books without making them dreary or frustrating (I mean I’m reading to escape), and Cutie & the Beast was no exception!
Abel was a character that I’ve been SUPER curious about since Weight Expectations. He seemed too good to be true, so I loved seeing that he was flawed like the rest of us. His love for his daughter & guilt over his ex made him almost blind to his daughter’s behavior.
Elliott was awesome! I want her mom ability to make my nanny kids listen half as well as the kids do at the gym. I loved that she was “older”.
These two together made me swoon (and cry. And bang my head against the wall.)! I loved watching their transitions to friends and beyond. It was so entertaining to see them meld their families together.
Cutie & the Beast was AMAZING! I can’t wait to read it again & again! Plus I loved seeing Rian & Carlos!!!
Abel was a character that I’ve been SUPER curious about since Weight Expectations. He seemed too good to be true, so I loved seeing that he was flawed like the rest of us. His love for his daughter & guilt over his ex made him almost blind to his daughter’s behavior.
Elliott was awesome! I want her mom ability to make my nanny kids listen half as well as the kids do at the gym. I loved that she was “older”.
These two together made me swoon (and cry. And bang my head against the wall.)! I loved watching their transitions to friends and beyond. It was so entertaining to see them meld their families together.
Cutie & the Beast was AMAZING! I can’t wait to read it again & again! Plus I loved seeing Rian & Carlos!!!
January 6, 2022
For all the single parents out there this book is for YOU! I really enjoyed this single parent/roommate closed door romance. Elliot and Abel decide to become roommates after meeting at the gym where they both work. Each are single with 8 year old daughters and having someone to help lighten the load really becomes appealing. As their daughters bond so do they and eventually they decide to take a chance on love.
This book does such a great job representing the challenges of co-parenting and single parenting. I also loved that it was a reverse age gap romance with a 40+ female lead with a real “mom” bod! Highly recommended and great on audio. I could have used a little more open door action but overall this was very entertaining and full of hilarious one-liners!
⚠️CW: toxic parenting
This book does such a great job representing the challenges of co-parenting and single parenting. I also loved that it was a reverse age gap romance with a 40+ female lead with a real “mom” bod! Highly recommended and great on audio. I could have used a little more open door action but overall this was very entertaining and full of hilarious one-liners!
⚠️CW: toxic parenting
April 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this fun, sexy, laugh out loud and heartwarming romance filled with engaging charters, witty and memorable dialog, heart racing twists and emotionally thrilling turns. Was a great read from beginning to end. Exciting and sweetly thrilling journey!
November 13, 2023
1.5 - no chemistry and was getting misogynistic vibes from the mmc. only reason it’s not getting zero stars is coz of the kid drama
April 25, 2020
Cutie and the Beast
“Because no matter where this relationship goes, no matter if or how it ends, this is love right here. It’s not the kind that bowls you over so nothing else matters. It’s not the kind that fizzles when the lust is gone. It’s the kind that starts with two people being best friends and grows until they become “your person”.
That’s the best kind of love there is.”
Abel and Elliot are both single parents who need the other’s help. Elliot is looking to move out of her mother’s house and Abel is looking for a housemate to help with the mortgage. They both have 8 year old daughters... What could go wrong when you start to play House with a member of the opposite sex?
This is a relationship that is truly based on friendship. Romance isn’t even a consideration, they’re just two people who get along well and laugh a lot. Their banter is so fun. It flowed so smoothly, and I laughed a lot.
When they finally decide to talk about a romantic relationship, I love the way M.E. Carter writes it. It is so unique and fun. I love their short conversations over the course of days and then weeks and them trying to one up each other. I love Abel’s sureness and focus that this is a great idea while Elliot deals with her her own surprise, hesitations, and ultimately trying to shock Abel out of this idea. It was so funny and relatable and a unique way of culturing a relationship.
The biggest hiccup in becoming a blended family is of course the kids and these two had their work cut out for them. The girls and parenting in general are a huge focus of this novel (as they would be in any relationship of this nature) with a lot of explanation on their differing parenting styles. I felt like I learned a lot, Elliot is an absolutely fantastic mother. But, for a romance, I did wish for more of Abel and Elliot and less of each of them wrestling with parenting truths and discernment of the girls behaviors. It felt more literary fiction than romance.
I found “Cutie and the Beast” to be a cute best friends to lovers book with a helpful how to of blending families twist.
“Because no matter where this relationship goes, no matter if or how it ends, this is love right here. It’s not the kind that bowls you over so nothing else matters. It’s not the kind that fizzles when the lust is gone. It’s the kind that starts with two people being best friends and grows until they become “your person”.
That’s the best kind of love there is.”
Abel and Elliot are both single parents who need the other’s help. Elliot is looking to move out of her mother’s house and Abel is looking for a housemate to help with the mortgage. They both have 8 year old daughters... What could go wrong when you start to play House with a member of the opposite sex?
This is a relationship that is truly based on friendship. Romance isn’t even a consideration, they’re just two people who get along well and laugh a lot. Their banter is so fun. It flowed so smoothly, and I laughed a lot.
When they finally decide to talk about a romantic relationship, I love the way M.E. Carter writes it. It is so unique and fun. I love their short conversations over the course of days and then weeks and them trying to one up each other. I love Abel’s sureness and focus that this is a great idea while Elliot deals with her her own surprise, hesitations, and ultimately trying to shock Abel out of this idea. It was so funny and relatable and a unique way of culturing a relationship.
The biggest hiccup in becoming a blended family is of course the kids and these two had their work cut out for them. The girls and parenting in general are a huge focus of this novel (as they would be in any relationship of this nature) with a lot of explanation on their differing parenting styles. I felt like I learned a lot, Elliot is an absolutely fantastic mother. But, for a romance, I did wish for more of Abel and Elliot and less of each of them wrestling with parenting truths and discernment of the girls behaviors. It felt more literary fiction than romance.
I found “Cutie and the Beast” to be a cute best friends to lovers book with a helpful how to of blending families twist.
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