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The Quinn Sisters #2
Not the Marrying Kind
He’s the best bad decision she’ll ever make…
Type A attorney Fiona Quinn has one goal left to accomplish before turning 30: A big, fairy-tale wedding. All she needs is a groom. So what if she’s never been in love—or even lust—before? She’s confident she can solve the problem the way she always does, with spreadsheets and an action plan.
When a family emergency brings bad boy Max Devlin swaggering back into town—with his cocky grin, tattoos, and wanderlust—Fiona has to remind herself that he’s as unsuitable as it gets. Nope. Not happening. No matter how irresistible his invitation is for a night or seven between the sheets. If she can’t tie him down—metaphorically, of course—her pants must stay on.
Max can’t remember the last time a woman turned him down. He’s a guaranteed three-orgasms good time, dammit. So what if he’s not the marrying kind? Those sweaty palms he gets when Fiona agrees to help him save his dad’s punk rock club are just an allergic reaction to her methodical march toward matrimony. Before he hits the road again, he’s going to prove to Fiona that life’s more fun when you play rather than plan.
No one gets hurt when it’s all just fun and games, right?
Author’s Note: A steamy, opposites attract standalone romance featuring a cocky bad boy (with a heart of gold) and a buttoned-up good girl (with a secret wild side). 1-click if you’re into dirty dancing, swoony first kisses and hot trysts in supply closets. This book comes with a guaranteed (and very romantic) Happily Ever After.
Type A attorney Fiona Quinn has one goal left to accomplish before turning 30: A big, fairy-tale wedding. All she needs is a groom. So what if she’s never been in love—or even lust—before? She’s confident she can solve the problem the way she always does, with spreadsheets and an action plan.
When a family emergency brings bad boy Max Devlin swaggering back into town—with his cocky grin, tattoos, and wanderlust—Fiona has to remind herself that he’s as unsuitable as it gets. Nope. Not happening. No matter how irresistible his invitation is for a night or seven between the sheets. If she can’t tie him down—metaphorically, of course—her pants must stay on.
Max can’t remember the last time a woman turned him down. He’s a guaranteed three-orgasms good time, dammit. So what if he’s not the marrying kind? Those sweaty palms he gets when Fiona agrees to help him save his dad’s punk rock club are just an allergic reaction to her methodical march toward matrimony. Before he hits the road again, he’s going to prove to Fiona that life’s more fun when you play rather than plan.
No one gets hurt when it’s all just fun and games, right?
Author’s Note: A steamy, opposites attract standalone romance featuring a cocky bad boy (with a heart of gold) and a buttoned-up good girl (with a secret wild side). 1-click if you’re into dirty dancing, swoony first kisses and hot trysts in supply closets. This book comes with a guaranteed (and very romantic) Happily Ever After.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2021
1072 people are currently reading
3770 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Nolan
21 books1,562 followersKathryn Nolan (she/they) is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author. Her steamy romance novels are known for their slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, and big, hopeful feelings.
Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.
Sign up for Kathryn’s weekly newsletter to see what she’s writing, what she’s reading/watching and get all her travel stories (plus an abundance of Walter photos!).
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Kathryn is a bisexual bookworm and femme cutie with big Leo energy. They love to spend their free time hiking, camping and traveling. When not on the road, they live in their hometown of Philly with their cute husband and giant-eared rescue pup, Walter.
Sign up for Kathryn’s weekly newsletter to see what she’s writing, what she’s reading/watching and get all her travel stories (plus an abundance of Walter photos!).
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November 13, 20212.75 ✨
December 28, 2022
So this was really cute and fun!!
Fiona, a lawyer with punk rock wild child roots has an iron clad plan to achieve her life goals including a husband before she turns 30. Enter Max, a free spirited, rocker, motorcycle mechanic who is basically a nomad and is more the love them for one night type. They are forced together to save a beloved punk rock concert establishment that's about to fall to "the man" and in the process have to rethink their whole way of life due to their insane attraction to each other.
This book was really refreshing as far contemporary romances go. Fiona is the star of this book for me. Finding FMC's that I absolutely adore is really hard sometimes but I have a huge girl crush on Fiona Quinn. She is savvy, sassy, strong, decisive everything I love! She was vulnerable without being needy or cringy and I loved her punk rock spirit! Max was the perfect MMC to compliment Fiona, he was the bad boy in appreance only bc the dude was a complete cinnamon roll and it was so damn cute! I loved him so much! The chemistry and the initial slow burn was soooo well done.
The writing style, and supporting characters were great, but the real showstopper was the punk rock vibes!!! They mention CBGB many times and the music references alone were so insanely good that I kept stopping to play all the songs as I read.
There were a few side plots that I thought slowed the momentum of the main story but all in all it was a really good read. 💙
**Just some of the artists sampled in the book**
The Clash
David Bowie
The Beatles
Blondie
Jimi Hendrix
The Smiths
Led Zeppelin
Fleetwood Mac
Joan Jett
Fiona, a lawyer with punk rock wild child roots has an iron clad plan to achieve her life goals including a husband before she turns 30. Enter Max, a free spirited, rocker, motorcycle mechanic who is basically a nomad and is more the love them for one night type. They are forced together to save a beloved punk rock concert establishment that's about to fall to "the man" and in the process have to rethink their whole way of life due to their insane attraction to each other.
This book was really refreshing as far contemporary romances go. Fiona is the star of this book for me. Finding FMC's that I absolutely adore is really hard sometimes but I have a huge girl crush on Fiona Quinn. She is savvy, sassy, strong, decisive everything I love! She was vulnerable without being needy or cringy and I loved her punk rock spirit! Max was the perfect MMC to compliment Fiona, he was the bad boy in appreance only bc the dude was a complete cinnamon roll and it was so damn cute! I loved him so much! The chemistry and the initial slow burn was soooo well done.
The writing style, and supporting characters were great, but the real showstopper was the punk rock vibes!!! They mention CBGB many times and the music references alone were so insanely good that I kept stopping to play all the songs as I read.
There were a few side plots that I thought slowed the momentum of the main story but all in all it was a really good read. 💙
**Just some of the artists sampled in the book**
The Clash
David Bowie
The Beatles
Blondie
Jimi Hendrix
The Smiths
Led Zeppelin
Fleetwood Mac
Joan Jett
November 21, 2021
4.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I am digging this author! I also am a HUGE fan of this family and their storylines. I really enjoyed Strictly Professional, and while not necessary to follow along with this one, I would highly recommend reading that book first. It just gives you a further understanding of the h’s family dynamics I think. I actually got the butterfly feelings while reading this because of an almost kiss scene! There is some great tension and feeling development that made me not the least bit upset that they didn’t even kiss until the 50% mark. I really enjoyed this one and my only gripe was that I wanted much, much more in the end.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Fiona and Max’s story. Max gets called back home after being gone for ~7 years to help his dad out from losing his punk rock bar in New York. Fiona signs a contract with herself after being dumped by her last boyfriend and being in a string of failed relationships with men not willing to commit. Even though Fiona feels sparks for the first time with any man when she bumps into Max, she knows that she should trust what he’s telling her — that he’s not the marrying kind and only temporary. There is some serious tension, a bar to save, some sexy times, and some conflict…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Fiona and Max’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No. Instalust? Yes.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Max. I really liked him. Yes, there was a point where I really wanted to shake him — but I also understood where it was all coming from.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Fiona. I really liked her. I appreciated how she took care of everyone and was also a badass in her own right.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends with some cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending even though I wanted a farther glimpse into their future. I know, my greed is showing 🙈
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I am digging this author! I also am a HUGE fan of this family and their storylines. I really enjoyed Strictly Professional, and while not necessary to follow along with this one, I would highly recommend reading that book first. It just gives you a further understanding of the h’s family dynamics I think. I actually got the butterfly feelings while reading this because of an almost kiss scene! There is some great tension and feeling development that made me not the least bit upset that they didn’t even kiss until the 50% mark. I really enjoyed this one and my only gripe was that I wanted much, much more in the end.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Fiona and Max’s story. Max gets called back home after being gone for ~7 years to help his dad out from losing his punk rock bar in New York. Fiona signs a contract with herself after being dumped by her last boyfriend and being in a string of failed relationships with men not willing to commit. Even though Fiona feels sparks for the first time with any man when she bumps into Max, she knows that she should trust what he’s telling her — that he’s not the marrying kind and only temporary. There is some serious tension, a bar to save, some sexy times, and some conflict…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Fiona and Max’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No. Instalust? Yes.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Max. I really liked him. Yes, there was a point where I really wanted to shake him — but I also understood where it was all coming from.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Fiona. I really liked her. I appreciated how she took care of everyone and was also a badass in her own right.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends with some cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending even though I wanted a farther glimpse into their future. I know, my greed is showing 🙈
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
December 29, 2020
What can I say! It’s so damn good to be back with the Quinn family. It’s no secret that I absolutely adored Strictly Professional, Roxy and Edwards book, so I was giddy as hell when Roxy’s sister Fiona would get her own book.
Not The Marrying Kind has the same kind of vibe as Strictly Professional and I was immediately hooked. The group of characters was the highlight of the story. I adored every one of them. Fiona and Max were amazing. Witty and entertaining dialogue. Their chemistry was off the charts. Sizzling. A certain motorcycle scene was exquisitely erotic. I didn’t know what to do with myself except fanning and gasping for air. These two just meshed to perfection. Flirting and teasing one another. I couldn’t get enough. They both learn to face their fears, seize the moment and just let go. All because of love. I was so there for it.
The side characters were amazing too. Max’s pop was so sweet and I enjoyed his relationship with his son Max. His two friends Mateo and Rafael along with Fiona’s family were top notch as well. I can’t rave enough about this ensemble. I was all smiles from start to finish.
Not The Marrying Kind is why I love to read the friends to lovers trope. Then add this perfect ensemble of characters. Well, stick a fork in me I’m done!
5 Sparks & Hurricane Stars
* I received an arc *
Not The Marrying Kind has the same kind of vibe as Strictly Professional and I was immediately hooked. The group of characters was the highlight of the story. I adored every one of them. Fiona and Max were amazing. Witty and entertaining dialogue. Their chemistry was off the charts. Sizzling. A certain motorcycle scene was exquisitely erotic. I didn’t know what to do with myself except fanning and gasping for air. These two just meshed to perfection. Flirting and teasing one another. I couldn’t get enough. They both learn to face their fears, seize the moment and just let go. All because of love. I was so there for it.
The side characters were amazing too. Max’s pop was so sweet and I enjoyed his relationship with his son Max. His two friends Mateo and Rafael along with Fiona’s family were top notch as well. I can’t rave enough about this ensemble. I was all smiles from start to finish.
Not The Marrying Kind is why I love to read the friends to lovers trope. Then add this perfect ensemble of characters. Well, stick a fork in me I’m done!
5 Sparks & Hurricane Stars
* I received an arc *
July 2, 2021
Wow I just had a great freaking time!! The chemistry!!! The banter!! The tension!! Sheesh I was waiting on bated breaths for them to just bang already. Fiona is a stronger woman than me bc I would've fallen onto Max's dick Day 2 no question. I had so many feels reading this. On one hand I didn't want it to end and just wanted the delicious tension to be drawn out forever but on the other I was so impatient like JUST FUCK EACH OTHER ALREADY I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE. Seriously these two were the perfect combination of cute and 🔥fire🔥 I swear my face actually started to hurt from grinning so hard at the banter and anticipation.
Fiona (our heroine) was bomb as hell and I have such a big girl crush on her. I seriously wanna be her when I grow up. She was ambitious, type A, a total boss, but could also let her hair down and go wild w the best of em I absolutely loved all her dichotomies. "Punk-rock CEO" is such an aspirational brand. Max's character development was beyond great too. He went from a love em and leave em rake
To a total lovestruck, obsessed, would-do-anything-for-Fiona-bc-he's-her-biggest-fan commitment lover✨
Ahhh I loved these two a lot. The only thing I wish was different was that Max shoulda chased down Fiona in the end, not the other way around. I have to give an honorable mention to Pop as well, that man was truly too pure for this world 💙💙 Every time he called him and Max a team he stole a piece of my heart, I swear. I love grumpy characters who show their big hearts through their actions. I'm so glad he got his own HEA.
Fiona (our heroine) was bomb as hell and I have such a big girl crush on her. I seriously wanna be her when I grow up. She was ambitious, type A, a total boss, but could also let her hair down and go wild w the best of em I absolutely loved all her dichotomies. "Punk-rock CEO" is such an aspirational brand. Max's character development was beyond great too. He went from a love em and leave em rake
"So if you're not the hero on the white horse, then who are you?"
“Easy.” The rough edge of his voice made me shiver. “I’m the princess’s dirty little secret. After Prince Charming gives her a chaste kiss on the cheek, she lets me in through the window. I stay all night and sneak out before dawn.”
To a total lovestruck, obsessed, would-do-anything-for-Fiona-bc-he's-her-biggest-fan commitment lover✨
“On a scale of one to ten,” Mateo said. “One being that you’ve had sex with a different woman every night since being in L.A., and ten being that you cry yourself to sleep surrounded by empty ice cream containers… where are you?”
I snorted and then said, "Oh, ten, of course."
Ahhh I loved these two a lot. The only thing I wish was different was that Max shoulda chased down Fiona in the end, not the other way around. I have to give an honorable mention to Pop as well, that man was truly too pure for this world 💙💙 Every time he called him and Max a team he stole a piece of my heart, I swear. I love grumpy characters who show their big hearts through their actions. I'm so glad he got his own HEA.
February 22, 2021
Have you ever read a book and felt so closely connected to a h before? Fiona Quinn is my Type A, plan everything to the last second, not having plans gives us anxiety, punk rock, corporate princess kindred spirit... It's a mouthful I know 😂
This book needs to become a fucking movie or tv show. It was epic. The romance, the setting, the music, the family. Everything about this book was so damn perfect.
I loved that this book had such a huge musical element to it and it's music I grew up with and still love to this day. It really set this story apart and this rocker loved the soundtrack so hard.
Fiona and Max are absolute polar opposite yet when they meet you just know that they are going to be spectacular together. They balance each other so perfectly and the swoon level was ramped up to an 11. Max...dear Lord, you filthy talking, tatted up anti-prince charming bad boy. You can take me anywhere you want on your motorbike sir.
I loved that not only do you get an absolutely epic love story in this book but you get an epic story about family. I loved reading about Fiona's crazy punk rock parents, seeing Roxy and Edward again, learning about Max's dad and how he raised him on his own while running one of New Yorks biggest punk rock venues. There was a whole cast of characters to fall in love with.
If you're in the mood for an opposites attract, punk rock, steamy, funny, you'll be imagining this as a movie or tv series as you read it book then you definitely need to pick this up.
This book needs to become a fucking movie or tv show. It was epic. The romance, the setting, the music, the family. Everything about this book was so damn perfect.
I loved that this book had such a huge musical element to it and it's music I grew up with and still love to this day. It really set this story apart and this rocker loved the soundtrack so hard.
Fiona and Max are absolute polar opposite yet when they meet you just know that they are going to be spectacular together. They balance each other so perfectly and the swoon level was ramped up to an 11. Max...dear Lord, you filthy talking, tatted up anti-prince charming bad boy. You can take me anywhere you want on your motorbike sir.
I loved that not only do you get an absolutely epic love story in this book but you get an epic story about family. I loved reading about Fiona's crazy punk rock parents, seeing Roxy and Edward again, learning about Max's dad and how he raised him on his own while running one of New Yorks biggest punk rock venues. There was a whole cast of characters to fall in love with.
If you're in the mood for an opposites attract, punk rock, steamy, funny, you'll be imagining this as a movie or tv series as you read it book then you definitely need to pick this up.
January 30, 2021
This. Was. Flawless!!!
It's actually fucking criminal that more people haven't read this book.
If you're settling in right now thinking "Oh man I'd love to read something fluffy but also with a lot of heart, hilarious but with great character development, fuckin filthy yet not porn without plot, banter but not without substance, and about opposites who attract but also discover how much they have in common..."
Well bitch, this book is for you.
10/10 fucking flawless I loved every single minute of it. I think I highlighted 99% of the book. And this will be one of those great re-readers for me, because even the time they weren't technically together yet wasn't a bunch of push-pull hurry up and get together already!!! typa stuff.
Every aspect of Fiona and Max's relationship was *chefs kiss*
Read this book goddamnit!
It's actually fucking criminal that more people haven't read this book.
If you're settling in right now thinking "Oh man I'd love to read something fluffy but also with a lot of heart, hilarious but with great character development, fuckin filthy yet not porn without plot, banter but not without substance, and about opposites who attract but also discover how much they have in common..."
Well bitch, this book is for you.
10/10 fucking flawless I loved every single minute of it. I think I highlighted 99% of the book. And this will be one of those great re-readers for me, because even the time they weren't technically together yet wasn't a bunch of push-pull hurry up and get together already!!! typa stuff.
Every aspect of Fiona and Max's relationship was *chefs kiss*
Read this book goddamnit!
January 12, 2021
3.5 "Loving you is unquantifiable. Love’s not a calculated risk. It’s a leap of faith." stars
Fiona Quinn is Roxy's sister from Strictly Professional. She has always been different from her rock/punk family, meaning she is career driven,a lawyer, obsessed with planing and workaholic. So after a year of failed dating she makes a new plan to find her husband, all starting with a contract with herself.
“I, Fiona Lennox Quinn, hereby commit to finding my soul mate and being married to him within eighteen months of the signing date. I will not engage in any physical affection, including but not limited to kissing, hand-holding, and,of course, sex until I can guarantee his commitment.”
Of course her plan couldn't be more flawed, because when she re meets Max Devlin, she has to decide to let herself be free and wild for a bit or just be the same calculated person she's always been.
Max is a biker, a bad boy, cocky and arrogant but full of charm. He gets itchy feet very often if he stays too long in a place, so for the past 7 years he's been riding his bike across the country. Now he is home to help his dad save the club every punk rock member of the community loves: The Red Room.
"I’m the best bad decision you’ll ever make."
Here enters Fiona. She and Max make a great team to save the club from being evicted. They spend lots of time together and are crazy attracted to eachoher. She knows he will leave NY soon, but they both want to try to make their relationship work.
Both dealt with insecurities, for both of them the relathionsip and the intensity of it was new and scary, so it took some time until they figured out how to make it work.
"Here was my anti-Prince Charming, sneaking into my bed chambers to fuck me senseless from dusk until dawn. To seduce me into reckless behavior filled with delicious sin. Max was the total opposite of orderly spreadsheets and calculations. He was hot sex personified, and I was a special kind of fool to think I could resist him."
The epilogue left a huge smile on my face, reason i m rounding this to 4 stars. At times I felt like Fiona was whinging about everything she had to do for her family, sounded like she was neglected , which was not the case. Also there is a looot of talk about music and how music make you feel and etc. I love music, but I felt like it took lots of space here.
Fiona Quinn is Roxy's sister from Strictly Professional. She has always been different from her rock/punk family, meaning she is career driven,a lawyer, obsessed with planing and workaholic. So after a year of failed dating she makes a new plan to find her husband, all starting with a contract with herself.
“I, Fiona Lennox Quinn, hereby commit to finding my soul mate and being married to him within eighteen months of the signing date. I will not engage in any physical affection, including but not limited to kissing, hand-holding, and,of course, sex until I can guarantee his commitment.”
Of course her plan couldn't be more flawed, because when she re meets Max Devlin, she has to decide to let herself be free and wild for a bit or just be the same calculated person she's always been.
Max is a biker, a bad boy, cocky and arrogant but full of charm. He gets itchy feet very often if he stays too long in a place, so for the past 7 years he's been riding his bike across the country. Now he is home to help his dad save the club every punk rock member of the community loves: The Red Room.
"I’m the best bad decision you’ll ever make."
Here enters Fiona. She and Max make a great team to save the club from being evicted. They spend lots of time together and are crazy attracted to eachoher. She knows he will leave NY soon, but they both want to try to make their relationship work.
Both dealt with insecurities, for both of them the relathionsip and the intensity of it was new and scary, so it took some time until they figured out how to make it work.
"Here was my anti-Prince Charming, sneaking into my bed chambers to fuck me senseless from dusk until dawn. To seduce me into reckless behavior filled with delicious sin. Max was the total opposite of orderly spreadsheets and calculations. He was hot sex personified, and I was a special kind of fool to think I could resist him."
The epilogue left a huge smile on my face, reason i m rounding this to 4 stars. At times I felt like Fiona was whinging about everything she had to do for her family, sounded like she was neglected , which was not the case. Also there is a looot of talk about music and how music make you feel and etc. I love music, but I felt like it took lots of space here.
April 22, 2021
I enjoyed this contemporary romance about a punk rock club in New York City on the verge of being closed down from back rent due. Leading the fight to keep it open is Fiona the daughter of members of a punk rock band that plays at the doomed club and Max the owners son. They are two likable characters with great chemistry, and the romance is hot but the star of this book for me is the music. This book is full of music and band references and it brought up great memories of the good old bar-hopping, dancing all night, concert going days. Fun read. 4 stars.
March 17, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
I freakin LOVED IT. I felt so included lmao. The book does its job in the sense that I felt the atmosphere and I felt like I was there. The whole music thing made me feel super connected and I just loved Fiona and Max.
Fiona was an awesome heroine. She was a combination of a bunch of things and I loved it. Max was such a hottie and a softie. I fell for both HARD.
That beginning whewww!! They had a lot of chemistry and even though this is kind of insta-lovey (2 weeks) it didn’t feel that short. I loved the secondary characters because they were THERE. They weren’t forgotten and they added the home spice to it.
My only complaint was how the conflict was resolved. I kinda wish Fiona hadn’t done that, but like it was just so her. Still... Max lost points there, just a bit. Also, Fiona complained a lot about her family and it felt a bit repetitive.
I really liked how they talked things and it felt matured how they realized some issues they had. It felt appropriate to their age, thank god.
But yeah, LOVED IT. I had a great fucking time and I’m gonna be reading more of this author.
P.S. Pop stole my heart, I love him so fcking much😭😭
I freakin LOVED IT. I felt so included lmao. The book does its job in the sense that I felt the atmosphere and I felt like I was there. The whole music thing made me feel super connected and I just loved Fiona and Max.
Fiona was an awesome heroine. She was a combination of a bunch of things and I loved it. Max was such a hottie and a softie. I fell for both HARD.
That beginning whewww!! They had a lot of chemistry and even though this is kind of insta-lovey (2 weeks) it didn’t feel that short. I loved the secondary characters because they were THERE. They weren’t forgotten and they added the home spice to it.
My only complaint was how the conflict was resolved. I kinda wish Fiona hadn’t done that, but like it was just so her. Still... Max lost points there, just a bit. Also, Fiona complained a lot about her family and it felt a bit repetitive.
I really liked how they talked things and it felt matured how they realized some issues they had. It felt appropriate to their age, thank god.
But yeah, LOVED IT. I had a great fucking time and I’m gonna be reading more of this author.
P.S. Pop stole my heart, I love him so fcking much😭😭
September 29, 2021
5+ anti Prince Charming stars!
I think I have found another author to add to my favorites list, Kathryn Nolan. Only special books get a 5+ rating from me, and this book, let me tell you, was SPECTACULAR! First of all the writing was flawless. I was drawn into these characters and their lives from page one. I have just as big of a crush on Fiona as I do Max Devlin. These characters were fleshed out in the best possible way and so realistic. I could greatly identify with Max, coming from a broken home and lots of broken promises. Not only were the main characters just amazing, but the side characters, Max’s Pop, the atmosphere—EVERYTHING. Max Devlin thought he was an anti-Prince Charming, but I was swept off my feet right along with Fiona.
This story was the perfect crescendo of brilliance, steaminess, sexiness, inclusion and rock on satisfaction! Now, don’t mind me as I devour every single book that KN has written. I can’t even think right now, I just want to stay with these characters that now hold a special place in my heart.
I think I have found another author to add to my favorites list, Kathryn Nolan. Only special books get a 5+ rating from me, and this book, let me tell you, was SPECTACULAR! First of all the writing was flawless. I was drawn into these characters and their lives from page one. I have just as big of a crush on Fiona as I do Max Devlin. These characters were fleshed out in the best possible way and so realistic. I could greatly identify with Max, coming from a broken home and lots of broken promises. Not only were the main characters just amazing, but the side characters, Max’s Pop, the atmosphere—EVERYTHING. Max Devlin thought he was an anti-Prince Charming, but I was swept off my feet right along with Fiona.
This story was the perfect crescendo of brilliance, steaminess, sexiness, inclusion and rock on satisfaction! Now, don’t mind me as I devour every single book that KN has written. I can’t even think right now, I just want to stay with these characters that now hold a special place in my heart.
August 17, 2022
⊹ reread, augustus 2022 · 3.75 stars.
⊹ read, february 2021 · 5 stars.
❝I was flirting with you on purpose. You, and only you.❞
max getting jealous of nonexistent brett will forever be the funniest thing I have ever read and the motorcycle stimulation scene will remain imprinted on my mind forever. <3
⊹ read, february 2021 · 5 stars.
❝I was flirting with you on purpose. You, and only you.❞
max getting jealous of nonexistent brett will forever be the funniest thing I have ever read and the motorcycle stimulation scene will remain imprinted on my mind forever. <3
January 20, 2021
It’s not just my imagination that this may be one of the best romance books of the year. It is a fact! It checks all the boxes: romance ✅, smiles✅, best music ✅, Lots of food for thought✅, one of the BEST “Meet Cutes Ever”✅, Heat Level OFF the Charts✅✅✅!
Let’s start with the “Meet Cute”. You will literally need a firehose to cool off. Yet it is simply adorable. The chemistry is instantaneous. It is proof positive that sometimes the rules need to fly out the window or off a fire escape. You ever heard the saying about the best laid plains often go awry? This is a testament to that.
Max is not only sexy and handsome. He is a breath of fresh air. Here is a guy willing to admit his positives and negatives. He thinks he is completely honest and has it all together.
Fiona is the beautiful, organized (at times free spirit) who thinks she knows what she wants. She has rules and rules aren’t made to be broken. Or are they?
Within these pages we get so much more than just a romance. We get real life issues brought to us that we can think upon. Questions that came to my mind while reading were matters such as: why are we willing to settle to meet goals less than what we really desire? why don’t we make our own rules that meet out desires? is it a parent’s responsibility to inflict their views or lifestyle (habits) on their children, do they have the right to be disappointed if a child doesn’t follow their choices (not careers) but the way they think? do we sometimes rebel against issues/matters/causes even though we’re not fully against what we’re rebelling against? Lastly, if you don’t keep in touch with your best friend for a long time do you have the right to still consider yourself a best friend?
I didn’t highlight much. I took copious notes. However, one scene gave me perspective on how we need both planning and a little chaos or living with unpredictability if you will. It kind of actualizes this point:
“ But if you turn thirty and you’re still single nothing bad will happen. The world will keep right on spinning either way. Why not let the next two years be a surprise instead?”
“ The world spins because of a precisely tuned gravitational pull. That my friend is smart planning.”
I adore that scene because it shows the duality of life. How we need both to balance how we cope.
Kathryn Nolan’s mind works in mysterious, wonderful ways. I love her writing for that. No two books are the same. She creates her own genre. The one area that is always consistent is her sense of community and giving back. She shows her love of travel and doing good. The vistas she creates are breath taking. She is an activist an ambassador of good. It shows in her books. It’s like a light she can’t hide like the sun. She lets you feel the experiences in her work. There is a scene of simulation and anticipation and it is guaranteed to give you heart palpitations in the best of ways. This is a journey on so many levels.
The music references alone are worth the read. For the mature reader it’s a trip down memory lane. For the newbies to the era of this music it’s the experience of a lifetime.
This is a story of coming to know yourself after a lifetime of thinking you knew yourself and experiencing moments you never expected to live. There is a mother daughter moment that had me questioning my preconceived knowledge of my life. I found myself questioning what I actually know and what I thought I knew. So many tender moments between lovers, parents, siblings. If you’ve read Strictly Professional you’ll love seeing Roxy and Edward and all they brought to their story. Then there are the realization moments that you are more than enough but your are definitely allowed to change your options in life.
I’m sorry for going on way too long. You may have already stopped. That’s why I moved some of my paragraphs around. I actually had more! I just love this book and you will too. I will say it again, it’s not Just My Imagination this IS one of the best romance books of the year!
Let’s start with the “Meet Cute”. You will literally need a firehose to cool off. Yet it is simply adorable. The chemistry is instantaneous. It is proof positive that sometimes the rules need to fly out the window or off a fire escape. You ever heard the saying about the best laid plains often go awry? This is a testament to that.
Max is not only sexy and handsome. He is a breath of fresh air. Here is a guy willing to admit his positives and negatives. He thinks he is completely honest and has it all together.
Fiona is the beautiful, organized (at times free spirit) who thinks she knows what she wants. She has rules and rules aren’t made to be broken. Or are they?
Within these pages we get so much more than just a romance. We get real life issues brought to us that we can think upon. Questions that came to my mind while reading were matters such as: why are we willing to settle to meet goals less than what we really desire? why don’t we make our own rules that meet out desires? is it a parent’s responsibility to inflict their views or lifestyle (habits) on their children, do they have the right to be disappointed if a child doesn’t follow their choices (not careers) but the way they think? do we sometimes rebel against issues/matters/causes even though we’re not fully against what we’re rebelling against? Lastly, if you don’t keep in touch with your best friend for a long time do you have the right to still consider yourself a best friend?
I didn’t highlight much. I took copious notes. However, one scene gave me perspective on how we need both planning and a little chaos or living with unpredictability if you will. It kind of actualizes this point:
“ But if you turn thirty and you’re still single nothing bad will happen. The world will keep right on spinning either way. Why not let the next two years be a surprise instead?”
“ The world spins because of a precisely tuned gravitational pull. That my friend is smart planning.”
I adore that scene because it shows the duality of life. How we need both to balance how we cope.
Kathryn Nolan’s mind works in mysterious, wonderful ways. I love her writing for that. No two books are the same. She creates her own genre. The one area that is always consistent is her sense of community and giving back. She shows her love of travel and doing good. The vistas she creates are breath taking. She is an activist an ambassador of good. It shows in her books. It’s like a light she can’t hide like the sun. She lets you feel the experiences in her work. There is a scene of simulation and anticipation and it is guaranteed to give you heart palpitations in the best of ways. This is a journey on so many levels.
The music references alone are worth the read. For the mature reader it’s a trip down memory lane. For the newbies to the era of this music it’s the experience of a lifetime.
This is a story of coming to know yourself after a lifetime of thinking you knew yourself and experiencing moments you never expected to live. There is a mother daughter moment that had me questioning my preconceived knowledge of my life. I found myself questioning what I actually know and what I thought I knew. So many tender moments between lovers, parents, siblings. If you’ve read Strictly Professional you’ll love seeing Roxy and Edward and all they brought to their story. Then there are the realization moments that you are more than enough but your are definitely allowed to change your options in life.
I’m sorry for going on way too long. You may have already stopped. That’s why I moved some of my paragraphs around. I actually had more! I just love this book and you will too. I will say it again, it’s not Just My Imagination this IS one of the best romance books of the year!
December 30, 2020
Fiona and Max are a hot steamy romance, so hot they made this Minnesota girl take her jacket off while shoveling the driveway, in 20* weather, thinking about one hot scene where they didn't even kiss! If you have read Kathryn's books before than you know how good she is with her detailed writing. I literally felt like I was sitting on an old pulled out car seat on the floor of the garage during a hot scene on Motorcycle. Fiona is a planner, a office supply hoarding, spreadsheet making planner. Max is a nomad, living the single life to it's fullest. When he comes home to help his Pops out, and runs into Fiona, both their worlds are spun upside down in the most delicious of ways. I love how while reading this book I felt like I was living the backstage life of friends of a punk rock stars! All the music references made me smile and add songs I had forgotten about on to my playlists. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!
January 10, 2021
Curl up with a cup of coffee for this slow burn romance!
This story is Fiona Quinn’s story, Roxy Quinn’s little sister from this author’s previous novel Strictly Professional. This can be read as a stand alone, but if you read Strictly Professional first, it will explain a lot and, geez, it’s an amazing, extremely opposites attract story, so grab it if you haven’t read it.
One of the absolute best treat for readers of this author’s works is the emotional depth of the characters she creates. Not many authors can articulate emotions clearly in books, but this author makes it her full time job.
Fiona’s the black sheep of her family, not to say her family doesn’t absolutely adore her, they support and love her. The Quinn family is unconventional, they are punk rock musicians with solid careers, they are rebels, activist and fighters for rights.
Fiona is an analytical woman who craves order. She adores spreadsheets, goals and schedules; she’s a lawyer. She is reaching the age of 30 and craves reaching her goal of being married by then. She crushes data to figure out what attributes she wants in a husband, she has PLANS but isn’t sure how to go about that.
Enter Max Devlin. Max’s father, Pop, is the owner of the Red Room, the last remaining Punk Rock venue in New York. Pop has some financial issues and calls Max home. Max has been moving around for the last 7 years, he’s a nomad that has virtually cut ties or has a superficial relationship with family and friends, but not for their lack of trying. He COMES HOME, like really comes home and finds he has some ‘splaning to do with friends and people who care about him. Fiona is brought in to help with Pop’s issues and offer legal advice, but Max and Fiona end up planning an event for The Red Room. These two are absolutely combustible=Slow burn at it’s best, baby!.
I don’t want to say much about Fiona and Max except that it’s a very hot relationship and these two will fight for it. They are vulnerable, there will be tears, but they get a glorious HEA, but they need to get pretty low and I admire their candor, maturity, and their willingness to put their cards on the table.
We get some bonus stories in the side characters: Pop and his adorable pursuit of love, Mateo and Rafael, Max’s childhood friends who are now engaged, and we get a deeper look at Lou and Sandy, Fiona’s parents.
The biggest message here is you can go home.
This is 100% a 5 star read with all the heart eyes and a little bit of tears too.
This story is Fiona Quinn’s story, Roxy Quinn’s little sister from this author’s previous novel Strictly Professional. This can be read as a stand alone, but if you read Strictly Professional first, it will explain a lot and, geez, it’s an amazing, extremely opposites attract story, so grab it if you haven’t read it.
One of the absolute best treat for readers of this author’s works is the emotional depth of the characters she creates. Not many authors can articulate emotions clearly in books, but this author makes it her full time job.
Fiona’s the black sheep of her family, not to say her family doesn’t absolutely adore her, they support and love her. The Quinn family is unconventional, they are punk rock musicians with solid careers, they are rebels, activist and fighters for rights.
Fiona is an analytical woman who craves order. She adores spreadsheets, goals and schedules; she’s a lawyer. She is reaching the age of 30 and craves reaching her goal of being married by then. She crushes data to figure out what attributes she wants in a husband, she has PLANS but isn’t sure how to go about that.
Enter Max Devlin. Max’s father, Pop, is the owner of the Red Room, the last remaining Punk Rock venue in New York. Pop has some financial issues and calls Max home. Max has been moving around for the last 7 years, he’s a nomad that has virtually cut ties or has a superficial relationship with family and friends, but not for their lack of trying. He COMES HOME, like really comes home and finds he has some ‘splaning to do with friends and people who care about him. Fiona is brought in to help with Pop’s issues and offer legal advice, but Max and Fiona end up planning an event for The Red Room. These two are absolutely combustible=Slow burn at it’s best, baby!.
I don’t want to say much about Fiona and Max except that it’s a very hot relationship and these two will fight for it. They are vulnerable, there will be tears, but they get a glorious HEA, but they need to get pretty low and I admire their candor, maturity, and their willingness to put their cards on the table.
We get some bonus stories in the side characters: Pop and his adorable pursuit of love, Mateo and Rafael, Max’s childhood friends who are now engaged, and we get a deeper look at Lou and Sandy, Fiona’s parents.
The biggest message here is you can go home.
This is 100% a 5 star read with all the heart eyes and a little bit of tears too.
December 28, 2020
Kathryn has outdone herself!!
I have been waiting for Max and Fiona's book ever since Kathryn announced she was writing it, and it did not disappoint! Max and Fiona are both so different, yet the way these two connected over their shared love of music and history was beautiful to read. I had all the swoony feels, heart strings pulled and epic butterflies! These two opposites were exactly what the other needs!
I love how different Fiona is from her family and all her quirks that make her this badass that she truly is. She goes after what she wants, even if she does it in her own type-A way.
And where can I find my own Max in real life!? The tattoos, the motorcycle...everything about this hero tugged at my heart strings! He has such a big heart, and I can connect with him on a lot of levels -- I loved his journey throughout this story in finding his true self.
Both Max and Fiona go through a lot of growth in this story, and seeing them come together was just incredible! The chemistry was just to die for! The backdrop of their story at the Red Room and the music truly enhanced the story. I've never had so much fun listening to a playlist while reading and feeling the steam rise while I read! The music made Max and Fiona's story that much more amazing!
And THANK YOU for the scenes with Roxy and Edward...THEY. WERE. EVERYTHING. I loved these little glimpses into their life, and was greedy for more!
Kathryn is absolutely one of my favorite authors, no questions, and I recommend her books to everyone, and this one is no exception! Her books are smart, sexy and full of steam. I love the side characters she writes and the diversity in her books. She is a master storyteller, and everyone needs to pick up this book NOW!
I have been waiting for Max and Fiona's book ever since Kathryn announced she was writing it, and it did not disappoint! Max and Fiona are both so different, yet the way these two connected over their shared love of music and history was beautiful to read. I had all the swoony feels, heart strings pulled and epic butterflies! These two opposites were exactly what the other needs!
I love how different Fiona is from her family and all her quirks that make her this badass that she truly is. She goes after what she wants, even if she does it in her own type-A way.
And where can I find my own Max in real life!? The tattoos, the motorcycle...everything about this hero tugged at my heart strings! He has such a big heart, and I can connect with him on a lot of levels -- I loved his journey throughout this story in finding his true self.
Both Max and Fiona go through a lot of growth in this story, and seeing them come together was just incredible! The chemistry was just to die for! The backdrop of their story at the Red Room and the music truly enhanced the story. I've never had so much fun listening to a playlist while reading and feeling the steam rise while I read! The music made Max and Fiona's story that much more amazing!
And THANK YOU for the scenes with Roxy and Edward...THEY. WERE. EVERYTHING. I loved these little glimpses into their life, and was greedy for more!
Kathryn is absolutely one of my favorite authors, no questions, and I recommend her books to everyone, and this one is no exception! Her books are smart, sexy and full of steam. I love the side characters she writes and the diversity in her books. She is a master storyteller, and everyone needs to pick up this book NOW!
December 27, 2020
Who doesn't love a bad boy with a gooey, marshmallow heart? While I often struggle with manwhore heroes, there really is nothing quite like a bad boy who falls for the right girl. I love seeing a hero grapple with feelings he's unaccustomed to, trying to figure out how his life seemed to change in the blink of an eye - and that's exactly what happens with this one. It drifted between 4 and 5 stars for me the entire time, mostly because I feel like this hero got what he wanted way too easily (more on that in a minute). But I also had zero inclination to skim any pages, and I was invested in the story from start to finish. Any issues I have with this are pretty minor, so it was easy to get caught up in the romance.
The story follows Fiona, a woman who is tired of wasting her time on guys who can't commit. She's dated several over the last year who seem like they're in it for the long haul, only to leave after they've slept together. So Fiona has decided to take the dating process into her own hands, and writes up a contract for herself - the next time she kisses a guy, she'll be certain of his commitment. But when shameless playboy Max comes striding into her life, all of Fiona's plans go out the window. They've got instant, blazing chemistry, and that's super inconvenient, given Fiona's contract and Max's aversion to relationships. As the two spend more time together, they realize just how well they fit - and that they need to figure out what to do about that.
I've been meaning to try this author's work, and this was a great place to start. Her writing is interesting, the characters are complex, the steamy scenes are smoking, it remains light yet emotional, and while it's longer than I would've liked, there were never any moments when it dragged too much. I was unaware that this was connected to another of the author's books, Strictly Professional, but it reads just fine as a standalone. And, honestly, I don't actually think I would've liked that book - this one has some dirty steam, but it does not have anything that I would consider BDSM. My only real issue with the steam in this pertains to the frequent reminder of Max's (very recent) past, and the fact that he was sleeping around like a week before falling for Fiona. There's no OW drama, but I needed Max to work harder for his girl - it felt like Fiona compromised a LOT more than Max, all the way through. Ultimately, the good greatly outweighs the bad in this, so I'm choosing to round up my rating. I would not hesitate to read more from the author, and liked this a lot. I received an early copy via Enticing Journey and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.
The story follows Fiona, a woman who is tired of wasting her time on guys who can't commit. She's dated several over the last year who seem like they're in it for the long haul, only to leave after they've slept together. So Fiona has decided to take the dating process into her own hands, and writes up a contract for herself - the next time she kisses a guy, she'll be certain of his commitment. But when shameless playboy Max comes striding into her life, all of Fiona's plans go out the window. They've got instant, blazing chemistry, and that's super inconvenient, given Fiona's contract and Max's aversion to relationships. As the two spend more time together, they realize just how well they fit - and that they need to figure out what to do about that.
I've been meaning to try this author's work, and this was a great place to start. Her writing is interesting, the characters are complex, the steamy scenes are smoking, it remains light yet emotional, and while it's longer than I would've liked, there were never any moments when it dragged too much. I was unaware that this was connected to another of the author's books, Strictly Professional, but it reads just fine as a standalone. And, honestly, I don't actually think I would've liked that book - this one has some dirty steam, but it does not have anything that I would consider BDSM. My only real issue with the steam in this pertains to the frequent reminder of Max's (very recent) past, and the fact that he was sleeping around like a week before falling for Fiona. There's no OW drama, but I needed Max to work harder for his girl - it felt like Fiona compromised a LOT more than Max, all the way through. Ultimately, the good greatly outweighs the bad in this, so I'm choosing to round up my rating. I would not hesitate to read more from the author, and liked this a lot. I received an early copy via Enticing Journey and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.
March 12, 2021
She did all the heavy lifting at the end, and I was embarrassed for her.
December 30, 2020
Someone needs to hose me down because it.is.hot.in.here!
KN writes well. I adore her as a human and a writer. This book though. She just keeps the bar so high with every new release #TopOfHerGame!
I've been in a book slump so when a fav author released her latest book, I knew I could comfortably take that step. Well, #HoldThePhone because Max and Fiona are a five alarm fire, entwined with vulnerability & honesty, and a love of community. Super level eleven bonus points for their fantastic taste in music!
I'm doing my best not to be spoiler-y and I feel the blurb does an accurate job of laying the foundation of this book. I will say, the Roxy & Edward cameos are #WorthIt.
If you've liked any of Kathryn Nolan's previous books, you'll be well satisfied with this choice.
If not, buckle up kids. It's going to be a great adventure!
KN writes well. I adore her as a human and a writer. This book though. She just keeps the bar so high with every new release #TopOfHerGame!
I've been in a book slump so when a fav author released her latest book, I knew I could comfortably take that step. Well, #HoldThePhone because Max and Fiona are a five alarm fire, entwined with vulnerability & honesty, and a love of community. Super level eleven bonus points for their fantastic taste in music!
I'm doing my best not to be spoiler-y and I feel the blurb does an accurate job of laying the foundation of this book. I will say, the Roxy & Edward cameos are #WorthIt.
If you've liked any of Kathryn Nolan's previous books, you'll be well satisfied with this choice.
If not, buckle up kids. It's going to be a great adventure!
December 31, 2020
Out of the park AGAIN lady! This author is so consistent, I keep thinking ok,this is my favorite book by her, then the next one comes out and it takes over the last! I FLOVED Max and Fiona's story! First, another glimpse into the world of Edward (aka Tom Hiddleston) sign me up! Beyond that though, I just fell in love with our quirky heroine Fiona, with her lists and charts and organization being born into a family of punk rockers! She's had to shoulder so much responsibility, or she felt thats what she needed to do to make up for the disorganization of her family. Maybe if she could step back from it she'd see the thing I envy most about this fictional character, her community. Her people, her village, whatever you want to call it, the love I felt from it really came through. PERFECT first book of the new year to fill your heart with optimism and hope for whats to come in 2021. Nothing but love and positive vibes! I could not put this book down, for real, I just walked around my house basically attached to my Kindle, and we haven't even touched on how yummy silver tongued Max is! He had me grinning throughout. Just such a feeling of contentment and overwhelming joy when I was finished! I hope we revisit this gang at some point they are just too cool to forget about.
March 9, 2021
I’m always intrigued by an opposites-attract-romance, but both the characters and their romance were incredibly juvenile. Kathryn Nolan kept telling me how I should feel, but nothing in her storytelling actually made me feel those things. That was one of the most infuriating aspects of the novel: the aggrandizations, despite the lack of depth and chemistry, made every page feel torturous.
Fiona Quinn is the Queen of goal-setting and spreadsheets. So when she realizes that she only has 18 months to get married before she turns 30, she approaches it in the only way she knows how: map out a strategy to attract the right candidate and hold herself to a contract of celibacy. But when she runs into Max Devlin with his tattoos and commitment phobia – everything against her list – she has to decide whether letting go of her rules and taking a leap of faith are worth the risk.
Throughout the novel, Fiona and Max realized that what they thought they wanted weren’t actually what they needed. For her, she had to learn that it was okay to not be in control of every moment and that she didn’t have to deny her truest self to attract a partner. For him, he had to realize that he didn’t need to emulate his mother’s nomadic lifestyle and that setting down roots wasn't a cage. The way their respective journeys was presented, however, was so juvenile, especially Fiona’s. When pressed at the beginning about the values or attributes that she was looking for in a partner, Fiona’s only wishes were that he was career-driven, wanted to live in New York and get married. She was willing to give up her passions, such as punk rock music, as long as he exhibited those three characteristics. But when she discovered that Max shared the same musical tastes, she suddenly realized that “[her soul mate] either loves music the way I do, or he can get the fuck out”. It was ridiculous that it had to be all or nothing; that someone who respected and supported their significant other’s interests, regardless of whether theirs were the same, wasn’t the priority, but that they had to share the same music opinions. Her epiphany was so childish, yet it was presented as this revelatory moment. Max’s conflict, on the other hand, was presented in a similarly surface-level manner. I wished Kathryn delved deeper into how his mother’s (repeated) abandonment affected him as an adult today. It would have been more compelling had she shown Max working to let go of his disappointment and expectations surrounding his mother, especially since it no longer seemed to be an issue by the novel’s end.
My feelings toward Fiona’s and Max’s journeys extended to their romance. It was technically a slow romance in the sense that they got together around the 50% mark of the novel, but the actual lead-up to it and coupling felt more like insta-love than not. They barely spent any time together. Most of the novel was spent describing their aforementioned struggles, the subplot (where they organized a fundraiser to save his dad’s punk rock club) and the supporting characters. Fiona and Max just didn’t have any chemistry – it didn’t matter how many times Kathryn insisted that they did because it didn’t make it any more true. For instance, their banter just felt put-on, like in their first scene together by the fire escape, despite them extoling how amazing it was. Even their sex scenes felt insipid, which were, again, contrary to Kathryn’s descriptions of this irresistible sexual attraction and Max’s reputation as a Casanova. True to form, regardless of the lack of depth or romantic development, Kathryn somehow tried to push the message at the end that Fiona and Max were soulmates and that it was fate that had brought them together. Cue the eyerolls.
In short, there wasn’t anything endearing or charming about this novel. With the characters' struggles seeming so juvenile and frivolous, I just couldn’t give a shit about them or their love story.
Fiona Quinn is the Queen of goal-setting and spreadsheets. So when she realizes that she only has 18 months to get married before she turns 30, she approaches it in the only way she knows how: map out a strategy to attract the right candidate and hold herself to a contract of celibacy. But when she runs into Max Devlin with his tattoos and commitment phobia – everything against her list – she has to decide whether letting go of her rules and taking a leap of faith are worth the risk.
Throughout the novel, Fiona and Max realized that what they thought they wanted weren’t actually what they needed. For her, she had to learn that it was okay to not be in control of every moment and that she didn’t have to deny her truest self to attract a partner. For him, he had to realize that he didn’t need to emulate his mother’s nomadic lifestyle and that setting down roots wasn't a cage. The way their respective journeys was presented, however, was so juvenile, especially Fiona’s. When pressed at the beginning about the values or attributes that she was looking for in a partner, Fiona’s only wishes were that he was career-driven, wanted to live in New York and get married. She was willing to give up her passions, such as punk rock music, as long as he exhibited those three characteristics. But when she discovered that Max shared the same musical tastes, she suddenly realized that “[her soul mate] either loves music the way I do, or he can get the fuck out”. It was ridiculous that it had to be all or nothing; that someone who respected and supported their significant other’s interests, regardless of whether theirs were the same, wasn’t the priority, but that they had to share the same music opinions. Her epiphany was so childish, yet it was presented as this revelatory moment. Max’s conflict, on the other hand, was presented in a similarly surface-level manner. I wished Kathryn delved deeper into how his mother’s (repeated) abandonment affected him as an adult today. It would have been more compelling had she shown Max working to let go of his disappointment and expectations surrounding his mother, especially since it no longer seemed to be an issue by the novel’s end.
My feelings toward Fiona’s and Max’s journeys extended to their romance. It was technically a slow romance in the sense that they got together around the 50% mark of the novel, but the actual lead-up to it and coupling felt more like insta-love than not. They barely spent any time together. Most of the novel was spent describing their aforementioned struggles, the subplot (where they organized a fundraiser to save his dad’s punk rock club) and the supporting characters. Fiona and Max just didn’t have any chemistry – it didn’t matter how many times Kathryn insisted that they did because it didn’t make it any more true. For instance, their banter just felt put-on, like in their first scene together by the fire escape, despite them extoling how amazing it was. Even their sex scenes felt insipid, which were, again, contrary to Kathryn’s descriptions of this irresistible sexual attraction and Max’s reputation as a Casanova. True to form, regardless of the lack of depth or romantic development, Kathryn somehow tried to push the message at the end that Fiona and Max were soulmates and that it was fate that had brought them together. Cue the eyerolls.
In short, there wasn’t anything endearing or charming about this novel. With the characters' struggles seeming so juvenile and frivolous, I just couldn’t give a shit about them or their love story.
December 19, 2020
We're back at the Red Room!! I wanted Fiona's story since the moment we met her, and boy, did it ever not disappoint.
The strict, organized Fiona and Max, who goes with the flow, not to be tied down, need to work together to save the Red Room.
As always with Kathryn Nolan, the sparks are flying from the first paragraph, and you cannot wait for them to finally give in and let the fireworks explode. I adored this story, I saw myself in this story, even when i am like neither main character, there were so many emotions explored, journeys taken, and so much trying to understand each other, even when they see things entirely differently. Taking the other seriously, and listening. Ohhhh my, this was phenomenal.
The strict, organized Fiona and Max, who goes with the flow, not to be tied down, need to work together to save the Red Room.
As always with Kathryn Nolan, the sparks are flying from the first paragraph, and you cannot wait for them to finally give in and let the fireworks explode. I adored this story, I saw myself in this story, even when i am like neither main character, there were so many emotions explored, journeys taken, and so much trying to understand each other, even when they see things entirely differently. Taking the other seriously, and listening. Ohhhh my, this was phenomenal.
January 30, 2022
I love them so much it's making me stupid.
I didn't think it was possible to love anyone more than Roxie and Edward, but oh no, along comes boss bitch Fiona and nice guy player Max and I'm fucking done for.
They obliterated my brain. I'm just a really happy corpse right now, blissfully waiting for the next absolute snack Kathryn Nolan's going to feed me.
She gives the best treats.
A sweetie pie playboy hero who falls ass over teakettle for the Type A, business in the front, punk rock in the back, heroine?
My heart... it's so full... and I haven't even mentioned the smut!
Yeah, it's Kathryn Nolan, so you know she comes to play.
I want to read it again but as a new book but completely the same.
Is that possible?
January 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this! I absolutely loved their flirting and chemistry. Their honesty and how straightforward they were with what they wanted and their actions were very refreshing.
These two are definitely opposites attract. Fionna is organized, has a very logical and strategic approach to life but there is an edge to her. She knows what she wants and she is willing to put in the work to get what she puts her mind into. She studied, graduated and after a few years she just wants to settle down and get married. On the other hand, Max is very carefree, never stays in a place for too long, always looking for the next adventure. You will probably think they won't work out but they figured it out. I liked how both learned from each other and tried to mix each other's lifestyle and made an in-between.
It was fun and cute. This was also one of the few times I didn't mind the 'insta lust/love'.
These two are definitely opposites attract. Fionna is organized, has a very logical and strategic approach to life but there is an edge to her. She knows what she wants and she is willing to put in the work to get what she puts her mind into. She studied, graduated and after a few years she just wants to settle down and get married. On the other hand, Max is very carefree, never stays in a place for too long, always looking for the next adventure. You will probably think they won't work out but they figured it out. I liked how both learned from each other and tried to mix each other's lifestyle and made an in-between.
It was fun and cute. This was also one of the few times I didn't mind the 'insta lust/love'.
January 30, 2021
Successful lawyer Fiona Quinn is nearing 30-years old and she’s determined to find her soulmate before then. She only wants 3 things in a husband; someone who is career-driven, wanting to settle down in NYC, and looking to get married. Although the past year of dating has proven fruitless for Fiona, she won’t stop searching until she finds her holy trinity of husbands.
When Fiona goes to see her parents’ punk rock band’s performance at The Red Room where they’ve played for the past several decades, Fiona runs into the owner’s son, Max Devlin, who she knew growing up. Max returned to NYC because his dad’s business is in trouble and he wants to save The Red Room from going under.
Max is nothing like Fiona’s ideal husband. He isn’t looking to be tied to a job, place or a woman and he isn’t looking to change that anytime soon. But even still, Fiona can’t deny the fire between them. Fiona knows Max is far from husband material, but she can’t stop herself from making the worst best decision of her life.
Not the Marrying Kind by Kathryn Nolan was such a fun read and I’m so happy I randomly picked it up. I love the “opposites attract” trope and Max & Fiona couldn’t be any more different. I loved their shared passion when it came to music & The Red Room. I related a lot to Fiona—very type A. She wanted consistency, organization, things she can control because life is so unpredictable. Whereas Max wanted to be as unpredictable as possible to avoid any kind of heartbreak. This was a little on the long side (400+ pages) so I would’ve been happier if it was a little shorter. Even still, this was a great read and I recommend picking it up! 4/5 stars.
When Fiona goes to see her parents’ punk rock band’s performance at The Red Room where they’ve played for the past several decades, Fiona runs into the owner’s son, Max Devlin, who she knew growing up. Max returned to NYC because his dad’s business is in trouble and he wants to save The Red Room from going under.
Max is nothing like Fiona’s ideal husband. He isn’t looking to be tied to a job, place or a woman and he isn’t looking to change that anytime soon. But even still, Fiona can’t deny the fire between them. Fiona knows Max is far from husband material, but she can’t stop herself from making the worst best decision of her life.
Not the Marrying Kind by Kathryn Nolan was such a fun read and I’m so happy I randomly picked it up. I love the “opposites attract” trope and Max & Fiona couldn’t be any more different. I loved their shared passion when it came to music & The Red Room. I related a lot to Fiona—very type A. She wanted consistency, organization, things she can control because life is so unpredictable. Whereas Max wanted to be as unpredictable as possible to avoid any kind of heartbreak. This was a little on the long side (400+ pages) so I would’ve been happier if it was a little shorter. Even still, this was a great read and I recommend picking it up! 4/5 stars.
February 8, 2021
I can't have enough of Kathryn's books! This is my 3rd book by her and WOW every book that I've read has been a 5 star read for me.
January 2, 2021
“I was flirting with you on purpose. You, and only you.”
From the very first word, Not The Marrying Kind captured my attention and my heart. I LOVED Max and Fiona and their story was perfection. After I finished, I wanted to read it all over again.
“Fiona Quinn controlled my heart rate just by breathing or standing next to me.”
Fiona Quinn is a bad-ass. She’s passionate, brave, smart, sassy, and the backbone of her family. She sets a goal and she accomplishes it. She loves her family fiercely and while she’ll analyze the risks vs. rewards of her decisions, once she’s decides to take a leap, she’s all in.
“He was my anti-Prince Charming and the man who made me feel sparks. Everywhere.”
Max Devlin is the bad-boy who loves ‘em and leaves ‘em. He never stays in one place long, but when he returns home after seven years and encounters Fiona again, he is instantly smitten. Max is sexy, charming and oh-so-swoonworthy. He doesn’t think he’s capable of commitment, but Fiona makes him want to try.
It was so much fun to catch up with Roxy and Edward. I loved all of the supporting characters…well, except for Max’s mom. They added humor and depth to the story.
If I could rate Not The Marrying Kind higher than 5 stars, I would. Max and Fiona’s story is smoking hot and their chemistry singes the pages. I loved watching them navigate their feelings and confront their pasts. Neither of them was prepared for the electricity that sparked between them and watching them take a leap of faith in spite of being afraid was beautiful. This is Kathryn Nolan's best book yet!!
From the very first word, Not The Marrying Kind captured my attention and my heart. I LOVED Max and Fiona and their story was perfection. After I finished, I wanted to read it all over again.
“Fiona Quinn controlled my heart rate just by breathing or standing next to me.”
Fiona Quinn is a bad-ass. She’s passionate, brave, smart, sassy, and the backbone of her family. She sets a goal and she accomplishes it. She loves her family fiercely and while she’ll analyze the risks vs. rewards of her decisions, once she’s decides to take a leap, she’s all in.
“He was my anti-Prince Charming and the man who made me feel sparks. Everywhere.”
Max Devlin is the bad-boy who loves ‘em and leaves ‘em. He never stays in one place long, but when he returns home after seven years and encounters Fiona again, he is instantly smitten. Max is sexy, charming and oh-so-swoonworthy. He doesn’t think he’s capable of commitment, but Fiona makes him want to try.
It was so much fun to catch up with Roxy and Edward. I loved all of the supporting characters…well, except for Max’s mom. They added humor and depth to the story.
If I could rate Not The Marrying Kind higher than 5 stars, I would. Max and Fiona’s story is smoking hot and their chemistry singes the pages. I loved watching them navigate their feelings and confront their pasts. Neither of them was prepared for the electricity that sparked between them and watching them take a leap of faith in spite of being afraid was beautiful. This is Kathryn Nolan's best book yet!!
January 9, 2022
Cute, but felt too much like insta-love/lust.
January 8, 2021
Have you ever just finished a book and wanted to hug it because you felt so wonderful afterwards? I hope you have but if you’re yet to observe that feeling I can highly recommend Kathryn Nolan’s Not The Marrying Kind.
As I was reading this book I had such a feeling of nostalgia for a place and time I’ve never been. I could picture myself at The Red Room, in Fiona’s apartment and hanging out in the Quinn household. Then it hit me that the nostalgia was for community and love and freedom. Kathryn Nolan had such a beautiful way with words that demonstrate truth and longing.
Max & Fiona sizzled from their first meeting and I really enjoyed watching them explore their changing life views. They both have pictures of how they believe their lives are going to go and meeting each other challenges this. The chemistry in this Insta-lust, friends to lovers story is a master class and cheeky Max is the book boyfriend we all deserve at the beginning of 2021.
The other relationships in this story familial, friendship, sibling all bring something special to the story and it was wonderful to be back with the Quinn family and to get to know Max’s world. Pop is a wonderful and real father figure.
I couldn’t put this down and I already can’t wait to go back in time and dance the night away at the Red Room.
It was a treat to get to check in with Roxy & Edward but if you haven’t read Strictly Professional don’t let that hold you back from reading Not The Marrying Kind. It’ll just make you want to go back and experience the joy that is Roxy & Edwards story.
As I was reading this book I had such a feeling of nostalgia for a place and time I’ve never been. I could picture myself at The Red Room, in Fiona’s apartment and hanging out in the Quinn household. Then it hit me that the nostalgia was for community and love and freedom. Kathryn Nolan had such a beautiful way with words that demonstrate truth and longing.
Max & Fiona sizzled from their first meeting and I really enjoyed watching them explore their changing life views. They both have pictures of how they believe their lives are going to go and meeting each other challenges this. The chemistry in this Insta-lust, friends to lovers story is a master class and cheeky Max is the book boyfriend we all deserve at the beginning of 2021.
The other relationships in this story familial, friendship, sibling all bring something special to the story and it was wonderful to be back with the Quinn family and to get to know Max’s world. Pop is a wonderful and real father figure.
I couldn’t put this down and I already can’t wait to go back in time and dance the night away at the Red Room.
It was a treat to get to check in with Roxy & Edward but if you haven’t read Strictly Professional don’t let that hold you back from reading Not The Marrying Kind. It’ll just make you want to go back and experience the joy that is Roxy & Edwards story.
January 9, 2021
This book is a self discovery of two people who think they know what they want out of life, but they really want each other. How they get to that point is a beautiful story. Max and Fiona’s story is romance book perfection!
This book was like going home for me, because Strictly Professional was my first book of Kathryn Nolan’s and I loved it. I loved being re-introduced amazing characters and getting to know Fiona was spectacular. She is this strong woman who is driven and knows what she wants. She got an amazing family that is different then her but she loves them. Max is coming home to help his Pop. He’s been away for 7 years just doing him. When he and Fiona meet again after so many years, it is amazing! They have this incredible chemistry but want such different things in life.
They need to work together to help Pop and this story starts from there. I loved everything about this book, how it flows, how the story develops, I couldn’t put it down. What I loved most was watching Fiona and Max realize they really cared for each other and perhaps their life plans can change. They open their hearts to each other and also those in their lives. I love Roxy and Fiona’s relationship, Max reconnecting with his friend Mateo and both of them growing in their relationship with their parents.
This book goes in my list of 2020 top reads because it is a story that makes you feel good when you are honest with yourself and those in your life. It’s a must read! Thank you Kathryn Nolan for gives us books that make readers love love!!
This book was like going home for me, because Strictly Professional was my first book of Kathryn Nolan’s and I loved it. I loved being re-introduced amazing characters and getting to know Fiona was spectacular. She is this strong woman who is driven and knows what she wants. She got an amazing family that is different then her but she loves them. Max is coming home to help his Pop. He’s been away for 7 years just doing him. When he and Fiona meet again after so many years, it is amazing! They have this incredible chemistry but want such different things in life.
They need to work together to help Pop and this story starts from there. I loved everything about this book, how it flows, how the story develops, I couldn’t put it down. What I loved most was watching Fiona and Max realize they really cared for each other and perhaps their life plans can change. They open their hearts to each other and also those in their lives. I love Roxy and Fiona’s relationship, Max reconnecting with his friend Mateo and both of them growing in their relationship with their parents.
This book goes in my list of 2020 top reads because it is a story that makes you feel good when you are honest with yourself and those in your life. It’s a must read! Thank you Kathryn Nolan for gives us books that make readers love love!!
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