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Work for It #2
Heart Smart
Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has a problem ...
I'm a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees. "Misanthropic asshole" is the term I hear most often.
I don't care what other people think as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn't enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.
Except, I've been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I'll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.
Yeah. None of that is going to happen.
Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a "make over," help me write the speeches, and manage my social media.
But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.
And Holly is the solution...
I'm a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I'm used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.
But I'm good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.
When Max's boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.
It'll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant.
What I can't handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.
This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat ...
'Heart Smart' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
I'm a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees. "Misanthropic asshole" is the term I hear most often.
I don't care what other people think as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn't enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.
Except, I've been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I'll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.
Yeah. None of that is going to happen.
Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a "make over," help me write the speeches, and manage my social media.
But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.
And Holly is the solution...
I'm a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I'm used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.
But I'm good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.
When Max's boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.
It'll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant.
What I can't handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.
This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat ...
'Heart Smart' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2021
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March 4, 2021
I am SO EXCITED to announce that Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne is available in Kindle Unlimited! GAH! Go forth and read the grumpy hero goodness in the Educated Romance world from Smartypants Romance!
** Read in Kindle Unlimited **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2IYAhYZ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3m020af
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2J1C8g0
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3fpR6YQ
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3joCMlj
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3b0S9yw
** BLURB **
Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has a problem ….
I’m a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees.
“Misanthropic asshole” is the term I hear most often. I don’t care what other people think as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn’t enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.
Except, I’ve been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I’ll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.
Yeah. None of that is going to happen.
Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a “make over,” help me write the speeches, and manage my social media. But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.
And Holly is the solution…
I’m a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I’m used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.
But I’m good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.
When Max’s boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.
It’ll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant. What I can’t handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.
This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat …
‘Heart Smart’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 18, 2021
A closed-off emotionally stunted hero that repeals everyone around him and seems like the biggest jerk only to be revealed as a closeted cinnamon roll is my kryptonite!
Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has been short-listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships in the world. To win it, he needs to give a series of passionate speeches about his subject matter. The only problem is, he has no interest in being charming, and being on stage is a big no in his book.
To make this happen, the university enlists Holly, a communications specialist selected to give Max a makeover. In a battle of wills and wits, both go head to head, none willing to admit defeat.
I devoured Heart Smart in one sitting. I'm a sucker for witty banter and this book did not disappoint. Both Max and Holly were greatly crafted and were interesting on their own, but together they melted my heart and I couldn't get enough of them. Just writing this review makes me want to go back and re-read the entire thing.
Thank you Smartpants Romance for the ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
★★NOW AVAILABLE IN KU★★
"Okay, people, you do not want to miss Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne! It’s fun and flirty and the chemistry crackles. Warning, though! It will keep you up past your bedtime!” - New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner
From Smartypants Romance...Heart Smart, an all-new enemies to lovers contemporary romance from Emma Lee Jayne is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
★★Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2IYAhYZ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3m020af
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2J1C8g0
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3fpR6YQ
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3joCMlj
Audiobook: http://bit.ly/3bc7ziO
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Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has been short-listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships in the world. To win it, he needs to give a series of passionate speeches about his subject matter. The only problem is, he has no interest in being charming, and being on stage is a big no in his book.
To make this happen, the university enlists Holly, a communications specialist selected to give Max a makeover. In a battle of wills and wits, both go head to head, none willing to admit defeat.
I devoured Heart Smart in one sitting. I'm a sucker for witty banter and this book did not disappoint. Both Max and Holly were greatly crafted and were interesting on their own, but together they melted my heart and I couldn't get enough of them. Just writing this review makes me want to go back and re-read the entire thing.
Thank you Smartpants Romance for the ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
★★NOW AVAILABLE IN KU★★
"Okay, people, you do not want to miss Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne! It’s fun and flirty and the chemistry crackles. Warning, though! It will keep you up past your bedtime!” - New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner
From Smartypants Romance...Heart Smart, an all-new enemies to lovers contemporary romance from Emma Lee Jayne is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
★★Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2IYAhYZ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3m020af
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2J1C8g0
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3fpR6YQ
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3joCMlj
Audiobook: http://bit.ly/3bc7ziO
Blog Post
Bookstagram
June 13, 2021
Kind of beauty and the beast retelling between heroine with ADHD and hero who has Asperger's.
I'm not the right person to judge if the representations were done right nevertheless, I have a feeling it was used just for the sake of neurodiversity in books.
Also, I don't understand how is this book connected to Pennyverse.
2,5⭐
I'm not the right person to judge if the representations were done right nevertheless, I have a feeling it was used just for the sake of neurodiversity in books.
Also, I don't understand how is this book connected to Pennyverse.
2,5⭐
September 7, 2021
This was SO much fun! It's an enemies to lovers romance with a grumpy hero and beauty and the beast vibes, and it's set in academia. The heroine needs to transform this grump into someone presentable (and NOT a jerk) in order to win a fellowship. The banter was great and Max and Holly were too cute together.
March 9, 2021
For the first time ever I read a series out of order and I'm ok with it. Loved being in Max's head.
April 12, 2021
Gah! I wish I had words as eloquent as the ones Jayne wrote to describe how this book made me feel. But Jesus H. Lettuce Crisper, there were so many amazing quotes in this book! I’ve never been more thankful for the kindle highlight feature. And eloquent writing is difficult when your main character researches dirt. Soil. I mean, soil. Sorry.
Max is a self described asshole. Seriously. It’s the first sentence in the book. He said that about himself; I’m not judging him. But really he’s just great at pushing people away because he’s self conscious about his scars, on the autism spectrum, and a brilliant scientist who doesn’t suffer fools. And on the opposite end of that, Holly is someone who does care. She is the ultimate care-taker and adopter of all things needing love.
Holly needs to groom Max to increase his comfort level and effectiveness at public speaking, as well as enhance his appearance. But the lessons that they teach each other go way beyond that. Holly seems to get him in a way that no one else does (except maybe his sister) and is not easily cowed by his glower. And, on the flip side, Max sees all the depth to Holly that others easily dismiss.
Speaking of the Max’s sister, Tavey, she is a exceptional side character and I so hope we see more of her in a subsequent book. She is the female Alex, from Penny Reid’s Love Hacked, and it’s a crime if those two don’t fictionally know each other.
In case you worry that a man with limited sexual experience might make for a quick, fumbling encounter with Holly. Do not worry! Clearly Max is a researcher. And he certainly proves he’s an incredible scientist because his chemistry with Holly is off the charts!!
Honestly, there is so much good to say about this book, I don’t feel like I can do it justice. Do me a favor and read it, so we can talk about it.
Available on KU now, so you really have no excuse not to read it RIGHT NOW!
Max is a self described asshole. Seriously. It’s the first sentence in the book. He said that about himself; I’m not judging him. But really he’s just great at pushing people away because he’s self conscious about his scars, on the autism spectrum, and a brilliant scientist who doesn’t suffer fools. And on the opposite end of that, Holly is someone who does care. She is the ultimate care-taker and adopter of all things needing love.
Holly needs to groom Max to increase his comfort level and effectiveness at public speaking, as well as enhance his appearance. But the lessons that they teach each other go way beyond that. Holly seems to get him in a way that no one else does (except maybe his sister) and is not easily cowed by his glower. And, on the flip side, Max sees all the depth to Holly that others easily dismiss.
Speaking of the Max’s sister, Tavey, she is a exceptional side character and I so hope we see more of her in a subsequent book. She is the female Alex, from Penny Reid’s Love Hacked, and it’s a crime if those two don’t fictionally know each other.
In case you worry that a man with limited sexual experience might make for a quick, fumbling encounter with Holly. Do not worry! Clearly Max is a researcher. And he certainly proves he’s an incredible scientist because his chemistry with Holly is off the charts!!
Honestly, there is so much good to say about this book, I don’t feel like I can do it justice. Do me a favor and read it, so we can talk about it.
Available on KU now, so you really have no excuse not to read it RIGHT NOW!
Want to read
March 4, 2021‘Heart Smart’ by Emma Lee Jayne is ALIVE in KU! You can get your grumpy hero on with Dr. Max Ramsey. Spring Launch 2021 continues with this Educated Romance World release and we couldn’t be more excited!
** Read in Kindle Unlimited **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2IYAhYZ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3m020af
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2J1C8g0
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3fpR6YQ
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3joCMlj
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3b0S9yw
** BLURB **
Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has a problem …
I’m a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees. “Misanthropic asshole” is the term I hear most often. I don’t care what other people think as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn’t enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.
Except, I’ve been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I’ll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.
Yeah. None of that is going to happen.
Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a “make over,” help me write the speeches, and manage my social media. But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.
And Holly is the solution…
I’m a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I’m used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.
But I’m good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.
When Max’s boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.
It’ll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant.
What I can’t handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.
This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat …
‘Heart Smart’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 4, 2021
3.5
Loved the first one so immediately got this one. I loved Max and Holly but was not able to connect with them as couple that much...their relationship developed too quickly for my liking.
Loved the first one so immediately got this one. I loved Max and Holly but was not able to connect with them as couple that much...their relationship developed too quickly for my liking.
November 24, 2021
3.25/5. Hero has ASD and heroine ADHD. He is a brilliant but notoriously grumpy scientist, more due to his personality rather than lack of social skills. She's been pressured by the university to help him polish his image following his nomination for a highly prestigious award. They have their obligatory clashes initially. However, the turnaround from adversaries to lovers came rather quickly in my opinion. In addition, the heroine has an inexplicable low sense of self-worth. I also thought her ADHD added little to the story and her displacement of his soil sample outraged the inner scientist in me. Overall, a pleasant audio but not quite memorable.
June 28, 2021
This should have been pure catnip for me, since I do love a grumpy hero and lots of nerdery. There were just too many things, though, that rubbed me the wrong way. First, there were several occasions when the characters, in their inner monologues, insisted they would never do something problematic right as they were doing that thing. For example, the hero saying he would never use his size to intimidate a woman as he used his size to intimidate a woman. And how he insisted that no woman owed him sex as he mentally bitched about how the heroine would never have sex with him. And how the heroine knew it was wrong to infantilize a grown woman as she infantilized a grown woman. It's as if the author went and put woke band-aids on problematic parts rather than leave out those problematic thoughts/behaviors altogether.
Second, the heroine was supposed to be this genius communications specialist who was going to fix the hero's terrible communication flaws and she did that by... giving him a haircut, writing him one speech and having his assistants take over his social media. If that's all it takes to make someone good at people-ing, my 16-year-old nephew could do it. It felt like the author wanted to write about a communications specialist without really understanding what a communications specialist does in practice.
Third, the hero wasn't just grumpy, he was a total a-hole with few redeeming qualities for at least half of the book, until out of nowhere he did something truly kind and selfless. Shortly after, having barely spent any time with the heroine, he was totally besotted and his raging asshole behavior suddenly turned around. The heroine also fell for him super fast after very little time together. A good percentage of the book was eaten up with the heroine just trying to get an appointment with him, and then they're together a couple of times and suddenly they're in love. The heroine spent more time on-page with her ex husband that the hero. The pacing and relationship building was just really off. It's not a terrible book, I just think the idea could have been executed better.
Second, the heroine was supposed to be this genius communications specialist who was going to fix the hero's terrible communication flaws and she did that by... giving him a haircut, writing him one speech and having his assistants take over his social media. If that's all it takes to make someone good at people-ing, my 16-year-old nephew could do it. It felt like the author wanted to write about a communications specialist without really understanding what a communications specialist does in practice.
Third, the hero wasn't just grumpy, he was a total a-hole with few redeeming qualities for at least half of the book, until out of nowhere he did something truly kind and selfless. Shortly after, having barely spent any time with the heroine, he was totally besotted and his raging asshole behavior suddenly turned around. The heroine also fell for him super fast after very little time together. A good percentage of the book was eaten up with the heroine just trying to get an appointment with him, and then they're together a couple of times and suddenly they're in love. The heroine spent more time on-page with her ex husband that the hero. The pacing and relationship building was just really off. It's not a terrible book, I just think the idea could have been executed better.
March 16, 2021
A really wonderful read from the Work For It series from Smartypants Romance.
I had not read any books from Emma Lee Jayne previously, but found her storytelling and writing to be engaging and entertaining. The building feelings and changing perceptions between Max and Holly were so well done. I found myself really caring about these characters and their HEA. Max and Holly had the banter, chemistry, and emotional moments that added up to a book I literally couldn't put down.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMAStLcAf_y/
I had not read any books from Emma Lee Jayne previously, but found her storytelling and writing to be engaging and entertaining. The building feelings and changing perceptions between Max and Holly were so well done. I found myself really caring about these characters and their HEA. Max and Holly had the banter, chemistry, and emotional moments that added up to a book I literally couldn't put down.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMAStLcAf_y/
July 21, 2025
♫: 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚- 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒚 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Finally I finished this book! I’ve wanted to finish this book for a while.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
I’m still processing this book…
「 ✦ 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐊𝐘 ✦ 」
╰┈➤ (𝘧𝘤: 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘹)
I like how she wasn’t afraid of Max and didn’t take his BS! I feel bad for what she went through with her first marriage! She deserves that happy ending. I love how she brought that cute side of Max!
「 ✦ 𝐌𝐀𝐗 𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒𝐄𝐘 ✦ 」
╰┈➤ (𝘧𝘤: 𝘖𝘯𝘶𝘳 𝘛𝘶𝘯𝘢)
YES HE WAS A JERK ILL ADMIT THAT! He had no business being mean to Holly when all she wanted to do was help him… BUT he’s so cute when he tried to comfort Holly I can’t! He tried to deny his feelings for Holly but he couldn’t and I’m glad! I can’t stop thinking about those moments. He’s so naive ❤︎
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
You know I had a feeling I was going to like this book… I did enjoy reading it!
The last few chapters were honestly hard to read but I think it’s bc it’s 6 in the morning and I pulled an all nighter to finish this book…
Max is just so sweet for doing that to prove to Holly that he’s in this for the long haul! He didn’t have to but he did.
I love the representation of ppl with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD. I like learning about them and how people navigate through life and they can change the world for the better and help others.
The epilogue I’m actually surprised about that I don’t see Max as that if I’m being honest but that man is in L O V E!
I kinda need to read more of Holly and Max going on dates to more of their chemistry bc even though I like them together it just focuses more on their attraction rather than their relationship.
Clive needs to mind his business. No one cares about him.
I wish we had a scene of the speech and him earning the award? I guess you can call it…
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Overall 3.75/5 stars ★
I did enjoy reading this book but I wish we had more of them actually dating.
It did feel a little rush towards the end just a little and the extra character during the last few chapters was not really necessary in the book if I’m being honest.
My rating will probably change when I get some sleep…
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Finally I finished this book! I’ve wanted to finish this book for a while.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
I’m still processing this book…
「 ✦ 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐊𝐘 ✦ 」
╰┈➤ (𝘧𝘤: 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘹)
I like how she wasn’t afraid of Max and didn’t take his BS! I feel bad for what she went through with her first marriage! She deserves that happy ending. I love how she brought that cute side of Max!
「 ✦ 𝐌𝐀𝐗 𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒𝐄𝐘 ✦ 」
╰┈➤ (𝘧𝘤: 𝘖𝘯𝘶𝘳 𝘛𝘶𝘯𝘢)
YES HE WAS A JERK ILL ADMIT THAT! He had no business being mean to Holly when all she wanted to do was help him… BUT he’s so cute when he tried to comfort Holly I can’t! He tried to deny his feelings for Holly but he couldn’t and I’m glad! I can’t stop thinking about those moments. He’s so naive ❤︎
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
You know I had a feeling I was going to like this book… I did enjoy reading it!
The last few chapters were honestly hard to read but I think it’s bc it’s 6 in the morning and I pulled an all nighter to finish this book…
Max is just so sweet for doing that to prove to Holly that he’s in this for the long haul! He didn’t have to but he did.
I love the representation of ppl with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD. I like learning about them and how people navigate through life and they can change the world for the better and help others.
The epilogue I’m actually surprised about that I don’t see Max as that if I’m being honest but that man is in L O V E!
I kinda need to read more of Holly and Max going on dates to more of their chemistry bc even though I like them together it just focuses more on their attraction rather than their relationship.
Clive needs to mind his business. No one cares about him.
I wish we had a scene of the speech and him earning the award? I guess you can call it…
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Overall 3.75/5 stars ★
I did enjoy reading this book but I wish we had more of them actually dating.
It did feel a little rush towards the end just a little and the extra character during the last few chapters was not really necessary in the book if I’m being honest.
My rating will probably change when I get some sleep…
February 28, 2021
This is my first ever Emma Lee Jayne book and I have to say I am truly in love.
This book had so much going for it from being fun and fast paced to being set in my home state of Texas and on a major University campus that reminded me so much of where I attended.
Our two main characters were so different from each other but their banter was on point. Holly is chaos and beauty where Max is order and beast. He has no place in his life for either chaos or beauty and she has no time for his beastly behavior and doesn't abide by his rules of order. But her job is to help whip him into shape for a big fellowship and she is nothing if not professional.
They went toe to toe with from the start which led to some funny and poignant moments. Max Ramsey is so much more than your classic grumpy leading man. His ego is bigger than Texas when it comes to his research but as it turns out his heart is too. He doesn't have that polish of an alpha hero though because he most certainly is not an alpha hero. He's a sweet grumpy cinnamon roll of a man wearing clothes that don't fit and avoiding social situations at all costs. He prefers his clean room to any other room and is known for getting the worst teaching evaluations from his students which he could care less about. He has valid reasons for the way he behaves but they aren't enough to deter Holly Dolinsky.
She comes at him with poise and professionalism and never flinches when he tries to unleash his worst possible behavior to send her running. You could call her a firecracker based on the way she not only doesn't back down but steps into his space to make him painfully aware of his false bravado. She has plans bigger than an egghead professor and isn't afraid to take some extra-official measures to get him to follow her lead.
Their heated exchanges were by far some of my favorites in any book so far. The author created such intense confrontations and visceral descriptions that I felt intensity in my bones!
Of special note was Tavey - Max's sister / super hacker spy level awesomeness. There was something special about her quick wit, her sense of humor, and how much she loved her brother that struck a chord with me. I hope to read more about Tavey in future books!!
I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to more from Emma Lee Jayne!
This book had so much going for it from being fun and fast paced to being set in my home state of Texas and on a major University campus that reminded me so much of where I attended.
Our two main characters were so different from each other but their banter was on point. Holly is chaos and beauty where Max is order and beast. He has no place in his life for either chaos or beauty and she has no time for his beastly behavior and doesn't abide by his rules of order. But her job is to help whip him into shape for a big fellowship and she is nothing if not professional.
They went toe to toe with from the start which led to some funny and poignant moments. Max Ramsey is so much more than your classic grumpy leading man. His ego is bigger than Texas when it comes to his research but as it turns out his heart is too. He doesn't have that polish of an alpha hero though because he most certainly is not an alpha hero. He's a sweet grumpy cinnamon roll of a man wearing clothes that don't fit and avoiding social situations at all costs. He prefers his clean room to any other room and is known for getting the worst teaching evaluations from his students which he could care less about. He has valid reasons for the way he behaves but they aren't enough to deter Holly Dolinsky.
She comes at him with poise and professionalism and never flinches when he tries to unleash his worst possible behavior to send her running. You could call her a firecracker based on the way she not only doesn't back down but steps into his space to make him painfully aware of his false bravado. She has plans bigger than an egghead professor and isn't afraid to take some extra-official measures to get him to follow her lead.
Their heated exchanges were by far some of my favorites in any book so far. The author created such intense confrontations and visceral descriptions that I felt intensity in my bones!
Of special note was Tavey - Max's sister / super hacker spy level awesomeness. There was something special about her quick wit, her sense of humor, and how much she loved her brother that struck a chord with me. I hope to read more about Tavey in future books!!
I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to more from Emma Lee Jayne!
March 2, 2021
A wonderfully witty, smart and intellectually stimulating romantic comedy that is entertaining and oh so refreshing.
Maximillian Ramsey is a scientist, professor and all around grump of a guy. A childhood accident has left him with scars that are both visible and hidden. He may be a brilliant man but living with Asperger has made him quite the social recluse. Now he is up for a huge award but the college feels the need to give him a makeover. This includes his speeches, social media, and oh yes his wardrobe and look!
Enter the lovely Holly to the scene. She is a communication specialist at the college and has been enlisted the task of this hulk of a man. She is also the ex wife of Max's boss and that is quite twist to this new working relationship. Holly now finds herself not needing to help Max but wanting to help this man by finding the least invasive way to get him the best results. Keeping him in his comfort zone is a plus but she also wants to help him evolve and succeed!
Holly has now inserted herself in his work life whether he likes it or not and she literally does not give him a choice. He has never met such a infuriating overbearing interesting woman and the more feedback she gives the more enticed he becomes to please her. This is a new a foreign concept to this man.
Max and Holly have a sassy, sarcastic banter that you can't help but get pulled into! They are sweet, awkward and just so enjoyable !!
~~Michele McMullen ~
Maximillian Ramsey is a scientist, professor and all around grump of a guy. A childhood accident has left him with scars that are both visible and hidden. He may be a brilliant man but living with Asperger has made him quite the social recluse. Now he is up for a huge award but the college feels the need to give him a makeover. This includes his speeches, social media, and oh yes his wardrobe and look!
Enter the lovely Holly to the scene. She is a communication specialist at the college and has been enlisted the task of this hulk of a man. She is also the ex wife of Max's boss and that is quite twist to this new working relationship. Holly now finds herself not needing to help Max but wanting to help this man by finding the least invasive way to get him the best results. Keeping him in his comfort zone is a plus but she also wants to help him evolve and succeed!
Holly has now inserted herself in his work life whether he likes it or not and she literally does not give him a choice. He has never met such a infuriating overbearing interesting woman and the more feedback she gives the more enticed he becomes to please her. This is a new a foreign concept to this man.
Max and Holly have a sassy, sarcastic banter that you can't help but get pulled into! They are sweet, awkward and just so enjoyable !!
~~Michele McMullen ~
March 8, 2021
Such a fabulous page-turner. Max owned my heart from the very first line. There's something about the gruff, misunderstood heroes that really gets to me. And Holly was his perfect match. Fabulous love story of opposites attract that will keep you laughing and smiling till the last page.
Read
February 26, 2021Wow. What a fantastic book. I absolutely loved being in Max's brain.
February 12, 2021
Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne
‘“All my life, I’ve been waiting for someone who made me believe that I fit with them. It’s like, if you have a single protozoan in a soil sample in a petri dish and you keep it cold enough, it’ll hibernate and survive, but it can’t live like that. That lone protozoan can’t survive on its own. Not forever. It needs other protozoan and fungi and bacteria and microbes. It needs a whole ecosystem. Otherwise it’s starving to death. I’ve been that lone protozoan. I wasn’t living. Before you, I was just hibernating. But you’re my fungus.”’
If there is one type of male protagonist that my heart instantly skips a beat for, it’s the surly, stoic and deeply misunderstood kind. The kind where the author has to peel back his many, many hardened layers to reveal the absolute sweetheart that is hibernating beneath an overtly defensive attitude.
What makes this kind of romance story that much sweeter is when the author has crafted an utterly remarkable heroine who is entirely up to the task of taming the inner wild beast in our hero, of not only holding her own against his abrupt personality, but who is also more than capable of making her own brilliant mark on the page, of standing out and shining brightly. When you have these kinds of multifaceted characters then you can be sure that the sparks are about to fly; the tension simmering, becoming insurmountable, the banter and witty back and forth heightens the entertaining aspect of it all and then there is the delicious aspect of the friction, the hints and subtle cues that there is more brewing between these two than a mere battle of wills and words. It’s all spoken in the sly glances, the little touches, the lingering thoughts. It’s an accumulation of all these ingredients and with Heart Smart, author Emma Lee Jayne manages to encompass all of these things and so much more.
It was so ridiculously easy to fall in love with Max. A socially awkward scientist, with a beard, abs and muscles for days, the initial attraction is very easy to imagine. He’s wounded, soul-deep and literally. His best defence is a good offence when it comes to dealing with the human race but when Holly barges her way into his very orderly life, he begins to re-evaluate everything. Watching Max navigate and meander through his interactions with Holly was sensational. It was oftentimes hilarious, sometimes sobering and heartbreaking and a lot of the times it was butterflies-in-the-tummy inducing. He’s a man of few words- a lot of the time, the wrong words - but when he wants to make a statement with his actions, oh my word, my heart was flip-flopping in my chest, who knew peanut butter and goats and being compared to fungus could be so utterly romantic and profound. Because you know when Max says anything or does anything, it’s sincere, authentic and done with a lot of thought and feeling.
Holly was just spectacular as a heroine. She’s the kind of heroine that you need to be friends with. Her empathy and compassion are only outmatched by her resilience, intelligence and wit. I found her to be so funny. Her courage and indifference in the face of Max’s bark was a thing of beauty. She knows which buttons to press with Max, in order to get the best reactions, so it’s this wonderful chaotic mix of confidence and self-doubt, giggle-snort comedic timing and self-reflectiveness, her huge heart and her heartrending aspirations that really bring Holly’s character to life.
Individually, they are superb protagonists. Together, these two spark and catch flame, lighting up each scene on the page. It was an arousing and heady concoction of sexual tension, stirring emotions and inspirational love.
Heart Smart is a truly genius piece of writing. It is resplendent and bewitching with utterly exquisite, standout characters, magnificently fresh and snappy dialogue and a teasing and tantalizing storyline. Max and Holly are both so unique, dazzling and dynamic that you can’t help but get swept up in their playful and daring antics and their stunning slow descent into all-out love.
‘“All my life, I’ve been waiting for someone who made me believe that I fit with them. It’s like, if you have a single protozoan in a soil sample in a petri dish and you keep it cold enough, it’ll hibernate and survive, but it can’t live like that. That lone protozoan can’t survive on its own. Not forever. It needs other protozoan and fungi and bacteria and microbes. It needs a whole ecosystem. Otherwise it’s starving to death. I’ve been that lone protozoan. I wasn’t living. Before you, I was just hibernating. But you’re my fungus.”’
If there is one type of male protagonist that my heart instantly skips a beat for, it’s the surly, stoic and deeply misunderstood kind. The kind where the author has to peel back his many, many hardened layers to reveal the absolute sweetheart that is hibernating beneath an overtly defensive attitude.
What makes this kind of romance story that much sweeter is when the author has crafted an utterly remarkable heroine who is entirely up to the task of taming the inner wild beast in our hero, of not only holding her own against his abrupt personality, but who is also more than capable of making her own brilliant mark on the page, of standing out and shining brightly. When you have these kinds of multifaceted characters then you can be sure that the sparks are about to fly; the tension simmering, becoming insurmountable, the banter and witty back and forth heightens the entertaining aspect of it all and then there is the delicious aspect of the friction, the hints and subtle cues that there is more brewing between these two than a mere battle of wills and words. It’s all spoken in the sly glances, the little touches, the lingering thoughts. It’s an accumulation of all these ingredients and with Heart Smart, author Emma Lee Jayne manages to encompass all of these things and so much more.
It was so ridiculously easy to fall in love with Max. A socially awkward scientist, with a beard, abs and muscles for days, the initial attraction is very easy to imagine. He’s wounded, soul-deep and literally. His best defence is a good offence when it comes to dealing with the human race but when Holly barges her way into his very orderly life, he begins to re-evaluate everything. Watching Max navigate and meander through his interactions with Holly was sensational. It was oftentimes hilarious, sometimes sobering and heartbreaking and a lot of the times it was butterflies-in-the-tummy inducing. He’s a man of few words- a lot of the time, the wrong words - but when he wants to make a statement with his actions, oh my word, my heart was flip-flopping in my chest, who knew peanut butter and goats and being compared to fungus could be so utterly romantic and profound. Because you know when Max says anything or does anything, it’s sincere, authentic and done with a lot of thought and feeling.
Holly was just spectacular as a heroine. She’s the kind of heroine that you need to be friends with. Her empathy and compassion are only outmatched by her resilience, intelligence and wit. I found her to be so funny. Her courage and indifference in the face of Max’s bark was a thing of beauty. She knows which buttons to press with Max, in order to get the best reactions, so it’s this wonderful chaotic mix of confidence and self-doubt, giggle-snort comedic timing and self-reflectiveness, her huge heart and her heartrending aspirations that really bring Holly’s character to life.
Individually, they are superb protagonists. Together, these two spark and catch flame, lighting up each scene on the page. It was an arousing and heady concoction of sexual tension, stirring emotions and inspirational love.
Heart Smart is a truly genius piece of writing. It is resplendent and bewitching with utterly exquisite, standout characters, magnificently fresh and snappy dialogue and a teasing and tantalizing storyline. Max and Holly are both so unique, dazzling and dynamic that you can’t help but get swept up in their playful and daring antics and their stunning slow descent into all-out love.
February 28, 2021
I was sucked into this book from page 1! Emma Lee Jayne created the perfect grumpy hero with Max Ramsey. How a character could be such a jerk and so lovely at the same time is amazing to me. The banter is spot on and pacing could not have been better. I'm a new fan of Emma Lee Jayne thanks to this book.
March 4, 2021
Another great addition to the Smartypants Romance world and the first book by Emma Lee Jayne I have ever read. I was pleasantly surprised and it was so nice to read about folks that don’t always fit in the norm still finding their person!! So much love for Max and Holly!!
June 20, 2021
2.5/5⭐️ 2/5🔥
This has been sitting in my kindle for awhile and while I was excited to read this, it was a bit bland. The author used Aspergers for the Hero & ADHD for there Heroine but didn’t portray it correctly or in other words as I would’ve liked.
He spoke loudly how he was incompetent of social cues and interactions due to his aspergers which yes can be a given and gave me “atypical” vibes from Netflix. While the Heroine spoke about how unorganized she was DUE to her ADHD. Now I know how ADHD is I personally know two people with it and while it’s completely different with both of them. Our heroine is just straight up unorganized in my opinion, like??
I am in no way a doctor or someone who is “intelligent “ with these topics only from what I’ve experienced and know from but this just hit different.
Max and Holly were one of a kind, he was a grump, she was sunshine. It was more of a grumpy/sunshine trope than a beauty and the best from what I saw 😅💀
✍🏼Grumpy/Sunshine
✍🏼Workplace Romance
✍🏼Hero with disability (Aspergers & Leg Limp)
✍🏼Heroine with ADHD
✍🏼Enemies to Lovers
Holly is to help Max with his social skills as she is a communications lecture and in the process they fall in love.
The pacing with very quick and while I devoured this last night I was very very UGGHHH about it😭👀
This has been sitting in my kindle for awhile and while I was excited to read this, it was a bit bland. The author used Aspergers for the Hero & ADHD for there Heroine but didn’t portray it correctly or in other words as I would’ve liked.
He spoke loudly how he was incompetent of social cues and interactions due to his aspergers which yes can be a given and gave me “atypical” vibes from Netflix. While the Heroine spoke about how unorganized she was DUE to her ADHD. Now I know how ADHD is I personally know two people with it and while it’s completely different with both of them. Our heroine is just straight up unorganized in my opinion, like??
I am in no way a doctor or someone who is “intelligent “ with these topics only from what I’ve experienced and know from but this just hit different.
Max and Holly were one of a kind, he was a grump, she was sunshine. It was more of a grumpy/sunshine trope than a beauty and the best from what I saw 😅💀
✍🏼Grumpy/Sunshine
✍🏼Workplace Romance
✍🏼Hero with disability (Aspergers & Leg Limp)
✍🏼Heroine with ADHD
✍🏼Enemies to Lovers
Holly is to help Max with his social skills as she is a communications lecture and in the process they fall in love.
The pacing with very quick and while I devoured this last night I was very very UGGHHH about it😭👀
June 2, 2021
I loved this one!
May 18, 2022
Love, love , love this book
January 11, 2022
4.4 ⭐️
Me encantó esta historia y todo de ella.
La trama va de Max y Holly. El primero tiene Asperger’s y además luce como "una bestia” por su barba, cicatriz, grandeza (músculos) y otras cosas. No tiene buen genio, tampoco sociabiliza lo necesario. Por lo que llaman a Holly para que le enseñe a hacerlo. Necesitan que pueda exponer de buena forma y no que esté encerrado en su laboratorio todo el día sin hablar con nadie.
Holly es una mujer que pasó por un divorcio hace un tiempo. Además de que tiene su sueño frustrado; ser madre. Busca ser madre de acogida o poder adoptar.
Ambos protagonistas han tenido problemas en su vida y no esperan que el otro sea el arcoíris luego de la tormenta. Menos aún luego de sus primeras interacciones (se llevan muy mal, pelean todo el tiempo y tratan de molestar al otro aún más).
Me gustó mucho como la autora lleva todo lo que pasa en este libro. En especial con los dos temas que toca (infertilidad y Asperger). Siento que lo hizo sin ser irrespetuosa y le creí todo lo que me contaba.
Debo decir que no esperaba que tuviese escenas sensuales tan buenas y menos aún que Max hablara sucio.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es muy bueno.
PD: puede leerse sin haber leído el primero.
Me encantó esta historia y todo de ella.
La trama va de Max y Holly. El primero tiene Asperger’s y además luce como "una bestia” por su barba, cicatriz, grandeza (músculos) y otras cosas. No tiene buen genio, tampoco sociabiliza lo necesario. Por lo que llaman a Holly para que le enseñe a hacerlo. Necesitan que pueda exponer de buena forma y no que esté encerrado en su laboratorio todo el día sin hablar con nadie.
Holly es una mujer que pasó por un divorcio hace un tiempo. Además de que tiene su sueño frustrado; ser madre. Busca ser madre de acogida o poder adoptar.
Ambos protagonistas han tenido problemas en su vida y no esperan que el otro sea el arcoíris luego de la tormenta. Menos aún luego de sus primeras interacciones (se llevan muy mal, pelean todo el tiempo y tratan de molestar al otro aún más).
Me gustó mucho como la autora lleva todo lo que pasa en este libro. En especial con los dos temas que toca (infertilidad y Asperger). Siento que lo hizo sin ser irrespetuosa y le creí todo lo que me contaba.
Debo decir que no esperaba que tuviese escenas sensuales tan buenas y menos aún que Max hablara sucio.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es muy bueno.
PD: puede leerse sin haber leído el primero.
April 30, 2022
Our hero is a bit of a grump, but also a genius in his field. He is also filled with insecurities because of some scars left over from his childhood. Our heroine is a strong woman who is underestimated by the men around her because of her education. Since she doesn't have a line of letters attached to her name, they all assume she isn't bright, especially since she is pretty. But she is a communication genius. Her ex-husband, who is also her boss, and another man who underestimated her, asks her to help the college's golden child to be ready for the many speeches he will need to make in order to win a grant the college needs.
It's a little like Belle bringing out the personality of the Beast. A cute story.
It's a little like Belle bringing out the personality of the Beast. A cute story.
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this smart romantic comedy by Emma Lee Jayne.
Max and Holly are incredibly lovable characters even if they don’t realize it themselves. Max has Asperger syndrome. He’s a certifiable genius with a lot of difficulty communicating and socializing. Holly, a communications expert, has ADHD, and refers to herself as a flibbertigibbet a few different times. Both characters have experienced trauma that left its scars, both physical (external and internal) and emotional. I loved how well these two fit together and complimented one another.
This story lives up to its label of smart romance. I felt like I learned something as I read. In addition to the focus on science, I love the role foster care plays in this story. It’s refreshing to find a book that focuses on a character who can’t have kids and does not end in a miraculous pregnancy. I appreciated the more realistic approach as well as the reassurance that biological children are not required for a happily ever after.
This story is based in Penny Reid’s universe and very, very loosely tied to Reid’s characters. Even with the loose ties, it’s one of my favorite stories to come out of SmartyPants Romance so far in 2021.
Max and Holly are incredibly lovable characters even if they don’t realize it themselves. Max has Asperger syndrome. He’s a certifiable genius with a lot of difficulty communicating and socializing. Holly, a communications expert, has ADHD, and refers to herself as a flibbertigibbet a few different times. Both characters have experienced trauma that left its scars, both physical (external and internal) and emotional. I loved how well these two fit together and complimented one another.
This story lives up to its label of smart romance. I felt like I learned something as I read. In addition to the focus on science, I love the role foster care plays in this story. It’s refreshing to find a book that focuses on a character who can’t have kids and does not end in a miraculous pregnancy. I appreciated the more realistic approach as well as the reassurance that biological children are not required for a happily ever after.
This story is based in Penny Reid’s universe and very, very loosely tied to Reid’s characters. Even with the loose ties, it’s one of my favorite stories to come out of SmartyPants Romance so far in 2021.
February 11, 2021
I was absolutely gripped by Heart Smart from the very first chapter. I am a sucker for love stories told in the world of academia and Max is the kind of romance hero that makes my heart skip several beats. First he is an intellectual which ups the sexy factor by about 50% but he is also a world class grump. I may need therapy but I favor a broken hero. Sometimes these types of heroes are matched by sweet little balls of sunshine who give them love that works its way under their hard layers of anger. On rare occasions you get a heroine like Holly, who is equally tough and perfectly matched to smooth down his rough edges.
Max is a notoriously surly professor who is short listed for a very prestigious fellowship which he initially turns down because it requires TED-talk like lectures and social media involvement which he has absolutely no desire/skill for. He is forced through his boss to compete and he is given a media relations professor to assist. Holly is smart, compassionate and strong, she is the type of badass you can see joining your group of friends without issue. And though she is not a PhD like some of the professors around her she is just the person for the job.
The banter is top notch, the lingering tension and rising heat is perfection! I have not been this been this excited about a new author since The Hating Game was released.
Max is a notoriously surly professor who is short listed for a very prestigious fellowship which he initially turns down because it requires TED-talk like lectures and social media involvement which he has absolutely no desire/skill for. He is forced through his boss to compete and he is given a media relations professor to assist. Holly is smart, compassionate and strong, she is the type of badass you can see joining your group of friends without issue. And though she is not a PhD like some of the professors around her she is just the person for the job.
The banter is top notch, the lingering tension and rising heat is perfection! I have not been this been this excited about a new author since The Hating Game was released.
February 18, 2021
4.5 Stars! Loved it!
Grumpy, rude, Maximillian Ramsey is one of my favorite types of characters. He's grumpy and he knows it. He's neurodiverse, has scars and a limp from an accident from his childhood. Combined with his intellect he's social awkward.
Holly is goal oriented, and super compassionate. She wants women, especially young girls to have their very best chance in the world. She definitely has a savior complex, especially with animal rescues. Max and Holly have some amazing banter, and their slow burn chemistry ends with a very satisfying ending.
I'm sending my book wishes to the author that we get Tavey's (Max's sister) book. She was an utter delight. This was my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more!
Grumpy, rude, Maximillian Ramsey is one of my favorite types of characters. He's grumpy and he knows it. He's neurodiverse, has scars and a limp from an accident from his childhood. Combined with his intellect he's social awkward.
Holly is goal oriented, and super compassionate. She wants women, especially young girls to have their very best chance in the world. She definitely has a savior complex, especially with animal rescues. Max and Holly have some amazing banter, and their slow burn chemistry ends with a very satisfying ending.
I'm sending my book wishes to the author that we get Tavey's (Max's sister) book. She was an utter delight. This was my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more!
March 14, 2021
Rating: 2.5 (rounded down)
I had a big problem with this book: it felt like the author used neurodiversity for inclusion's sake. Honestly, it made me angry. Just like white authors need to be careful about writing POC, neurotypical authors need to be careful about writing neurodivergent characters.
Max (loudly) declares that he has Asperger's, but all his internal thoughts and many of his interactions with, and responses to, others is typical of how male romance characters are portrayed. I'm not saying that Aspies don't want love and romance, I'm saying how they think about it and sexual attraction isn't always the same as other people.
Then there is Holly, who is given the ADHD label and repeatedly declares that she's learned work-arounds. Like what? I'd love some examples here. Her ex-husband called her "flighty" and that bruised her self-esteem, so what is she doing now (post-therapy) that is different?
I also felt ... cheated? ... that this story is a) not set in any of the previously established Smartypants Romance/Penny Reid Universe cities/locations, and b) there is only one reference to a Penny Reid character. (You don't even get interaction with that character. It's literally just a name drop to tie it in to her universe.) That's just not enough for me. Why not set the story at the University of Tennessee? Or Chicago? Why not have a scene with Max and Penny's character; at the awards ceremony perhaps.
In the later half of the story when the labels are set aside (or forgotten), things flowed much better. I enjoyed the story for what it was, not what it pretended to be.
I really wanted to like this story. I mean, who doesn't love a good retelling of Beauty & the Beast? Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.
I had a big problem with this book: it felt like the author used neurodiversity for inclusion's sake. Honestly, it made me angry. Just like white authors need to be careful about writing POC, neurotypical authors need to be careful about writing neurodivergent characters.
Max (loudly) declares that he has Asperger's, but all his internal thoughts and many of his interactions with, and responses to, others is typical of how male romance characters are portrayed. I'm not saying that Aspies don't want love and romance, I'm saying how they think about it and sexual attraction isn't always the same as other people.
Then there is Holly, who is given the ADHD label and repeatedly declares that she's learned work-arounds. Like what? I'd love some examples here. Her ex-husband called her "flighty" and that bruised her self-esteem, so what is she doing now (post-therapy) that is different?
I also felt ... cheated? ... that this story is a) not set in any of the previously established Smartypants Romance/Penny Reid Universe cities/locations, and b) there is only one reference to a Penny Reid character. (You don't even get interaction with that character. It's literally just a name drop to tie it in to her universe.) That's just not enough for me. Why not set the story at the University of Tennessee? Or Chicago? Why not have a scene with Max and Penny's character; at the awards ceremony perhaps.
In the later half of the story when the labels are set aside (or forgotten), things flowed much better. I enjoyed the story for what it was, not what it pretended to be.
I really wanted to like this story. I mean, who doesn't love a good retelling of Beauty & the Beast? Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.
September 5, 2021
I feel a bit sad giving this two stars because I enjoyed the writing and I feel like this had a lot of potential, but the romance was seriously underdeveloped. Max didn't get nearly enough character development. He started out an asshole and turned into....just slightly less of an asshole. And don't even get me started on how quickly they "fell in love". How long had it been? A few weeks? A few shitty interactions with each other? I just really hate that they got married out of nowhere. All of that time could have been spent redeeming Max or developing their sad excuse for a relationship.
Not to mention how little Holly actually did to prepare him for the fellowship. Wasn't that the main plot? Why didn't they do any actual work? HE HAS TROUBLE TALKING TO PEOPLE, MAYBE DO MORE THAN JUST GIVE HIM A DAMN HAIRCUT, HOLLY!!!
And you know what, I want the epilogue to explain how the hell these busy ass people are now juggling four kids. Four! Kids! That's disgusting! Did one of them quit their jobs? Are they still raising that goat? TELL US THE TRUTH, EMMA
Not to mention how little Holly actually did to prepare him for the fellowship. Wasn't that the main plot? Why didn't they do any actual work? HE HAS TROUBLE TALKING TO PEOPLE, MAYBE DO MORE THAN JUST GIVE HIM A DAMN HAIRCUT, HOLLY!!!
And you know what, I want the epilogue to explain how the hell these busy ass people are now juggling four kids. Four! Kids! That's disgusting! Did one of them quit their jobs? Are they still raising that goat? TELL US THE TRUTH, EMMA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Review to come.
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