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Flippin' Fantastic #3
The Bright Side
Darby lives her life on the bright side. She loves her two best friends Mia and James, so much in fact that she’s built an awesome career running Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations with them. All she wants is to decorate houses, cheerlead the people around her, and for no one to call her by her given name (Jane).
Astrid West is restless. She’s curated a life that ties her to nothing and no one. Her best friend is a stray cat named Meatball. She works a series of part-time jobs and owns exactly 8 shirts, all of them black. She’s lived in Denver for a year and has yet to commit to a lease. She moves cities on a whim, always looking for that perfect location where everything will fall into place.
Astrid is working the door at Revel, a Denver lesbian bar, when she meets Darby. Darby, who wears mittens and pink heart sunglasses and offers to help her, a total stranger, move apartments on New Year’s Day. Can Darby convince Astrid that people make a place a home? Or will Astrid leave Denver in search of greener grass before she gets the chance?
The Bright Side is the final novella in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Put on your heart-shaped sunglasses and curl up with this lesfic romantic comedy for the perfect cure to your February blues.
Astrid West is restless. She’s curated a life that ties her to nothing and no one. Her best friend is a stray cat named Meatball. She works a series of part-time jobs and owns exactly 8 shirts, all of them black. She’s lived in Denver for a year and has yet to commit to a lease. She moves cities on a whim, always looking for that perfect location where everything will fall into place.
Astrid is working the door at Revel, a Denver lesbian bar, when she meets Darby. Darby, who wears mittens and pink heart sunglasses and offers to help her, a total stranger, move apartments on New Year’s Day. Can Darby convince Astrid that people make a place a home? Or will Astrid leave Denver in search of greener grass before she gets the chance?
The Bright Side is the final novella in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Put on your heart-shaped sunglasses and curl up with this lesfic romantic comedy for the perfect cure to your February blues.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2021
86 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Bexley
10 books415 followersLucy Bexley grew up in Michigan. Her favorite lake is Erie and her favorite Dunes are Sleeping Bear. She started reading romance novels in 2019 and hasn’t been able to put them down since. She fell in love with stories featuring queer women getting their happily ever afters. Lucy lives in Boston with her partner, dog, two cats, and eleven bookcases. She’s a fan of terrible jokes, seltzer, MarioKart, and silence.
www.lucybexley.com
www.lucybexley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 21, 2021
Both the third book in this series, and the first book I've read by this author (the other two books have different authors).
As noted in other reviews for this series: this series follows three friends who own and operate Flippin' Fantastic. Book one was written by the only author in this trilogy who I had previously read (Bryce Oakley) and follows James, the one who builds stuff and the like. The second book follows Mia, the real estate agent one of the three. The third book, this one here, follows Darby, the happy bouncy one who is something like the interior decorator type.
Darby meets her love interest easily enough. The three Flippin' women end up at a bar for a New Year's 5-minute dating rotation thingie. Astrid is the bar's door person. Bouncer. Whatever title she has at Revel (the bar). They meet when Darby ends up outside to use her inhaler - Astrid tells her to move further away from the door thinking that Darby was actually about to smoke. Thereby the two meet.
Darby turns out to be a deeper person than just "a bouncy happy person", and Astrid turns out to be more fragile and flighty than she appeared in prior books in the series. The brief moments she popped up in those prior books.
Flighty? Well, weirdly, just like James, Astrid keeps having thoughts, and occasionally out loud words, about how she might be moving on from Denver, and how she's been there a while so . . .. Just like James was mumbling in her book.
Right, so, this is the longest of the three books, albeit still in the "short novel" range at 150 pages. hmm, I thought I was going to end up saying I liked this one best of all, but it appears I rated the first book in the series slightly a higher rating.
Why did I initially think I'd rated this one highest of all? Because some of the scenes that seemed to be foreshortened in the other books, though not all of them. There are three specific scenes that get repeated in all three books, three parties: New Years eve party, Super Bowl party, and a third party. Eh, I'm not sure what I'm referring to here. Just that the Super Bowl party seemed more detailed in this book than in the other books.
Right, so. Liked the characters, story, etc. Also liked the cat.
Rating: 4.88
February 20 2021
As noted in other reviews for this series: this series follows three friends who own and operate Flippin' Fantastic. Book one was written by the only author in this trilogy who I had previously read (Bryce Oakley) and follows James, the one who builds stuff and the like. The second book follows Mia, the real estate agent one of the three. The third book, this one here, follows Darby, the happy bouncy one who is something like the interior decorator type.
Darby meets her love interest easily enough. The three Flippin' women end up at a bar for a New Year's 5-minute dating rotation thingie. Astrid is the bar's door person. Bouncer. Whatever title she has at Revel (the bar). They meet when Darby ends up outside to use her inhaler - Astrid tells her to move further away from the door thinking that Darby was actually about to smoke. Thereby the two meet.
Darby turns out to be a deeper person than just "a bouncy happy person", and Astrid turns out to be more fragile and flighty than she appeared in prior books in the series. The brief moments she popped up in those prior books.
Flighty? Well, weirdly, just like James, Astrid keeps having thoughts, and occasionally out loud words, about how she might be moving on from Denver, and how she's been there a while so . . .. Just like James was mumbling in her book.
Right, so, this is the longest of the three books, albeit still in the "short novel" range at 150 pages. hmm, I thought I was going to end up saying I liked this one best of all, but it appears I rated the first book in the series slightly a higher rating.
Why did I initially think I'd rated this one highest of all? Because some of the scenes that seemed to be foreshortened in the other books, though not all of them. There are three specific scenes that get repeated in all three books, three parties: New Years eve party, Super Bowl party, and a third party. Eh, I'm not sure what I'm referring to here. Just that the Super Bowl party seemed more detailed in this book than in the other books.
Right, so. Liked the characters, story, etc. Also liked the cat.
Rating: 4.88
February 20 2021
February 26, 2021
The third and final in the Flippin Fantastic series of novellas.
I haven't been impressed with the previous two, I liked the first better than the second. I decided to complete the series, because I had higher hopes with the writer of this third installment, Lucy Bexley, whose stuff I have been impressed with previously.
Unfortunately I feel like the writer was tied to a predetermined script because of the relation with the other novellas, and I also felt it lacked a lot of nuance and meaning, which I often felt about the entire series and characters. Also, I felt a lot of cross-over points in the series differed, as did individual character voices - which is where having 3 separate authors write three separate sections, can fail. I didn't feel it was as consistent as it could have been.
Darby is brighter than sunshine. A true ray of light in a dull world. Supportive friend. Happy to help anyone and do anything for people, even if she doesn't know them. She's a giver and in a lot of ways comes off as naive. She literally skips about in the world, bouncing along to pop songs with literal rose-coloured heart shaped glasses on. Everybody loves Darby.
I do love a good positive character, lord knows we need more in this pessimistic world - but the problem is it gets a bit nauseating and OTT. Plus it doesn't feel authentic.
She often comes off looking kinda desperate and lonely and like the persona is forced.. So it was kinda depressing. Especially when hooking up with Astrid, the bouncer, who would by all accounts be her complete antithesis. It didn't feel right, or good.
Astrid is far more pessimistic in life. Astrid is dubious and not really sure what to make of her. She used to people letting her down, and not meaning what they say, or following through. I get that, I totally do... but instead of either embracing and trying to protect such a pure-heart in Darby, or backing off completely - Astrid kind of...takes advantage I feel.
Like she says she doesn't stay any place for long, she's been in Denver for a year now and is ready to move on, and even says to Darby she wouldn't stay just for 1 person... however - she's actively wanting to date and kiss Darby... so HUH? Darby makes it her mission to show Astrid how awesome Denver is, and to make her want to stay, and agrees to casual... while I was over here going "oh, No!"
It ended really quickly and we're supposed to believe Astrid deals with her 'keeping people at arms length, because she doesn't want to get hurt" issues, but she never really does anything to step up for Darby in any way, or to show her she really cares... So overall I just felt let down and really bad for the characters all over.
I haven't been impressed with the previous two, I liked the first better than the second. I decided to complete the series, because I had higher hopes with the writer of this third installment, Lucy Bexley, whose stuff I have been impressed with previously.
Unfortunately I feel like the writer was tied to a predetermined script because of the relation with the other novellas, and I also felt it lacked a lot of nuance and meaning, which I often felt about the entire series and characters. Also, I felt a lot of cross-over points in the series differed, as did individual character voices - which is where having 3 separate authors write three separate sections, can fail. I didn't feel it was as consistent as it could have been.
Darby is brighter than sunshine. A true ray of light in a dull world. Supportive friend. Happy to help anyone and do anything for people, even if she doesn't know them. She's a giver and in a lot of ways comes off as naive. She literally skips about in the world, bouncing along to pop songs with literal rose-coloured heart shaped glasses on. Everybody loves Darby.
I do love a good positive character, lord knows we need more in this pessimistic world - but the problem is it gets a bit nauseating and OTT. Plus it doesn't feel authentic.
She often comes off looking kinda desperate and lonely and like the persona is forced.. So it was kinda depressing. Especially when hooking up with Astrid, the bouncer, who would by all accounts be her complete antithesis. It didn't feel right, or good.
Astrid is far more pessimistic in life. Astrid is dubious and not really sure what to make of her. She used to people letting her down, and not meaning what they say, or following through. I get that, I totally do... but instead of either embracing and trying to protect such a pure-heart in Darby, or backing off completely - Astrid kind of...takes advantage I feel.
Like she says she doesn't stay any place for long, she's been in Denver for a year now and is ready to move on, and even says to Darby she wouldn't stay just for 1 person... however - she's actively wanting to date and kiss Darby... so HUH? Darby makes it her mission to show Astrid how awesome Denver is, and to make her want to stay, and agrees to casual... while I was over here going "oh, No!"
It ended really quickly and we're supposed to believe Astrid deals with her 'keeping people at arms length, because she doesn't want to get hurt" issues, but she never really does anything to step up for Darby in any way, or to show her she really cares... So overall I just felt let down and really bad for the characters all over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
I couldn’t really click with the story. One of the mains is just so sunshiney and bright, I couldn’t handle it. The other character, Astrid, seems very interesting with a good back story but we just don’t any of it, just glimpses.
That’s what this entire story is, glimpses into something that could have been wonderful, but in this format didn’t click 100% for me. It’s part of a series, but can easily be read a stand-alone. The series is written by three authors and each story features a different couple, but all events take place at the same time and within a group of friends. It’s ok, but just that, ok.
That’s what this entire story is, glimpses into something that could have been wonderful, but in this format didn’t click 100% for me. It’s part of a series, but can easily be read a stand-alone. The series is written by three authors and each story features a different couple, but all events take place at the same time and within a group of friends. It’s ok, but just that, ok.
August 8, 2021
Short, fine and dandy. Easy to read, very much part of the series which was fun, all meshing well even though different authors. Recommended as light read.
April 13, 2021
Awwww... the Flippin' Fantastic crew are such sweet friends to one another. The family they choose. Darby is wild, and I love it. She cracks me up and she's just so kind. I like that Astrid was able to 'get' her and they both realised how good they are together.
Another feel good story in the Flippin' Fantastic series!
Another feel good story in the Flippin' Fantastic series!
February 26, 2021
This is the last book of the Flippin’ Fantastic series. I’m a huge fan of Lucy Bexley and couldn’t wait to read and enjoy this book. Also because I knew this is Darby’s story. The one of the 3 friends that is a total sweetheart and definitely too good for this world. Darby is also the one that doesn’t see anything fake in asking the „How are you?“ question. She is the one that asks and really means it. I‘m totally the same and only ask if I really mean it. I already loved her before she said that, but this was the moment I fell head over heels in love with her and wished to have someone like her in my life.
Astrid on the other hand reminded me a lot of myself. She is very cautious and won’t let anyone easily get into her heart. Letting go of the thinking that everyone leaves you in the end and then pushing them away to avoid that they actually do. Yep a total speciality of me.
Maybe on the first sight you would think these two characters are not a good match. But when you look twice you realize and see that they are just perfect for each other. They both need each other in their own way. And well yes the saying that opposites attract totally fits here.
I know what I wrote above doesn’t say much about the story itself. But for me it wasn’t needed to say much about it. For me it was more important to describe those wonderful characters.
Even if there is definitely no better way to describe Darby than Lucy did it herself in the book. And that would be „You know the thing with Darby is that she just kind of decides she’s going to be in your life. Sometimes it takes a little while to see that her presence is a gift.“
For me this story was a gift and I my admiration for Lucy is even bigger now than it already was before. Not to forget I love Meatball. lol
What I won’t do is to pick a favorite of the 3 books in the series because this would be like asking for the favorite child. Each story was beautiful on its own and I loved them all.
Astrid on the other hand reminded me a lot of myself. She is very cautious and won’t let anyone easily get into her heart. Letting go of the thinking that everyone leaves you in the end and then pushing them away to avoid that they actually do. Yep a total speciality of me.
Maybe on the first sight you would think these two characters are not a good match. But when you look twice you realize and see that they are just perfect for each other. They both need each other in their own way. And well yes the saying that opposites attract totally fits here.
I know what I wrote above doesn’t say much about the story itself. But for me it wasn’t needed to say much about it. For me it was more important to describe those wonderful characters.
Even if there is definitely no better way to describe Darby than Lucy did it herself in the book. And that would be „You know the thing with Darby is that she just kind of decides she’s going to be in your life. Sometimes it takes a little while to see that her presence is a gift.“
For me this story was a gift and I my admiration for Lucy is even bigger now than it already was before. Not to forget I love Meatball. lol
What I won’t do is to pick a favorite of the 3 books in the series because this would be like asking for the favorite child. Each story was beautiful on its own and I loved them all.
July 29, 2021
4 stars | This book was just what I needed ✨ Darby is a ray of absolute sunshine, and Astrid is just my type, hah! It's kind of funny how I started this series by reading the last book, oops! I enjoy Bexley's writing and I knew I wouldn't be let down. I'll probably reread it sometime in the winter ❄️
February 20, 2021
I had high hopes for this finale to A Flippen’ Fantastic Romance Series, and this book in the series exceeded my expectations. Lucy Bexley nailed it! She created two extra loveable characters in Darby and Astrid and she was able to create chemistry between these two that felt realistic. Like the other books in the series, it was a quick read. If I did not have a toddler, it could have been on one or two sittings.
Bexley is a new author, but you can’t tell based on her extremely high-quality writing. Her humor and personality come out in her writing and that is endearing. The pace of the book was ideal. At no point in the book did I ever lose interest or feel that any fluff was added. I think that is appropriate and should be expected in a novella. It had just the right about of humor, romance, character development and well….sex.
In addition to the review of this single book I would like to give Bryce Oakley, Stephanie Shea, and Lucy Bexley props for coming up with this great idea and collaborating. While the world seems to be moving in different directions these three ladies came together and created some great fiction. Fiction that allowed me to escape the reality of a global pandemic and winter storms in Texas. Thank you, ladies, for your work. I look forward to reading more from you all.
Side note: I do not get the Carly Rae Jepson obsession that Darby has in this book. I feel like there might be a story behind this that I would love to know more about.
Bexley is a new author, but you can’t tell based on her extremely high-quality writing. Her humor and personality come out in her writing and that is endearing. The pace of the book was ideal. At no point in the book did I ever lose interest or feel that any fluff was added. I think that is appropriate and should be expected in a novella. It had just the right about of humor, romance, character development and well….sex.
In addition to the review of this single book I would like to give Bryce Oakley, Stephanie Shea, and Lucy Bexley props for coming up with this great idea and collaborating. While the world seems to be moving in different directions these three ladies came together and created some great fiction. Fiction that allowed me to escape the reality of a global pandemic and winter storms in Texas. Thank you, ladies, for your work. I look forward to reading more from you all.
Side note: I do not get the Carly Rae Jepson obsession that Darby has in this book. I feel like there might be a story behind this that I would love to know more about.
March 2, 2022
Cute and funny novella.
Darby is a force of Nature, probably one of those people you'd ask yourself: "How can you be always so positive?". Some people prefer to focus on the bright side of life, and it works for them, and they shine a light also on those around them. Others prefer the shadows... see Astrid. Running and running, afraid of people abandoning her. It's easier to leave than to be left? Not always.
It's beautiful to see when someone brings some happiness to another person, making them change their conceptions.
At one point in life, you need to stop running and take a chance, a risk.
I'm curious about the other novellas of the series, especially the one about James.
In any case, for me Meatball, the cat, stole the scene. The moment Astrid thought of the possibility of losing him, she also started thinking of what else she was losing in her life.
On another note... what is it with Lucy Bexley and gummy bears? Just when I thought I got rid of the Gummy Bear Song... after reading No Strings... now I had to think about it again and it won't leave my head.
Ps. Love the humor in the book. Had to giggle several times at Darby's jokes.
Darby is a force of Nature, probably one of those people you'd ask yourself: "How can you be always so positive?". Some people prefer to focus on the bright side of life, and it works for them, and they shine a light also on those around them. Others prefer the shadows... see Astrid. Running and running, afraid of people abandoning her. It's easier to leave than to be left? Not always.
It's beautiful to see when someone brings some happiness to another person, making them change their conceptions.
At one point in life, you need to stop running and take a chance, a risk.
I'm curious about the other novellas of the series, especially the one about James.
In any case, for me Meatball, the cat, stole the scene. The moment Astrid thought of the possibility of losing him, she also started thinking of what else she was losing in her life.
On another note... what is it with Lucy Bexley and gummy bears? Just when I thought I got rid of the Gummy Bear Song... after reading No Strings... now I had to think about it again and it won't leave my head.
Ps. Love the humor in the book. Had to giggle several times at Darby's jokes.
March 7, 2021
Rainbows and Rose colored glasses
Darby always tries to good the good in a situation thinks positive. Astrid is afraid of becoming attached only to have people leave her. You can't help but fall in love with Darby. She cares for everyone and is a truly good person. You get a glimpse into her family and can understand her a bit better. This story warms your heart and makes you believe in the good in people
This is a great series of books.
Darby always tries to good the good in a situation thinks positive. Astrid is afraid of becoming attached only to have people leave her. You can't help but fall in love with Darby. She cares for everyone and is a truly good person. You get a glimpse into her family and can understand her a bit better. This story warms your heart and makes you believe in the good in people
This is a great series of books.
August 26, 2021
Fantastic!
What a great final book in this trilogy about three friends who are also business partners. Each installment follows one of the friends and their path to love. It all starts with a New Year's Eve speed dating event. This series is a successful collaboration between 3 authors and is definitely worth repeating. The stories are light and entertaining. Written with a lot of humor, passion and with fantastic characters. I can highly recommend it.
What a great final book in this trilogy about three friends who are also business partners. Each installment follows one of the friends and their path to love. It all starts with a New Year's Eve speed dating event. This series is a successful collaboration between 3 authors and is definitely worth repeating. The stories are light and entertaining. Written with a lot of humor, passion and with fantastic characters. I can highly recommend it.
July 26, 2024
Pure fun and low stakes. This was the last book of the series, and I was excited to finally spend time with Darcy. She is as chaotic and sweet as you may expect.
There were some laughs, some real feelings, and a cat. A great short pick me up read.
There were some laughs, some real feelings, and a cat. A great short pick me up read.
February 21, 2021
Good Finale To Series!
I have to say all in all I loved the concept of Flippin Fantastic Renovations. Three partners that gave of themselves equally in their business and friendship. I think in life we all can benefit from friendships like these. Darby, the most colorful of the three goes after Astrid the most quiet. It is not an easy task for either one of them. Trying to get their relationship off the ground was taking them both to places they didn’t know they wanted to be. When Astrid panics after seeing a domestic quality to their newly acquired relationship. Can she admit that Darby is under her skin and admit she is ready to call Denver home. Can she unhurt what she did to Darby? I liked the inclusion of Meatball the cat but I think as the last story of the series it lacked the colorful and exciting ending I was looking for being it was Darby. Still a very good series!
I have to say all in all I loved the concept of Flippin Fantastic Renovations. Three partners that gave of themselves equally in their business and friendship. I think in life we all can benefit from friendships like these. Darby, the most colorful of the three goes after Astrid the most quiet. It is not an easy task for either one of them. Trying to get their relationship off the ground was taking them both to places they didn’t know they wanted to be. When Astrid panics after seeing a domestic quality to their newly acquired relationship. Can she admit that Darby is under her skin and admit she is ready to call Denver home. Can she unhurt what she did to Darby? I liked the inclusion of Meatball the cat but I think as the last story of the series it lacked the colorful and exciting ending I was looking for being it was Darby. Still a very good series!
October 22, 2024
My gods, no one writes sunshine like Lucy Bexley. I wish this was a novel instead of a novella. I would have loved more of Astrid’s back story and more of Darby’s intentional sunny attitude.
It’s a super short read and low angst with a little bit of a 3rd act black hole. There’s pretty good spice, but some fade to black as it’s a shorter story. If you read this, you just have to lean in to the positivity of Darby. You will also have to lean in to Astrid learning to believe that she deserves that kind of attention from someone. It’s a sweet little read and I will reread and get the audiobook. Maybe I’ll just Venmo Lucy Bexley some extra money for good measure to ensure she keeps writing. If she needs Reese’s pumpkins, I’ll send her those too.
It’s a super short read and low angst with a little bit of a 3rd act black hole. There’s pretty good spice, but some fade to black as it’s a shorter story. If you read this, you just have to lean in to the positivity of Darby. You will also have to lean in to Astrid learning to believe that she deserves that kind of attention from someone. It’s a sweet little read and I will reread and get the audiobook. Maybe I’ll just Venmo Lucy Bexley some extra money for good measure to ensure she keeps writing. If she needs Reese’s pumpkins, I’ll send her those too.
February 24, 2021
This was my favorite novella out of the Flippin’ Fantastic trio. I loved all of them but Darby just made me smile like an idiot and I adored her character. I feel like I can relate to Darby and how she sees the world through her heart shaped, rose colored glasses. I would consider her to be someone who’s recklessly optimistic and that’s the kind of person we need in this world. I really enjoyed her story and now all I want to is listen to Carly Rae Jepson on repeat.
March 10, 2022
Darby is the bessssst
Ok super cute and so realistically funny. Loved the humor and the little take aways with the chapter headers. Lucy is a humor pro. Read this and enjoy the time well spent.
Ok super cute and so realistically funny. Loved the humor and the little take aways with the chapter headers. Lucy is a humor pro. Read this and enjoy the time well spent.
February 24, 2021
This group project continues to impress me. I really got a feel for each of the trio of friends. I really want to go to Denver so they can sell me a house, fix it up, and decorate it.
October 27, 2021
Flippin Awesome
This is a great series. And this book is so sweet. If you need to feel good, read this. Enjoy.
This is a great series. And this book is so sweet. If you need to feel good, read this. Enjoy.
June 4, 2022
i am also a meatball sub
February 28, 2021
This was a nice ending to it all. Again, it felt missing in context, especially with Astrid's background, but still enjoyable. Darby is a great character. Hope these three authors have another go at it.
January 10, 2025
A wonderful opposites attract love story. This is book 3 of the trilogy, in which we follow Mia and Lauryn, James and Zee, and Darby and Astrid. Three beautiful couples. This one was about Darby and Astrid. Darby an outgoing, personable interior decorator, who's in business with Mia, a realtor, and James a contractor. I found this novella a fantastic ending to the trilogy. 5 stars!
December 6, 2021
finished this one in a morning reading sesh, loved it! cute, light, sweet!!!!!
February 13, 2022
This story definitely falls within the great grumpy/sunshine trope. Darby is the epitome of sunshine- always able to see life as an opportunity to find the overt and hidden possibilities, joys, and simple pleasures. Astrid is not so much grumpy as she is guarded, insecure, and fearful-not seeing her self-worth. While Darby is surrounded by her close circle of best friends, both in business and personally, Astrid is a loner, resistant to opening herself to others for fear of losing them
So, what happens when sunshine meets grumpy? The book takes us on a journey to answer that question.
I gave the book 4 stars because I often found the chapter endings abrupt, leaving loose details. It felt like the chapter sequences needed a few more sentences to close them and transition into the next chapter. Like there was a build-up of a scene and, then, a sudden stop in that scene. I also think the author would sometimes get a bit scattered with some of the friend's dialogues, so I felt a bit lost. While the friend interactions were good to paint the story, I would have enjoyed more development of Jessie and their relationship.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and characters, and the way the pure sincerity and kindness of Darby deeply penetrated through Astrid's defenses, fears, and insecurities. There were many lessons intertwined in the story and definitely an enjoyable read.
So, what happens when sunshine meets grumpy? The book takes us on a journey to answer that question.
I gave the book 4 stars because I often found the chapter endings abrupt, leaving loose details. It felt like the chapter sequences needed a few more sentences to close them and transition into the next chapter. Like there was a build-up of a scene and, then, a sudden stop in that scene. I also think the author would sometimes get a bit scattered with some of the friend's dialogues, so I felt a bit lost. While the friend interactions were good to paint the story, I would have enjoyed more development of Jessie and their relationship.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and characters, and the way the pure sincerity and kindness of Darby deeply penetrated through Astrid's defenses, fears, and insecurities. There were many lessons intertwined in the story and definitely an enjoyable read.
May 13, 2021
A perfect ending!
I was really looking forward to this final book of the series because of the author's great talent writing rom-coms and Lucy did not disappoint. Oh my, Darby is the third partner in the Flippin' Fantastic Renovations team and the designer of the group. She's actually the glue who holds the team together with her bright and positive outlook on everything. Now Astrid is just the opposite. She works three part time jobs, wears only black, moves constantly and has next to nothing in her apartment. But she has a very soft spot for one lone cat she named Meatball and Darby picks up on that. I enjoyed this couple very much as I did the two previous couples. The"Fruit Basket" trio is special indeed. Who wouldn't want friends like these three who were totally giving of themselves to each other? That kind of friendship is priceless! The humor Lucy puts into her books make me laugh out loud. She's a very clever, witty writer.
I think this was a fabulous collaboration between Bryce Oakley, Stephanie Shea and Lucy Bexley and I hope these authors try it again in the near future. Brava, ladies, Brava! 😊
I was really looking forward to this final book of the series because of the author's great talent writing rom-coms and Lucy did not disappoint. Oh my, Darby is the third partner in the Flippin' Fantastic Renovations team and the designer of the group. She's actually the glue who holds the team together with her bright and positive outlook on everything. Now Astrid is just the opposite. She works three part time jobs, wears only black, moves constantly and has next to nothing in her apartment. But she has a very soft spot for one lone cat she named Meatball and Darby picks up on that. I enjoyed this couple very much as I did the two previous couples. The"Fruit Basket" trio is special indeed. Who wouldn't want friends like these three who were totally giving of themselves to each other? That kind of friendship is priceless! The humor Lucy puts into her books make me laugh out loud. She's a very clever, witty writer.
I think this was a fabulous collaboration between Bryce Oakley, Stephanie Shea and Lucy Bexley and I hope these authors try it again in the near future. Brava, ladies, Brava! 😊
February 23, 2023
After attending a NYE speed dating night, Darby meets Astrig the all-black wearing bouncer at Revel. They get talking about new years resolutions and Darby offers to help Astrid move into her new apartment the following day.
With a clear connection between them they decide to have a 'casual' relationship - when do they ever stay casual right? Can these two stay casual or will their feeling take things further...
Wonderful novella trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books! They are all fantastic! Highly recommended 👌
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
With a clear connection between them they decide to have a 'casual' relationship - when do they ever stay casual right? Can these two stay casual or will their feeling take things further...
Wonderful novella trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books! They are all fantastic! Highly recommended 👌
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
February 19, 2024
Last Book of a Wonderful Series!!
This was super sweet!! Darcy was such a cute character in the series... I was excited to read her story. Darcy felt that she was too much, Astrid thought she was not enough. Turns out these two were perfect for each other!! And then there's Meatball 😻, of course.
I really enjoyed the whole series. They could all be read as stand-alones, but I wouldn't skip any! They all really highlight the amazing friendship of the owners of Flippin Fantastic!
This was super sweet!! Darcy was such a cute character in the series... I was excited to read her story. Darcy felt that she was too much, Astrid thought she was not enough. Turns out these two were perfect for each other!! And then there's Meatball 😻, of course.
I really enjoyed the whole series. They could all be read as stand-alones, but I wouldn't skip any! They all really highlight the amazing friendship of the owners of Flippin Fantastic!
February 27, 2021
Trust, love, life
Sometimes it’s a struggle to accept compliments, being cared for, and just being appreciated. Astrid found these things given to her generously by Darby. Darby is the light in times that are unkind. The crew was again so wonderful. I’m sorry to see this series end. It was a lovely read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this series and any other works by these authors! Thank you Peace
Sometimes it’s a struggle to accept compliments, being cared for, and just being appreciated. Astrid found these things given to her generously by Darby. Darby is the light in times that are unkind. The crew was again so wonderful. I’m sorry to see this series end. It was a lovely read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this series and any other works by these authors! Thank you Peace
March 14, 2021
This can be read as a stand-alone but I definitely recommend reading Against the Grain by Bryce Oakley and Collide by Stephanie Shea first because you get to know Darby’s best friends better in those books. Darby is just the greatest ray of sunshine. We met her in the two books I mentioned above but The Bright Side gives us a deep dive into Darby and her budding romance with Astrid. This is a feel-good romance that will leave you smiling.
March 16, 2021
This was an amazing series of books following the best friend trio and their adventures getting the love of their lives.
In this one we get to see Darby and Astrid's romance from friends to lovers and all the issues that come with it.
I love how we are able to see all 3 relationships develop at the same period of time.
I really hope they come up with another joint series because this one was amazing.
In this one we get to see Darby and Astrid's romance from friends to lovers and all the issues that come with it.
I love how we are able to see all 3 relationships develop at the same period of time.
I really hope they come up with another joint series because this one was amazing.
January 30, 2022
Fantastic and Funny
Loved this very enjoyable romp through the lives of three friends, this book focusing on Darby but included help from Mia and James, while Darby found herself and new friend Astrid. The story is captivating and Darby is priceless.
For a quick enjoyable read with plenty of smiles and laughter, and the very important happy ending, give this a read. It is SO worth it!!
Loved this very enjoyable romp through the lives of three friends, this book focusing on Darby but included help from Mia and James, while Darby found herself and new friend Astrid. The story is captivating and Darby is priceless.
For a quick enjoyable read with plenty of smiles and laughter, and the very important happy ending, give this a read. It is SO worth it!!
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