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The Beachside Stories #1
Keeping Score
Olivia Abbot just wants to be seen.
She’s been called flighty and irresponsible all her life. Back in town for her sister’s wedding, Olivia wants to prove to everyone that she can make it on her own. As she grapples with the possibility of a new relationship, she realizes that she has a slight problem on her hands. A hurdle she has yet to overcome. Enter her big brother’s best friend. He could be the answer to all of her problems.
Owen Bishop just wants to be left alone.
He has enough on his plate, with his bakery slowly failing and his family falling apart at the seams. Two weeks in Beachside, Maine is supposed to be his respite. Until his best friend’s little sister comes to him with a proposition. Be her first time . Help her get it out of the way . No strings attached . We hate each other anyway. After years of keeping score, will two weeks in Beachside, Maine give them the clean slate that they’re both longing for?
She’s been called flighty and irresponsible all her life. Back in town for her sister’s wedding, Olivia wants to prove to everyone that she can make it on her own. As she grapples with the possibility of a new relationship, she realizes that she has a slight problem on her hands. A hurdle she has yet to overcome. Enter her big brother’s best friend. He could be the answer to all of her problems.
Owen Bishop just wants to be left alone.
He has enough on his plate, with his bakery slowly failing and his family falling apart at the seams. Two weeks in Beachside, Maine is supposed to be his respite. Until his best friend’s little sister comes to him with a proposition. Be her first time . Help her get it out of the way . No strings attached . We hate each other anyway. After years of keeping score, will two weeks in Beachside, Maine give them the clean slate that they’re both longing for?
450 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2021
70 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
did-not-finish
March 16, 2025DNF at 2%.
She's dating someone... which is always a red flag for me at the start of a romance. I don't want my main characters to be dating one person while falling in love with another.
Then, I re-read the summary. And now, I am TOTALLY grossed out.
She is DATING SOMEONE AND SHE ASKS ANOTHER GUY TO HAVE SEX WITH HER TO "GET IT OUT OF THE WAY"!?
I don't believe that you should have sex to get rid of your virginity or get over your first time or whatever kind of crap this book is talking about. Have sex when you want to have sex... no one cares whether you have or haven't and if they do, THEY're the weird one.
Also, SHE'S DATING SOMEONE ELSE!
Gross. Ew ew ew ew ew.
She's dating someone... which is always a red flag for me at the start of a romance. I don't want my main characters to be dating one person while falling in love with another.
Then, I re-read the summary. And now, I am TOTALLY grossed out.
She is DATING SOMEONE AND SHE ASKS ANOTHER GUY TO HAVE SEX WITH HER TO "GET IT OUT OF THE WAY"!?
I don't believe that you should have sex to get rid of your virginity or get over your first time or whatever kind of crap this book is talking about. Have sex when you want to have sex... no one cares whether you have or haven't and if they do, THEY're the weird one.
Also, SHE'S DATING SOMEONE ELSE!
Gross. Ew ew ew ew ew.
March 28, 2022
This im was my first time reading one of her books and I enjoyed it immensely. I was intrigued by the premise of asking the brothers friend to be the first time(not gonna lie, it sounded like something you’d see in porn) so I wanted to see how the story would be built around it. First off, it was hilarious at points. Allie manages to pull of writing a male character that’s pretty believable. Case in point, watching Owen hold back in the sack so they can keep having sex, meanwhile falling for her and not wanting to admit it is something a guy would do.
Her pacing was great too, with her hitting her story beats at calculated pace that delivered the goods without feeling like a slog. This is a really fine line that romance writers walk because every reader has different tastes.
My favorite part of the book was watching the two MC’s grow closer. As mentioned earlier, I was skeptical of the premise, but by the end I couldn’t see it any other way. I’d also like to use this review as a formal request for a prequel novella showing their relationship before this book. Anyway, I’d recommend this book.
Her pacing was great too, with her hitting her story beats at calculated pace that delivered the goods without feeling like a slog. This is a really fine line that romance writers walk because every reader has different tastes.
My favorite part of the book was watching the two MC’s grow closer. As mentioned earlier, I was skeptical of the premise, but by the end I couldn’t see it any other way. I’d also like to use this review as a formal request for a prequel novella showing their relationship before this book. Anyway, I’d recommend this book.
September 26, 2021
This book took me by surprise, took over my heart, and left me with a huge smile on my face. Neither Owen or Olivia had an easy road to where they are in life. They are both guarded emotionally and have built up walls that were impossible to break down. There is a lot of pain that both Olivia and Owen go through mentally, but it was nice to see how they used each other as an outlet to discover and grow as stronger individuals.
Olivia and Owen were fired together. They loved to rib and play, which led to some unbelievable steamy scenes that left me needing to fan myself. The heat radiated from the pages and their gravitational pull towards one another was evident from the very first page. I enjoyed the way they were able to connect with one another and open up to one another through their friendship.
My only qualm was how blasé Oliva was about her situation throughout the book because of a minor technically. Olivia and Owen had this unmistakable attraction, so I wished their story was a little less entangled. Overall this was a fun read that will suck you in the moment you open the book. The characters are complex and I loved how much time the author took to ensure each of their stories were told. Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia and Owen were fired together. They loved to rib and play, which led to some unbelievable steamy scenes that left me needing to fan myself. The heat radiated from the pages and their gravitational pull towards one another was evident from the very first page. I enjoyed the way they were able to connect with one another and open up to one another through their friendship.
My only qualm was how blasé Oliva was about her situation throughout the book because of a minor technically. Olivia and Owen had this unmistakable attraction, so I wished their story was a little less entangled. Overall this was a fun read that will suck you in the moment you open the book. The characters are complex and I loved how much time the author took to ensure each of their stories were told. Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2021
Olivia thinks that because she and Owen have hated each other their whole lives it'll be easy for him to be her first time without her attached. Oh you sweet summer child 🤣
Owen is just the perfect book boyfriend! He's sweet and funny but also knows how to push Olivia's buttons...in and out of the bedroom. He's been through so much and it's hard for him to open up to people and yet he feels comfortable with Olivia.
Olivia is misunderstood and underappreciated by her mother but she's a complete badass and so talented! Owen helps her to realize that and stand up for herself. The wedding scene is my absolute favorite in the whole book, it was so beautiful.
The steam in this book?! I was 100% here for it!! I loved the beautiful transition from their relationship being purely physical to emotional and intimate and trying to reconcile that with what they thought they knew about each other.
This story was fantastic and I cannot waittttttt for the rest of the series.
Owen is just the perfect book boyfriend! He's sweet and funny but also knows how to push Olivia's buttons...in and out of the bedroom. He's been through so much and it's hard for him to open up to people and yet he feels comfortable with Olivia.
Olivia is misunderstood and underappreciated by her mother but she's a complete badass and so talented! Owen helps her to realize that and stand up for herself. The wedding scene is my absolute favorite in the whole book, it was so beautiful.
The steam in this book?! I was 100% here for it!! I loved the beautiful transition from their relationship being purely physical to emotional and intimate and trying to reconcile that with what they thought they knew about each other.
This story was fantastic and I cannot waittttttt for the rest of the series.
August 24, 2022
I’ve been reading a lot of romance on kindle unlimited recently and I was so surprised and delighted by this story - I tend to rate most romances 5 stars if it’s a good time but this had so much more depth and personal hardship/growth than I was expecting and it’s turned into a real favorite of mine.
The relationship was real, challenging, and each character had true hardships to overcome - the mom stuff for them both really hit a nerve for me. I enjoyed my time with Ollie and Owen so much and know I’ll revisit it again at some point. Highly recommend.
The relationship was real, challenging, and each character had true hardships to overcome - the mom stuff for them both really hit a nerve for me. I enjoyed my time with Ollie and Owen so much and know I’ll revisit it again at some point. Highly recommend.
Read
January 17, 2022dnf at 30%
ten chapters in and unfortunately I'm just not feeling invested in the story or characters. may or may not pick it up again in the late late future
ten chapters in and unfortunately I'm just not feeling invested in the story or characters. may or may not pick it up again in the late late future
June 6, 2023
She hated her brother's best friend when they were kids, and never stopped hating him. Now they are all reunited for a family wedding and she is about to ask him to do the last thing they ever thought they would do together...
Owen Bishop started his own bakery in the small tourist town of Cape Cod. While he has had some success, he is concerned that if this upcoming tourist season isn't lucrative he might have to close his doors. Which is why taking a two week vacation to be with his second family is something he needs even if he is going to worry about his business the whole time.
Olivia is finally in a place in her life where everything is coming together. After struggling to find the right career, she has finally found a job where she likes doing graphic design. She is also about to begin a healthy romantic relationship with a very nice man, but first she has to survive two weeks with her family for her sister's wedding.
Owen met his best friend, Lucas, at a time when Owen's life was a mess. Lucas and his family stepped in and took care of Owen and offered him a place to live. Owen will always be grateful for Lucas' friendship and family and loves them all with the exception of Lucas' annoying youngest sister, Olivia. Over the years they were either pranking each other, fighting, or ignoring each other.
Olivia Abbott loves her family but struggles to see eye to eye with her mother. Her mom's constant critical remarks are a problem only she seems to notice. Coming back home for two weeks is probably not a good idea but she is going to try. Seeing her brother's best friend, Owen, stride into her family home and fit in perfectly with her mother sets Olivia on edge. Owen's teasing and their verbal sparring is like it has always been. But when Olivia reveals a drunken confession to Owen and asks him to solve it, he is more than confused.
Olivia asks Owen to sleep with her so she can get past the mental hangups she has about sex. Her reasoning is that she wants to feel confident and ready to begin a new relationship with the guy waiting for her back at her life in Boston, but first she needs to practice with Owen. Owen is shocked having never seen Olivia that way, but once she suggests it, he is interested. Amidst family drama, the two begin a sexual relationship that was only supposed to be one time. Owen's friend, Lucas, suggests Owen rebrand his bakery and use Olivia's graphic design skills to help. Emotions are high and they find themselves gravitating to each other for physical release. They still banter with, and possibly hate each other. They keep their private actions a secret from the members of Olivia's family but everyone begins to notice they are different together. For Owen, he is dealing with issues with his problematic mother on top of the stress of his struggling business. He is not in a place to begin a serious relationship, but he is drawn to Olivia in a way he cannot deny. For Olivia, she loves her family, but can no longer tolerate her mother's verbal abuse. Her life is waiting for her back in Boston, but her growing feelings for Owen confuse her.
3 person perspective, Haters to Lovers, brother's best friend, LOTS of sex scenes.
I just did not enjoy this one. The red flags are flying high between these two MCs. The reasoning that Olivia needs Owen for sex is a red flag. Their relationship begins as only physical and they still hate each other are red flags. Yes, over time they begin to soften toward each other but the red flags are still prevalent along the way. I found the 3rd person perspective to be jarring at times and I confess I feel like a child asking for Dual POV with clear delineated paragraphs and chapters. The MCs spend two unhealthy weeks together and blow up in a dramatic way leaving both heartbroken. The foundation of their relationship is unhealthy and miscommunication is prevalent. One conversation brings them back together but it's hard to ignore they are going to have to have some uphill battles to become a healthy couple. The ending is really sweet and heartwarming.
Owen Bishop started his own bakery in the small tourist town of Cape Cod. While he has had some success, he is concerned that if this upcoming tourist season isn't lucrative he might have to close his doors. Which is why taking a two week vacation to be with his second family is something he needs even if he is going to worry about his business the whole time.
Olivia is finally in a place in her life where everything is coming together. After struggling to find the right career, she has finally found a job where she likes doing graphic design. She is also about to begin a healthy romantic relationship with a very nice man, but first she has to survive two weeks with her family for her sister's wedding.
Owen met his best friend, Lucas, at a time when Owen's life was a mess. Lucas and his family stepped in and took care of Owen and offered him a place to live. Owen will always be grateful for Lucas' friendship and family and loves them all with the exception of Lucas' annoying youngest sister, Olivia. Over the years they were either pranking each other, fighting, or ignoring each other.
Olivia Abbott loves her family but struggles to see eye to eye with her mother. Her mom's constant critical remarks are a problem only she seems to notice. Coming back home for two weeks is probably not a good idea but she is going to try. Seeing her brother's best friend, Owen, stride into her family home and fit in perfectly with her mother sets Olivia on edge. Owen's teasing and their verbal sparring is like it has always been. But when Olivia reveals a drunken confession to Owen and asks him to solve it, he is more than confused.
Olivia asks Owen to sleep with her so she can get past the mental hangups she has about sex. Her reasoning is that she wants to feel confident and ready to begin a new relationship with the guy waiting for her back at her life in Boston, but first she needs to practice with Owen. Owen is shocked having never seen Olivia that way, but once she suggests it, he is interested. Amidst family drama, the two begin a sexual relationship that was only supposed to be one time. Owen's friend, Lucas, suggests Owen rebrand his bakery and use Olivia's graphic design skills to help. Emotions are high and they find themselves gravitating to each other for physical release. They still banter with, and possibly hate each other. They keep their private actions a secret from the members of Olivia's family but everyone begins to notice they are different together. For Owen, he is dealing with issues with his problematic mother on top of the stress of his struggling business. He is not in a place to begin a serious relationship, but he is drawn to Olivia in a way he cannot deny. For Olivia, she loves her family, but can no longer tolerate her mother's verbal abuse. Her life is waiting for her back in Boston, but her growing feelings for Owen confuse her.
3 person perspective, Haters to Lovers, brother's best friend, LOTS of sex scenes.
I just did not enjoy this one. The red flags are flying high between these two MCs. The reasoning that Olivia needs Owen for sex is a red flag. Their relationship begins as only physical and they still hate each other are red flags. Yes, over time they begin to soften toward each other but the red flags are still prevalent along the way. I found the 3rd person perspective to be jarring at times and I confess I feel like a child asking for Dual POV with clear delineated paragraphs and chapters. The MCs spend two unhealthy weeks together and blow up in a dramatic way leaving both heartbroken. The foundation of their relationship is unhealthy and miscommunication is prevalent. One conversation brings them back together but it's hard to ignore they are going to have to have some uphill battles to become a healthy couple. The ending is really sweet and heartwarming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
loved every detail
Such a great read! Delighted to have found it! Never a dull drop, and tied up both stories beautifully without being unrealistic
Such a great read! Delighted to have found it! Never a dull drop, and tied up both stories beautifully without being unrealistic
August 31, 2021
“I hate to break it to you, but despite what several women have said, having sex with me is not going to fix everything.”
(mild spoilers to follow)
Funny, heartfelt and unapologetically sexy, Keeping Score is a treat as decadent and delicious as any you’d find in Owen’s bakery. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy of this book, the tale of nemeses-since-childhood Olivia and Owen coming to an “arrangement” that grows into something unexpected during their visit to their hometown for Olivia’s sister’s wedding, and highly recommend it.
While Keeping Score makes no bones about being a classic enemies-to-lovers story, Allie Marie manages to bring groundedness and weight to the conflict between Olivia and Owen that elevates some of the standard beats and tropes of the genre. Their relationship has been defined by a realistic and complex rivalry not easily resolved with clear communication or finally learning long-hidden secrets, and as a result it feels organic rather than forced, and the resolution is earned rather than simply arrived at. Owen and Olivia are fully-realized and flawed humans, each with their own independent arc as they work to resolve their childhood traumas and establish themselves as independent adults. This is very much a story about them unraveling their shared and individual histories, and not just getting to the point of being able to admit their true feelings.
The book also finds real pathos in Owen’s journey, as he wrestles with the damage left behind by a mother struggling with alcoholism and is forced to, once again, be the parent in that relationship. Olivia’s story is more universal, a struggle to define herself against the weight of parental expectations and earn respect from a mother who finds nothing she does good enough. This is a romance novel where you won’t just be skimming through the character development to get back to the good stuff.
Moreover, the dialogue alone is well worth your time. The two leads have been at odds for years, and the work they’ve put in to honing their skills at verbally fencing each other shows. They’re adept at getting under each other’s skins, and it’s a joy to listen to their back-and-forth. Their banter will make you laugh out loud.
All in all, you’ll highly enjoy your trip to Beachside. I personally can’t wait to go back for the next installment in the series. Lucas/Rachel 4eva.
(mild spoilers to follow)
Funny, heartfelt and unapologetically sexy, Keeping Score is a treat as decadent and delicious as any you’d find in Owen’s bakery. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy of this book, the tale of nemeses-since-childhood Olivia and Owen coming to an “arrangement” that grows into something unexpected during their visit to their hometown for Olivia’s sister’s wedding, and highly recommend it.
While Keeping Score makes no bones about being a classic enemies-to-lovers story, Allie Marie manages to bring groundedness and weight to the conflict between Olivia and Owen that elevates some of the standard beats and tropes of the genre. Their relationship has been defined by a realistic and complex rivalry not easily resolved with clear communication or finally learning long-hidden secrets, and as a result it feels organic rather than forced, and the resolution is earned rather than simply arrived at. Owen and Olivia are fully-realized and flawed humans, each with their own independent arc as they work to resolve their childhood traumas and establish themselves as independent adults. This is very much a story about them unraveling their shared and individual histories, and not just getting to the point of being able to admit their true feelings.
The book also finds real pathos in Owen’s journey, as he wrestles with the damage left behind by a mother struggling with alcoholism and is forced to, once again, be the parent in that relationship. Olivia’s story is more universal, a struggle to define herself against the weight of parental expectations and earn respect from a mother who finds nothing she does good enough. This is a romance novel where you won’t just be skimming through the character development to get back to the good stuff.
Moreover, the dialogue alone is well worth your time. The two leads have been at odds for years, and the work they’ve put in to honing their skills at verbally fencing each other shows. They’re adept at getting under each other’s skins, and it’s a joy to listen to their back-and-forth. Their banter will make you laugh out loud.
All in all, you’ll highly enjoy your trip to Beachside. I personally can’t wait to go back for the next installment in the series. Lucas/Rachel 4eva.
June 11, 2022
"I loved it. You did it again. Ugh, all the stars. How do you do it every time? Allie - this book is everything." - Just a snippet of the messages I sent to Allie when I read this book over the summer.
When I really love a book, it takes me a while to process my feelings. It's happened with every single story written by Allie Giancarlo, and it often takes me entirely too long to write a review. For one, I know that when I pick up a book by Allie, my heart will be invested within 5 chapters and will subsequently be broken (but put back together) before it's all over. Secondly, as a typically fast reader, I found myself having to pause and walk away every few chapters because I didn't want the story to be over. I kept using it as a "reward" at the end of every day because if I didn't set some boundaries, I would have read it in one sitting.
Olivia and Owen are soul mates. They don't know it right away, but as a reader you watch their story unfold in what seems to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but you know what they say - there's a fine line between love and hate.
This book has STEAM. It has chemistry. It has a beautiful setting. It has angst. It has donuts. It has self-discovery and personal growth. Allie writes this story like she's telling you about her friends and you just want to root for them.
You'll want to smack them for not being honest with themselves or each other. You'll swoon with Owen realizes that Olivia is his person. You'll cheer when Olivia stands up for herself. But above all, you want to cry tears of joy when they realize that they are it for each other. They take the time to realize that they have to choose to be adults to love one another and wow is it a trek along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat while you wait for that coveted "I love you" moment.
Allie is an auto-read author for me. She is talented and funny and a friend. I don't know what the world has done to deserve her writing, but I hope she never stops.
When I really love a book, it takes me a while to process my feelings. It's happened with every single story written by Allie Giancarlo, and it often takes me entirely too long to write a review. For one, I know that when I pick up a book by Allie, my heart will be invested within 5 chapters and will subsequently be broken (but put back together) before it's all over. Secondly, as a typically fast reader, I found myself having to pause and walk away every few chapters because I didn't want the story to be over. I kept using it as a "reward" at the end of every day because if I didn't set some boundaries, I would have read it in one sitting.
Olivia and Owen are soul mates. They don't know it right away, but as a reader you watch their story unfold in what seems to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but you know what they say - there's a fine line between love and hate.
This book has STEAM. It has chemistry. It has a beautiful setting. It has angst. It has donuts. It has self-discovery and personal growth. Allie writes this story like she's telling you about her friends and you just want to root for them.
You'll want to smack them for not being honest with themselves or each other. You'll swoon with Owen realizes that Olivia is his person. You'll cheer when Olivia stands up for herself. But above all, you want to cry tears of joy when they realize that they are it for each other. They take the time to realize that they have to choose to be adults to love one another and wow is it a trek along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat while you wait for that coveted "I love you" moment.
Allie is an auto-read author for me. She is talented and funny and a friend. I don't know what the world has done to deserve her writing, but I hope she never stops.
August 30, 2021
This was a swoony, sexy and truly laugh out loud rom com I enjoyed so much! Book hangover is so heavy!
My heart is beating hard for Owen and Olivia. This book was an epic enemies to lovers/best friend’s little sister romance. It made me laugh, swoon and ache with everything these two went through.
Owen was book boyfriend goals! Even though he drove Olivia crazy sometimes, he was became so supportive, defensive and encouraging. He knew her for a long time but was able to discover the strong woman she was.
Olivia was such a badass, so strong, determined and passionate. She just wanted to prove herself and how much she was capable of achieving her goals. I loved how she opened up to Owen and found out their little war was all a bundle of misunderstandings.
Both of their backstories were frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. I was able to empathize and understand both of them and how they hesitated to let their feelings flow in the midst of the most amazing sexual tension AND release…
OMG! The steam of this book was so hot! It escalated so quickly from being just physical to a beautiful emotional bond and intimacy. It was fun and exciting to see them fight their feelings as their relationship progressed. It was frustrating at moments, since they both had to fight their own demons and work on their inner issues but the love they allowed to grow and the amazing connection they shared was absolutely perfect.
If you like super steamy rom coms with a hint of angst, this book is definitely for you!
This is the first book I read from Allie and I am so tempted to throw my TBR away and binge read her backlist.
Many thanks to Allie Giancarlo for gifting me this early copy!
Am I too early to ask if Lucas will have his own book? 😍😍😍😍😍
My heart is beating hard for Owen and Olivia. This book was an epic enemies to lovers/best friend’s little sister romance. It made me laugh, swoon and ache with everything these two went through.
Owen was book boyfriend goals! Even though he drove Olivia crazy sometimes, he was became so supportive, defensive and encouraging. He knew her for a long time but was able to discover the strong woman she was.
Olivia was such a badass, so strong, determined and passionate. She just wanted to prove herself and how much she was capable of achieving her goals. I loved how she opened up to Owen and found out their little war was all a bundle of misunderstandings.
Both of their backstories were frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. I was able to empathize and understand both of them and how they hesitated to let their feelings flow in the midst of the most amazing sexual tension AND release…
OMG! The steam of this book was so hot! It escalated so quickly from being just physical to a beautiful emotional bond and intimacy. It was fun and exciting to see them fight their feelings as their relationship progressed. It was frustrating at moments, since they both had to fight their own demons and work on their inner issues but the love they allowed to grow and the amazing connection they shared was absolutely perfect.
If you like super steamy rom coms with a hint of angst, this book is definitely for you!
This is the first book I read from Allie and I am so tempted to throw my TBR away and binge read her backlist.
Many thanks to Allie Giancarlo for gifting me this early copy!
Am I too early to ask if Lucas will have his own book? 😍😍😍😍😍
September 12, 2021
Olivia & Owen have always been ‘enemies’. He is her brothers best friend and she’s always been the little sister they’ve teased. Now, in their late twenties, they’re both back in town for her sisters wedding. After a proposition from Olivia to have a no strings attached, one time fling, things REALLY heat up. 🔥🥵
This book is full of fun banter, angst, so much 🔥🔥🔥, family drama, two people working towards their dreams and learning to help each other along the way. You will be craving all sorts of delicious pastries (thanks, Owen 🍩) and if you’re a photographer, like me, you’ll enjoy Olivias journey through design and photography. Both Olivia & Owen have hardships with their moms and at times it gets heavy.
There is a lot packed into this book! Overall, it was a great read and I enjoyed it! 🍩📸
This book is full of fun banter, angst, so much 🔥🔥🔥, family drama, two people working towards their dreams and learning to help each other along the way. You will be craving all sorts of delicious pastries (thanks, Owen 🍩) and if you’re a photographer, like me, you’ll enjoy Olivias journey through design and photography. Both Olivia & Owen have hardships with their moms and at times it gets heavy.
There is a lot packed into this book! Overall, it was a great read and I enjoyed it! 🍩📸
August 31, 2021
Allie absolutely kills it again in her fourth book featuring Olivia and Owen. Olivia is a skilled photographer and graphic artist wishing to be seen by her family and Owen is the maybe failing small business bakery owner. I L O V E a good hate to love romance and this book has it all.
In true Allie Giancarlo fashion, this book will tear your heart into pieces, put you all back together, and make you fall in love with so many of the characters.
And while it’s known that I love Jack McKinney from Five Mississippi, Owen Bishop may have stolen favorite book boyfriend from Jack.
I’ll be counting down the days until Allie’s next novel!!
In true Allie Giancarlo fashion, this book will tear your heart into pieces, put you all back together, and make you fall in love with so many of the characters.
And while it’s known that I love Jack McKinney from Five Mississippi, Owen Bishop may have stolen favorite book boyfriend from Jack.
I’ll be counting down the days until Allie’s next novel!!
October 17, 2021
I absolutely adored this book - it had everything I LOVED in it, brother's best friend, enemies to lovers, a sweet but steaming romance with relatable characters. Read it, you wont be sorry!
October 18, 2022
Went on a little too long
There are some things I did like from this book, which is the way the H wasn’t toxic about his feelings and didn’t fight them. Overall I did like both of the mc’s and even Lucas. Honestly I’m going to feel a little bad now because while I did finish the book I’m disappointed in most of it and kind of wish I wouldn’t have even read it. ***Spoilers below ****
So the things I did NOT like starts with Olivia’s mother. She was just awful to Olivia. And I was happy for once that the brother and sister weren’t horrible people too when the author writes a toxic family member but they also never stood up for her either. Nor did her father. To be honest, I probably couldn’t even tell you her father’s name because he was barely mentioned. There were no parts with conversation between the father and anyone in the story nor did they give much besides he was some type of attorney who helped Owen get his bakery started. That to me is just odd. Same with Mia. The author writes Lucas into the story quite a bit between both characters but there were never moments where Olivia even acted like she had a sister other than the few days leading up to her wedding and the day after.
I really felt like so much was left out of this story yet it went on and on and on and I was getting bored by 70%.
Nothing really got resolved because Olivia said some really crappy things to Owen which I understand her hurt and anger but it was directed entirely at the wrong person. Her mother and frankly her father are the ones who should have been on the other end of that fit not Owen. To be honest none of the women in Owen’s life were very good to him and he deserved better. Lucas was the only person who truly showed he cared about him. His sister was a witch in the beginning basically telling him to get over his childhood trauma and grow up even though she got to live a normal life with a parent who took care of her. He too easily forgives her. Then when Olivia throws a fit and says even more men things to him for her mother’s actions he ends up forgiving her.
There is probably a few more things from the book that bothered me but I’m too exhausted to remember or care at this point. But I am highly confused on why there’s a second book in this series that doesn’t even have any of the characters from this book. We don’t know who those people are yet they’re in the series together. Like what? Why not write a story for Lucas instead? 🤔🙄
There are some things I did like from this book, which is the way the H wasn’t toxic about his feelings and didn’t fight them. Overall I did like both of the mc’s and even Lucas. Honestly I’m going to feel a little bad now because while I did finish the book I’m disappointed in most of it and kind of wish I wouldn’t have even read it. ***Spoilers below ****
So the things I did NOT like starts with Olivia’s mother. She was just awful to Olivia. And I was happy for once that the brother and sister weren’t horrible people too when the author writes a toxic family member but they also never stood up for her either. Nor did her father. To be honest, I probably couldn’t even tell you her father’s name because he was barely mentioned. There were no parts with conversation between the father and anyone in the story nor did they give much besides he was some type of attorney who helped Owen get his bakery started. That to me is just odd. Same with Mia. The author writes Lucas into the story quite a bit between both characters but there were never moments where Olivia even acted like she had a sister other than the few days leading up to her wedding and the day after.
I really felt like so much was left out of this story yet it went on and on and on and I was getting bored by 70%.
Nothing really got resolved because Olivia said some really crappy things to Owen which I understand her hurt and anger but it was directed entirely at the wrong person. Her mother and frankly her father are the ones who should have been on the other end of that fit not Owen. To be honest none of the women in Owen’s life were very good to him and he deserved better. Lucas was the only person who truly showed he cared about him. His sister was a witch in the beginning basically telling him to get over his childhood trauma and grow up even though she got to live a normal life with a parent who took care of her. He too easily forgives her. Then when Olivia throws a fit and says even more men things to him for her mother’s actions he ends up forgiving her.
There is probably a few more things from the book that bothered me but I’m too exhausted to remember or care at this point. But I am highly confused on why there’s a second book in this series that doesn’t even have any of the characters from this book. We don’t know who those people are yet they’re in the series together. Like what? Why not write a story for Lucas instead? 🤔🙄
June 11, 2022
Olivia (Ollie) & Owen ❤️🔥
"I loved it. You did it again. Ugh, all the stars. How do you do it every time? Allie - this book is everything." - Just a snippet of the messages I sent to Allie when I read this book over the summer.
When I really love a book, it takes me a while to process my feelings. It's happened with every single story written by Allie Giancarlo, and it often takes me entirely too long to write a review. For one, I know that when I pick up a book by Allie, my heart will be invested within 5 chapters and will subsequently be broken (but put back together) before it's all over. Secondly, as a typically fast reader, I found myself having to pause and walk away every few chapters because I didn't want the story to be over. I kept using it as a "reward" at the end of every day because if I didn't set some boundaries, I would have read it in one sitting.
Olivia and Owen are soul mates. They don't know it right away, but as a reader you watch their story unfold in what seems to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but you know what they say - there's a fine line between love and hate.
This book has STEAM. It has chemistry. It has a beautiful setting. It has angst. It has donuts. It has self-discovery and personal growth. Allie writes this story like she's telling you about her friends and you just want to root for them.
You'll want to smack them for not being honest with themselves or each other. You'll swoon with Owen realizes that Olivia is his person. You'll cheer when Olivia stands up for herself. But above all, you want to cry tears of joy when they realize that they are it for each other. They take the time to realize that they have to choose to be adults to love one another and wow is it a trek along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat while you wait for that coveted "I love you" moment.
Allie is an auto-read author for me. She is talented and funny and a friend. I don't know what the world has done to deserve her writing, but I hope she never stops.
"I loved it. You did it again. Ugh, all the stars. How do you do it every time? Allie - this book is everything." - Just a snippet of the messages I sent to Allie when I read this book over the summer.
When I really love a book, it takes me a while to process my feelings. It's happened with every single story written by Allie Giancarlo, and it often takes me entirely too long to write a review. For one, I know that when I pick up a book by Allie, my heart will be invested within 5 chapters and will subsequently be broken (but put back together) before it's all over. Secondly, as a typically fast reader, I found myself having to pause and walk away every few chapters because I didn't want the story to be over. I kept using it as a "reward" at the end of every day because if I didn't set some boundaries, I would have read it in one sitting.
Olivia and Owen are soul mates. They don't know it right away, but as a reader you watch their story unfold in what seems to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but you know what they say - there's a fine line between love and hate.
This book has STEAM. It has chemistry. It has a beautiful setting. It has angst. It has donuts. It has self-discovery and personal growth. Allie writes this story like she's telling you about her friends and you just want to root for them.
You'll want to smack them for not being honest with themselves or each other. You'll swoon with Owen realizes that Olivia is his person. You'll cheer when Olivia stands up for herself. But above all, you want to cry tears of joy when they realize that they are it for each other. They take the time to realize that they have to choose to be adults to love one another and wow is it a trek along the way. You'll be on the edge of your seat while you wait for that coveted "I love you" moment.
Allie is an auto-read author for me. She is talented and funny and a friend. I don't know what the world has done to deserve her writing, but I hope she never stops.
August 30, 2021
Title: Keeping Score
Author: Allie Marie
Hero/Heroine: Owen & Olivia
Trope: Enemies to Lovers/Best Friends Sister
THE GOOD 😁
The fact that this book features a hot baker, I mean is that not every girls dream? Just mine? Ok then. The one thing that stood out for me with this book (apart from the steam, I mean seriously, that shit was hot) was the complexity of the characters; both Owen and Olivia were seeking acceptance and approval from key people in their lives and found solace in each other in the meantime. Over a decades worth of snarky quips, pranks and resentment have culminated in one super hot enemies to lovers sitch, and I was here for it.
What started out as a request from Olivia to Owen to help her lose her virginity ends up being a wake up call for both of them. Realising that doing it just the one time isn’t enough for them, they embark on what can only be described as an enemies with benefits agreement. I loved both of their characters throughout this story; both so stubborn and determined to constantly even the score, it ended up being more than either of them bargained for.
With a great cast of main and supporting characters (apart from Grace, IYKYK), Keeping Score was a highly enjoyable read. The right amount of steam and humour, along with broaching hard hitting subjects such as alcoholism, this book is definitely one that should be added to your TBRs.
THE BAD ☹️
Grace, she was just awful to Olivia, and considering she was her mother, well, let’s just say it took a hell of a long time for me to warm up to her character, and even then it was just lukewarm.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book to read. This is my honest review.
TW: Alcoholism
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A fun, steamy and at times hard hitting read, Keeping Score is definitely one not to miss.
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Allie Marie
Hero/Heroine: Owen & Olivia
Trope: Enemies to Lovers/Best Friends Sister
THE GOOD 😁
The fact that this book features a hot baker, I mean is that not every girls dream? Just mine? Ok then. The one thing that stood out for me with this book (apart from the steam, I mean seriously, that shit was hot) was the complexity of the characters; both Owen and Olivia were seeking acceptance and approval from key people in their lives and found solace in each other in the meantime. Over a decades worth of snarky quips, pranks and resentment have culminated in one super hot enemies to lovers sitch, and I was here for it.
What started out as a request from Olivia to Owen to help her lose her virginity ends up being a wake up call for both of them. Realising that doing it just the one time isn’t enough for them, they embark on what can only be described as an enemies with benefits agreement. I loved both of their characters throughout this story; both so stubborn and determined to constantly even the score, it ended up being more than either of them bargained for.
With a great cast of main and supporting characters (apart from Grace, IYKYK), Keeping Score was a highly enjoyable read. The right amount of steam and humour, along with broaching hard hitting subjects such as alcoholism, this book is definitely one that should be added to your TBRs.
THE BAD ☹️
Grace, she was just awful to Olivia, and considering she was her mother, well, let’s just say it took a hell of a long time for me to warm up to her character, and even then it was just lukewarm.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book to read. This is my honest review.
TW: Alcoholism
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A fun, steamy and at times hard hitting read, Keeping Score is definitely one not to miss.
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 4, 2022
I loved this a hole lot🍩
This love hate story is full of emotion, the struggles they worked through together, top shelf romcom♡
Best friends brother. Childhood enemies to lovers. Back and forth banter with a side of something sweet😉
Give me a book when a man can bake AND he is handsome..sign me up and give me treats.
Kitchens not the only thing hot in this story 🥵
Owen is Olivia's older brother Lucas best friend, who moved in with then suddenly in high school. Thats when the hatred started. He became part of the family. "Golden Child who could do no wrong" who always pranked her with her brother.
She felt replaced, underrated and was considered floaty or flighty, never settling on a job or a relationship.
A few years later. Everyone back together for Ollie's sisters wedding.
Owen dealing with a failing bakery, alcoholic mom and just wants some quiet relaxation but Olivia has another idea..😉😉
Private "lessons" to be her FIRST and help her not be so nervous for her "unofficial bf back home"
What could go wrong? 🤷♀️
A family wedding, secretly running around with brothers bf, and family drama..
Both guarded with huge walls to break through. They loved to jab at each other, yet in the end they helped each other through their greatest issues.
A beautiful heartfelt, steamy read they I will enjoy again and again!♡
This love hate story is full of emotion, the struggles they worked through together, top shelf romcom♡
Best friends brother. Childhood enemies to lovers. Back and forth banter with a side of something sweet😉
Give me a book when a man can bake AND he is handsome..sign me up and give me treats.
Kitchens not the only thing hot in this story 🥵
Owen is Olivia's older brother Lucas best friend, who moved in with then suddenly in high school. Thats when the hatred started. He became part of the family. "Golden Child who could do no wrong" who always pranked her with her brother.
She felt replaced, underrated and was considered floaty or flighty, never settling on a job or a relationship.
A few years later. Everyone back together for Ollie's sisters wedding.
Owen dealing with a failing bakery, alcoholic mom and just wants some quiet relaxation but Olivia has another idea..😉😉
Private "lessons" to be her FIRST and help her not be so nervous for her "unofficial bf back home"
What could go wrong? 🤷♀️
A family wedding, secretly running around with brothers bf, and family drama..
Both guarded with huge walls to break through. They loved to jab at each other, yet in the end they helped each other through their greatest issues.
A beautiful heartfelt, steamy read they I will enjoy again and again!♡
August 4, 2022
This book just did not do it for me.
1. The h, Olivia has dated and has done everything but sex. She wants to lose her virginity so she can progress in a relationship. The h asks Owen, her brother's best friend and enemy to help her lose it so she can just get over with it. The h is dating Mark and doesn't break up with him until the last few pages. She is staying with her family for 2 weeks for a family wedding, so during most of the two weeks the h is talking on the phone with Mark. He comes to see her at the end of the two weeks. Doesn't break up with him when he comes to see her. So she is basically cheating through out the book.
2. Olivia's mom treats her like crap. Talks down to her and belittles her. She is awful to Olivia, and nice to her other two kids and Owen. Yet her mom is pictured as some sort of savior since she took in Owen when he was in high school. And then all is forgiven at the end because the mom said sorry.
3. The book is unnecessarily long. Every other scene in the book is a sex scene and they all seem similar. They are doing the same thing over and over again. If you want a mediocre story where half of it is them having sex, then this is for you. Otherwise, read another novel.
1. The h, Olivia has dated and has done everything but sex. She wants to lose her virginity so she can progress in a relationship. The h asks Owen, her brother's best friend and enemy to help her lose it so she can just get over with it. The h is dating Mark and doesn't break up with him until the last few pages. She is staying with her family for 2 weeks for a family wedding, so during most of the two weeks the h is talking on the phone with Mark. He comes to see her at the end of the two weeks. Doesn't break up with him when he comes to see her. So she is basically cheating through out the book.
2. Olivia's mom treats her like crap. Talks down to her and belittles her. She is awful to Olivia, and nice to her other two kids and Owen. Yet her mom is pictured as some sort of savior since she took in Owen when he was in high school. And then all is forgiven at the end because the mom said sorry.
3. The book is unnecessarily long. Every other scene in the book is a sex scene and they all seem similar. They are doing the same thing over and over again. If you want a mediocre story where half of it is them having sex, then this is for you. Otherwise, read another novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
The book started amazing and then became an “okay book”, I was very interested until I hit the 200-something pages. The blurb really caught my attention, in addition to the potential between both protagonists, but then i found myself skimming lots of pages and just jumping several paragraphs because the same thing kept happening, lots of miscommunication and descriptions of irrelevant things/events. The book is over 400 pages and most of it is them not reaching a HEA because they don’t know how to talk. Furthermore, I found Olivia very immature at times to the point that I didn’t even want a hea between them anymore lol. Great beginning, then becomes somewhat of a repetitive snoozefest.
March 8, 2023
I've read my fair share of the brother's best friend trope and I have to say I think this is the only one where the brother didn't get all over protective and toxic about the situation. That was truly a breath of fresh air.
I did have a lot of issues with this book though which is why its only 3 stars for me. I first had a hard time getting into it and then I found myself skimming pages a lot as I got further along in the book. I also personally don't feel like they talked through their issues enough during their reconciliation.
I did have a lot of issues with this book though which is why its only 3 stars for me. I first had a hard time getting into it and then I found myself skimming pages a lot as I got further along in the book. I also personally don't feel like they talked through their issues enough during their reconciliation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
is a captivating blend of mystery and historical fiction. Set in a small, quaint town, the story follows an amateur sleuth uncovering dark secrets hidden for decades. The characters are well-developed, making readers care deeply about their fates. Marie's writing style is engaging and descriptive, pulling you into the world she has created. The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end. It's a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also offering moments of heartfelt emotion. A great read for fans of mystery and history."
May 26, 2022
It was good, but not great.
The premise of the plot line intrigued me, but the constant entanglement and miscommunications really ruined it for me. I would have liked to see more of them actually together.
I was especially turned off by how Olivia acted when Owen told her about his childhood. It was very immature and off putting.
The premise of the plot line intrigued me, but the constant entanglement and miscommunications really ruined it for me. I would have liked to see more of them actually together.
I was especially turned off by how Olivia acted when Owen told her about his childhood. It was very immature and off putting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
Not bad but not good
I was enjoying this book until we hit the 75% mark and had the big break up scene. In my opinion the heroine ended up being a complete brat and wasn't redeemed by the end. Honestly, I skimmed through the remaining chapters and was disappointed that the hero didn't realize he deserved better than her and moved on.
I was enjoying this book until we hit the 75% mark and had the big break up scene. In my opinion the heroine ended up being a complete brat and wasn't redeemed by the end. Honestly, I skimmed through the remaining chapters and was disappointed that the hero didn't realize he deserved better than her and moved on.
August 5, 2022
This one's a spicy one, folks. You've been warned.
I really love the enemies to lovers trope, but I especially love it when they're long-time enemies. Throw in some dysfunctional family dynamics, overcoming your own issues and baking and I'm here for it.
3.75 rounded up.
(For those spice-averse: the story is really good enough to skip over a few pages if you need to!)
I really love the enemies to lovers trope, but I especially love it when they're long-time enemies. Throw in some dysfunctional family dynamics, overcoming your own issues and baking and I'm here for it.
3.75 rounded up.
(For those spice-averse: the story is really good enough to skip over a few pages if you need to!)
December 29, 2023
super good story….very descriptive
I loved this story! The banter and the emotions back and forth between Olivia and Owen. I did seem to skim over some parts just because it seemed to drag on with the descriptions of moments. But that’s just my own anxiousness in getting back to the story. Totally worth the read!
I loved this story! The banter and the emotions back and forth between Olivia and Owen. I did seem to skim over some parts just because it seemed to drag on with the descriptions of moments. But that’s just my own anxiousness in getting back to the story. Totally worth the read!
March 25, 2023
another hit by Allie Marie. Loved the characters. Loved the rule of them not kissing each other. Loved the enemies to lovers. The ONLY thing I didn’t like was Olivia’s reaction to Owens big reveal UGH IT MADE ME WANT TO SCREAM
October 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Lots of serious topics mingled in with the smut and sweetness. Two main characters who *know* they do not communicate well.
Not my favorite writing style - it was frequently confusing as to whose perspective we were in. Rounding up becuase I just *liked* both mains, flaws and all.
Not my favorite writing style - it was frequently confusing as to whose perspective we were in. Rounding up becuase I just *liked* both mains, flaws and all.
May 10, 2022
my problem with this book is that it is too long (even if it has only 366p) and too descriptive
June 11, 2022
This was good, for what it was. There were some points where i just skimmed the pages & jumped over plot, which I usually don’t do.
But all in all, it was a good book.
But all in all, it was a good book.
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