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Living Your Best Life
Some days Bee feels invisible. Most days Bee does not feel as if she is ‘living her best life’.
Sure she has a loyal group of friends, a job she’s good at, and a small London flat to call home, but a lot of the time, Bee feels as if no one actually ‘sees’ her.
Her best friend, the unfeasibly handsome and successful Luca Donato does not have that problem. People are practically falling over themselves whenever they see Luca, but one thing the two friends do have in common, is they haven’t yet found the ‘One’. When their friend Tia challenges them to change all that through online dating, Luca and Bee set about the task with very different levels of enthusiasm.
The saying goes that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, and it’s not long before Bee is ready to admit defeat. But with Luca inundated with potential love interests, Bee is determined not to give up. Surely her perfect partner is out there somewhere…
Sure she has a loyal group of friends, a job she’s good at, and a small London flat to call home, but a lot of the time, Bee feels as if no one actually ‘sees’ her.
Her best friend, the unfeasibly handsome and successful Luca Donato does not have that problem. People are practically falling over themselves whenever they see Luca, but one thing the two friends do have in common, is they haven’t yet found the ‘One’. When their friend Tia challenges them to change all that through online dating, Luca and Bee set about the task with very different levels of enthusiasm.
The saying goes that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, and it’s not long before Bee is ready to admit defeat. But with Luca inundated with potential love interests, Bee is determined not to give up. Surely her perfect partner is out there somewhere…
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
1770 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Morrey
38 books308 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
June 4, 2023
Oh my goodness when I tell you this book was frustrating in the best way possible I loved it so much!
Bee is stuck in a sort of rut, she’s stuck in a crappy job that doesn’t appreciate her, she strikes out in the dating world, and it doesn’t help that the rest of her friend group is staring to move on and slowly drift away, at least it feels that way to Bee.
When her friends challenge her and their other single friend Luca to a bet to see if online dating will end up being their savior of finding their one true love Bree decides she’s tired of everyone looking at her with pity, she’s going to prove herself!
I found myself identifying with Bees immense self-doubt, lack of confidence, and self sabotaging so this was very difficult to read as I continually heard her friends tell her what everyone says or what I wish they would say.
I love love love Luca his admiration and support for Bee made me feel fuzzy and smile because I hope I can find someone as dedicated to my happiness as he was for Bee.
Minor spoiler but I am so happy they ended up together they were always meant for each other and I knew it the whole time, I knew it the moment Tia mentioned all the things he was looking for Bee just fit, she always did, it just took her a bit longer to realize.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and of course Maxine Morrey for writing this incredible book I’ll never forget it!
Bee is stuck in a sort of rut, she’s stuck in a crappy job that doesn’t appreciate her, she strikes out in the dating world, and it doesn’t help that the rest of her friend group is staring to move on and slowly drift away, at least it feels that way to Bee.
When her friends challenge her and their other single friend Luca to a bet to see if online dating will end up being their savior of finding their one true love Bree decides she’s tired of everyone looking at her with pity, she’s going to prove herself!
I found myself identifying with Bees immense self-doubt, lack of confidence, and self sabotaging so this was very difficult to read as I continually heard her friends tell her what everyone says or what I wish they would say.
I love love love Luca his admiration and support for Bee made me feel fuzzy and smile because I hope I can find someone as dedicated to my happiness as he was for Bee.
Minor spoiler but I am so happy they ended up together they were always meant for each other and I knew it the whole time, I knew it the moment Tia mentioned all the things he was looking for Bee just fit, she always did, it just took her a bit longer to realize.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and of course Maxine Morrey for writing this incredible book I’ll never forget it!
April 8, 2022
The first time I started reading this book, I accidentally saw a review and lost interest. But later started again and it was a good book.
The things I liked are good writing, characterisation, the friendship in the book, Luca and Bee’s equation, also the book had depth and characters and their struggles were very relatable.
You could also feel that hero had feelings for heroine and heroine never saw him in that light.
For once Ending and their reason for not getting together before didn’t feel lame.
But the one thing that spoils the book for me is cheating or sleeping with other people during the story. Dear god, I should’ve seen it coming but never thought heroine would go all the way. To be frank it was off-page and I think once. But this happened in the second half and drained all my joy in the book. It also didn’t help that Bee brought up Luca’s exes in almost every conversation they had, though it wasn’t in a spiteful manner.
Hero was also casually dating another woman at the same period as heroine. It wasn’t specified if he slept with the OW but I personally think he did. The OW was a sweet woman so I wanted to know why they broke up other than the lame reason that she doesn’t find him ‘irresistible’.
So if these things doesn’t bother you then you will love this book.
The things I liked are good writing, characterisation, the friendship in the book, Luca and Bee’s equation, also the book had depth and characters and their struggles were very relatable.
You could also feel that hero had feelings for heroine and heroine never saw him in that light.
For once Ending and their reason for not getting together before didn’t feel lame.
But the one thing that spoils the book for me is cheating or sleeping with other people during the story. Dear god, I should’ve seen it coming but never thought heroine would go all the way. To be frank it was off-page and I think once. But this happened in the second half and drained all my joy in the book. It also didn’t help that Bee brought up Luca’s exes in almost every conversation they had, though it wasn’t in a spiteful manner.
Hero was also casually dating another woman at the same period as heroine. It wasn’t specified if he slept with the OW but I personally think he did. The OW was a sweet woman so I wanted to know why they broke up other than the lame reason that she doesn’t find him ‘irresistible’.
So if these things doesn’t bother you then you will love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
Bee and Luca have been best friends since Infants School when he puller her pigtail then held her hand to stop her crying. Fast forward twenty-something years and Luca is a handsome, highly successful businessman, with a amazing home, who dates models while Bee is stuck in a job she hates, underpaid, undervalued, and living in a tiny flat. Yet they are still best friends.
Bee's friends love her just as she is (but they want to change her) but they are sad that she seems happy to be single for the rest of her life, so when Luca announces that he wants to find 'The One' to spend the rest of his life with, their friends challenge them to both join a dating website. Bee and Luca have a bet, she that the website is a waste of time, and he that one of them will find love through the site by Christmas.
I think it is fairly obvious to anyone who has read a romance that Bee and Luca are made for each other, and that Luca is in love with Bee, but because of the (perceived) disparity in their looks Bee has never thought of him like that. Part of Bee's lack of self-esteem comes from her parents who were totally absorbed in each other to the exclusion of everyone else, it also comes from not having a degree because she had to care for her mother after her father's sudden death - hence why she stays working for a company she hates.
Predictably most of Bees dates are a disaster, but they do start to give her confidence to change things in her life, starting small and moving upwards. All of that I really liked.
What brought this down from a four star review for me was a pet peeve in this type of book. Luca came across as a sanctimonious mansplainer who spent a lot of time telling Bee what her problem was - it's interesting that authors think this is okay from the hero but it's a red flag in every other relationship.
Overall, an enjoyable, if rather formulaic and predictable, friends-to-lovers romance let down by the hero's behaviour for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Bee's friends love her just as she is (but they want to change her) but they are sad that she seems happy to be single for the rest of her life, so when Luca announces that he wants to find 'The One' to spend the rest of his life with, their friends challenge them to both join a dating website. Bee and Luca have a bet, she that the website is a waste of time, and he that one of them will find love through the site by Christmas.
I think it is fairly obvious to anyone who has read a romance that Bee and Luca are made for each other, and that Luca is in love with Bee, but because of the (perceived) disparity in their looks Bee has never thought of him like that. Part of Bee's lack of self-esteem comes from her parents who were totally absorbed in each other to the exclusion of everyone else, it also comes from not having a degree because she had to care for her mother after her father's sudden death - hence why she stays working for a company she hates.
Predictably most of Bees dates are a disaster, but they do start to give her confidence to change things in her life, starting small and moving upwards. All of that I really liked.
What brought this down from a four star review for me was a pet peeve in this type of book. Luca came across as a sanctimonious mansplainer who spent a lot of time telling Bee what her problem was - it's interesting that authors think this is okay from the hero but it's a red flag in every other relationship.
Overall, an enjoyable, if rather formulaic and predictable, friends-to-lovers romance let down by the hero's behaviour for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 25, 2022
Fell at the final jump
I enjoyed it well enough but the ending felt like Ms Morrey lost interest in her own story half a chapter from the finish line.
I enjoyed it well enough but the ending felt like Ms Morrey lost interest in her own story half a chapter from the finish line.
February 6, 2022
2.5/5
i had already read another book by this author (things are looking up) and liked it so i was happy when i got approved for this one. i enjoyed especially the beginning, but continuing reading, it felt like the story was getting dragged on more than it should, and that kind of annoyed me (especially the whole adrian situation). luca was a good friend who clearly cared a lot about bee (and liked her not in a platonic way and it was painfully obvious) but sometimes he came off as a mainsplainer as he was always telling bee what her issues were (though i have to admit he was usually correct). some of bee's thoughts and descriptions quickly got repetitive (luca has dark chocolate eyes, he's big and he's italian, we get it) and sometimes i really wanted to shake some sense into her even though i could understand her way of thinking, especially given her past with her parents. i wish we could have seen more of bee's journey towards believing in herself and her abilities instead of the whole adrian part of the story (that's mostly the reason why my rating is low).
overall, i have to say this book managed to keep me reading and wanting to know how it would all develop and end. i have quite conflicting feelings about this book, but i am sure that other people will probably enjoy it more than i have.
arc provided by netgalley and boldwood books in exchange for an honest review.
i had already read another book by this author (things are looking up) and liked it so i was happy when i got approved for this one. i enjoyed especially the beginning, but continuing reading, it felt like the story was getting dragged on more than it should, and that kind of annoyed me (especially the whole adrian situation). luca was a good friend who clearly cared a lot about bee (and liked her not in a platonic way and it was painfully obvious) but sometimes he came off as a mainsplainer as he was always telling bee what her issues were (though i have to admit he was usually correct). some of bee's thoughts and descriptions quickly got repetitive (luca has dark chocolate eyes, he's big and he's italian, we get it) and sometimes i really wanted to shake some sense into her even though i could understand her way of thinking, especially given her past with her parents. i wish we could have seen more of bee's journey towards believing in herself and her abilities instead of the whole adrian part of the story (that's mostly the reason why my rating is low).
overall, i have to say this book managed to keep me reading and wanting to know how it would all develop and end. i have quite conflicting feelings about this book, but i am sure that other people will probably enjoy it more than i have.
arc provided by netgalley and boldwood books in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
Ho hum
Booooorrrring! Dialogue; Characters; Instantly predictable ending; from about page three. Best guy friend; thank you for letting us know he is rich, tall, handsome, athletic, artistic (kitchen skills) humble (mostly). Not. Believing. This. Twist.
She is, however: wait for it... Beautiful and doesn't know it (shock! and song about it!?).
Both of these characters are bores. Couldn't she fall in love with a beast?! .... Hmmm, yes, that has been done. Wait, I know: she is the beast. No. No one would buy into that scenario. I know! She has cellulite, but he loves her anyway! (yeah, but this isn't a fantasy sci-fi futuristic book where aliens reprogram guy's minds.)
Ok. All romcoms end somewhat predictably, but we should be able to be entertained along the way. (Witty dialogue; a twist or turn in the storyline). Something.
I found i couldn't wait to be put out of my misery.
These two dolts deserve each other. And I do hope they live happily ever after (and that she never ages, he never has a reversal of fortunes or forgets his gym membership).
Booooorrrring! Dialogue; Characters; Instantly predictable ending; from about page three. Best guy friend; thank you for letting us know he is rich, tall, handsome, athletic, artistic (kitchen skills) humble (mostly). Not. Believing. This. Twist.
She is, however: wait for it... Beautiful and doesn't know it (shock! and song about it!?).
Both of these characters are bores. Couldn't she fall in love with a beast?! .... Hmmm, yes, that has been done. Wait, I know: she is the beast. No. No one would buy into that scenario. I know! She has cellulite, but he loves her anyway! (yeah, but this isn't a fantasy sci-fi futuristic book where aliens reprogram guy's minds.)
Ok. All romcoms end somewhat predictably, but we should be able to be entertained along the way. (Witty dialogue; a twist or turn in the storyline). Something.
I found i couldn't wait to be put out of my misery.
These two dolts deserve each other. And I do hope they live happily ever after (and that she never ages, he never has a reversal of fortunes or forgets his gym membership).
September 25, 2023
I was soooo hoping to enjoy this more than I did!
Bee has been friends with Luca since they were little, together they decide to join an online dating app so that hopefully they can find Mr/Miss right. Because they wouldn't be in front of them the entire time, right?
But disappointed if you ask me honestly. It was a slow burn. PAINFULLY slow. And of course the main male character is hot and rich and single and did I mention rich? The female lead was trying to come off as quirky but turned into one of the most annoying characters I have ever read.
I liked the writing though, and that's what salvaged this one for me.
Bee has been friends with Luca since they were little, together they decide to join an online dating app so that hopefully they can find Mr/Miss right. Because they wouldn't be in front of them the entire time, right?
But disappointed if you ask me honestly. It was a slow burn. PAINFULLY slow. And of course the main male character is hot and rich and single and did I mention rich? The female lead was trying to come off as quirky but turned into one of the most annoying characters I have ever read.
I liked the writing though, and that's what salvaged this one for me.
April 19, 2022
Same conversations over and over again. Couldn’t wait for this one to end.
April 14, 2022
Finished reading: February 15th 2022
"Comfort zones are nice, but stepping outside them can bring you things you never dreamed of."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 6, 2022
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I've never been a huge fan of the best friends-to-perfect couple stories but I thought the premise to this one sounded a bit more interesting than others. I liked Bee right from the beginning because she was such a normal person and so easy to relate to. I wish there had been a little more about how she started to gain confidence and learn to stand up for herself though. I also would have loved to have gotten to know what she said to her boss before she quit - I'm not sure why this scene wasn't there, we get to see Bee yell at other people (mostly Luca) so why not at someone we hate on her behalf? My last wish as far as story was that Adrian had been a perfectly nice guy but that Bee just realized he wasn't the one for her - I think it would have been better had she realized how she felt about Luca and how that differed from how she felt about him. Instead we got the douchebag that we knew was wrong for her right from the start. I did like Luca but didn't like how he made it all Bee's fault that they hadn't gotten together sooner. He accuses her of being a coward but he never stepped up and told her how he felt. This idea that she should have just known was dumb because (as Bee points out) he only ever dated model-types that were the complete opposite from her, so why would she have ever thought he was attracted to her? Also, I hated that after he got injured he didn't want his mom to call Bee (until after he heard her "you're right, I love you" voicemail). She didn't reciprocate your feelings right away so you weren't going to tell her you were okay? Jerk move. I also agreed with Bee on how she felt hurt by the fact that her friends seemed to think so little of her - even though they might not realize it, they did think she was a little weak duckling who couldn't possibly take care of herself. I realize they were trying to help give her a push in the right direction, but they could be a little condescending at times.
I've never been a huge fan of the best friends-to-perfect couple stories but I thought the premise to this one sounded a bit more interesting than others. I liked Bee right from the beginning because she was such a normal person and so easy to relate to. I wish there had been a little more about how she started to gain confidence and learn to stand up for herself though. I also would have loved to have gotten to know what she said to her boss before she quit - I'm not sure why this scene wasn't there, we get to see Bee yell at other people (mostly Luca) so why not at someone we hate on her behalf? My last wish as far as story was that Adrian had been a perfectly nice guy but that Bee just realized he wasn't the one for her - I think it would have been better had she realized how she felt about Luca and how that differed from how she felt about him. Instead we got the douchebag that we knew was wrong for her right from the start. I did like Luca but didn't like how he made it all Bee's fault that they hadn't gotten together sooner. He accuses her of being a coward but he never stepped up and told her how he felt. This idea that she should have just known was dumb because (as Bee points out) he only ever dated model-types that were the complete opposite from her, so why would she have ever thought he was attracted to her? Also, I hated that after he got injured he didn't want his mom to call Bee (until after he heard her "you're right, I love you" voicemail). She didn't reciprocate your feelings right away so you weren't going to tell her you were okay? Jerk move. I also agreed with Bee on how she felt hurt by the fact that her friends seemed to think so little of her - even though they might not realize it, they did think she was a little weak duckling who couldn't possibly take care of herself. I realize they were trying to help give her a push in the right direction, but they could be a little condescending at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
It is obvious that Bee and Luca belong together. Bee is the bread to his butter; the ying to his yang; the chocolate to his marshmallow. And it makes for an obvious plot. But did that stop me enjoying this story? Absolutely not! Despite the predictable nature of the story, I raced through this book, desperate to see Bee and Luca finally get it together.
This is by far my most favourite read from this author. It was an easy story to slip into and I loved the warmth from both characters. At first I thought it was going to be similar to other romance reads because Luca and Bee are challenged to see whether they can find love through dating apps. Having come across several books with this premise, I thought readers would then see a calamity of dates that the characters experience, before finally realising they are meant to be together. Thankfully, Morrey doesn’t do this.
Instead, we are treated to the warm friendship between Luca and Bee. They clearly look out for one another and, as the remaining singles in their friendship group, I could not agree more that it was high time they found The One. True, readers do see Bee navigate the treacherous terrain of online dating, but this is light-hearted and the story always gravitates back to Luca – a bit like how Bee behaves. However, even when she thinks her relationships are finally turning for the better with Adrian, it simultaneously has an impact on her friendship with Luca. Suddenly they are no longer bickering, but constantly arguing and treading on eggshells. Like their surrounding friends, readers know they are meant to be together – but who is going to acknowledge their feelings and make the first move?
I really warmed to this story because of how fun it was and the romance running throughout. There is no complexities to the plot and this was exactly what I needed. I did suspect Adrian as being the “bad guy” for Bee and was curious to see how this would be revealed. Unfortunately, readers know it will come at a sacrifice for her relationship with Luca which is already under significant strain. Maybe Bee is a little dense at times when it comes to her connection with Luca, but I did love seeing them grow – particularly when Bee ends up in the same office as her life-long friend.
There was nothing to dislike about this book and I raced through it. I couldn’t wait for my happy ever after with Luca and Bee, finding myself impatient that it was taking them so long. Yet, before they can finally come together, both characters needed to grow and I think this backdrop of online dating allowed for this personal growth. Lovable characters with a romantic plot, I finished this book with a great smile on my face. Happy days.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is by far my most favourite read from this author. It was an easy story to slip into and I loved the warmth from both characters. At first I thought it was going to be similar to other romance reads because Luca and Bee are challenged to see whether they can find love through dating apps. Having come across several books with this premise, I thought readers would then see a calamity of dates that the characters experience, before finally realising they are meant to be together. Thankfully, Morrey doesn’t do this.
Instead, we are treated to the warm friendship between Luca and Bee. They clearly look out for one another and, as the remaining singles in their friendship group, I could not agree more that it was high time they found The One. True, readers do see Bee navigate the treacherous terrain of online dating, but this is light-hearted and the story always gravitates back to Luca – a bit like how Bee behaves. However, even when she thinks her relationships are finally turning for the better with Adrian, it simultaneously has an impact on her friendship with Luca. Suddenly they are no longer bickering, but constantly arguing and treading on eggshells. Like their surrounding friends, readers know they are meant to be together – but who is going to acknowledge their feelings and make the first move?
I really warmed to this story because of how fun it was and the romance running throughout. There is no complexities to the plot and this was exactly what I needed. I did suspect Adrian as being the “bad guy” for Bee and was curious to see how this would be revealed. Unfortunately, readers know it will come at a sacrifice for her relationship with Luca which is already under significant strain. Maybe Bee is a little dense at times when it comes to her connection with Luca, but I did love seeing them grow – particularly when Bee ends up in the same office as her life-long friend.
There was nothing to dislike about this book and I raced through it. I couldn’t wait for my happy ever after with Luca and Bee, finding myself impatient that it was taking them so long. Yet, before they can finally come together, both characters needed to grow and I think this backdrop of online dating allowed for this personal growth. Lovable characters with a romantic plot, I finished this book with a great smile on my face. Happy days.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
oh yes oh yes!!!!! 5 stars out of 5 for me for this book!!!!!! This was a first time for me to read a Maxine Morrey book, I really had my doubts about this one. I wasn't really sure if i was going to read it or not to be honest and I finally decided I will give it a try... oh boy! I did well to read it! This book is a page-turner! I just couldn't put it down! It's excellent and so well-written! So fun to read too! and there is so much suspense and tension! There is so much going on in this book, I can guarantee you that you will never get bored!!!! Please please please, grab this book! You will not regret it!!!
March 16, 2022
4.5 lovely stars
Bee and Luca have been friends since they were 5 years old, and although they have a big group of friends, their relationship has something special. Falling into a bet, they have to try online dating but as they get into it, "the one" for each of them might come as a surprise.
I just had to read the first pages to know where this was going. But the story is lovely, scene after scene unfolding, actions mixed with reflections harmoniously paced. There is a lot in here of Luca and Tia, their friend, trying to convince Bee to see her potential, to let go of her fears and leave her best life :) This is one of the central points of the book and combined with her hard, stubborn, confidence lacking ways may seem too much, too repetitive. But as I can relate to Bee, I can understand these would naturally look like this.
Both Bee and Luca are lovely characters, but while she has her insecurities, at times justified and endearing, he is just so damn wonderful. All touchy (which is pretty rare for a male character), and supportive and, despite trying to make her see her best traits, giving her enough space to make up her own mind.
My half of star is missing because of the ending. As I usually read more of an intense type of romance books, I had waited the whole story for the final meeting, the big realization, the coming together. Which was not as explosive and life altering as I would have hoped. But it was a lovely journey, nevertheless.
I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal take on it.
Bee and Luca have been friends since they were 5 years old, and although they have a big group of friends, their relationship has something special. Falling into a bet, they have to try online dating but as they get into it, "the one" for each of them might come as a surprise.
I just had to read the first pages to know where this was going. But the story is lovely, scene after scene unfolding, actions mixed with reflections harmoniously paced. There is a lot in here of Luca and Tia, their friend, trying to convince Bee to see her potential, to let go of her fears and leave her best life :) This is one of the central points of the book and combined with her hard, stubborn, confidence lacking ways may seem too much, too repetitive. But as I can relate to Bee, I can understand these would naturally look like this.
Both Bee and Luca are lovely characters, but while she has her insecurities, at times justified and endearing, he is just so damn wonderful. All touchy (which is pretty rare for a male character), and supportive and, despite trying to make her see her best traits, giving her enough space to make up her own mind.
My half of star is missing because of the ending. As I usually read more of an intense type of romance books, I had waited the whole story for the final meeting, the big realization, the coming together. Which was not as explosive and life altering as I would have hoped. But it was a lovely journey, nevertheless.
I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal take on it.
February 27, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!! I cried at least 5 times in the first 4 chapters. I honestly don't know if I love or hate friends to lovers now. The love story was f*cking amazing, but omg it KILLED me to watch the FMC be a mother f*cking oblivious idiot. If you like friends to lovers and major slow burns, you'll love this book. I love Luca and Bee. Luca is definitely going to be the newest addition to my long list of book boyfriends. He is a tall, dark, and handsome Italian man with all the chivalrousness (not sure if that's a word😅) of a knight. Bee is a smart, beautiful, and independent woman, who needs a major confidence boost. It genuinely hurt my heart every time she put herself down, talked about herself as if she was less than, or that she wasn't the kind of person someone would want to be with🥺 I want a relationship like Luca's and Bee's. Even before they officially got together, they were extremely close and loved each other.
Content warnings:
- Bee has very low self esteem and belittles herself a lot
- Cheating
- Hospitals/severe injury (this happens very briefly and is not very detailed)
Content warnings:
- Bee has very low self esteem and belittles herself a lot
- Cheating
- Hospitals/severe injury (this happens very briefly and is not very detailed)
May 13, 2024
bruhh…this book was trash! I wanted a casual lighthearted read, which I guess I got but damn give me some better writing and substance. The main character was insufferable. The most insecure character I’ve ever seen. It wasn’t normal insecurity either, like this girl straight up thought she was ass compared to every other woman in the world. It made it so painful to read her constant negativity and her constantly getting in her own way. Plus homegirl was delusional. The writing was bad and so much of this book was wasted on Bee’s inner monologue of why she thinks no one will ever like her and if I had to read one more scene of her riding that damn train I think I would’ve passed away with boredom. I get it, you ride the train home!! How many times are we gonna focus on it?? Overall not a fan. I only kept reading because I gotta finish almost any book I start… thank you next!
June 19, 2022
Mills and Boon rubbish
I don't know why I started let alone finished this book as I really dislike romance rubbish. Although skimmed would be a more accurate word than read. I can't call it chick lit as that would be doing it a disservice! Totally predictable and Bee was the most annoying character possibly ever created. Weak, irritating and bland. That about sums the whole book up. Read at your peril.
I don't know why I started let alone finished this book as I really dislike romance rubbish. Although skimmed would be a more accurate word than read. I can't call it chick lit as that would be doing it a disservice! Totally predictable and Bee was the most annoying character possibly ever created. Weak, irritating and bland. That about sums the whole book up. Read at your peril.
March 16, 2022
What a fun book, about the universal topic of seeking love!
At the beginning I thought it was going to be a slow paced book, but, boy was I wrong! It's a real page-turner!
I really resonated with Bee, as she contemplated how most of all her close friends were all coupled up, but she couldn't seem to find "the one" and after being dared to try online dating, it was great to see Bee come out of her comfort zone, albeit reluctantly, lol.
Frustrating as it was to read the way Bee sometimes self-sabotaged some situations, it was hard not to see some patterns that myself and many others have done in the past.
The ending is lovely, but I do wish it came sooner in the story, so we get to see a bit more of the Bee in her new lifestyle.
A good read overall, get it now!
At the beginning I thought it was going to be a slow paced book, but, boy was I wrong! It's a real page-turner!
I really resonated with Bee, as she contemplated how most of all her close friends were all coupled up, but she couldn't seem to find "the one" and after being dared to try online dating, it was great to see Bee come out of her comfort zone, albeit reluctantly, lol.
Frustrating as it was to read the way Bee sometimes self-sabotaged some situations, it was hard not to see some patterns that myself and many others have done in the past.
The ending is lovely, but I do wish it came sooner in the story, so we get to see a bit more of the Bee in her new lifestyle.
A good read overall, get it now!
March 8, 2022
I had already read another book by Maxine Morrey (Things Are Looking Up), which I enjoyed very much and I have another one (No Filter) on my TBR pile. So I was super exited to read Living Your Best Life.
This is an ejoyable read, not my favourite by this author, but definitely nice and fun especially if you like the friends to lovers trope. But please, take into consideration trying also other titles by the same author, because I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an ejoyable read, not my favourite by this author, but definitely nice and fun especially if you like the friends to lovers trope. But please, take into consideration trying also other titles by the same author, because I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
This book was SO frustrating but I loved it so much. I really enjoy Maxine Morrey’s books! A really easy read. The only thing about this book (through no fault of the author) I couldn’t help but picture the pig off Love Islqnd Luca!
April 30, 2022
A nice romance of an author new to me. I can not wait to read more. I like stories like this where friends are really friends. And is so natural we do all do mistakes and have to experience different things. And it is sometimes really great you have the responce infront of you. For all romantic souls this is a real easy and tender, funny read
February 15, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (kissing and closed door sex scenes)
Bee and Luca are the only ones in their friend group who aren't in a committed relationship. This prompts their friend Tia to give them a challenge: see if you can find love on a dating app by Christmas. Soon the dating challenge starts to put a strain on Bee and Luca's friendship, though, and Bee realizes that she needs to step out of her comfort zone in order to get what she wants out of life. Will this challenge ruin their friendship, or will they find that true love was closer than they realized?
This book started off great. Bee and Luca's friendship was really sweet, and I loved how Luca was always looking out for her and encouraging her. It was clear that he wanted more from their relationship, but as the book went on I got frustrated with his inability to communicate this to Bee. Instead he was very secretive about things and seemed to almost be frustrated with Bee for not realizing on her own that he was in love with her. I liked how he helped her in a really bad situation at the end of the book and how that finally led to some romantic development, but I wish it hadn't taken so long to get to that point. Instead the storyline dragged a bit, and their conversations seemed very repetitive. I do enjoy friends to lovers and slow burn romance, but this one just fell a bit flat for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (kissing and closed door sex scenes)
Bee and Luca are the only ones in their friend group who aren't in a committed relationship. This prompts their friend Tia to give them a challenge: see if you can find love on a dating app by Christmas. Soon the dating challenge starts to put a strain on Bee and Luca's friendship, though, and Bee realizes that she needs to step out of her comfort zone in order to get what she wants out of life. Will this challenge ruin their friendship, or will they find that true love was closer than they realized?
This book started off great. Bee and Luca's friendship was really sweet, and I loved how Luca was always looking out for her and encouraging her. It was clear that he wanted more from their relationship, but as the book went on I got frustrated with his inability to communicate this to Bee. Instead he was very secretive about things and seemed to almost be frustrated with Bee for not realizing on her own that he was in love with her. I liked how he helped her in a really bad situation at the end of the book and how that finally led to some romantic development, but I wish it hadn't taken so long to get to that point. Instead the storyline dragged a bit, and their conversations seemed very repetitive. I do enjoy friends to lovers and slow burn romance, but this one just fell a bit flat for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.
November 14, 2023
Abandonando em 84%, faltando uma hora pra concluir o ebook de acordo com o kindle
Não suporto romance amigos para amantes, mas a premissa do livro realmente me ganhou e decidir dar uma chance.
A escrita é maravilhosa, e fácil de ler para quem não é nativo. Pra falar a verdade, o trope amigos a amantes nem foi o que me incomodou. Ele foi escrito de uma forma diferente de todos os livros e filmes que já vi e de uma forma que curti.
Mas Luca é um cara sem defeitos. Ainda é rico, lindo de morrer, um amigo maravilhoso para Bee, um chefe e colega de trabalho que todos amam e um homem espetacular.
O cara não tem defeitos. Isso me fez torcer o nariz, mas não foi o que me incomodou, embora não curta a maneira como ele foi construído.
O problema é que ele é sempre o salvador da Bee. E o único homem decente na vida de Bee, o que parece pouco provável e, no geral, é só sem graça.
Me recuso a acreditar que a autora escreveu o livro e não percebeu os defeitos dele. Desanimador...
Eu gostei muito da Bee. Conseguir me identificar com ela e ela pareceu uma pessoa real com falhas e qualidades, inseguranças e pontos fortes e não uma personagem num livro. Luca não passou essa impressão. Ele é claramente um personagem.
Enfim, outra razão que me fez abandonar o livro foi como a autora conduziu o namoro entre Adrian e Bee. Os dois poderiam facilmente perceber que não estavam tão afim um do outro. As cenas entre eles eram satisfatórias. Mas ao invés disso, a autora transformou o Adrian num babaca, da noite pro dia para justificar por que Bee pôs um fim na relação e para, mais uma vez, enaltecer como Luca é o cara perfeito e o ideal para Bee. Zzzz....
Aí eu vi que no que resta para eu concluir o livro o romance entre Bee e Luca piora, tem traição, cy doce da parte do Luca e entendi que era melhor parar antes que meus olhos fossem obrigados a ler isso.
Como comentaram em outras resenhas: é óbvio que Luca sempre amou Bee, mas foi ridículo da parte dele nunca se declarar pra ela ou esperar que ela percebesse sozinha. Uma mulher com sérios problemas de autoestima. Uma mulher que viu o amigo namorar diversas mulheres completamente de Bee. Como que ela ia conectar os pontos assim?
Outras coisas que me incomodaram (mas não foram a razão para eu abandonar o livro e não iam influenciar a nota): as conversas repetidas. Realmente parecia que as palavras se repetidas e aquilo não saía do lugar. A amizade - que eu gostei -, mas é dito que Bee, Luca e Tia fazem parte de um grande grupo de amigos e.... esses amigos mal aparecem ao longo da história. Mesmo quando todos estão reunidos. Tá certo isso?
Os comentários constantes e usando as mesmas palavras de Bee sobre as modelos que Luca namorava. Bom que em algum.ponto ela percebeu que essas mulheres eram mais que lindas, que eram humanos com sentimentos. Mas até lá, que ladainha sem fim.
Estou bem chateada porque mais uma história que invisto e mais da metade eu percebo que não vale a pena terminar o livro
Não suporto romance amigos para amantes, mas a premissa do livro realmente me ganhou e decidir dar uma chance.
A escrita é maravilhosa, e fácil de ler para quem não é nativo. Pra falar a verdade, o trope amigos a amantes nem foi o que me incomodou. Ele foi escrito de uma forma diferente de todos os livros e filmes que já vi e de uma forma que curti.
Mas Luca é um cara sem defeitos. Ainda é rico, lindo de morrer, um amigo maravilhoso para Bee, um chefe e colega de trabalho que todos amam e um homem espetacular.
O cara não tem defeitos. Isso me fez torcer o nariz, mas não foi o que me incomodou, embora não curta a maneira como ele foi construído.
O problema é que ele é sempre o salvador da Bee. E o único homem decente na vida de Bee, o que parece pouco provável e, no geral, é só sem graça.
Me recuso a acreditar que a autora escreveu o livro e não percebeu os defeitos dele. Desanimador...
Eu gostei muito da Bee. Conseguir me identificar com ela e ela pareceu uma pessoa real com falhas e qualidades, inseguranças e pontos fortes e não uma personagem num livro. Luca não passou essa impressão. Ele é claramente um personagem.
Enfim, outra razão que me fez abandonar o livro foi como a autora conduziu o namoro entre Adrian e Bee. Os dois poderiam facilmente perceber que não estavam tão afim um do outro. As cenas entre eles eram satisfatórias. Mas ao invés disso, a autora transformou o Adrian num babaca, da noite pro dia para justificar por que Bee pôs um fim na relação e para, mais uma vez, enaltecer como Luca é o cara perfeito e o ideal para Bee. Zzzz....
Aí eu vi que no que resta para eu concluir o livro o romance entre Bee e Luca piora, tem traição, cy doce da parte do Luca e entendi que era melhor parar antes que meus olhos fossem obrigados a ler isso.
Como comentaram em outras resenhas: é óbvio que Luca sempre amou Bee, mas foi ridículo da parte dele nunca se declarar pra ela ou esperar que ela percebesse sozinha. Uma mulher com sérios problemas de autoestima. Uma mulher que viu o amigo namorar diversas mulheres completamente de Bee. Como que ela ia conectar os pontos assim?
Outras coisas que me incomodaram (mas não foram a razão para eu abandonar o livro e não iam influenciar a nota): as conversas repetidas. Realmente parecia que as palavras se repetidas e aquilo não saía do lugar. A amizade - que eu gostei -, mas é dito que Bee, Luca e Tia fazem parte de um grande grupo de amigos e.... esses amigos mal aparecem ao longo da história. Mesmo quando todos estão reunidos. Tá certo isso?
Os comentários constantes e usando as mesmas palavras de Bee sobre as modelos que Luca namorava. Bom que em algum.ponto ela percebeu que essas mulheres eram mais que lindas, que eram humanos com sentimentos. Mas até lá, que ladainha sem fim.
Estou bem chateada porque mais uma história que invisto e mais da metade eu percebo que não vale a pena terminar o livro
March 24, 2022
Living Your Best Life is a sweet romance that reminds its readers that sometimes the one we are meant to be with is right in front of us.
I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of Jenny Bayliss’s book The Twelve Dates of Christmas, minus all the Christmas stuff. I loved going on all these first dates with Bee. It was fun and, at times, a little horrifying as she kept on meeting Mr. Wrong and Mr. REALLY Wrong. I think anyone who has done online dating will relate to all the experiences Bee and Luca went through while trying to find the one.
Bee is a character that I instantly connected with. I think that is because I see a lot of myself in her, so I really understand why she feels the way she feels. She doesn’t have much confidence in herself, and the dating world leaves her feeling nervous and unsure. Bee would rather stay in her comfort zone than take any risk, whether at work or in her love life. Bee’s childhood shaped how she sees herself and how she thinks others see her. Her parent’s complete lack of interest in loving their daughter or showing her any support or encouragement really did a number on Bee. Maxine shows readers how our childhood experiences shape who we are as adults. I just loved that Bee has a great support system around her; Luca, Tia, and her friends are incredible at building Bee up and encouraging her to take those chances.
Luca is a gem. I just loved everything about the man. He really is a great modern-day rom-com hero. He is this perfect blend of sweet, spicey, and such a gentleman. Luca’s family is delightful and endearing and I couldn’t get enough of them. I actually wished they made more appearances in the book. They just added just so much warm and richness to the story.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/03/...
I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of Jenny Bayliss’s book The Twelve Dates of Christmas, minus all the Christmas stuff. I loved going on all these first dates with Bee. It was fun and, at times, a little horrifying as she kept on meeting Mr. Wrong and Mr. REALLY Wrong. I think anyone who has done online dating will relate to all the experiences Bee and Luca went through while trying to find the one.
Bee is a character that I instantly connected with. I think that is because I see a lot of myself in her, so I really understand why she feels the way she feels. She doesn’t have much confidence in herself, and the dating world leaves her feeling nervous and unsure. Bee would rather stay in her comfort zone than take any risk, whether at work or in her love life. Bee’s childhood shaped how she sees herself and how she thinks others see her. Her parent’s complete lack of interest in loving their daughter or showing her any support or encouragement really did a number on Bee. Maxine shows readers how our childhood experiences shape who we are as adults. I just loved that Bee has a great support system around her; Luca, Tia, and her friends are incredible at building Bee up and encouraging her to take those chances.
Luca is a gem. I just loved everything about the man. He really is a great modern-day rom-com hero. He is this perfect blend of sweet, spicey, and such a gentleman. Luca’s family is delightful and endearing and I couldn’t get enough of them. I actually wished they made more appearances in the book. They just added just so much warm and richness to the story.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/03/...
March 6, 2022
If you like friends-to-lovers stories, then this is a fairly good one.
Bee has very serious low self esteem. She is constantly comparing herself to her friends, especially her best friend, Luca, and his gorgeous dates, and coming up short. Luca is looking for The One to spend the rest of his life with. Their friends are paring up bit-by-bit and, of course, would love to see everyone around them also in love. Bee is skeptical that an online dating site can lead to long-lasting romance, and she finds herself accepting a dating challenge against Luca.
I have mixed feelings about this book and it was difficult to come up with a rating. Let’s start with what I liked about it. The writing style kept my attention and I really wanted to know what’s going to happen next. I liked Luca a lot and it’s clear from the beginning that he has feelings for Bee. And since the book is from Bee’s point-of-view, it says a lot about her perceptions that she didn’t see this. Bee’s poor opinion of herself was portrayed very well and it stayed consistent, there was no miracle cure. She did go through some experiences that brought her out of her comfort zone and drove her to make some much-needed changes in her life.
What I didn’t like: Bee and Luca are supposed to be best friends since they were five, and we get told that quite frequently, but in this book we don’t really see it. They are constantly at odds with each other, and not in a fun, banter-y kind of way. Luca has the patience of a saint, but he and Bee were quite rude to each other at certain points. And while I really liked Bee’s “aha” moment, it was only at the very end, and I wish there were more of them together as a couple.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 17, 2023
I have really enjoyed several books from this author, but every once in a while, she just misses the mark. The h had such a problem with her self-esteem that she really needed extensive therapy, not a relationship. The H, who was supposedly in love with her, managed to date a lot of model types who were nothing like her, and also never took the opportunity to tell her how he felt about her because of course, with her subterranean self-esteem, he wants to wait until she is willing to risk everything to tell her gorgeous friend that she was in love with him. What a mess.
I just couldn’t warm to her or him or her friends. Also, I didn’t like that they both had sex with other people while they were supposedly supposed to be heading towards each other. It makes no sense – – why would it be a good idea to help two people to get together by having them go on a dating app and date other people?
I just couldn’t warm to her or him or her friends. Also, I didn’t like that they both had sex with other people while they were supposedly supposed to be heading towards each other. It makes no sense – – why would it be a good idea to help two people to get together by having them go on a dating app and date other people?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
While an interesting story the writing problems didn’t really make up for the chemistry that the main characters had. Also they fought all the time and not in a cute way. And he drops his bombshell and then starts attacking her personality when she doesn’t immediately say she loves him back. I was sat there thinking well if this is what he really thinks then why does he even like her? Felt bad for her.
Probably the main problem was the writing style - they would be in the middle of a conversation and the MC would infodump in her head on long tangents for about 2 pages and then when it would come back I was like what are we even talking about right now
Probably the main problem was the writing style - they would be in the middle of a conversation and the MC would infodump in her head on long tangents for about 2 pages and then when it would come back I was like what are we even talking about right now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
Honestly I was disappointed with this book. I’ve read another one of her books, and I absolutely loved it but this book was just so slow and predictable. I like the characters, but the female protagonist really annoyed me. Bee was over critical, and had mommy and daddy issues, and basically repeated the same things over and over throughout the whole book about how she wasn’t good enough or pretty enough and how no one liked her. It was really annoying and made the book feel super repetitive and long.
May 19, 2023
I feel mixed about this. It seemed long which I was ok with but I found the Big Declaration of Love to be kind of flat. And then Bee freaked out which I didn't get at all and there were all her self recriminations for freaking out and I was just done with it. I want more gumption in my MC I guess.
January 5, 2024
Stupid plot! Bee was supposed to be smart, but she was dumb, dumb, dumb, couldn’t see a gorgeous man interested in her romantically.
On a personal note: I am past 70 and am wondering if younger women feel they should be the center of all conversation and other people’s thoughts and concerns as Bee was. I saw no demonstration in the book of her ever doing something for someone else. I don’t like this in a good many romance novels.
On a personal note: I am past 70 and am wondering if younger women feel they should be the center of all conversation and other people’s thoughts and concerns as Bee was. I saw no demonstration in the book of her ever doing something for someone else. I don’t like this in a good many romance novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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