Love, Hate, and Terrible Dates!

The Manhattan Svenssons #4

by Alina Jacobs

I’m twenty-three years old. I can’t be some billionaire’s ward.
Even if he is hot.
It’s a bad day when your boyfriend leaves you for someone with boobs and a butt faker than her Instagram pictures.
It’s an even worse day when a hot guy in a suit shows up in your bedroom and tells you that you’re his ward.
And it’s a complete disaster when your ex sues you and threatens to take your dog.
I have no alternatives—I have to throw myself to Carl Svensson’s mercy like a wretched Victorian romance heroine in order to save my dog.

I wish all I had to do was lounge around a haunted mansion in a pretty dress. Instead, Carl is forcing me to run outside in the morning, clean my apartment, and finally do something about my credit card debt. Yes, I am side-eyeing all of this.
Carl’s in for a shock of his own, though. I’m a free-spirited, art-loving girl with tattoos, multicolored hair, and piercings. Everywhere. *Wink emoji!*

An uptight, suit-wearing investment banker is not going to change me. But it’s a battle of wills that will determine whether he makes me a respectable person or not.
Carl is going down!
But not down on me…except for that one time…

This is a stand-alone, full-length, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, complete with your new book bestie, a hot guy with a bad attitude and a heart of gold, and a happily ever after better than a glass of wine at eleven a.m.! Get your smelling salts ready, because this book is STEAMY!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, New Adult, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

461 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!

Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…

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Reviews

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been better

While I love the series and all the other extended series preceding it, surrounding it, etc. All the girls are starting to sound alike. The Svensson men are always hooking up with girls who are poor and who are a “mess“. And so the female lead characters are literally all the same.

I would like to see a Svensson man captivated by a woman who is completely put together, successful, well off financially. It seems all they ever find are “needy” women. Maybe one of them gets conned by a woman and instead of going through with the con, she fell falls for them (ala The Con by Sandi Lynn). Or, Belle puts in place a spy who becomes a double agent because she falls for one of those Svensson men. Something different other than a girl who is poor, and artsy or quirky, or hippie like - which describes nearly every lead female character in almost all the books.

I am also getting tired of disloyalty. The Svensson’s own sisters gave their business to Belle when their brothers took them in, gave them a home, feed & clothe them.

And now Carl‘s girlfriend is disloyal by giving her business to Belle - plus the credit for getting the Corgi Doug back was also given to Belle when it was really Carl, Crawford, and Greg Svensson who rescued the dog. They took the big risk to do so...and get stabbed in the back for all their trouble.

I said this in a previous review and I will state it again - I do not like Belle. She gives strong, powerful women a bad rap because she “wins” by emasculating Greg and the other Svenssons. I am irritated with seeing her always winning over them. She has an attitude of entitlement, insinuating herself into the Svensson’s family life and business. I so want to see something and someone take her down a few pegs. She needs humbling.

Still the book is worth a read. I have read every book and I will continue to read each new book.

P.S. There needs to be a better system to acquire the extended epilogue books, the additional reads. We should be able to just click on a link on the website to either download or read in the web browser. That’s how most authors do it. I keep clicking on the link that requires me to sign up for emails and newsletters over, and over, and over again...but I still have not gotten the additional books. It says they will be sent to me, but they never are. It would be better for us to click on a link on the website for each extended/additional read for each book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl and Libby are no angels, but neither one deserved the baggage they’ve got because of their family situations. Has that baggage left wounds too deep to heal, or are they the answer to one another’s prayers? I read this book howling with laughter and desperately flipping pages to see what would happen next. Carl’s an overbearing jerk and Libby’s directionless. But beneath those first impressions are complex souls doing their best under very trying conditions. Spending time with the Svenssons is a lot like tuning back in to your favorite soap opera. There will be over the top drama. There will be unbelievably twisted revenge plots. There will be bedroom games, and marriage games, and financial fast talking. When we’re really lucky, there will also be adorable pets, inappropriate seniors, lots of laughter, and a couple that couldn’t be less suited for one another discovering that they’re a perfect match.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is Laughing too Much?
Never. Not when reading an Alina Jacobs book about the Svenssons Brothers and their quirky, smart and sexy love interest that always manages to humanize the brother. In this case it’s Carl and Libby and the adorable Corgi, Doug who brings on the comedy in spades.
Poor rich woman Libby doesn’t know she has a ton of inherited money. She thinks she pretty much a starving artist. Then Carl appears and all bets are off on how he’s going to manage her and her money without her knowledge. As all Jacob’s storylines go, there is mayhem afoot and Libby isn’t about to go quietly and acquiesce. And Carl doesn’t want it any other way. Can they find togetherness or will they end up like Belle and Craig?
Loved. Loved. Loved this storyline and am definitely recommending it for your reading enjoyment and pleasure. PEACE. . I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Connie Huffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

well…

Not a bad story, but the premise behind it was kind of silly. And the h lived in a run down apartment that often had no hot water, but yet the H didn’t think about getting her a better place, just getting his hands on her money. Frequent use of the f* bomb was unnecessary and distracting.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I NEED Greg and Belle to happen expeditiously, this wait is painful. I am so glad that Mags has come to shake things up. With that said, let's fk with all of it. Let's put Greg with Mags and hook Bella and Crawford up. THAT would be fire!!!

Also, when tf is Marnie going to get her own book?AND how old is she???. I'm ready for the Richmonds to get their own books. OMFG will Elise hook up with a Richmond?! Wait!! Can Elise end up with one of them aliens?? THAT would be an epic cross over.

I love Alina's work; I don't care if they have similarities. Almost every Disney princess has an animal sidekick, why can't these girls? All Hallmark Christmas Romances ALL have a similar formula yet billions of thirsty bishes, myself included pours that eggnog and tunes in November through January.

ANYWAYS, I very much enjoyed this story. I was excited that we got to see more Svenssons. Crawford is my absolute favorite; I love how he always calls his brothers out on their poor communication and/or poor choices. He always seems so analytical, I'm curious to see how he will play things once he's in love.

We got to see Josh and Eric from the Boston Svenssons. And even though he was not mentioned this is just a random thought for the fan girls who have been following this series, Ya'll remember in the last Frost book that Olivia from Haggorate moved to Seattle. Do think she'll end up with one of those brothers?? So far, we only know of Salinger but still.

Okay back to this book. I wasn't too excited to read Carl's story which makes no sense because out of the Manhattan brothers his temper seems to be the most in check. I usually read these books as soon as they dropped but instead, I read the Rocket Girl books (enjoyable alien smut) and the new Weddings in the City book BEFORE this one.

I'm not sure why I dragged my feet because this book was very entertaining. I would have liked to see more of the little sisters as Carl seems to be the only brother that doesn't have one living with him. With that said they were present throughout the book and it's nice to see how the older girls have matured and grown.

I really liked Libby. She definitely had insecurities, low self-esteem, and abandonment issues. She was impulsive and emotional. But she was never too afraid to stand up for herself. I liked that she openly laid into her adversaries. She never needed Carl to step in and speak for her. I felt like she was really relatable.

Her piercing sounded like it was a HCH or on her labia. It didn't sound like a hood piercing as he was rubbing her ring while orally stimulating her at one point...
* Just wanted to clarify that for those who are confused. HCH seems like the best choice imo

Carl was okay. Maybe I have issues and prefer the douche canoe brothers. Carl did say some negative things in the beginning but at no point did I feel he was bullying her or out of line. he was very playful with this sisters and Doug. He wasn't flashy with his money like some of his other brothers. His need to cleanliness was explained but we didn't really see a neurosis over it.

For me he didn't stand out. But that's what's so great about having so many brothers to choose from.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some terrible dates may lead you to love.
I really liked this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable although there was a lot of alcohol use. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. I did want Bitsy, Trenton, and Athlyn to all get more comeuppance than they received. Bitsy was a horrible person and she totally messed with Libby's life way too much. Brea was a great friend as she was supportive but sometimes I felt like she was just a little too supportive to the point of being an enabler at time. Libby drank a lot. Like a lot a lot. Brea was always telling Libby that she needed a drink and that was if Libby wasn't saying that she needed a drink. Basically there was a lot of drinking in this story.

Libby was an artist. She hadn't made very much money while being an artist but she was still doing art. Carl had been approached by an attorney for Libby's godfather. They wanted Carl to make Libby his ward and to turn her into a "proper" young woman. Libby and Carl butted heads a few times. There was some drama, angst, secrets, lies, and hilarious hijinks throughout the story. Carl was very straightlaced while Libby was more of a free spirit. Libby had tattoos and piercings that Carl ended up becoming very interested in. Doug was a wonderful addition to the story. His growing friendship with Carl was both sweet and funny since Carl was positive that it was all on Doug's side but Libby knew better. There were plenty of laughs and some steam. I liked how the story ended. I recommend reading this book.

Or listening to it! The narrators were talented and really brought the story to life. They made the story a joy to listen to. I recommend listening to the audiobook as well.

I received a free ebook copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marty Sandvik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carl Svensson is appointed Libby's guardian and is supposed to make her into a respectable adult with a posh appearance, good job, and respectable husband. However, Libby is an artist with piercings, tattoos, and green hair. Her time is spent with her corgi Doug and making art projects. Libby doesn't want anything to do with being Carl's project and only agrees when her ex-boyfriend sues her for slander threatening to take away her beloved Corgi Doug. While the two work on her getting up earlier, excercising, cleaning her apartment and changing her wardrobe they discover that their assumptions about each other may have been wrong and that there is more to each other than meets the eye.
Carl does not know how Libby feels about him especially when she tries to help him date other woman like her nemesis Bitsy. But soon the two of them start to sleep together and end up catching feelings for one another but Carl is hiding the fact that Libby is entitled to a huge inheritance and that he gets to manage her money if she does all the things he wants her to do. Her ex sues her for custody of Doug and when she loses him she also finds out that Carl has been using her and she ends things, but Carl with the help of Crawford, Greg, and Belle gets Doug back to Libby and she forgives him.
This was a cute book. I liked how different Carl and Libby were. Carl was too condescending at first for my liking but Libby was hilarious and Carl grew on me the more he started realizing that he liked Libby for who she was. I loved that Greg and Belle were once again squaring off and I hope that they are endgame and not Mags and Greg. Doug was an adorable scene-stealer and I can't wait to read the last two books of the series.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very funny Svensson episode. 4*
This instalment of the Svensson brother’s series is one of the funniest in my opinion. Up to about half the novel, I didn’t much care for Libby’s character, as I felt that she was a complete wreck, totally without limitations. She becomes the ward of Carl Svensson and both go through an intense period of dislike for one another, a feeling that will go through intense attraction, making this book very steamy and hot. He has to make her respectable in order for her ward to become eligible for her inheritance, something of which Libby knows nothing about. Later with improvement in her emotional state, her life seems to have become rechannelled into a more responsible direction. There are too many tension points with extremely unsavoury characters making the novel a bit farcical towards the end. The ending, although comes with an HFN, is a bit odd, with added pages to finish the story. It is an entertaining read but the storyline was a little overcomplicated. On the plus side, this is a very funny, well-written, well-edited novel, a steamy hot read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a great and funny series
I thought it was once again a great part in this series, with characters that are placed face to face from the start: Libby who has just been dumped, who is struggling to manage her life and who had a godfather to help her, and Carl who to obtain a property becomes her new guardian in place of Libby's deceased godfather. These two characters with strong tempers give us funny duels in which everyone wants to be right, and we quickly understand that Carl belongs to Svensson's siblings.
I liked the switch between the cold Carl who becomes hateful when he accepts the contract to manipulate Libby, his evolution, all against Libby who is all honesty, but impulsive and probably too much on social networks.
The story is a good time because we always wonder how they will be able to get out of it.
The story is tender, funny, hot and definitely addictive once started.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby is twenty-three years old, and she can't believe that her recently deceased, very rich, godfather had insisted that his attorney find her a legal guardian. Carl Svensson is taken by surprise when he meets the young woman his brother has insists needs to be his ward. She's a mess, and if she's to get her inheritance then he will find her a husband just as the will stipulates. There is only one problem, he's fallen in love with her and no matter what it costs him, he's determined to be the only man who gets to marry her.
Laugh out loud, hysterically funny romantic comedy with wonderfully well written and compelling characters. There are also some very surprising twists, and an adorable corgi. I fell in love with Doug. I think this is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Libby, she is quite the mess, she is funny, dramatic, loving, and like I said before a mess. Carl is like all the other brothers when we first meet them, he’s bossy, cocky, stringent, damaged, slowly but surely we see the soft, loving side of each and everyone of them. I loved reading about Brea again and that her and Libby are best friends, that was a fun surprise. I fell in love with Doug he is just so cute and him and Libby together are adorable. I loved how Doug took to Carl and how he was always so happy to see him. Of course I was yelling at my Kindle saying Carl why are you so stupid, just tell her the truth, tell her what’s happening, but no, of course not. There’s some angst, there’s of course a lot of comedy, a lot of sex, and best of all a-lot of love.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars. Carl is one of the uptight investment brothers who is forever picking up gold diggers. When his estranged mother’s uncle dies, he leaves a whoop load of money and property to Libby under the conditions that she clean up her act and conform to his Victorian ideas. He and the brothers want to manage that lucrative portfolio and he is elected to transform Libby. What they didn’t expect feelings along the way. Well written and a great adventure. Laugh out loud funny! This family is a lot of fun and every book is different. The little kids are precocious and delightful.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your freshman roommate is a mean girl and a liar,it can set you entire college experience off the rails. Libby Gilbert had majored in art, so had her high society, spoiled roommate. Libby was so traumatized by the constant lies and bullying that she dropped out of college. Without her degree, getting a job in New York City in the art community was impossible.
Carl Svensson has a financial mind. He and his brothers at Svensson Financial need a creative idea to get women to come to work for them. Bright women with financial minds. Libby is a tech genius and quickly whips up a plan to entice quality candidates for the company.

[Laura Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bullied young women finds her moxie

Carl the youngest Manhattan Svensson was truly naive about women. He’s forced into being the guardian of a young artsy women abandoned by her mother and bullied most of her life. His job is to help her become responsible so he could earn control of her inheritance. Libby’s ex, and former roommates are villains and there is an adorable corgi band Doug . Carls mother makes an appearance and Brea from weddings in the city. The story really revolves around personal growth as the two face obstacles together and apart.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

ending saved it…..

This book nearly became a DNF. I found myself not liking the MMC and his manipulation. Eventually he redeemed himself. Some questions were left unanswered and the “make up” part wasn’t until the book was nearly finished (94%). I felt a bit more time could have been devoted to the apology and coming back together. It felt shallow a bit like….well, he said he’s sorry so he must be. And then all was forgiven and forgotten. Shallow being that he spent months plotting against her….

[Lisa Ann D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

“And here I thought you were turning over a new leaf.” “Not if it means I have to then eat the leaf,” I countered.💚✅

Love, Hate, and Terrible Dates!
(The Manhattan Svenssons #4) by Alina Jacobs

𝕄𝕀ℕ𝕀 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎
𝙸𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕.

𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚜𝚙 𝙻𝚒𝚋𝚋𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜- 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚎. 𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚁𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚢.

𝖭𝖮 𝖧𝖠𝖳𝖤- 𝖩𝖴𝖲𝖳 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖦𝖱𝖤𝖠𝖳

No bashing. Sometimes things don’t work for all of us.
Moving on. Still love the author. Will still read her books.
🩵

★•*´¨`*•★• Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby. Carl. A cheating ex. An instagram post. A ward. Slander. Instagram again. Sued. Charged. A corgi. A baby trap. Exercise? You're kidding. Lots of money. A damaged car. Really damaged. A dating profile. A photo shoot. Oops. A date. A pottery class. Art degree. Lies, lots of lies. Class. A date. A kiss. Another run. Really? Heaps of girls. Photos. Hot men. Doggie photos. Delusions of grandeur. A job. A ball. A mother. Haters. A dog taken. Absolutely brilliant book.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect escapism at its best!!

Oh my goodness this book was SO freaking good!! I'm such a sucker for fake romances, and this one just hit alllllll my buttons. Broody Carl, the insane tension and chemistry between him and Libby, the emotions and heat, it was all just top notch from start to finish! There is plenty of spice, plenty of laughs and a plenty of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. This romance made me laugh out loud and swoon and fan myself frequently. The characters were fantastic, including the secondary ones. I hope we get to see more of them soon. Perfect escapism at its best!! Happy reading everyone

[mary rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously Hot

I would recommend this book to everyone who likes funny, hot,and quirky characters. The story moves quickly. The Manhattan Svenssson brothers and little sisters are present t in the storyline tying the book back to all the other books about these brothers. I have read all of these books starting with the Harrogate Svenssons. I have loved all of them. Usually read in 1day as to good to put down.

[Jeannine R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, such a wonderfully cute, funny romantic story!!

I loved really enjoyed reading this fun, flirty book!
Author Alina Jacobs has an amazingly unique talent for writing books that capture the reader’s attention at the beginning of the story. She ‘paints’ wonderful descriptions of each character which helps her readers to feel as though they truly know each character.
Alina Jacobs has a true gifted author!

[Robin Shines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina Jacob’s a phenom writer, with quirks, twists, and so much more.

I’ve been reading Alina Jacob’s books as fast as she writes them, this lady is a phenom with a pen, and her mind. Her books are fun to read, filled with laughter, love, and just amazing results. I read 5-10 books a week, and if it’s Alina Jacob’s I just get it and read. I’m gonna start sending reviews for all of the authors that I read. Thank all of you ladies.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, it has great characters. It's a page tuner. The only thing I didn't like was the joke I think that could of been left out.
It was well written, kept my interest. Love the storyline. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.

I received a advance copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thoughts and opinions are of my own.

[Emily Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever seen the things you're describing?

The nookie seen in this book was written by a nun or 13. It's how you write about intimacy as a middle schooler who imagines where the parts are. He touches nearby her * and she moans like she's being penetr*ted. If you don't know, just Google it.
I know all these books are rediculous but the others are much better. I feel a little betrayed.

[Shirley Klohr-Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the love of a Dog

Incredible exciting funny laugh out loud love story of two opposite characters who step by step fall in love with a lot of help from unlikely characters,especially one special dog. Thank you for sharing another awesome story of these wonderful characters ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Antonella - Happy Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Svensson discovers he had a ward now... So much like the Victorian era... But what if the said ward is young, beautiful, and unconventional? And then he tries to benefit from the situation and it ends up with him groveling, like every Svensson before! Be prepared to swoon and laugh all the way!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok

I've read the books that came before this one, but this may have been my least favorite. Some parts were so ridiculous that not even I could get behind it, and honestly that's saying something. Overall I did like the book and I'll probably keep reading the series because I do like it. I do wish they'd include the previous characters more though.

[andrea aiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hate And Terrible Dates: A Romantic Comedy ( The Manhattan Scene sons Book 4)

A funny romantic comedy that will keep you reading. Great characters. Only one complaint, very tacky joke : Making sourdough bread with their own yeast infection). That is horrible. I don't think any one wants to read something like that.

[Elizabeth Hubbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Svenssons

A whole series, and a series of series of Scenes on boys - and sooner or later , sisters are to be added. An interesting tale of a plethora of Nordic looking men who escaped from a cult - yeah interesting. You have to read a few of the tales to get the background, which IMO, is the good stuff.

[Laura Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl & Libby

And Doug! Baby boy Carl wants a lady like his big bros and gets his big chance with Libby - Brea's buddy - whose godfather left a trust to but it has to be managed by a big strong man. Of course the little Svensson gets money-blind and makes some poor choices instead of just being upfront with things.

[Susan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien Jacobs always keeps me laughing...

The Svensens are wonderful. The characters are so over the top but you love them, love the sense of family. Love the romances that they resist until it overcomes them. Another great job.