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Right Girl, Wrong Side
New York Times and USA Today
Busy flower shop manager Evita Machado can't wait to get to Nantucket. With a bad breakup behind her, relaxing at the shore with her folks and her brothers and their families sounds like the sure cure for heartache, and their vacation destination looks like an amazing place! But when they arrive at the quaint rose-covered cottage, another group has already put down stakes: the Hatfields.
Ryan Hatfield was Evita's former crush from high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now history professor Ryan is here for a week with his parents, who won them this oceanfront rental in a society silent auction. Once it's clear there's been a double-booking due to a bidding mistake, Ryan's mom digs in her heels, meaning to stay. When Evita's mom won't back down either, both sides tepidly agree to share the luxury accommodations by dividing the cozy space.
With the boisterous Machados livening things up and the strait-laced Hatfields tamping them down, can Evita and Ryan keep the peace between the warring factions while fostering a growing chemistry between the two of them?
Busy flower shop manager Evita Machado can't wait to get to Nantucket. With a bad breakup behind her, relaxing at the shore with her folks and her brothers and their families sounds like the sure cure for heartache, and their vacation destination looks like an amazing place! But when they arrive at the quaint rose-covered cottage, another group has already put down stakes: the Hatfields.
Ryan Hatfield was Evita's former crush from high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now history professor Ryan is here for a week with his parents, who won them this oceanfront rental in a society silent auction. Once it's clear there's been a double-booking due to a bidding mistake, Ryan's mom digs in her heels, meaning to stay. When Evita's mom won't back down either, both sides tepidly agree to share the luxury accommodations by dividing the cozy space.
With the boisterous Machados livening things up and the strait-laced Hatfields tamping them down, can Evita and Ryan keep the peace between the warring factions while fostering a growing chemistry between the two of them?
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2023
72 people are currently reading
9584 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Baird
64 books895 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. www.ginnybairdromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
May 14, 2023
Woohoo! This is sweetest , the most entertaining, laugh out loud, lighthearted novel about two families who are having long- standing feud find themselves trapped in a beach house, being forced to tolerate each other and acting too stubborn to leave the place!
Romance between Evita Machado and Ryan Hatfield reminds us of the characters from modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Their families couldn’t be so different.
As Ryan’s entire family acting distinguished, uptight, reserved, barely showing affection with each other, Evita’s very crowded Puerto Rican family is noisy, affectionate, fiery, joyful, enthusiastic. Let’s not forget both of their mothers had a fall out during their high school years and each of them is still blaming the other. Of course their husbands took the sides with their wives and now the women’s rivalry escalates when they both chose to work as real estate agents.
Both of them joined the auction for Nantucket holiday house and unfortunately both of them thought they were the winners. Now their families merged at the same place. Their children Ryan and Evita have been liking each other since they’ve been lab partners at high school. They were so close to attend the prom together if their parents didn’t intervene.
Now Evita has her own flower shop and Ryan is aspiring history professor at community college. Evita already broke up with her fiancée and seeing Ryan at the beach house rekindles her unrequited feelings but later she realizes their feelings are mutual. But how can they form a relationship when their families are still arch enemies!
During their stay, both of the parties are barely acting civil around each of other. As Machados like long dinners accompanied with pina coladas, playing noisy Latino songs, performing Macarena dance figures as the kids of Evita’s brothers creating the worst kind of chaos, Hatfields enjoy the silence, burying their heads into e-readers, playing bridge for fun.
But Evita and Ryan are adamant enough to convince their mothers to bury the hatchet. Both families have things to learn from each other and they can meet in the halfway, can’t they?
Overall: I fell in with Machados family! Each character was amazing, vivid, joyful! Fiery, determined, energetic Evita and caring, generous, quirky Ryan are also likable characters.
I had amazing time! Instead of watching nonsense Netflix romcoms and family movies, just jump in this incredible family story! Extra fun guaranteed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Romance between Evita Machado and Ryan Hatfield reminds us of the characters from modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Their families couldn’t be so different.
As Ryan’s entire family acting distinguished, uptight, reserved, barely showing affection with each other, Evita’s very crowded Puerto Rican family is noisy, affectionate, fiery, joyful, enthusiastic. Let’s not forget both of their mothers had a fall out during their high school years and each of them is still blaming the other. Of course their husbands took the sides with their wives and now the women’s rivalry escalates when they both chose to work as real estate agents.
Both of them joined the auction for Nantucket holiday house and unfortunately both of them thought they were the winners. Now their families merged at the same place. Their children Ryan and Evita have been liking each other since they’ve been lab partners at high school. They were so close to attend the prom together if their parents didn’t intervene.
Now Evita has her own flower shop and Ryan is aspiring history professor at community college. Evita already broke up with her fiancée and seeing Ryan at the beach house rekindles her unrequited feelings but later she realizes their feelings are mutual. But how can they form a relationship when their families are still arch enemies!
During their stay, both of the parties are barely acting civil around each of other. As Machados like long dinners accompanied with pina coladas, playing noisy Latino songs, performing Macarena dance figures as the kids of Evita’s brothers creating the worst kind of chaos, Hatfields enjoy the silence, burying their heads into e-readers, playing bridge for fun.
But Evita and Ryan are adamant enough to convince their mothers to bury the hatchet. Both families have things to learn from each other and they can meet in the halfway, can’t they?
Overall: I fell in with Machados family! Each character was amazing, vivid, joyful! Fiery, determined, energetic Evita and caring, generous, quirky Ryan are also likable characters.
I had amazing time! Instead of watching nonsense Netflix romcoms and family movies, just jump in this incredible family story! Extra fun guaranteed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 22, 2023
Right Girl, Wrong Side by Ginny Baird
Multicultural romance.
A mistake is made at a charity event which ends up with the Hatfields and Machados staying in the same vacation destination cottage the exact same week. They decide to split the house down the middle and have alternate dinner times to help keep the two families separated. Evita and Ryan are independent adults now and were friends in high school. Now the attraction between them is reignited. Getting the rest of each family to spend time together rather than alongside each other will be a monumental task.
Most of the animosity is between the matriarchs of the families and the rest follow their lead.
It’s touching and sad and ultimately heartwarming. A family affair.
The epilogue is complete and several years into the future. It covers the full family on both sides from oldest to youngest.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story narrated by Karla Serrato. The performance is lively and engaging. There isn’t a wide range between make and female, but you can hear a clear accent difference between the mothers. The Spanish accent is very well done and sounds authentic. The children’s voices are artificial sounding and frankly, a bit amusing. I listened to the audio at 1.5 which is my preferred speed.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Multicultural romance.
A mistake is made at a charity event which ends up with the Hatfields and Machados staying in the same vacation destination cottage the exact same week. They decide to split the house down the middle and have alternate dinner times to help keep the two families separated. Evita and Ryan are independent adults now and were friends in high school. Now the attraction between them is reignited. Getting the rest of each family to spend time together rather than alongside each other will be a monumental task.
Most of the animosity is between the matriarchs of the families and the rest follow their lead.
It’s touching and sad and ultimately heartwarming. A family affair.
The epilogue is complete and several years into the future. It covers the full family on both sides from oldest to youngest.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story narrated by Karla Serrato. The performance is lively and engaging. There isn’t a wide range between make and female, but you can hear a clear accent difference between the mothers. The Spanish accent is very well done and sounds authentic. The children’s voices are artificial sounding and frankly, a bit amusing. I listened to the audio at 1.5 which is my preferred speed.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
March 29, 2023
2.5⭐
Holy rival family drama mama!
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, rivalry between the mom's, forced proximity, forbidden romance, secret crushes from high school, h & H now in their late 20's, no steamage
Evita & Ryan's moms have been rivals since high school. Now they both win the same vacation house at an auction and are forced to spend the week together. Thus sets forth the dividing of bedrooms and scheduling of when they can use certain rooms and items.
Oye, this was something. The younger generation acted more grown up than the parents did. I never understand why parents think they can run their adult child's life and have a say in who they date. Didn't they raise them to have a proper head on their shoulders and know what's best for themselves? I hope I have done so for my child. Anyway, I did really liked how Evita and Ryan tried to keep the peace and get to know each other again.
One part that bugged me ~ the one mother wouldn't give up their beach umbrella, that they weren't even using!, so a baby could have shade. That's not very motherly. Just petty.
Overall, this was more frustrating than exciting for me. Happy there was not a for the birds 3rd act break up at least.
Narration:
Karla Serrato ~ 9 hours 42 minutes ~ fine job. I'm a broken record again, but I would have loved a male narrator for this one. There are quite a few characters staying in the house and it would have been easier to keep track of whose family they were apart of if we had 2 narrators.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Holy rival family drama mama!
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, rivalry between the mom's, forced proximity, forbidden romance, secret crushes from high school, h & H now in their late 20's, no steamage
Evita & Ryan's moms have been rivals since high school. Now they both win the same vacation house at an auction and are forced to spend the week together. Thus sets forth the dividing of bedrooms and scheduling of when they can use certain rooms and items.
Oye, this was something. The younger generation acted more grown up than the parents did. I never understand why parents think they can run their adult child's life and have a say in who they date. Didn't they raise them to have a proper head on their shoulders and know what's best for themselves? I hope I have done so for my child. Anyway, I did really liked how Evita and Ryan tried to keep the peace and get to know each other again.
One part that bugged me ~ the one mother wouldn't give up their beach umbrella, that they weren't even using!, so a baby could have shade. That's not very motherly. Just petty.
Overall, this was more frustrating than exciting for me. Happy there was not a for the birds 3rd act break up at least.
Narration:
Karla Serrato ~ 9 hours 42 minutes ~ fine job. I'm a broken record again, but I would have loved a male narrator for this one. There are quite a few characters staying in the house and it would have been easier to keep track of whose family they were apart of if we had 2 narrators.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 9, 2023
Hm. For some reason, I just couldn't connect with this one as much as with First Bride to Fall. But it was very sweet.
July 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook (If I had read this instead of listening to the audiobook I might have rated it a little higher, probably 3.5 stars. The narrator wasn’t that good. She didn’t change her voice for the male character so it took a bit to realize when she was talking from his point of view. She also sounded very bored most of the time. I also thought the author either should have went with Hatfields/McCoys or used Machados and another name.)
March 30, 2023
I love how lively the characters are! Not just the main characters but the entire families you know!
I love this warm cosy read especially this winter though the book cover screams like a spring romance read. It would work just as fine!
The story is about Evita who wants to start a new life after having a breakup. She wants to be with her family and work things out. There comes a vacation where she meets her former crush, Ryan, whose mom is her mom’s business rival.
The families colliding in that one destination, can Evita and Ryan be able to patch this issue between their families and let their feelings for each other be taken for granted?
I know what happens towards the end. You have a pretty good idea too. Read this short fun romance this coming spring. It’s so cosy!
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the advance reading copy.
I love this warm cosy read especially this winter though the book cover screams like a spring romance read. It would work just as fine!
The story is about Evita who wants to start a new life after having a breakup. She wants to be with her family and work things out. There comes a vacation where she meets her former crush, Ryan, whose mom is her mom’s business rival.
The families colliding in that one destination, can Evita and Ryan be able to patch this issue between their families and let their feelings for each other be taken for granted?
I know what happens towards the end. You have a pretty good idea too. Read this short fun romance this coming spring. It’s so cosy!
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the advance reading copy.
March 11, 2023
This is one of those books that should have been funny and charming but instead fell completely flat. I was expecting all of the tension that a Romeo and Juliet, star crossed lovers stuck in the middle of a family feud promises but this book sadly didn’t deliver. The family conflict felt immature and dominated the storyline over the romance between the leads. There was no build up or tension between the leads which felt like a missed opportunity since they hadn’t connected since high school. Overall, this book was a miss for me and I struggled to get through it.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1.5 stars
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1.5 stars
March 8, 2023
With its Nantucket seaside cottage setting, this would make a great beach read. Despite the friendly relationship between Evita and Ryan, their families, particularly their mothers, have been archenemies for years. And thanks to a double booking mishap, the Machado and Hatfield family are now forced under one roof.
I loved the huge emphasis on family in this one! While the focus is on Evita and Ryan, there's a large cast of lovable secondary characters, each with their own quirks and struggles. With the Machado family being more boisterous and the Hatfield family more reserved, it was a really fun, comical blend of clashing personalities.
I had a hard time overlooking the feud, though. I appreciated the deeper meaning behind their hatred, and at times I somewhat understood their reasonings, yet it still felt incredibly childish to see two grown women desperate to keep their children apart over something so trivial from the past.
Because of this sole conflict, I would have loved more secluded moments between Evita and Ryan to build up their chemistry, but overall it was a cute story!
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved the huge emphasis on family in this one! While the focus is on Evita and Ryan, there's a large cast of lovable secondary characters, each with their own quirks and struggles. With the Machado family being more boisterous and the Hatfield family more reserved, it was a really fun, comical blend of clashing personalities.
I had a hard time overlooking the feud, though. I appreciated the deeper meaning behind their hatred, and at times I somewhat understood their reasonings, yet it still felt incredibly childish to see two grown women desperate to keep their children apart over something so trivial from the past.
Because of this sole conflict, I would have loved more secluded moments between Evita and Ryan to build up their chemistry, but overall it was a cute story!
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
January 31, 2023
this book was definitely not the one for me. i had to force myself to keep reading this book most of the time. i honestly just got frustrated with the way the characters acted. while their parents arguments were meant to cause drama and sparks it ended up just getting annoying because the arguments were over petty things and the moms were both very very immature. i really liked the side characters and reading how some of the characters developed but overall i think this book could’ve been much better.
March 10, 2023
A modern take on The Hatfields & McCoys fued.
I wish this had been YA.
The two MCs are in their (at least) late 20s, but act much much closer to 16 years.
They were extremely juvenile while interacting with their families, and felt emotionally stunted at high school years. It made the whole book weird.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my audio.
I wish this had been YA.
The two MCs are in their (at least) late 20s, but act much much closer to 16 years.
They were extremely juvenile while interacting with their families, and felt emotionally stunted at high school years. It made the whole book weird.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my audio.
December 22, 2022
I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters, Evita and Ryan, it was believable and I liked how it all developed. Overall, I recommend if you enjoy a fun rom-com.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2023
This was SUCH a fun read! I love a good forbidden romance and this one has a great twist where rival families the Machado's and the Hatfields find themselves both winning a vacation timeshare on Nantucket island.
With a feud dating back to when their mothers were in high school, and no interest in mending fences, the two families have to figure out how to share this house without WWIII breaking out. The only thing the two older women can agree on? Neither wants their children, Evita and Ryan to be together romantically.
I really enjoyed watching Evita and Ryan work together to help their families get along, falling in love along the way. This book is full of family antics, laughs and feel good moments. Highly recommended and good on audio. It was my first book by Ginny Baird and definitely won't be my last!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review.
Steam level: PG, kissing only
With a feud dating back to when their mothers were in high school, and no interest in mending fences, the two families have to figure out how to share this house without WWIII breaking out. The only thing the two older women can agree on? Neither wants their children, Evita and Ryan to be together romantically.
I really enjoyed watching Evita and Ryan work together to help their families get along, falling in love along the way. This book is full of family antics, laughs and feel good moments. Highly recommended and good on audio. It was my first book by Ginny Baird and definitely won't be my last!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review.
Steam level: PG, kissing only
March 13, 2023
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a second chance romance and this one was pretty cute. Two families with a long and troubled past come back together. No one is happy except for the couple who has been waiting for their second chance since high school. It’s time to make it all right between the families and with their relationship.
🌀Synopsis
Evita Machado is supposed to be getting engaged but instead they are breaking up. Now all she is looking forward to is their family vacation in Nantucket. The family arrives and finds that someone is already at their vacation house.
Ryan Hatfield’s family is also looking forward to this vacation, until they find strangers in a house they occupy. Only- they aren’t strangers. They are the Machados! A family that they have had a long standing grudge against. Except Ryan and Evita who were very close in high school but were forced apart by their families.
The families agree to split the house but tensions are high and arguments are prevent. Ryan and Evita rekindle their friendship and realize they want to try for more. To do that, they have to get the families to leave the past in the past. So the rest of the week is dedicated to doing just that and they both leave either a different perspective.
🌀Synopsis
Evita Machado is supposed to be getting engaged but instead they are breaking up. Now all she is looking forward to is their family vacation in Nantucket. The family arrives and finds that someone is already at their vacation house.
Ryan Hatfield’s family is also looking forward to this vacation, until they find strangers in a house they occupy. Only- they aren’t strangers. They are the Machados! A family that they have had a long standing grudge against. Except Ryan and Evita who were very close in high school but were forced apart by their families.
The families agree to split the house but tensions are high and arguments are prevent. Ryan and Evita rekindle their friendship and realize they want to try for more. To do that, they have to get the families to leave the past in the past. So the rest of the week is dedicated to doing just that and they both leave either a different perspective.
April 23, 2023
https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/gin...
While I enjoyed this Romeo and Juliet - adjacent retelling (no one dies!), I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read the book instead of listening to the audio. A big plot point was Ryan, the MMC, deciding whether to stay at his small no-name college or switch to working at Wellesley, well-known in the Mass area. The narrator pronounced it “wuh-Leslie” every time (instead of wells-lee), and it really took me out of the story! Had the college been mentioned once or twice I would have chuckled to myself and moved on, but it was near-constant.
The story itself was cute–a forced-proximity forbidden romance, when the two rival moms both are told they’ve won the same vacation house for a week. The antics between the two families were a lot of fun to read.
I didn’t find myself particularly connected to Ryan and Evita’s romance. They didn’t seem to spend much time connecting on their own, which made it hard for the romance to develop.
My other pet peeve was that Ryan apparently proposed before Evita every said “I love you”. I’m not sure if I just mis-heard that on audio, but that was confusing to me!
While I enjoyed this Romeo and Juliet - adjacent retelling (no one dies!), I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read the book instead of listening to the audio. A big plot point was Ryan, the MMC, deciding whether to stay at his small no-name college or switch to working at Wellesley, well-known in the Mass area. The narrator pronounced it “wuh-Leslie” every time (instead of wells-lee), and it really took me out of the story! Had the college been mentioned once or twice I would have chuckled to myself and moved on, but it was near-constant.
The story itself was cute–a forced-proximity forbidden romance, when the two rival moms both are told they’ve won the same vacation house for a week. The antics between the two families were a lot of fun to read.
I didn’t find myself particularly connected to Ryan and Evita’s romance. They didn’t seem to spend much time connecting on their own, which made it hard for the romance to develop.
My other pet peeve was that Ryan apparently proposed before Evita every said “I love you”. I’m not sure if I just mis-heard that on audio, but that was confusing to me!
April 22, 2025
⫷ The ARC of this book was provided by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review ⫸
Rating: 3.25/5
Cover: ★★★★
Recommended: Sure
Evita (h) + Ryan (H)
● Second Chance
● Friends to Lovers
● Childhood Crushes
● Rival Families
● Slow-burn
● Professor (H)/ Flower Shop Owner (h)
● Both 28 Years Old
● HEA (with Epilogue)
Thoughts:
First of all, the reason behind the rivalry between the moms' seemed kind of simple to me. I dunno I guess I was expecting something more in terms of their past. It was not a dealbreaker for me though. However, the way both moms acted was so unreasonable. Especially Ryan's mother. She was damn annoying. Oh, don't get me wrong, Evita's mother was no saint either. I liked Evita's brothers. They were cool. I liked the chemistry between Ryan and Evita. But we got so little of it. I wish the author explored the relationship of the main protagonists more. Because most of the book contained family rivalry drama and both of the MCs trying to keep their own families in check. The ending was okay. Although it could've been better. The author spent her time on the world-building too much throughout the entire book that other aspects lacked. For example, the characters could've been more interesting. The plot needed a bit working as well. The writing style was okay but not really comfortable. Like I said, romance was a lot lesser than I expected.
"Anything, really. The words aren't so important. What counts is that she knows you're in her corner."
Rating: 3.25/5
Cover: ★★★★
Recommended: Sure
Evita (h) + Ryan (H)
● Second Chance
● Friends to Lovers
● Childhood Crushes
● Rival Families
● Slow-burn
● Professor (H)/ Flower Shop Owner (h)
● Both 28 Years Old
● HEA (with Epilogue)
Thoughts:
First of all, the reason behind the rivalry between the moms' seemed kind of simple to me. I dunno I guess I was expecting something more in terms of their past. It was not a dealbreaker for me though. However, the way both moms acted was so unreasonable. Especially Ryan's mother. She was damn annoying. Oh, don't get me wrong, Evita's mother was no saint either. I liked Evita's brothers. They were cool. I liked the chemistry between Ryan and Evita. But we got so little of it. I wish the author explored the relationship of the main protagonists more. Because most of the book contained family rivalry drama and both of the MCs trying to keep their own families in check. The ending was okay. Although it could've been better. The author spent her time on the world-building too much throughout the entire book that other aspects lacked. For example, the characters could've been more interesting. The plot needed a bit working as well. The writing style was okay but not really comfortable. Like I said, romance was a lot lesser than I expected.
"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you should be forced to do it, right?"
March 15, 2023
this was a fun and light read. i saw some reviews before reading the book saying they find the couple immature so i didn't know if i would like this but i find the opposite. ryan and evita were mature but also sweet characters.
their mothers are enemies since highschool and even though i find it stupid i understand their reasons at the end.(ryan's mother has daddy issues🤨)
there wasn't ow/om drama or third act break-up and this was closed door(they only kiss 2-3 times). they openly communicate and i liked side characters(there were so many) but my rating is a little low even though i enjoyed this very much. because the writing was a little cheesy and some parts felt like a bad staged theatre 😔
thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review! 🦋
their mothers are enemies since highschool and even though i find it stupid i understand their reasons at the end.(ryan's mother has daddy issues🤨)
there wasn't ow/om drama or third act break-up and this was closed door(they only kiss 2-3 times). they openly communicate and i liked side characters(there were so many) but my rating is a little low even though i enjoyed this very much. because the writing was a little cheesy and some parts felt like a bad staged theatre 😔
thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review! 🦋
March 30, 2023
There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with this book, but I was struggling to want to finish it. Most of the background characters were superficial in personality and two-dimensional in print. After the first bicker match, I wanted to stop and start something new. But I was working from home and needed something, so I just let it keep going. And I didn't really enjoy anything in the book.
There's a difference between rivalry antics and just being... annoying.
There's a difference between rivalry antics and just being... annoying.
April 30, 2023
Audiobook - This is the worst book I have listened to this year……. I think it might be aimed at preteens or young teens and I did not realize this. Much too saccharine, much too predictable and the unbelievable family feud went on so long that I almost screamed, “GET OVER IT,” in more than a few places. If you are a young teen it is a sweet, romantic book. Otherwise, it is annoying and you might want to read something else.
March 30, 2023
“You can’t just stand there on the sidelines. Sometimes you have to dive in.”
Actual Rating: 3.5⭐
Read this rom-com if you like;
• Second Chance Romance
• Friends to Lovers
• Childhood Crushes
• Rival Families
This is a heart-warming rom-com. It’s fun, charming and enjoyable read.
First of all, the setting of the rental house with a beach in Nantucket is a great touch to the story, it brings out the vacation vibes for both families.
I really like the main characters – Evita and Ryan, they are very mature compare to their parents and more open minded. I like seeing how they open up to each other about their families and personal life. I just wish I could see more interaction, sweet moments between the two of them.
Aside from the main characters, the side characters are also well developed. I love Evita’s family – they are so close with one another and show their love expressively. It’s very different compare to Ryan’s family that’s a bit strict.
While I enjoy getting to know the characters, I couldn’t seem to connect with the Evita’s and Ryan’s mothers – the source of their family dispute as well as the main focus of the book. At times, I found their verbal war can be quite childish and a tad infuriating.
Overall, it’s a pretty good and enjoyable read. The ending is quite satisfying and I like the small epilogue at the end.
I really like the character developments throughout the story, the only thing I wish to see more is the blooming second chance romance of Evita and Ryan instead of seeing their mother’s fight.
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher
Actual Rating: 3.5⭐
Read this rom-com if you like;
• Second Chance Romance
• Friends to Lovers
• Childhood Crushes
• Rival Families
This is a heart-warming rom-com. It’s fun, charming and enjoyable read.
First of all, the setting of the rental house with a beach in Nantucket is a great touch to the story, it brings out the vacation vibes for both families.
I really like the main characters – Evita and Ryan, they are very mature compare to their parents and more open minded. I like seeing how they open up to each other about their families and personal life. I just wish I could see more interaction, sweet moments between the two of them.
Aside from the main characters, the side characters are also well developed. I love Evita’s family – they are so close with one another and show their love expressively. It’s very different compare to Ryan’s family that’s a bit strict.
While I enjoy getting to know the characters, I couldn’t seem to connect with the Evita’s and Ryan’s mothers – the source of their family dispute as well as the main focus of the book. At times, I found their verbal war can be quite childish and a tad infuriating.
Overall, it’s a pretty good and enjoyable read. The ending is quite satisfying and I like the small epilogue at the end.
I really like the character developments throughout the story, the only thing I wish to see more is the blooming second chance romance of Evita and Ryan instead of seeing their mother’s fight.
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher
March 25, 2023
If you like the star crossed lovers idea of Romeo and Juliet, without the dumb teenage antics, you should check this out. A modern version of the Hatfield and McCoy feud, this sweet romance takes the forbidden romance and adds in a forced proximity. Not just of the two main characters, no. Of their whole dang family. Drama level is high, the antics had me shaking my head. Entertaining for sure, if you like closed door romances, check this one out!
The Machado family is prepped and ready for vacation. Evida is ready for a break from running her own flower shop to unwind and relax with her family. Her mom won the weeklong stay from a charity auction, so all they had to do was provide the travel. But as they descend on the rental house, they notice a car is there. It seems there was a mix up with the charity and two people were notified that they had won. And the other family is the Hatfields, with whom her mother had been feuding with since high school. But Ryan is also there, her high school crush who see was forbidden to see (lol like she listened). Are all the sparks anger, or is there more?
The Machado family is prepped and ready for vacation. Evida is ready for a break from running her own flower shop to unwind and relax with her family. Her mom won the weeklong stay from a charity auction, so all they had to do was provide the travel. But as they descend on the rental house, they notice a car is there. It seems there was a mix up with the charity and two people were notified that they had won. And the other family is the Hatfields, with whom her mother had been feuding with since high school. But Ryan is also there, her high school crush who see was forbidden to see (lol like she listened). Are all the sparks anger, or is there more?
April 11, 2023
This was more like a 2.5 for me. It wasn’t terrible just a little boring.
April 9, 2023
This was a fun second chance lovers and modern day take on Romeo & Juliet where we follow two high school friends reunited amongst their feuding families.
The families provide for an entertaining supporting cast and produce several laugh out loud moments to keep you engaged!
This multicultural romance is certainly nothing unique, but serves for a lighthearted, sweet and enjoyable read!
Bonus points for a super cute cover!
The families provide for an entertaining supporting cast and produce several laugh out loud moments to keep you engaged!
This multicultural romance is certainly nothing unique, but serves for a lighthearted, sweet and enjoyable read!
Bonus points for a super cute cover!
May 9, 2023
This book is so boring. It’s 350 pages of tell, not show. The characters are super immature, and it felt like endless pages of describing every meal, people’s outfits, day-to-day activities that didn’t affect the plot, etc. Boring! It had such potential too. Do not recommend.
March 12, 2023
I wanted to like this book, but the main characters fell really flat, and their families were so obnoxious and infuriating I couldn't finish. Good premise, not a great execution
July 31, 2023
Right Girl, Wrong Side
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Author: Ginny Baird
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Busy flower shop manager Evita Machado can't wait to get to Nantucket. With a bad breakup behind her, relaxing at the shore with her folks and her brothers and their families sounds like the sure cure for heartache, and their vacation destination looks like an amazing place! But when they arrive at the quaint rose-covered cottage, another group has already put down stakes: the Hatfields.
Ryan Hatfield was Evita's former crush from high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now history professor Ryan is here for a week with his parents, who won them this oceanfront rental in a society silent auction. Once it's clear there's been a double-booking due to a bidding mistake, Ryan's mom digs in her heels, meaning to stay. When Evita's mom won't back down either, both sides tepidly agree to share the luxury accommodations by dividing the cozy space.
With the boisterous Machados livening things up and the strait-laced Hatfields tamping them down, can Evita and Ryan keep the peace between the warring factions while fostering a growing chemistry between the two of them?
My Thoughts: I was fortunate enough to have both the digital book and audiobook. I did switch back and forth a little but mainly listened to the audiobook. This was a lighthearted story full of old school war between two families. Ryan’s family did not show affection and acted very distinguished, above others. While Evita’s family is affectionate and loud. The families could not be more different and the parents also did not like each other, going back a few generations. Some mixup at a Nantucket Auction lands the families having to share a beach rental for the week and literally splitting it down the middle. The week is full of parent drama, MCs sneak outs, humorous storyline, with a touch of romance. Can Evita and Ryan convince the families to once and for all, bury the hatchet? I would recommend this story, it was a little slow burning, but overall it was enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Author: Ginny Baird
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Busy flower shop manager Evita Machado can't wait to get to Nantucket. With a bad breakup behind her, relaxing at the shore with her folks and her brothers and their families sounds like the sure cure for heartache, and their vacation destination looks like an amazing place! But when they arrive at the quaint rose-covered cottage, another group has already put down stakes: the Hatfields.
Ryan Hatfield was Evita's former crush from high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now history professor Ryan is here for a week with his parents, who won them this oceanfront rental in a society silent auction. Once it's clear there's been a double-booking due to a bidding mistake, Ryan's mom digs in her heels, meaning to stay. When Evita's mom won't back down either, both sides tepidly agree to share the luxury accommodations by dividing the cozy space.
With the boisterous Machados livening things up and the strait-laced Hatfields tamping them down, can Evita and Ryan keep the peace between the warring factions while fostering a growing chemistry between the two of them?
My Thoughts: I was fortunate enough to have both the digital book and audiobook. I did switch back and forth a little but mainly listened to the audiobook. This was a lighthearted story full of old school war between two families. Ryan’s family did not show affection and acted very distinguished, above others. While Evita’s family is affectionate and loud. The families could not be more different and the parents also did not like each other, going back a few generations. Some mixup at a Nantucket Auction lands the families having to share a beach rental for the week and literally splitting it down the middle. The week is full of parent drama, MCs sneak outs, humorous storyline, with a touch of romance. Can Evita and Ryan convince the families to once and for all, bury the hatchet? I would recommend this story, it was a little slow burning, but overall it was enjoyable.
August 25, 2024
I have mixed opinions about this book.
What I liked:
. The Epilogue 😍
Everything just came together so well and my heart was bursting for the characters because they achieved their goals and dreams. Also, the proposal (omg) it was perfect for them.
. It was easy and fast paced
. Some of the moments in this book was so sweet and heartwarming.
. Maddy
. The flashbacks
What I didn't like:
. the writing style
Some of the things were so icky that I wanted to stop reading. Also, the writing was really simple and then the author used a word like 'spiffing', it felt so out of place and like she had remembered she needed to include figurative language and big words.
. the monologues
I'm sorry but if you keep on telling me that you love him/her and don't show me, I won't believe you. Also, why was Evita dissing her nieces and nephews every few sentences whilst she was telling everyone she wanted a kid? If you have a kid, you gotta like them 🌷
. their parents
the feud was so unrealistic. talk about a plot device. they literally had beef because one of them didn't get to be a school president and their father was cross. I'm sorry but that beef should have ended a day after it happened not have been hung onto for 40 years. also, why did they discount and talk to maddy so meanly - they was so rude to her and then called her moody.
. the characters acted like teenagers
. ryan was so cringey and unattractive but ig everyone has their own tastes.
What I liked:
. The Epilogue 😍
Everything just came together so well and my heart was bursting for the characters because they achieved their goals and dreams. Also, the proposal (omg) it was perfect for them.
. It was easy and fast paced
. Some of the moments in this book was so sweet and heartwarming.
. Maddy
. The flashbacks
What I didn't like:
. the writing style
Some of the things were so icky that I wanted to stop reading. Also, the writing was really simple and then the author used a word like 'spiffing', it felt so out of place and like she had remembered she needed to include figurative language and big words.
. the monologues
I'm sorry but if you keep on telling me that you love him/her and don't show me, I won't believe you. Also, why was Evita dissing her nieces and nephews every few sentences whilst she was telling everyone she wanted a kid? If you have a kid, you gotta like them 🌷
. their parents
the feud was so unrealistic. talk about a plot device. they literally had beef because one of them didn't get to be a school president and their father was cross. I'm sorry but that beef should have ended a day after it happened not have been hung onto for 40 years. also, why did they discount and talk to maddy so meanly - they was so rude to her and then called her moody.
. the characters acted like teenagers
. ryan was so cringey and unattractive but ig everyone has their own tastes.
May 11, 2023
A cute, light, easy read!
March 21, 2023
Right Girl, Wrong Side was such a sweet, wholesome read! There is no spice, and this is a romance that is as much about the families as the couple. I loved Evita and Ryan and how they were so determined to get their families to be reasonable and heal - and not just so they could be together. I loved the sibling dynamics and the realistic portrayals of generational challenges, sibling dynamics, and new parenthood. The relationships were all just well done and it was a great summery environment for all of this to play out. I hope there are some companion books for this cause I really enjoyed the dynamics! 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2023
Oh how I wish I could give this book a glowing review, but unfortunately this book fell flat for me. What could have been a cute, quirky, laugh out loud story (it had its moments), turned into the most irritating read. And I solely blame 2 (actually 4) characters in the book. That and the very odd dialogue and writing style.
I found myself skipping through paragraphs and storylines because it all started to sound so repetitive. And by the last 2 chapters I found myself asking “when will this end?” To be honest the last chapter could have, and probably should have been the Epilogue. Bottom line, it was a very long book about adults acting very childish - and for no good reason - and the grown children that acted like the teenage kids their parents still saw them as.
I also found that too much effort was put into reiterating the strained relationships between the main characters Evita and Ryan’s mothers and not enough effort on really developing their growing relationship, aside from how heated Evita’s face got every time Ryan look at, smiled at, kissed her.
This book has a really good premise and great potential to be a great book, but could use some work on the dialogue, writing style and character building.
I’ll say that the author did hit it out of the ballpark when writing all the siblings. Those were some great characters.
Thank You NetGalley for the early read.
Publishing Date: Mar 28, 2023
#backtothebookish #editorwannabe #goodreads #netgalley #ebook #bookstagram #bookish #instabooks #ilovebooks #readinglist #bookblog #readmore
I found myself skipping through paragraphs and storylines because it all started to sound so repetitive. And by the last 2 chapters I found myself asking “when will this end?” To be honest the last chapter could have, and probably should have been the Epilogue. Bottom line, it was a very long book about adults acting very childish - and for no good reason - and the grown children that acted like the teenage kids their parents still saw them as.
I also found that too much effort was put into reiterating the strained relationships between the main characters Evita and Ryan’s mothers and not enough effort on really developing their growing relationship, aside from how heated Evita’s face got every time Ryan look at, smiled at, kissed her.
This book has a really good premise and great potential to be a great book, but could use some work on the dialogue, writing style and character building.
I’ll say that the author did hit it out of the ballpark when writing all the siblings. Those were some great characters.
Thank You NetGalley for the early read.
Publishing Date: Mar 28, 2023
#backtothebookish #editorwannabe #goodreads #netgalley #ebook #bookstagram #bookish #instabooks #ilovebooks #readinglist #bookblog #readmore
March 26, 2023
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
This was a charming read, and I enjoyed it overall.
With that said, there were a few things that I didn’t like about it. For example, this wasn’t a young adult novel; yet the characters acted very young, and even let their parents dictate what they could and couldn’t do, like a couple of teenagers. To be honest, I kept forgetting it wasn’t a young adult for that reason alone. I also didn’t like how there was more time spent on family drama than the romance itself. It was beyond frustrating at times.
Nevertheless, I liked the characters involved, including their sometimes infuriating mothers; and the plot was entertaining. I just wish it included more of that romance that I was promised, that’s all.
All in all a delightful read.
I received the advanced audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a charming read, and I enjoyed it overall.
With that said, there were a few things that I didn’t like about it. For example, this wasn’t a young adult novel; yet the characters acted very young, and even let their parents dictate what they could and couldn’t do, like a couple of teenagers. To be honest, I kept forgetting it wasn’t a young adult for that reason alone. I also didn’t like how there was more time spent on family drama than the romance itself. It was beyond frustrating at times.
Nevertheless, I liked the characters involved, including their sometimes infuriating mothers; and the plot was entertaining. I just wish it included more of that romance that I was promised, that’s all.
All in all a delightful read.
I received the advanced audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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