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Sugar Plain #1
Did Not Finish
6 hours, 40 minutes
Stranded…with my nemesis.
AXEL: It’s bad enough an unseasonal blizzard means I’m stuck with my PA’s annoying cat, but to make matters worse, Mia Samson and her poison pen are in my house too. The renowned reviewer has tanked enough books with her dreaded DNF and I need to teach her a lesson.
But my enemy is not what I expect and if I’m not careful, I’m in danger of revealing my secret to the one person who can use it against me.
MIA: I know people in publishing call me the career-wrecker behind my back. What they don’t know is, I’m writing a novel, and when I’m lucky enough to win a week-long retreat with bestselling Axel Low in quaint Sugar Plain, Nebraska, I’m thrilled.
Until I discover being snowed in with the reclusive grump is merely the first trope my life has turned into, and soon I’m sorely tempted to enact enemies to lovers…
Which one of us will lose the plot first?
Stranded…with my nemesis.
AXEL: It’s bad enough an unseasonal blizzard means I’m stuck with my PA’s annoying cat, but to make matters worse, Mia Samson and her poison pen are in my house too. The renowned reviewer has tanked enough books with her dreaded DNF and I need to teach her a lesson.
But my enemy is not what I expect and if I’m not careful, I’m in danger of revealing my secret to the one person who can use it against me.
MIA: I know people in publishing call me the career-wrecker behind my back. What they don’t know is, I’m writing a novel, and when I’m lucky enough to win a week-long retreat with bestselling Axel Low in quaint Sugar Plain, Nebraska, I’m thrilled.
Until I discover being snowed in with the reclusive grump is merely the first trope my life has turned into, and soon I’m sorely tempted to enact enemies to lovers…
Which one of us will lose the plot first?
Audible Audio
First published September 7, 2022
31 people are currently reading
1987 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Marsh
411 books1,440 followersUSA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
September 28, 2022
Stranded, I love this trope. A reclusive author and renowned book reviewer are stranded at his home during a snowstorm. I love that trapped feeling. Being stuck with a snowstorm raging, the two will have to get along and make it work.
This was a fabulous audiobook with fantastic narration. As I mentioned, I love the trapped feeling. When I began listening, I had no idea that I would listen to this book in one day. I didn't want to stop listening but had to take breaks as life called. But finish it, I did with a smile on my face and warm feelings in my heart.
Axel Lowe is a reclusive author who is hosting a weeklong writer's retreat at his secluded home. He has a book coming out and, *fingers crossed* hopes his book is well received.
Mia is known as a career-wrecker with her reviews. She writes for a well-known newspaper and her reviews are very influential. She is also writing a novel and she hopes the retreat will be beneficial to her and her career. She also happens to be the only one who makes it to the retreat before the snowstorm hits.
I found both characters to be extremely likeable and was easily enthralled in their plights. This book has me from the very beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book. The characters, the setting and the subject matter were all well done. There is one difficult subject addressed and I appreciated how the author handled it. Very well done.
I can't wait to read what Nicola Marsh writes next!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Parlance Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This was a fabulous audiobook with fantastic narration. As I mentioned, I love the trapped feeling. When I began listening, I had no idea that I would listen to this book in one day. I didn't want to stop listening but had to take breaks as life called. But finish it, I did with a smile on my face and warm feelings in my heart.
Axel Lowe is a reclusive author who is hosting a weeklong writer's retreat at his secluded home. He has a book coming out and, *fingers crossed* hopes his book is well received.
Mia is known as a career-wrecker with her reviews. She writes for a well-known newspaper and her reviews are very influential. She is also writing a novel and she hopes the retreat will be beneficial to her and her career. She also happens to be the only one who makes it to the retreat before the snowstorm hits.
I found both characters to be extremely likeable and was easily enthralled in their plights. This book has me from the very beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book. The characters, the setting and the subject matter were all well done. There is one difficult subject addressed and I appreciated how the author handled it. Very well done.
I can't wait to read what Nicola Marsh writes next!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Parlance Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 29, 2022
4.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, grumpy/sunshine, recluse, age gap (28 & 38), forced proximity, snowed in, insta~ish love, fade to black, no steamage
Mia & Axel
Mia is excited to win a contest to go on a retreat to bestselling author, Axel Low's, house for a week long retreat. A book reviewer by day and an aspiring author by night, she's hoping to get feedback on her work. When they get snowed in, and none of the other contest winners can make it, they soon act on their mutual attraction. But does Axel have an ulterior motive that could ruin things before they even fully get started?
I was so sad about Axel's family situation. He was a really sweet man under the grump. The trope name drops throughout the book was fun, but somewhat overdone, to see as I've read at least 1 book from every trope listed. I did not really get an enemies to lovers vibe with them at all. There is zero steamage here, they talk a big game and it seems like we're going to get some action...but then poof ~ fade to black. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read.
I'm excited for the next book featuring hot lumberjack lookalike, Buzz.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I started out listening to it, then switched to my kindle, then back again and ultimately I preferred the kindle, so that's how I tackled most of it.
Narrated by Kendra Murray & Connor Brown for 6 hours and 40 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. The narration was okay, but I wasn't overly in love with either of their voices.
*Thanks to Grey's Promotions, Dreamscape Media, Nicola Marsh and NetGalley for the ARC and advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, grumpy/sunshine, recluse, age gap (28 & 38), forced proximity, snowed in, insta~ish love, fade to black, no steamage
Mia & Axel
Mia is excited to win a contest to go on a retreat to bestselling author, Axel Low's, house for a week long retreat. A book reviewer by day and an aspiring author by night, she's hoping to get feedback on her work. When they get snowed in, and none of the other contest winners can make it, they soon act on their mutual attraction. But does Axel have an ulterior motive that could ruin things before they even fully get started?
I was so sad about Axel's family situation. He was a really sweet man under the grump. The trope name drops throughout the book was fun, but somewhat overdone, to see as I've read at least 1 book from every trope listed. I did not really get an enemies to lovers vibe with them at all. There is zero steamage here, they talk a big game and it seems like we're going to get some action...but then poof ~ fade to black. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read.
I'm excited for the next book featuring hot lumberjack lookalike, Buzz.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I started out listening to it, then switched to my kindle, then back again and ultimately I preferred the kindle, so that's how I tackled most of it.
Narrated by Kendra Murray & Connor Brown for 6 hours and 40 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. The narration was okay, but I wasn't overly in love with either of their voices.
*Thanks to Grey's Promotions, Dreamscape Media, Nicola Marsh and NetGalley for the ARC and advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 18, 2023
The start's great but after 30%, the novel loses its interesting premise.
Things I liked:
🧡 The story: This book is about a reviewer who wants to be a writer, Of course, I connected. It also shows the situations related to book reviewing.
🧡Use of bookish terms: This is objective since I use these terms in daily life I really appreciated them.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ No side characters: At least not memorable ones.
⚫ The romance: Escalated too quickly for my liking. Sexy times came way earlier and too much in-between chapters.
⚫ No need for long Male Lead's POV: I was just getting the Female leads' pov when every other chapter became the Male leads' pov. Either it should've been cut or at least, edited.
Things I liked:
🧡 The story: This book is about a reviewer who wants to be a writer, Of course, I connected. It also shows the situations related to book reviewing.
🧡Use of bookish terms: This is objective since I use these terms in daily life I really appreciated them.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ No side characters: At least not memorable ones.
⚫ The romance: Escalated too quickly for my liking. Sexy times came way earlier and too much in-between chapters.
⚫ No need for long Male Lead's POV: I was just getting the Female leads' pov when every other chapter became the Male leads' pov. Either it should've been cut or at least, edited.
October 5, 2022
This was a tropetastic, fun, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV romance perfect for fans of Book lovers by Emily Henry. I loved how meta this book was with two writer characters. Axel is a best-selling author in a slump, and Mia is an aspiring author looking for help who wins a coveted spot in a writer's retreat that Axel is hosting. Mia is also a professional book reviewer who has not been very kind to Axel's last few books. Together these two has irresistible chemistry both on page and off. Great on audio and one of my new favorite books from Nicola Marsh. I loved how much of herself I could see in these characters!! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
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August 29, 2022Love this mood board! have you added DID NOT FINISH to your Goodreads TBR list yet?
December 8, 2022
This was a good audiobook!
It's a fairly short listen, 6 hours 40 minutes. I do think this was too short for the premise. Tbe two main characters had an instant dislike for each other, and I think this could have been extended further into the book. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I feel like their relationship changed way too quickly and could have been explored more.
That said, I did really enjoy the book. The narrators were fantastic and I looked forward to listening whenever I could. I was completely engaged in the story and wondered how things would turn out.
The characters were layered, as their pasts were pivotal in their later behaviour, and I loved this part. It became more than 'just a romance' for me.
It's a fairly short listen, 6 hours 40 minutes. I do think this was too short for the premise. Tbe two main characters had an instant dislike for each other, and I think this could have been extended further into the book. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I feel like their relationship changed way too quickly and could have been explored more.
That said, I did really enjoy the book. The narrators were fantastic and I looked forward to listening whenever I could. I was completely engaged in the story and wondered how things would turn out.
The characters were layered, as their pasts were pivotal in their later behaviour, and I loved this part. It became more than 'just a romance' for me.
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October 10, 2022Unfortunately the title is a little too apropos. —
DNF 34%
Too insta-lovey/lusty for my taste. Not the worst writing, but I just couldn’t find it in me to care. Possibly I’m simply not in the mood, so perhaps I’ll come back some other time…maybe…maybe not.
Too insta-lovey/lusty for my taste. Not the worst writing, but I just couldn’t find it in me to care. Possibly I’m simply not in the mood, so perhaps I’ll come back some other time…maybe…maybe not.
September 30, 2022
In this book within a book, Mia Sampson and Axel Lowe work past one of romance's most common tropes, enemies to lovers, as they embark on a professional relationship that turns personal in very short order. In every book group I am involved in (and there are many) readers and fellow book reviewers often discuss books they DNF (Did Not Finish). Therefore, this latest book by Nicola Marsh was very relatable.
While Mia’s guilty pleasure is reading, it is also her job as a professional book reviewer for a huge New York publication. Her reviews can make or break a book. Make or break an author. The author that is currently affected by Mia’s latest and upcoming reviews is the reclusive heartthrob, Axel Lowe. He is an author with a contract that has very stringent rules. While living a secretive life when it comes to the books that he writes, Axel knows the politics behind writing books, and even the responsibilities of the book reviewers that review his work.
While Mia understands some of Axel‘s concerns from the very beginning, professional integrity is the one thing that she will not compromise on. Beyond wanting her upcoming novel that she hopes to soon get critiqued the man who is her literary idol, she first had to get past being a fangirl when it came to Axel Lowe. While she is one of several other authors who won a one-week writing retreat at Axel Lowe's home, she arrived a day earlier than the other guests. That should promise Mia unfettered access to Axel and the advice she warrants. A drastic change in weather ultimately results in a drastic change in what happens between Mia and Axel.
Did Not Finish is an engaging book with a surprising emotional edge. I loved the characters exhausting familiar tropes that many romance readers enjoy as they navigate their attraction to one another. This book only lost one star because Mia's reactions seemed a bit over the edge. To be fair, just as Axel had baggage when it come to any sort of emotional involvement, Mia has her own baggage, which might be why she had the reactions she did. However, with Axel living the life of a recluse who was living in guilt, the story kept me riveted.
This engaging read landed in my TBR as an audiobook ARC. I loved the dual narration of Mia and Alex, aa it was narrated by Kendra Murray and Connor Brown. It was a true delight to sense the feelings behind the words as I listened to this delightful read.
Many thanks to Parlance Press and Harper Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While Mia’s guilty pleasure is reading, it is also her job as a professional book reviewer for a huge New York publication. Her reviews can make or break a book. Make or break an author. The author that is currently affected by Mia’s latest and upcoming reviews is the reclusive heartthrob, Axel Lowe. He is an author with a contract that has very stringent rules. While living a secretive life when it comes to the books that he writes, Axel knows the politics behind writing books, and even the responsibilities of the book reviewers that review his work.
While Mia understands some of Axel‘s concerns from the very beginning, professional integrity is the one thing that she will not compromise on. Beyond wanting her upcoming novel that she hopes to soon get critiqued the man who is her literary idol, she first had to get past being a fangirl when it came to Axel Lowe. While she is one of several other authors who won a one-week writing retreat at Axel Lowe's home, she arrived a day earlier than the other guests. That should promise Mia unfettered access to Axel and the advice she warrants. A drastic change in weather ultimately results in a drastic change in what happens between Mia and Axel.
Did Not Finish is an engaging book with a surprising emotional edge. I loved the characters exhausting familiar tropes that many romance readers enjoy as they navigate their attraction to one another. This book only lost one star because Mia's reactions seemed a bit over the edge. To be fair, just as Axel had baggage when it come to any sort of emotional involvement, Mia has her own baggage, which might be why she had the reactions she did. However, with Axel living the life of a recluse who was living in guilt, the story kept me riveted.
This engaging read landed in my TBR as an audiobook ARC. I loved the dual narration of Mia and Alex, aa it was narrated by Kendra Murray and Connor Brown. It was a true delight to sense the feelings behind the words as I listened to this delightful read.
Many thanks to Parlance Press and Harper Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 29, 2022
I feel like I blinked and the book was over. Fun quick read….. or listen, as it was.
The narrators were both enjoyable and an addition to the story, rather than a distraction. This is a huge plus for me as I am quite picky when it comes to narration.
The story is fast paced and moves quickly. While, I like a story that flows well, this one almost felt rushed. But I loved the premise!
I would give the overall story 3.5 stars but with the narration, it deserves four.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
The narrators were both enjoyable and an addition to the story, rather than a distraction. This is a huge plus for me as I am quite picky when it comes to narration.
The story is fast paced and moves quickly. While, I like a story that flows well, this one almost felt rushed. But I loved the premise!
I would give the overall story 3.5 stars but with the narration, it deserves four.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
October 27, 2022
Contemporary Romance
Publication date : October 4, 2022
Mia Samson, 28, is a book reviewer who's reviews can make or tank books. She loves to read books but she want to write a novel of her own. When she gets a chance to attend a writing retreat with best-selling author Axel Low, 38, she's thrilled. When an unseasonal blizzard arrives, Mia and Axel get snowed in together and they are about to learn more than the writing tips...
The story was told in alternating chapters between Mia and Alex. I liked getting to know about Alex but part of me wanted to discover him together with Mia. Now I already knew a lot about him through his POV, so some of Mia's reactions sounded silly and many things got repetitive. It was very easy to guess Alex's secret. I'm surpised it took so long for Mia to realize it.
I have to say that I am not big fan of insta-lust trope, especially when book's cover says "It's hate at first sight" but instead they are in bed together in no time at all. Axel was hosting a writing retreat course, it was his work, so it felt unprofessional to start sexual relationship with one of his students. Okay, they were both adults, she started kissing him, but it still felt rushed and I didn't feel the chemistry and sparks that would have prompted this kind of rushed development. Also it felt weird that someone so private as Alex would agree to allow strangers into his home like this.
Things about the publishing world and writing books were interesting. It felt a bit weird to read a book about writing a book. As a reader, I can say that there are authors who just crank out nonsense to make money and editors are interested in publishing them because author's name sells. But I think some things were simplified. I doubt unknown authors can get so high advance payments like Alex did. Or perhaps they do? Books are expensive after all. Even Ebooks cost a lot although there's no paper, printing, transportation, etc costs. Oh, and earning living from reading books and writing reviews? Interesting.
Overall, quite nice contemporary simple romance story to read before the Christmas time.
Publication date : October 4, 2022
Mia Samson, 28, is a book reviewer who's reviews can make or tank books. She loves to read books but she want to write a novel of her own. When she gets a chance to attend a writing retreat with best-selling author Axel Low, 38, she's thrilled. When an unseasonal blizzard arrives, Mia and Axel get snowed in together and they are about to learn more than the writing tips...
The story was told in alternating chapters between Mia and Alex. I liked getting to know about Alex but part of me wanted to discover him together with Mia. Now I already knew a lot about him through his POV, so some of Mia's reactions sounded silly and many things got repetitive. It was very easy to guess Alex's secret. I'm surpised it took so long for Mia to realize it.
I have to say that I am not big fan of insta-lust trope, especially when book's cover says "It's hate at first sight" but instead they are in bed together in no time at all. Axel was hosting a writing retreat course, it was his work, so it felt unprofessional to start sexual relationship with one of his students. Okay, they were both adults, she started kissing him, but it still felt rushed and I didn't feel the chemistry and sparks that would have prompted this kind of rushed development. Also it felt weird that someone so private as Alex would agree to allow strangers into his home like this.
Things about the publishing world and writing books were interesting. It felt a bit weird to read a book about writing a book. As a reader, I can say that there are authors who just crank out nonsense to make money and editors are interested in publishing them because author's name sells. But I think some things were simplified. I doubt unknown authors can get so high advance payments like Alex did. Or perhaps they do? Books are expensive after all. Even Ebooks cost a lot although there's no paper, printing, transportation, etc costs. Oh, and earning living from reading books and writing reviews? Interesting.
Overall, quite nice contemporary simple romance story to read before the Christmas time.
October 1, 2022
What a fun and engaging read! I absolutely loved it! 😍 My only complaint..... Why have I not read a rom com by author @nicolamarshauthor before now?! 🤷♀️🙈
Mia, a highly influential book reviewer and hopefully soon to be author wins a trip of a lifetime to a week long writers retreat being hosted by the elusive best selling author Axel Low! He has kept a very low profile and his identity a mystery! Mia couldn't be more excited until she meets the reclusive grump who just also happens to be hot! 🥵
Axel wants to teach Mia a lesson for all the books she has tanked with a DNF! He brings her to the retreat a day earlier than the other attendees, but things don't quite go as planned once he meets Mia Sampson and to make matter worse a unseasonal blizzard has them snowed in before the other guests can even arrive! ❄
The chemistry between Mia and Axel is undeniable! But can they keep their relationship strictly professional while snowed in for the week? 🤔
So much book content in this story for all the booklovers and even a cat, Mr Darcy .. I mean cats and books just go together right?! I also loved the references to Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow 💗
Did Not Finish is out October 4th!
Thank you to Nicola Marsh for the #gifted ARC.
#didnotfinish #nicolamarsh
#romcomreads #enemiestolovers #allbookedoutwithmj #bookreview #bookblogger #goodreads #bookworm #2022books #newreleasebooks #booksofig #aussiebookworm #bookaholic #readersofig #booklove
Mia, a highly influential book reviewer and hopefully soon to be author wins a trip of a lifetime to a week long writers retreat being hosted by the elusive best selling author Axel Low! He has kept a very low profile and his identity a mystery! Mia couldn't be more excited until she meets the reclusive grump who just also happens to be hot! 🥵
Axel wants to teach Mia a lesson for all the books she has tanked with a DNF! He brings her to the retreat a day earlier than the other attendees, but things don't quite go as planned once he meets Mia Sampson and to make matter worse a unseasonal blizzard has them snowed in before the other guests can even arrive! ❄
The chemistry between Mia and Axel is undeniable! But can they keep their relationship strictly professional while snowed in for the week? 🤔
So much book content in this story for all the booklovers and even a cat, Mr Darcy .. I mean cats and books just go together right?! I also loved the references to Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow 💗
Did Not Finish is out October 4th!
Thank you to Nicola Marsh for the #gifted ARC.
#didnotfinish #nicolamarsh
#romcomreads #enemiestolovers #allbookedoutwithmj #bookreview #bookblogger #goodreads #bookworm #2022books #newreleasebooks #booksofig #aussiebookworm #bookaholic #readersofig #booklove
October 4, 2022
I did not DNF Did Not Finish! How’s that for a confusing sentence?! A triple negative? 3.5 stars!
This is a fun book that revolved around the publishing/review scene and felt very meta as they talked about reading and reviewing ARCs and the pressure advance readers feel to balance honesty and empathy. I know I feel that all the time as I read early copies of books.
Axel and Mia meet and have an immediate spark. The insta-lust was strong. They have so much in common and a mutual understanding of an author’s need to chase the inspiration when it hits.
Axel is a seasoned author and Mia is just learning as a novelist, but is a well respected reviewer, who wields a lot of power with her column. And there is where all the crazy conflicts of interest begin, but not end.
I liked that Axel had plans to give Mia a taste of her own medicine while critiquing her story, and couldn’t quite go through with it. But I didn’t like that he kept secrets from her for far too long for someone who is thinking they are in love.
This was chock full of fun insights into publishing and I loved Axel’s journey as the story progressed.
Just wanted to slip in that this a closed door romance, but you still feel all the feelings. I just wished there had been a little more time lapse so that we felt a bit more tension and longing between the two of them.
I requested an early reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
This is a fun book that revolved around the publishing/review scene and felt very meta as they talked about reading and reviewing ARCs and the pressure advance readers feel to balance honesty and empathy. I know I feel that all the time as I read early copies of books.
Axel and Mia meet and have an immediate spark. The insta-lust was strong. They have so much in common and a mutual understanding of an author’s need to chase the inspiration when it hits.
Axel is a seasoned author and Mia is just learning as a novelist, but is a well respected reviewer, who wields a lot of power with her column. And there is where all the crazy conflicts of interest begin, but not end.
I liked that Axel had plans to give Mia a taste of her own medicine while critiquing her story, and couldn’t quite go through with it. But I didn’t like that he kept secrets from her for far too long for someone who is thinking they are in love.
This was chock full of fun insights into publishing and I loved Axel’s journey as the story progressed.
Just wanted to slip in that this a closed door romance, but you still feel all the feelings. I just wished there had been a little more time lapse so that we felt a bit more tension and longing between the two of them.
I requested an early reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
October 7, 2022
Thank you to NetGally and Dreamscape Media, Parlance Press for the audio version of this book. Everything I write is of my own thoughts feelings and opinions. I am not compensated in any way for my review.
I loved this book! I can not even start to tell you how many books I start and DNF the big difference is I never write reviews for my DNF.
This was a cute book on an author wanting to get revenge on a reviewer who wants to be an author. He is having issues with his sales due to a bad review. He is encouraged his team to hold a workshop in his huge home for authors. when he finds out this one reviewer put in for a spot he selects her. Has her come early then because of a storm the others can not come anymore. This is a romance novel so yes they have a fling and fall in love. for the rest of the story you will just have to get this book and find out!!
I loved this book! I can not even start to tell you how many books I start and DNF the big difference is I never write reviews for my DNF.
This was a cute book on an author wanting to get revenge on a reviewer who wants to be an author. He is having issues with his sales due to a bad review. He is encouraged his team to hold a workshop in his huge home for authors. when he finds out this one reviewer put in for a spot he selects her. Has her come early then because of a storm the others can not come anymore. This is a romance novel so yes they have a fling and fall in love. for the rest of the story you will just have to get this book and find out!!
October 13, 2022
Mia is an up and coming author who is a professional reviewer by day. When she wins a contest with her favorite thriller author she is over the moon. What she doesn't know is that she is the first to arrive and it is by design so Axel can lay the groundwork to find out more about her reviews. He has been keeping a secret, he is also an erotic author who she has DNF in the past and he cannot get over that. When they are snowed in together will the secrets come out or with their chemistry will over. What happens when Mia goes home? I enjoyed this one and recommend it.
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
October 22, 2022
Cheesy romance book lovers - READ THIS ONE!
I hated having to put this one down to attend to life. Cute, full of the feel good cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book lovers will love this book! It has all the small touches that scream "romance book nerd" that will leave you laughing and wanting to read it in one day.
I hated having to put this one down to attend to life. Cute, full of the feel good cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book lovers will love this book! It has all the small touches that scream "romance book nerd" that will leave you laughing and wanting to read it in one day.
October 9, 2022
A unique twist to the rom com that encompasses many tropes that we all love! Wrapped in witty dialogue, lots of love and tons of entertainment this audiobook is the one you need to listen to! Especially if you review the books that you read as you will understand the characters more than most! This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last! I'm going to start investigating her backlist and have already put her on my must watch for new releases list! I love an author who can write real women with intelligence and wit, and I can positively state that this author hit it out of the park with this one! The narration was outstanding on the audiobook and if you are a fan of listening to books, then this rom com needs to be on your must listen list!
December 28, 2022
This was a quick, fun read. First of all, I love books that center around the literary world and tropes / bookish things are a part of the dialogue so I was hooked from the start. It also had so many things I enjoy in a book: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town Gilmore Girls vibes, dual POV. Plus, it was the perfect winter read since the main characters are stranded because of a blizzard!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
October 3, 2022
I will liken this book to a hot guy who knows he's hot and doesn't try as hard to be charming. This book had ALL the tropes that I like. We had enemies to lovers, forced proximity, secret past, planned revenge, the cat that hates everyone but you. So everything!
Somehow it still fell a bit flat. Mia is a book reviewer and gave a bad review on the last few books by an author and Axel takes it very personally because of a connection to that author. He plans to bring her up early for a writer's retreat (she's of course writing her own book) and shame her into writing more positive reviews in the future(????) You know, as one does.
They get snowed in together alone and end up finding out they actually like each other which is nice since he was such a grump at the beginning. I mean, I could never be a romance heroine because I would have locked myself in my room with wifi and every angry girl song I could find for that weekend but good for you Mia. That's why you got to spend a week in a giant library with a romance hero and I did not.
I really liked the narrators and the audiobook length was super short.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
Somehow it still fell a bit flat. Mia is a book reviewer and gave a bad review on the last few books by an author and Axel takes it very personally because of a connection to that author. He plans to bring her up early for a writer's retreat (she's of course writing her own book) and shame her into writing more positive reviews in the future(????) You know, as one does.
They get snowed in together alone and end up finding out they actually like each other which is nice since he was such a grump at the beginning. I mean, I could never be a romance heroine because I would have locked myself in my room with wifi and every angry girl song I could find for that weekend but good for you Mia. That's why you got to spend a week in a giant library with a romance hero and I did not.
I really liked the narrators and the audiobook length was super short.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
September 27, 2022
I am a huge Nicola Marsh fan (think The Man Ban and The Boy Toy) so I admit, I definitely squealed when I received an arc of her newest book Did Not Finish! Books that revolve around books are the best so I just knew I was going to love it. And that I did.
I absolutely devoured this book. From page one, I was so invested in the story of Mia and Axel. A combination of so many tropes, I managed to read this book on and off over the course of a day because I just couldn't put it down. If you are a book loving romance fan, I guarantee you'll love this one.
Thanks to Grey's Promotions and the author for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely devoured this book. From page one, I was so invested in the story of Mia and Axel. A combination of so many tropes, I managed to read this book on and off over the course of a day because I just couldn't put it down. If you are a book loving romance fan, I guarantee you'll love this one.
Thanks to Grey's Promotions and the author for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2022
This was so much fun! I loved the dynamic between Mia and Axel. Mia is a reviewer and Axel is a writer. Mia is writing her first book and wins a place at a writing retreat with Axel, who is a seasoned suspense writer and one of her favorites. Little does she know, that he is also writing romance under a pen name, and Mia has DNF them and wrote scathing reviews.
Axel can't wait to meet the woman who has ripped apart his books, just so he can give her a taste of her own medicine. What he doesn't count on is that he will actually like her work, and he will like HER even more.
This is a closed door enemies to lovers, insta lust, forced proximity story and you can feel their connection right away. She doesn't want to cross lines, and he doesn't even want to like her, but when they are snowed in together they are forced to see one another for who they really were.
I do wish that Axel would have opened up a little earlier, especially when they started telling each other things and getting closer.
Axel can't wait to meet the woman who has ripped apart his books, just so he can give her a taste of her own medicine. What he doesn't count on is that he will actually like her work, and he will like HER even more.
This is a closed door enemies to lovers, insta lust, forced proximity story and you can feel their connection right away. She doesn't want to cross lines, and he doesn't even want to like her, but when they are snowed in together they are forced to see one another for who they really were.
I do wish that Axel would have opened up a little earlier, especially when they started telling each other things and getting closer.
September 28, 2022
Loved this. Everything you need in a romance. Angst, banter and love. A truly enjoyfull read. Bring on the next one - I can't wait to read Cole's story.
October 19, 2022
This was a bit of an ironic read for me because I came close many times to DNFing it. If I am being honest this is a 1.5. I feel like effort went into this book but for me it fell flat. It had so much potential and so many different ways the tropes could have been taken advantage of but I found it lacking.
I get where the author was going in saying that words of reviewers hold power, so here are the notes I took and my constructive criticisms:
I felt like there was too much going on with a romance and the sister's backstory and ghost writing. For such a short read there wasn't really a clear way to mesh both of these stories and give then the attention they deserved. The main characters felt two dimensional. This feels like characters in those quick reads you find at an airport.
Mia kept calling out the tropes they were doing in the book. This could have worked once and been funny/meta but it was just repetitive and got annoying. The insta love and lust was too rushed. The main couple Mia and Axel have no real tension, or pining. Also is it really enemies to lovers if the girl doesn't know and the hostility is one sided? Axel is one of the most immature MMCs I've read. He doesn't know how to communicate properly and even towards the end of the book he would rather wait at a restaurant for Mia to be done with a meeting than to email her or text her and talk. Also, I found it ironic and gross how he basically did the same thing in waiting for her that Billie did with his sister Paula.
The book tried to make a big deal about the scenery and being stranded in the snowy town but it barely gets mentioned or taken advantage of till the end. Instead, in one chapter the author describes and uses the work "pancakes" 7 times. In a short read you need to take advantage of words usage and not on frivolous descriptions.
The Adele plot twist was very obvious and it didn't really add much. At one point in the book Axel talks about "How much worse would it have been if she'd hated my guts and we'd been snowed in together?" As a reader that stuck out to me because I feel it would have been so much better and made the story more interesting and flow better/ could have been a better opportunity to develop the characters and actually use the fun tropes. This story had the perfect formula in forced proximity, enemies to lovers, both in the book industry etc. but it just didn't launch.
The letter from Billie the prisoner was so unnecessary and really cheapened the book. Axel was already having some self awareness into his feelings before and this letter added nothing to the story. The fact that he decided he was suddenly ready to move on and change so quickly, after a letter he didn't even want to open in the first place just felt fake. Emotions are much more nuanced and despite an apology this man caused his sister irreparable harm. Axel is literally now having to always pay for care of his sibling. An apology is not going to erase these circumstances. Buzz was the only one with a realistic reaction. This is why I just can't get with the sad sibling storyline and a romance in a book under 300 pages. There was too much trying to be executed.
Finally, I feel like the epilogue literally did the least possible. Mia's "surprise" felt like a way for the author to launch another book and it didn't showcase anything exciting about the couple. I don't think I will be checking out the other books if this becomes a series.
I get where the author was going in saying that words of reviewers hold power, so here are the notes I took and my constructive criticisms:
I felt like there was too much going on with a romance and the sister's backstory and ghost writing. For such a short read there wasn't really a clear way to mesh both of these stories and give then the attention they deserved. The main characters felt two dimensional. This feels like characters in those quick reads you find at an airport.
Mia kept calling out the tropes they were doing in the book. This could have worked once and been funny/meta but it was just repetitive and got annoying. The insta love and lust was too rushed. The main couple Mia and Axel have no real tension, or pining. Also is it really enemies to lovers if the girl doesn't know and the hostility is one sided? Axel is one of the most immature MMCs I've read. He doesn't know how to communicate properly and even towards the end of the book he would rather wait at a restaurant for Mia to be done with a meeting than to email her or text her and talk. Also, I found it ironic and gross how he basically did the same thing in waiting for her that Billie did with his sister Paula.
The book tried to make a big deal about the scenery and being stranded in the snowy town but it barely gets mentioned or taken advantage of till the end. Instead, in one chapter the author describes and uses the work "pancakes" 7 times. In a short read you need to take advantage of words usage and not on frivolous descriptions.
The Adele plot twist was very obvious and it didn't really add much. At one point in the book Axel talks about "How much worse would it have been if she'd hated my guts and we'd been snowed in together?" As a reader that stuck out to me because I feel it would have been so much better and made the story more interesting and flow better/ could have been a better opportunity to develop the characters and actually use the fun tropes. This story had the perfect formula in forced proximity, enemies to lovers, both in the book industry etc. but it just didn't launch.
The letter from Billie the prisoner was so unnecessary and really cheapened the book. Axel was already having some self awareness into his feelings before and this letter added nothing to the story. The fact that he decided he was suddenly ready to move on and change so quickly, after a letter he didn't even want to open in the first place just felt fake. Emotions are much more nuanced and despite an apology this man caused his sister irreparable harm. Axel is literally now having to always pay for care of his sibling. An apology is not going to erase these circumstances. Buzz was the only one with a realistic reaction. This is why I just can't get with the sad sibling storyline and a romance in a book under 300 pages. There was too much trying to be executed.
Finally, I feel like the epilogue literally did the least possible. Mia's "surprise" felt like a way for the author to launch another book and it didn't showcase anything exciting about the couple. I don't think I will be checking out the other books if this becomes a series.
October 21, 2022
This was just a great read from start to finish. The author somehow makes fun of romance tropes at the exact same time she is using them and the reader is completely hooked. For fans of reading, writing, reviewing, publishing, for snowy blizzards and enemies to lovers...this book is a must read.
September 24, 2022
3.5/5 *
plot 3.5/5 | Characters 3.5/5 | romance 4/5 | smut 1/5
There is no DNF here! Very cute light rom com that feels very much like a Hallmark movie in the making. It was a fun and easy listen in which Nicola Marsh and her characters Axel and Mia explore many popular tropes in the romance genre- "enemies to lovers," forced proximity, Insta-love etc. I loved the dual POV in this book. Axel was by far my favourite. Yes he is damaged and there is definitely some PTSD but he is complex and sweet and he developed a lot during this book. Mia seemed a little flat of a character ( her only flaw is basically her "trust" issues because her mom is a hussy...which is mentioned WAY too many times)- other than that, she seems to be naturally perfect at everything she does. I found the glimpse into the world of writing/publishing and reviewing very interesting and it was an interesting contrast to see a hopeful author vs and established author.
*unpopular opinion section*sorry, not sorry* #MakingMiaProudForMyHonestOpinion*
There were a couple things in this book that just felt too cliche to me. The tropes were cute at the beginning but then it felt as if the author was trying to get every single on in this book. Also, I know is is marked as an "enemies to lovers" but is it really? The "enemies" component seems to last a whole 20 minutes. I also didn't love the insta-love. For two characters who seem pretty smart, felling in bed together and falling in insta-love...it was all just TOO fast. They just seemed to be willing to throw their careers away for a piece of booty?! hmmm... Considering Axel is an erotica author, this novel itself ranked pretty low on the smut scale. This book also seemed to kind of throw the entire erotica and romance genre under the bus. Mia seemed so ashamed to talk about writing a period romance and the book constantly talked about how erotica is basically a quick way to make a buck in this industry. I don't know if that is true or not, but I have read many erotica novels that are better written than other popular plain 'ol fiction novels. Lastly, my very least favorite part of this book * beware mild spoiler* Near the end, when Axel was planning a way to essentially "surprise" Mia and apologize (sort of at her place of work), felt a lot like what happened to his sister. Sure he wasn't physically abusive but Axel of all people should know first hand what surprising a person to apologize that may or may not want to see you, can have dire consequences. A little to stalkerish. I like this guy so much but come on, send a bloody email or call. It made me like him a little less. Not sure if this was intentional by Marsh, but it felt yucky.
*audiobook - 3.5/5
LOVED the male narrator (5/5), didn't love the female (2/5). Anyone that listens to audiobooks frequently, usually never listens to the book at 1X the speed. This book, if you turn it up to 1.25x (which felt like the right speed for this book), was perfect for the Male narration and bad for the female. Her voice often sounded like a computer and it slightly interfered with my overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, it is still a very cute read. If you enjoy a literary themed romance, faux-enemies-to-lovers, instalove book with many Gilmore Girls references, this is the book for you.
ps. Love the fact the main characters aren't cat fans ( or not until the end). That was super original and appreciated. Nothing against cats or anything. It's just having the puuurfect feline companion would have been just another cliche romance novel element.
The audiobook that I enjoyed was an ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
plot 3.5/5 | Characters 3.5/5 | romance 4/5 | smut 1/5
There is no DNF here! Very cute light rom com that feels very much like a Hallmark movie in the making. It was a fun and easy listen in which Nicola Marsh and her characters Axel and Mia explore many popular tropes in the romance genre- "enemies to lovers," forced proximity, Insta-love etc. I loved the dual POV in this book. Axel was by far my favourite. Yes he is damaged and there is definitely some PTSD but he is complex and sweet and he developed a lot during this book. Mia seemed a little flat of a character ( her only flaw is basically her "trust" issues because her mom is a hussy...which is mentioned WAY too many times)- other than that, she seems to be naturally perfect at everything she does. I found the glimpse into the world of writing/publishing and reviewing very interesting and it was an interesting contrast to see a hopeful author vs and established author.
*unpopular opinion section*sorry, not sorry* #MakingMiaProudForMyHonestOpinion*
There were a couple things in this book that just felt too cliche to me. The tropes were cute at the beginning but then it felt as if the author was trying to get every single on in this book. Also, I know is is marked as an "enemies to lovers" but is it really? The "enemies" component seems to last a whole 20 minutes. I also didn't love the insta-love. For two characters who seem pretty smart, felling in bed together and falling in insta-love...it was all just TOO fast. They just seemed to be willing to throw their careers away for a piece of booty?! hmmm... Considering Axel is an erotica author, this novel itself ranked pretty low on the smut scale. This book also seemed to kind of throw the entire erotica and romance genre under the bus. Mia seemed so ashamed to talk about writing a period romance and the book constantly talked about how erotica is basically a quick way to make a buck in this industry. I don't know if that is true or not, but I have read many erotica novels that are better written than other popular plain 'ol fiction novels. Lastly, my very least favorite part of this book * beware mild spoiler* Near the end, when Axel was planning a way to essentially "surprise" Mia and apologize (sort of at her place of work), felt a lot like what happened to his sister. Sure he wasn't physically abusive but Axel of all people should know first hand what surprising a person to apologize that may or may not want to see you, can have dire consequences. A little to stalkerish. I like this guy so much but come on, send a bloody email or call. It made me like him a little less. Not sure if this was intentional by Marsh, but it felt yucky.
*audiobook - 3.5/5
LOVED the male narrator (5/5), didn't love the female (2/5). Anyone that listens to audiobooks frequently, usually never listens to the book at 1X the speed. This book, if you turn it up to 1.25x (which felt like the right speed for this book), was perfect for the Male narration and bad for the female. Her voice often sounded like a computer and it slightly interfered with my overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, it is still a very cute read. If you enjoy a literary themed romance, faux-enemies-to-lovers, instalove book with many Gilmore Girls references, this is the book for you.
ps. Love the fact the main characters aren't cat fans ( or not until the end). That was super original and appreciated. Nothing against cats or anything. It's just having the puuurfect feline companion would have been just another cliche romance novel element.
The audiobook that I enjoyed was an ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2022
Author: Nicola Marsh
Narrated By: Kendra Murray and Connor Brown.
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses domestic abuse, parent death, car crashes, and snow storms. Has some sexual content and innuendos.
“Did Not Finish” follows Mia Samson, a book reviewer and aspiring author, as she is chosen to spend a week in a writers’ retreat with 5 other new writers and her favorite author, Axel Low. Little is known about this multi-bestselling author, Axel, so Mia was stoked to be there, with the non-disclosure agreement and all, by a small town in Nebraska—all her Gilmore Girls dreams were coming true. One thing she did not expect, though, was how they would be snowed in for that week… alone. Mia arrived a day before everyone else, so Axel could tear her novel apart, the same way Mia tore other’s careers apart with her DNF reviews. In this close-proximity and stranded approach to an enemies-to-lovers story, you’ll get to know Mia and Axel in depth, with all their doubts and insecurities.
If I’m being honest, I almost did not request this audiobook because the cover simply wasn’t for me. The color scheme, the fonts… It just did not look like the kind of books I usually like. I am so so glad I looked past that.
“Did Not Finish” tells the story of a warm romance stuck in the middle of a snowstorm. Starting with a sexual attraction and then moving into something more, it was great to see how Axel and Mia opened up to each other. This book is fast-paced and I was there for it.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of the audiobook of this novel and I must say I loved the experience. I feel like there are books that work and there are books that don’t when performed as an audiobook, but this was definitely a book that did, if that makes sense. Mia’s and Axel’s voices, as narrated by Kendra Murray and Connor Brown, were just as I would have imaged them. The quality of the audiobook and narration are unparalleled, I am so glad I got to experience it.
About the actual contents of the story, we know things get frisky, but we don’t get too much detail on that. We also get to see how these characters have some moments of miscommunication due to their own traumas and doubts. I’m well aware this wasn’t a suspense book, but throughout the novel we know things about one character that the other character doesn’t know and that felt forbidden, low-key illegal. Like, with every single miscommunication we knew exactly what went wrong and what was the truth behind the misunderstanding.
I think Mia and Axel are an unusual pair, but I’m still happy they got their happily ever after. The grand gesture that came from the last misunderstanding was so sweet. Then, the epilogue was all we needed it to be. If I weren’t happily in a relationship, I would wonder why these kinds of things wouldn’t happen to me as a reviewer.
I would highly recommend this novel if you like books about books (and reviewers and authors). I found it hilarious how these characters talked about tropes when they were following tropes themselves. Nicola Marsh did an amazing job at capturing the subtle rivalry between reviewer and book author and she gave us a romance to remember long after the book is over.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, and published by Thorpe Bowker, in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: October 04, 2022
Narrated By: Kendra Murray and Connor Brown.
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses domestic abuse, parent death, car crashes, and snow storms. Has some sexual content and innuendos.
“Did Not Finish” follows Mia Samson, a book reviewer and aspiring author, as she is chosen to spend a week in a writers’ retreat with 5 other new writers and her favorite author, Axel Low. Little is known about this multi-bestselling author, Axel, so Mia was stoked to be there, with the non-disclosure agreement and all, by a small town in Nebraska—all her Gilmore Girls dreams were coming true. One thing she did not expect, though, was how they would be snowed in for that week… alone. Mia arrived a day before everyone else, so Axel could tear her novel apart, the same way Mia tore other’s careers apart with her DNF reviews. In this close-proximity and stranded approach to an enemies-to-lovers story, you’ll get to know Mia and Axel in depth, with all their doubts and insecurities.
If I’m being honest, I almost did not request this audiobook because the cover simply wasn’t for me. The color scheme, the fonts… It just did not look like the kind of books I usually like. I am so so glad I looked past that.
“Did Not Finish” tells the story of a warm romance stuck in the middle of a snowstorm. Starting with a sexual attraction and then moving into something more, it was great to see how Axel and Mia opened up to each other. This book is fast-paced and I was there for it.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of the audiobook of this novel and I must say I loved the experience. I feel like there are books that work and there are books that don’t when performed as an audiobook, but this was definitely a book that did, if that makes sense. Mia’s and Axel’s voices, as narrated by Kendra Murray and Connor Brown, were just as I would have imaged them. The quality of the audiobook and narration are unparalleled, I am so glad I got to experience it.
About the actual contents of the story, we know things get frisky, but we don’t get too much detail on that. We also get to see how these characters have some moments of miscommunication due to their own traumas and doubts. I’m well aware this wasn’t a suspense book, but throughout the novel we know things about one character that the other character doesn’t know and that felt forbidden, low-key illegal. Like, with every single miscommunication we knew exactly what went wrong and what was the truth behind the misunderstanding.
I think Mia and Axel are an unusual pair, but I’m still happy they got their happily ever after. The grand gesture that came from the last misunderstanding was so sweet. Then, the epilogue was all we needed it to be. If I weren’t happily in a relationship, I would wonder why these kinds of things wouldn’t happen to me as a reviewer.
I would highly recommend this novel if you like books about books (and reviewers and authors). I found it hilarious how these characters talked about tropes when they were following tropes themselves. Nicola Marsh did an amazing job at capturing the subtle rivalry between reviewer and book author and she gave us a romance to remember long after the book is over.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, and published by Thorpe Bowker, in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: October 04, 2022
October 1, 2022
Mia Samson is a respected and popular professional book reviewer writing for a NYC based publication. She is working on writing her own book and is thrilled to when she gets selected for a week long writing retreat with the reclusive writer Axel Lowe. Mia loves Lowe’s work and is thrilled for the opportunity. She is hoping for professional feedback, and possibly an introduction to his agent. In the beginning Axel is an asshat. He intentionally has her arrive a day early and his plans are to destroy her by overly critiquing her writing. His endgame is to have her go easy on a line of erotica books that he publishes under a pseudonym. Sales waned after her last review where she DNF’d the book.
The attraction is instant. The retreat is only seven days. Things quickly get steamy, very consensual and entirely behind closed doors. I like that she owns her sexuality and knows that it can’t be more than a fling. It helps that they are actually snowed in together. In fact one of the fun things in the book is the discussion of the many various trope used in writing. I still didn’t warm up to him because he still wants her to be go easy on his review. What they want from each other are not equal. She wants an introduction but she still has to be good enough to sell a book. He is asking her to compromise her professional standards because he wants to make money. He has a good reason for needing his books to sell but it's a big ask.
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narrators especially Kendra Murray. Overall I enjoyed the story with its book tropes and Gilmore Girls references. If you enjoy closed door romances or books about writing you will enjoy this. I was more sold on her character than his but I like their potential HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The attraction is instant. The retreat is only seven days. Things quickly get steamy, very consensual and entirely behind closed doors. I like that she owns her sexuality and knows that it can’t be more than a fling. It helps that they are actually snowed in together. In fact one of the fun things in the book is the discussion of the many various trope used in writing. I still didn’t warm up to him because he still wants her to be go easy on his review. What they want from each other are not equal. She wants an introduction but she still has to be good enough to sell a book. He is asking her to compromise her professional standards because he wants to make money. He has a good reason for needing his books to sell but it's a big ask.
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narrators especially Kendra Murray. Overall I enjoyed the story with its book tropes and Gilmore Girls references. If you enjoy closed door romances or books about writing you will enjoy this. I was more sold on her character than his but I like their potential HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2022
I started this book this morning, but I've had it in my TBR for some time, having been blessed with an advanced copy. A health problem prevented me from starting it before now.
First let me say that I haven't been able to put it down. It's fast paced and funny at times. The tension between Axel and Mia is palpable, even though they both know that keeping things on a professional basis is the right thing to do. That proves to be difficult when they get snowed in unexpectedly.
Axel has several secrets he wants to reveal to Mia but doesn't trust easily and Mia, well she has concerns too.
I'm about a third of the way through and I want things to go well for these two characters. They're likable and interesting.
The story is well written and pulled this reader in from the first page.
I'll write more as I progress through the story but I want to get back to it for now.
Time to finish my review ..................
A thought occurred to me about half way through this story: It seemed Ms. Marsh used every troupe ever used in a romance novel, created two writer characters who acknowledge a troupe every time one is used, then justified it as each happened in their love story. Oh the irony!
This made the story even funnier and added to the pleasure of reading it.
I hope I'm not giving Ms. Marsh too much credit for creativity because this was genius satire.
Happy reading and thank you Ms. Marsh for the best story I've read in a long time.
First let me say that I haven't been able to put it down. It's fast paced and funny at times. The tension between Axel and Mia is palpable, even though they both know that keeping things on a professional basis is the right thing to do. That proves to be difficult when they get snowed in unexpectedly.
Axel has several secrets he wants to reveal to Mia but doesn't trust easily and Mia, well she has concerns too.
I'm about a third of the way through and I want things to go well for these two characters. They're likable and interesting.
The story is well written and pulled this reader in from the first page.
I'll write more as I progress through the story but I want to get back to it for now.
Time to finish my review ..................
A thought occurred to me about half way through this story: It seemed Ms. Marsh used every troupe ever used in a romance novel, created two writer characters who acknowledge a troupe every time one is used, then justified it as each happened in their love story. Oh the irony!
This made the story even funnier and added to the pleasure of reading it.
I hope I'm not giving Ms. Marsh too much credit for creativity because this was genius satire.
Happy reading and thank you Ms. Marsh for the best story I've read in a long time.
October 1, 2022
As always Nicola brings relatable characters to her romance novels. I absolutely loved Mia and her passion for books the written word and her drive to establish her own writing career. Axel with his sexy but grumpy exterior but soft and squishy interior made for a deliciously intriguing mentor. His best friend Cole was a hoot and I was hoping to see more of him, for now I will have to wait for the next instalment in 2023.
Thanks @nicolamarshauthor for a wonderfully heart-warming read. I really enjoyed how these characters come together and the sexual chemistry between them.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ out 5 from me because I could not put it down.
Thanks @nicolamarshauthor for a wonderfully heart-warming read. I really enjoyed how these characters come together and the sexual chemistry between them.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ out 5 from me because I could not put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
"He writes, She reviews.
It's literally hate at first sight."
That's it. That's all you need to know to understand this obvious enemies-to-lovers situation.
Axel & Mia's dynamic was fire, both in terms of chemistry & bickering.
As usual, I live for hate-to-love romance and this provided ALONG with forced proximity and snowed in.
There's something about books set in publishing world that feels amazing to read. I loved how Axel & Mia's job clashed with each other & I could definitely agree with the conflict.
Their pasts were conveyed in a very vulnerable way which made the read more intimate.
I totally enjoyed this one & can't wait for the next book in the series!!
It's literally hate at first sight."
That's it. That's all you need to know to understand this obvious enemies-to-lovers situation.
Axel & Mia's dynamic was fire, both in terms of chemistry & bickering.
As usual, I live for hate-to-love romance and this provided ALONG with forced proximity and snowed in.
There's something about books set in publishing world that feels amazing to read. I loved how Axel & Mia's job clashed with each other & I could definitely agree with the conflict.
Their pasts were conveyed in a very vulnerable way which made the read more intimate.
I totally enjoyed this one & can't wait for the next book in the series!!
September 22, 2022
3.5 stars. This was a fun, quick read.
It felt like a hallmark movie with some nice mild spice, and I was into it. Cozy fall & winter vibes.
I enjoyed the bookish content (trope talk/ publishers/ writers/ etc)… and several fun Gilmore Girls fan moments.
I liked the MC’s back stories... they added depth to the story. Interesting side characters that I wish we saw more of!
For enemies to lovers, they were pretty quick to get together. So I was missing some of the tension I usually feel with this trope.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to listen to the advance audiobook.
Great narration. I love dual voices for dual POVs.
It felt like a hallmark movie with some nice mild spice, and I was into it. Cozy fall & winter vibes.
I enjoyed the bookish content (trope talk/ publishers/ writers/ etc)… and several fun Gilmore Girls fan moments.
I liked the MC’s back stories... they added depth to the story. Interesting side characters that I wish we saw more of!
For enemies to lovers, they were pretty quick to get together. So I was missing some of the tension I usually feel with this trope.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to listen to the advance audiobook.
Great narration. I love dual voices for dual POVs.
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