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Festive Fun #3
Sh*t Out of Luck
This series has been republished as the Now & Always Duet by Amanda Bentley.
- GenresNovella
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2023
5 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bentley
10 books82 followersAmanda Bentley loves escaping into fictional worlds through reading and writing. A typical Pisces, she’s as much a mood writer as she is a mood reader. She likes her book boyfriends morally grey, but she’ll read any book with romance (preferably drenched in spice and angst).
When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.
When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 6, 2023
4.5⭐️
This is the third book of the Festive Fun Series and is not a standalone. I think this might be my favorite of the series as everything was intense: the spice (I mean, alternatate universe me would def like to try chapter 4 but alas I have to live vicariously through Kate), the plot, and the ending! Lorenzo remains an enigma for me. I don't know if I should be annoyed or sympathize with him or whatever but the bonus chapter makes me question a lot of things now.
I also think Amanda just wanted to torture us because the next book will be released after 3 months!? I can't wait to see what will happen next because what is even that cliffhanger? It can't end like that, I need answers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the third book of the Festive Fun Series and is not a standalone. I think this might be my favorite of the series as everything was intense: the spice (I mean, alternatate universe me would def like to try chapter 4 but alas I have to live vicariously through Kate), the plot, and the ending! Lorenzo remains an enigma for me. I don't know if I should be annoyed or sympathize with him or whatever but the bonus chapter makes me question a lot of things now.
I also think Amanda just wanted to torture us because the next book will be released after 3 months!? I can't wait to see what will happen next because what is even that cliffhanger? It can't end like that, I need answers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2023
Thanks Amanda for the ARC, as always! ☺️ I’ll never stop feeling so special for getting to read these ahead of time for you.
4.5 ⭐️ This is probably my favorite installment in the Festive Fun series so far! The first 2 were AMAZING, don’t get me wrong, but the spice in Sh*t Out Of Luck was top notch and I’m a sucker for a cliffhanger and mystery that I cannot figure out. Zo definitely has many secrets he isn’t divulging, but this book made it so much clearer to me how much he really cares for Kate. I can’t wait for the next book!
4.5 ⭐️ This is probably my favorite installment in the Festive Fun series so far! The first 2 were AMAZING, don’t get me wrong, but the spice in Sh*t Out Of Luck was top notch and I’m a sucker for a cliffhanger and mystery that I cannot figure out. Zo definitely has many secrets he isn’t divulging, but this book made it so much clearer to me how much he really cares for Kate. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 8, 2023
I’m always so happy when I get an ARC of one of Amanda’s books. Thank you for choosing me 😊
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I absolutely loved how it picked up right where book 2 (Struck by stupid) left off. I’ve been thinking about that dang ending since I read it. As always Zo’s mouth is 🥵 He is a living, breathing rollercoaster with his feelings. At one point I was screaming at him and Kate to COMMUNICATE!!! I honestly feel like I know Zo & Kate personally at this point; which I absolutely love. Lately I haven’t been a huge fan of mystery in my romance books. This one has some of that to it and even though I’m not loving it much anymore I still enjoyed it in this novella. Probably because we knew it was most likely coming with the ending of “Struck by Stupid”. I do worry with it being drug out for so long that people might give up on the story entirely. I promise with Amanda Bentley’s writing style and her cleaver mind it will be worth the wait!!! I hate that we have to wait until July for the next one though 😭
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I absolutely loved how it picked up right where book 2 (Struck by stupid) left off. I’ve been thinking about that dang ending since I read it. As always Zo’s mouth is 🥵 He is a living, breathing rollercoaster with his feelings. At one point I was screaming at him and Kate to COMMUNICATE!!! I honestly feel like I know Zo & Kate personally at this point; which I absolutely love. Lately I haven’t been a huge fan of mystery in my romance books. This one has some of that to it and even though I’m not loving it much anymore I still enjoyed it in this novella. Probably because we knew it was most likely coming with the ending of “Struck by Stupid”. I do worry with it being drug out for so long that people might give up on the story entirely. I promise with Amanda Bentley’s writing style and her cleaver mind it will be worth the wait!!! I hate that we have to wait until July for the next one though 😭
March 7, 2023
This is the third book in Amanda Bentley’s Festive Fun novella series. Each book follows Kate and Lorenzo, but takes place during a different holiday throughout the year. It’s fun getting to follow the year along with them.
The drama continues with Kate and Lorenzo, and Lorenzo continues to be a walking red flag. I want Kate to get the answers she deserves, but I’m also like “if any of IRL my friends got involved with a guy like this, I’d be slapping some sense into them and telling them to gtfo”
I love that Char was so involved in this book. Girlfriend got us some actual answers.
I say this each book, but these cliffhangers omg 😫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
The drama continues with Kate and Lorenzo, and Lorenzo continues to be a walking red flag. I want Kate to get the answers she deserves, but I’m also like “if any of IRL my friends got involved with a guy like this, I’d be slapping some sense into them and telling them to gtfo”
I love that Char was so involved in this book. Girlfriend got us some actual answers.
I say this each book, but these cliffhangers omg 😫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 16, 2023
This book is third book of the Festive Fun novella series. This book does end on a cliffhanger!
But it’s totally worth it !!! This book had spice and drama ❤️❤️❤️ Zo and Kates drama is what keeps me coming back 🤣thank you to Amanda for sending me this novella ! I can’t wait to read the next one !!
But it’s totally worth it !!! This book had spice and drama ❤️❤️❤️ Zo and Kates drama is what keeps me coming back 🤣thank you to Amanda for sending me this novella ! I can’t wait to read the next one !!
May 23, 2023
Ms. Amanda Bentley never fails to impress me with her books, and this one truly did it for me. i received an ARC copy of this book awhile ago, but unfortunately life got in the way for me. however, i got around to reading it and it did not disappoint. once again, i was sucked into Lorenzo and Kate's world... but i'm certainly not complaining
starting off with the plot, it is a continuation from the previous two novellas; therefore the overall plot has not changed. however, i did feel a brief change in the relationship between the two characters. in this book, Lorenzo was more forthcoming with his emotions towards Kate; which was a nice change from the previous stone cold exterior that we received from him within the first two books. as for with Kate, the reader got to see her more "fun" side come to life; which her enjoying life more. these changes in the characters themselves allowed for the reader to see a more realistic "friends with benefits" dynamic that the author was trying to portray. in the first two novellas, it was more of just a "fuck buddy" situation, as the two did not hang out with one another aside from sex. however, in this book, the reader got to see Kate and Lorenzo spend time with one another aside from sex... so that was nice. another thing that was nice was the mystery aspect this book was taking on. of course the whole situation around Lorenzo is a little, suspicious, so it was interesting trying to see Kate and Char figure things out. it was a nice break from romance being the main plot for this novella series
speaking about the characters themselves, nothing has changed too much from the pervious books. as mentioned, it was nice to see Kate have a little bit more fun in her everyday life -- aside from sleeping Lorenzo. i liked that we also got to learn a bit more about her, as i felt the author was lacking character depth in the first two books. as always, i appreciated Kate's sass and it always added for a good dynamic between her and Lorenzo. on the topic of Lorenzo, i do like him but i'm starting to get frustrated with him myself. i do think him, as a person, is my main reason for not giving this book a five out of five star rating. the run around game that he is playing with Kate is starting to irritate me; and it isn't even happening to me! i was hoping the readers would get more clarity on who Lorenzo was from this book; but instead we're left with more questions. the entire mystery around Lorenzo has my head spinning, but i'm intrigued to see how everything plays out with him. as for Char, who plays a decently important part in this book, i've grown to really like her. she is an interesting character and i like her personality. she really balances Kate, and i see why their friendship is so healthy. i also like how she has had Santi hooked since their first meeting; that was pure gold. i'd actually love for the author to explore that relationship in future books.
the next paragraph will be discussing the ending... which may lead to spoilers. if you would not like to know any spoilers surrounding this book, feel free to jump to the end for my concluding thoughts. if not, continue reading
wow i sound so professional! anyways, the ending. Kate and Char successful snooping didn't shock me, all girls are good at becoming FBI agents when we need to be. what did shock me was their findings. now, i must admit that Lorenzo being the person who crashed in Brad didn't throw me for a loop -- that i suspected from the beginning. what did shock me, however, was the white powder bags that were found. i don't think Lorenzo is doing drugs, i just don't get that vibe from our mysterious man. but selling drugs? now that i can see. his relationship with Santi is, weird, and i wouldn't be shocked if Santi runs a drug ring and Lorenzo is apart of it. although, i have no turned down the idea of Lorenzo being apart of the mafia either. honestly, it would be a nice spin *wink wink*. i'm excited to see how the next book plays out, just because this one was so insane. poor Kate always finds herself in these crazy situations
overall, i thought this was a great book. it was well-written, spicy in all the right places, but also held a good plot. the story is turning out much better then i thought it would.... and i'm excited to see where the relationship between Kate and Lorenzo goes
starting off with the plot, it is a continuation from the previous two novellas; therefore the overall plot has not changed. however, i did feel a brief change in the relationship between the two characters. in this book, Lorenzo was more forthcoming with his emotions towards Kate; which was a nice change from the previous stone cold exterior that we received from him within the first two books. as for with Kate, the reader got to see her more "fun" side come to life; which her enjoying life more. these changes in the characters themselves allowed for the reader to see a more realistic "friends with benefits" dynamic that the author was trying to portray. in the first two novellas, it was more of just a "fuck buddy" situation, as the two did not hang out with one another aside from sex. however, in this book, the reader got to see Kate and Lorenzo spend time with one another aside from sex... so that was nice. another thing that was nice was the mystery aspect this book was taking on. of course the whole situation around Lorenzo is a little, suspicious, so it was interesting trying to see Kate and Char figure things out. it was a nice break from romance being the main plot for this novella series
speaking about the characters themselves, nothing has changed too much from the pervious books. as mentioned, it was nice to see Kate have a little bit more fun in her everyday life -- aside from sleeping Lorenzo. i liked that we also got to learn a bit more about her, as i felt the author was lacking character depth in the first two books. as always, i appreciated Kate's sass and it always added for a good dynamic between her and Lorenzo. on the topic of Lorenzo, i do like him but i'm starting to get frustrated with him myself. i do think him, as a person, is my main reason for not giving this book a five out of five star rating. the run around game that he is playing with Kate is starting to irritate me; and it isn't even happening to me! i was hoping the readers would get more clarity on who Lorenzo was from this book; but instead we're left with more questions. the entire mystery around Lorenzo has my head spinning, but i'm intrigued to see how everything plays out with him. as for Char, who plays a decently important part in this book, i've grown to really like her. she is an interesting character and i like her personality. she really balances Kate, and i see why their friendship is so healthy. i also like how she has had Santi hooked since their first meeting; that was pure gold. i'd actually love for the author to explore that relationship in future books.
the next paragraph will be discussing the ending... which may lead to spoilers. if you would not like to know any spoilers surrounding this book, feel free to jump to the end for my concluding thoughts. if not, continue reading
wow i sound so professional! anyways, the ending. Kate and Char successful snooping didn't shock me, all girls are good at becoming FBI agents when we need to be. what did shock me was their findings. now, i must admit that Lorenzo being the person who crashed in Brad didn't throw me for a loop -- that i suspected from the beginning. what did shock me, however, was the white powder bags that were found. i don't think Lorenzo is doing drugs, i just don't get that vibe from our mysterious man. but selling drugs? now that i can see. his relationship with Santi is, weird, and i wouldn't be shocked if Santi runs a drug ring and Lorenzo is apart of it. although, i have no turned down the idea of Lorenzo being apart of the mafia either. honestly, it would be a nice spin *wink wink*. i'm excited to see how the next book plays out, just because this one was so insane. poor Kate always finds herself in these crazy situations
overall, i thought this was a great book. it was well-written, spicy in all the right places, but also held a good plot. the story is turning out much better then i thought it would.... and i'm excited to see where the relationship between Kate and Lorenzo goes
March 8, 2023
“𝚆𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢”
5/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶
When I got the email for SOL I think I may have blacked out. If you have yet to read the Festive Fun series… * 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘺 “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. #1 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”* Do I hate that Amanda loves to personally attack me with her cliffhangers? 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, but hell I will hang onto this cliff for dear life until I reach the end. Even then, how will I ever let go of Lorenzo? The answer is 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭. I will just re-read until I die. I have a lot I want to write, but I don’t want to give anything away. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, I will share some notes I have in my phone.
Kate has come such a long way since the first book. She has become such a relatable character. Truthfully, in the first book I didn’t think I’d be a big fan. 𝘖𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴. 𝐈. 𝐀𝐦. 𝐈𝐧. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. She is smarter about this situation than the last two books. She still thinks with her heart, but she also isn’t allowing it to get in the way of logic, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. I don’t blame her though. Zo is giving me so much whiplash that I think my neck may break, so it’s understandable why she feels the way she does. Buuut she refuses to take his shit and truly shows her inner bad bitch in this book. Oh, and Char? 𝐿𝒪𝒱𝐸 𝐻𝐸𝑅. She reminds me of my best friends. I love that she is involved so much in SOL. She also burns my favorite candle, so 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
Lorenzo? He doesn’t give me butterflies in my stomach and lady parts; he gives me 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘆𝗹𝘀. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ. As Kate stated “𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚐. 𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝.” Good thing red and morally grey seem to be both of our favorite colors and he is the ᑭEᖇᖴEᑕT combination of both. Jealous, possessive, stalkerish (𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 “𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦”), sweet, smart, sexy bad boy? 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥! I hate him and love him at the same time. I want to choke him, вυт ι ωαηт нιм тσ ¢нσкє мє вα¢к. Why must he make everything so confusing?
There were so many times when my heart wanted to throw up. I hurt for Kate and what happens, but I also hurt for Enzo. Amanda makes it 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 hard to dislike her characters. Except Santi. There is 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘺 this isn’t his doing. Or at least a big part of it. ᵀˢᵏ ᵗˢᵏ Shady Santi.
She also 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 knows how to write smut. * 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘧* The closet scene? CAN THIS HAPPEN TO ME?! The tie? 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆! * 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨* I want it all. The good, the bad, the ugly… the ZO! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. You truly do not know what answers you’re going to find, and it gave me anxiety in the 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 way possible. How am I supposed to wait for the next one you ask? Cry every day until it comes out. *𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘒𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘬𝘪 “𝘰𝘣𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺” 𝘨𝘪𝘧*
5/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶
When I got the email for SOL I think I may have blacked out. If you have yet to read the Festive Fun series… * 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘺 “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. #1 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”* Do I hate that Amanda loves to personally attack me with her cliffhangers? 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, but hell I will hang onto this cliff for dear life until I reach the end. Even then, how will I ever let go of Lorenzo? The answer is 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭. I will just re-read until I die. I have a lot I want to write, but I don’t want to give anything away. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, I will share some notes I have in my phone.
Kate has come such a long way since the first book. She has become such a relatable character. Truthfully, in the first book I didn’t think I’d be a big fan. 𝘖𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴. 𝐈. 𝐀𝐦. 𝐈𝐧. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. She is smarter about this situation than the last two books. She still thinks with her heart, but she also isn’t allowing it to get in the way of logic, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. I don’t blame her though. Zo is giving me so much whiplash that I think my neck may break, so it’s understandable why she feels the way she does. Buuut she refuses to take his shit and truly shows her inner bad bitch in this book. Oh, and Char? 𝐿𝒪𝒱𝐸 𝐻𝐸𝑅. She reminds me of my best friends. I love that she is involved so much in SOL. She also burns my favorite candle, so 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.
Lorenzo? He doesn’t give me butterflies in my stomach and lady parts; he gives me 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘆𝗹𝘀. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ. As Kate stated “𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚐. 𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝.” Good thing red and morally grey seem to be both of our favorite colors and he is the ᑭEᖇᖴEᑕT combination of both. Jealous, possessive, stalkerish (𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 “𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦”), sweet, smart, sexy bad boy? 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥! I hate him and love him at the same time. I want to choke him, вυт ι ωαηт нιм тσ ¢нσкє мє вα¢к. Why must he make everything so confusing?
There were so many times when my heart wanted to throw up. I hurt for Kate and what happens, but I also hurt for Enzo. Amanda makes it 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 hard to dislike her characters. Except Santi. There is 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘺 this isn’t his doing. Or at least a big part of it. ᵀˢᵏ ᵗˢᵏ Shady Santi.
She also 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 knows how to write smut. * 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘧* The closet scene? CAN THIS HAPPEN TO ME?! The tie? 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆! * 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨* I want it all. The good, the bad, the ugly… the ZO! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. You truly do not know what answers you’re going to find, and it gave me anxiety in the 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 way possible. How am I supposed to wait for the next one you ask? Cry every day until it comes out. *𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘒𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘬𝘪 “𝘰𝘣𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺” 𝘨𝘪𝘧*
March 9, 2023
"Why should I deny myself what I so desperately crave?"
Guys. I know it's a novella series. I know there's gonna be a cliffhanger. So tell me why, when I reach said cliffhanger, I'm like WHAT?! That's it?! Usually, I'm trying to avoid cliffhangers but I'm eating this series up.
My dude Lorenzo is giving me whiplash. Straight from the first chapter, he had me swinging wildly between 'this mf 😠' and this 'this mf 😍'. Is he a red flag? Yes. Do I love him anyway? As usual...also, yes. And the mouth on this man 🥵
Kates inner monologue is still one of my favorite things - I love the continuing shift between staying with what she thinks 'should' happen and what she actually wants to happen.
I feel like Hansel and Gretel following a trail of breadcrumbs trying to figure out this mystery!
🎵 Favorite song from the playlist:
Stay by Post Malone
"Everybody's blind when the view's amazing"
- First of all, I just love Posty. But this line also makes me think of the below the surface push/pull going on between Kate and Lorenzo 🖤
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Guys. I know it's a novella series. I know there's gonna be a cliffhanger. So tell me why, when I reach said cliffhanger, I'm like WHAT?! That's it?! Usually, I'm trying to avoid cliffhangers but I'm eating this series up.
My dude Lorenzo is giving me whiplash. Straight from the first chapter, he had me swinging wildly between 'this mf 😠' and this 'this mf 😍'. Is he a red flag? Yes. Do I love him anyway? As usual...also, yes. And the mouth on this man 🥵
Kates inner monologue is still one of my favorite things - I love the continuing shift between staying with what she thinks 'should' happen and what she actually wants to happen.
I feel like Hansel and Gretel following a trail of breadcrumbs trying to figure out this mystery!
🎵 Favorite song from the playlist:
Stay by Post Malone
"Everybody's blind when the view's amazing"
- First of all, I just love Posty. But this line also makes me think of the below the surface push/pull going on between Kate and Lorenzo 🖤
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
March 9, 2023
Thank you to the author, Amanda Bentley, and BookFunnel for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know why girly was surprised by the lies and him being shadey in business. Santi and Lorenzo are so suspicious but she was blinded by great sex. I totally called it, the Brad situation. I knew it! Re: my review for #2, and I also knew the business they work for is in part shadey. I said money laundering and drugs and by George I think I got them.
This one didn’t have the same chemistry as the previous book because they were spending less time together. But the times they did have were so HOT. At work?! In the house durning the party?! Sexy af. Lorenzo has a way with words. This book focused more on the mystery and solving it. I was sad when the revelation at the end happened because it seems like Lorenzo was finally wanting to go somewhere in the FBW… like he asked for a sleep over with her. I’m sad it’s not going to happen.
The real star of this book is definitely Char. She got Santi obsessed after one sentence and glance. She found out way more info than they were looking for. She was fun and down for everything and SHE HELD IT DOWN when Kate was ready to break down. I need her to have her own book please.
I don’t know why girly was surprised by the lies and him being shadey in business. Santi and Lorenzo are so suspicious but she was blinded by great sex. I totally called it, the Brad situation. I knew it! Re: my review for #2, and I also knew the business they work for is in part shadey. I said money laundering and drugs and by George I think I got them.
This one didn’t have the same chemistry as the previous book because they were spending less time together. But the times they did have were so HOT. At work?! In the house durning the party?! Sexy af. Lorenzo has a way with words. This book focused more on the mystery and solving it. I was sad when the revelation at the end happened because it seems like Lorenzo was finally wanting to go somewhere in the FBW… like he asked for a sleep over with her. I’m sad it’s not going to happen.
The real star of this book is definitely Char. She got Santi obsessed after one sentence and glance. She found out way more info than they were looking for. She was fun and down for everything and SHE HELD IT DOWN when Kate was ready to break down. I need her to have her own book please.
March 9, 2023
This series keeps getting better!
This is novella three of the Festive Fun series by Amanda Bentley. You MUST read these in order.
Amanda is definitely going in the right direction. Sh*t Out of Luck is my new favorite in this series. Kate is giving me Jekyll and Hyde vibes. She’s trying to be the bad @ss Lorenzo said she has the potential to be, however, when she’s caught off guard and reverts back to her controlling, overreacting self, it’s big time. The mystery around Lorenzo, unfortunately, continues to grow, with little answers 🙁. Prior to the Lorenzo POV bonus chapter, we get tiny glimpses that he probably, might, really care. I am upset that Amanda is making us wait 3 MONTHS for Light Me Up as she leaves us with the biggest cliffhanger!!! Silver lining, you have plenty of time to get caught up if you’re new to the series.
This is novella three of the Festive Fun series by Amanda Bentley. You MUST read these in order.
Amanda is definitely going in the right direction. Sh*t Out of Luck is my new favorite in this series. Kate is giving me Jekyll and Hyde vibes. She’s trying to be the bad @ss Lorenzo said she has the potential to be, however, when she’s caught off guard and reverts back to her controlling, overreacting self, it’s big time. The mystery around Lorenzo, unfortunately, continues to grow, with little answers 🙁. Prior to the Lorenzo POV bonus chapter, we get tiny glimpses that he probably, might, really care. I am upset that Amanda is making us wait 3 MONTHS for Light Me Up as she leaves us with the biggest cliffhanger!!! Silver lining, you have plenty of time to get caught up if you’re new to the series.
March 8, 2023
This book is the third book in the Festive Fun Series. You must read the first two to follow along this is not a standalone. Each book is set around a holiday and follows Kate and Lorenzo.
This one didn’t have the same spice/chemistry as the first two but it dove more into Kate trying to get answers as to who Lorenzo is and his connection to the company. I loved the role Char (her best friend) had in this book. That girl had the gonads to help her girl get some answers. I’m not sure to hate or love Lorenzo. His actions have me hating him but his words have me swooning which seems to be the case for Kate.
Overall the story has me invested as to what happens around the next holiday. I’m going to have to wait a few months but I’ll definitely be reading to get latest on Kate and Lorenzo. Who knows what will happen next!
This one didn’t have the same spice/chemistry as the first two but it dove more into Kate trying to get answers as to who Lorenzo is and his connection to the company. I loved the role Char (her best friend) had in this book. That girl had the gonads to help her girl get some answers. I’m not sure to hate or love Lorenzo. His actions have me hating him but his words have me swooning which seems to be the case for Kate.
Overall the story has me invested as to what happens around the next holiday. I’m going to have to wait a few months but I’ll definitely be reading to get latest on Kate and Lorenzo. Who knows what will happen next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
One thing I can say about Lorenzo is how consistent his character is. This is book 3 and we barely know anything about him. What we do find out is because of .... snooping a little and learning something. Him being so closed of and not willing to give out ANY info about himself just makes me more interested. I cannot wait for the next book I NEED to know what this man is hiding.
Kate definitely grew on me a little bit more in this book. She was finally not thinking with her heart the entire book and wasn't letting it affect her as much. Which didn't lead to as many arguments as the last book. Their chemistry is still as strong as ever they just can't stay away from each other.
We also got to see the side characters. Santi getting obsessed over Char was definitely something I wasn't expecting(need more of them too). Char is definitely someone I would love to have as a friend.
Kate definitely grew on me a little bit more in this book. She was finally not thinking with her heart the entire book and wasn't letting it affect her as much. Which didn't lead to as many arguments as the last book. Their chemistry is still as strong as ever they just can't stay away from each other.
We also got to see the side characters. Santi getting obsessed over Char was definitely something I wasn't expecting(need more of them too). Char is definitely someone I would love to have as a friend.
June 13, 2023
This series is an epic disaster with a side of whipped cream just dangling on the precipice and I am here for every minute of it. Talk about your guilty pleasure fabulous gossipy read with ALL the chemistry and steam shooting out from some forbidden doors. Whether the passionate or angry type of steam varies on a dime. This couple is volatile! Char is so much fun, I am glad we got to see more of her, but the connection with Santi was a surprise - and then the twist at the end - wow!
Book 3 in Festive Fun, you have to read these in order and you will want to binge them. the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry, swoon, blush, and want to throw your book across the room in frustration! These two, I'm telling you - it's the siren call of a burn so bright it can only end in tragedy but for a moment, it's a supernova.
Book 3 in Festive Fun, you have to read these in order and you will want to binge them. the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry, swoon, blush, and want to throw your book across the room in frustration! These two, I'm telling you - it's the siren call of a burn so bright it can only end in tragedy but for a moment, it's a supernova.
March 8, 2023
This is the 3rd novella in the Festive Fun series, and each books just keeps getting better! While the cliffhangers are full on torturing me, they are done in such a good way. I know they’re coming and I’m still surprised!
Kate is definitely coming into her own in this book, I love that Lorenzo is helping her with this. Lorenzo also seems to be opening up more, but of course, drama comes up and shoots that down. I’m still team Lorenzo and I know he will be able to show that while every flag we have seen is tinted a little red, and he has many many secrets, there is much more going on than we see.
The surprises in this book are wild, some I was able to guess and others my mouth dropped.
I can’t wait for the next book and each book after.
Kate is definitely coming into her own in this book, I love that Lorenzo is helping her with this. Lorenzo also seems to be opening up more, but of course, drama comes up and shoots that down. I’m still team Lorenzo and I know he will be able to show that while every flag we have seen is tinted a little red, and he has many many secrets, there is much more going on than we see.
The surprises in this book are wild, some I was able to guess and others my mouth dropped.
I can’t wait for the next book and each book after.
March 9, 2023
Sh*t Out of Luck by Amanda Bentley.
Holy cliffhanger! I swear I am more and more invested in Lorenzo and Kate’s journey the more I read. With this which is the third book on the Festive Fun series I though we would get more answers a little more clarity but holy heck we were left with more questions. I need to know what is going on what is the hold that Lorenzo has on him! What is he up to? Is he selling drugs, did he Brad off and why oh my so many questions. Must most of all I want to know why Lorenzo is in the place he is in and I want him to be free and happy. There is something that pulls me to him and he need to be free he is trapped and Kate makes him happy but this thing is holding him back and I need to know what it is. I can’t wait for he next one.
Holy cliffhanger! I swear I am more and more invested in Lorenzo and Kate’s journey the more I read. With this which is the third book on the Festive Fun series I though we would get more answers a little more clarity but holy heck we were left with more questions. I need to know what is going on what is the hold that Lorenzo has on him! What is he up to? Is he selling drugs, did he Brad off and why oh my so many questions. Must most of all I want to know why Lorenzo is in the place he is in and I want him to be free and happy. There is something that pulls me to him and he need to be free he is trapped and Kate makes him happy but this thing is holding him back and I need to know what it is. I can’t wait for he next one.
March 12, 2023
Lorenzo keeps me on my toes. He one minute I want to him and the next I want to yell at him for being an ass. But he always has away to win me back.
I feel for Kate because the way she feels is the way I feel about this man. She gets all the fun things, goodness the spice!! But I feel for the fact she is so confused by him.
I love this series so much. I love the way written. The cliffhangers are amazing. I know despise a cliffhanger but I love the way Amanda does it. I can’t wait for the next one.
This has to be read in order or you will won’t know the whole story. But I recommend this book and the other two. You won’t be disappointed with Kate and Lorenzo.
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion
I feel for Kate because the way she feels is the way I feel about this man. She gets all the fun things, goodness the spice!! But I feel for the fact she is so confused by him.
I love this series so much. I love the way written. The cliffhangers are amazing. I know despise a cliffhanger but I love the way Amanda does it. I can’t wait for the next one.
This has to be read in order or you will won’t know the whole story. But I recommend this book and the other two. You won’t be disappointed with Kate and Lorenzo.
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion
February 19, 2023
Honestly anything Amanda writes is an amazing read. This book is no different. The spice level was great and their relationship 🥰🥵🥵. The things Lorenzo says to Kate *chefs kiss*
When he starts showing her how to drive like come on! He didn’t tease her about it like I honestly thought he would. He went at her pace without making her feel small about her reason for not driving.
That freaking police report will be the end of me!! I need all the answers ! Amanda I swear I won’t say a damn thing pleaseeee!
The cliffhanger 😩😩 she was supposed to stay with him and now probably won’t. I need answers. There’s so many questions!!
When he starts showing her how to drive like come on! He didn’t tease her about it like I honestly thought he would. He went at her pace without making her feel small about her reason for not driving.
That freaking police report will be the end of me!! I need all the answers ! Amanda I swear I won’t say a damn thing pleaseeee!
The cliffhanger 😩😩 she was supposed to stay with him and now probably won’t. I need answers. There’s so many questions!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
Well shit is this series getting good. It picked up right where the cliffhanger left off in the previous story. Boy oh boy was I not ready for the first chapter 😳
Lorenzo and Kate finally find a good balance within their friends with benefits relationship. By balance I mean a lot of amazing spice and great chemistry between them. Lorenzo invites Kate to a St. Patrick’s day pool party at the house. Kate of course invited her bestie Char since Lorenzo told her too since he wanted to meet her friends 😍
Shit of course hits the fan and leads to a cliffhanger that I did not see coming. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. June cannot come soon enough!
Lorenzo and Kate finally find a good balance within their friends with benefits relationship. By balance I mean a lot of amazing spice and great chemistry between them. Lorenzo invites Kate to a St. Patrick’s day pool party at the house. Kate of course invited her bestie Char since Lorenzo told her too since he wanted to meet her friends 😍
Shit of course hits the fan and leads to a cliffhanger that I did not see coming. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. June cannot come soon enough!
March 9, 2023
I feel for both Kate and Lorenzo! Both don’t want full commitment but are so attached and connected to one another. They are great together but negative at the same time.
I love that Lorenzo is so patient with her and trying to teach her to drive. It’s so sweet and shows how much he really cares about her.
Love the few spicy scenes of them. Lorenzo is still hot as ever!! Can’t get enough of him!!
I love how Char is such a good friend and wanting to do whatever she can do to help Kate. I feel heart broken for Kate at the end. I’m dying to read the next one!!! Why are you making us wait until June????
I love that Lorenzo is so patient with her and trying to teach her to drive. It’s so sweet and shows how much he really cares about her.
Love the few spicy scenes of them. Lorenzo is still hot as ever!! Can’t get enough of him!!
I love how Char is such a good friend and wanting to do whatever she can do to help Kate. I feel heart broken for Kate at the end. I’m dying to read the next one!!! Why are you making us wait until June????
March 9, 2023
Okay, I said it last time but I'll say it again, this is easily my favorite novella so far in this series! Each one adds a little bit more of *everything* and I can't help but want more with how Amanda leaves us hanging each time.
This book added more spice, more tension, more sweet moments, more side character development, and of course, more frustration with Lorenzo and Kate. Specifically Zo because that man is a walking red flag but then we get his POV and my entire perspective gets a shift. He's confusing as hell to all of us, not just Kate.
Only thing I'm upset about is the wait for the next installment! 🥲🖤
This book added more spice, more tension, more sweet moments, more side character development, and of course, more frustration with Lorenzo and Kate. Specifically Zo because that man is a walking red flag but then we get his POV and my entire perspective gets a shift. He's confusing as hell to all of us, not just Kate.
Only thing I'm upset about is the wait for the next installment! 🥲🖤
March 16, 2023
Truly, this series keeps getting better.
I am 100% down for the Char/Kate sleuth team to figure out what is [highly suspect] going on with Zo and his friends. From the first book I've felt like there's far more than we know. With the teaser in book 2 and now this ending, I am SO looking forward to it unraveling further in book 4.
This book is sweeter, we get to see Zo's actions change as he starts to fall. We also get to see Kate come slightly out of the lust/love haze to get into the aforementioned sleuth work. Not sure any of us expected to find what she did, though!
And you know, maybe I like Zo a little bit now... (:
I am 100% down for the Char/Kate sleuth team to figure out what is [highly suspect] going on with Zo and his friends. From the first book I've felt like there's far more than we know. With the teaser in book 2 and now this ending, I am SO looking forward to it unraveling further in book 4.
This book is sweeter, we get to see Zo's actions change as he starts to fall. We also get to see Kate come slightly out of the lust/love haze to get into the aforementioned sleuth work. Not sure any of us expected to find what she did, though!
And you know, maybe I like Zo a little bit now... (:
February 22, 2023
4.5 stars
Another one of Amanda’s book that i ate right up in one sitting. She literally could write the news and i’d read it 10x over.
Anyways this book was the third in the festive fun and i thought the plot and spice combo was perfect for me, the spice was present but not over bearing and the plot was just getting better and better
I loved how this book answered some lingering questions but also opened a huge can of worms in the process. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store!!
Another one of Amanda’s book that i ate right up in one sitting. She literally could write the news and i’d read it 10x over.
Anyways this book was the third in the festive fun and i thought the plot and spice combo was perfect for me, the spice was present but not over bearing and the plot was just getting better and better
I loved how this book answered some lingering questions but also opened a huge can of worms in the process. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store!!
March 6, 2023
*Received an ARC of this spicy little novella*
I think Amanda is building an interesting story here, I love the holiday themes throughout and the minor detective vibes we got in this one. I feel like the driving lessons really hit the spot for me as a person who's SO has acts of service as a love language ♥️
However, be warned that due to the nature of novellas in general you might experience frustration of always getting just a glimpse of the plot drama and then having to wait until another holiday 😭😭😭
I think Amanda is building an interesting story here, I love the holiday themes throughout and the minor detective vibes we got in this one. I feel like the driving lessons really hit the spot for me as a person who's SO has acts of service as a love language ♥️
However, be warned that due to the nature of novellas in general you might experience frustration of always getting just a glimpse of the plot drama and then having to wait until another holiday 😭😭😭
March 9, 2023
This has been my favorite quick series to follow.
Sh*t Out of Luck picks right back up from where Struck by Stupid left off. Except book 3 is way more intense. Kate is coming into her baddassery and is on a mission to find answers. Lorenzo is still a mystery. I think all is not as it seems & im so looking forward to see how this plays out.
For me the spice went to a 3.5 🫠
Amanda is making us wait until June for that but I don’t hate her for it -I’ll just be over here whining about it for a minute 😅
Sh*t Out of Luck picks right back up from where Struck by Stupid left off. Except book 3 is way more intense. Kate is coming into her baddassery and is on a mission to find answers. Lorenzo is still a mystery. I think all is not as it seems & im so looking forward to see how this plays out.
For me the spice went to a 3.5 🫠
Amanda is making us wait until June for that but I don’t hate her for it -I’ll just be over here whining about it for a minute 😅
March 11, 2023
This is book 3 in this spicy Novella series, and it was such a tease!! We ended book 2 with secrets and questions and book 3 picks up with Kate deciding she is just going to ignore allll the red flags and enjoy Lorenzo for… well why we all the Lorenzo.. 👀🥵
Lorenzo and Kate are so freaking hot together! Kate forgets everything when she is with him and lord is that relatable!!
For me, Lorenzo’s secrets are piling up and I wish there were more answers in this one!! The next book doesn’t release until June!! So I will try to chill and trust Amanda!!:)
Lorenzo and Kate are so freaking hot together! Kate forgets everything when she is with him and lord is that relatable!!
For me, Lorenzo’s secrets are piling up and I wish there were more answers in this one!! The next book doesn’t release until June!! So I will try to chill and trust Amanda!!:)
March 4, 2023
Whew, Lorenzo really unlocks a new thing for me in each novella- be prepared to want to do more with a tie than just use it to be tied up;) Although in these novellas we get left on cliffhangers, getting his final chapter POV is worth it, plus some answers come from the last books cliff hanger! I can’t wait to see where these novellas end up each holiday, but I’m definitely invested! You get good spice for sure, story and a broody alpha male- what more is there honestly?!
March 4, 2023
This is the third book in the series. Lorenzo's and Kate's relationship is as hot as ever. Whenever she wants to pull back, Lorenzo's look or touch brings her back again. We get a few answers from the previous book, but we now have new questions. Amanda wants answers; but does she really? Another cliffhanger ending. Love the plot, great setting, with strong intense characters. Can't wait for book four!!
March 5, 2023
Sh*t Out of Luck by Amanda Bentley is book three in the Festive Fun series.
This novella continues the story of Kate and Lorenzo. This was a quick read, about a big mystery involving Lorenzo, which Kate and her BFF Char, try to solve.
This novella is told from Kates POV, ends on a cliffhanger and is not a stand alone. You will need to read the previous books before this one.
This couple has some very spicy moments. I would recommend this book.
This novella continues the story of Kate and Lorenzo. This was a quick read, about a big mystery involving Lorenzo, which Kate and her BFF Char, try to solve.
This novella is told from Kates POV, ends on a cliffhanger and is not a stand alone. You will need to read the previous books before this one.
This couple has some very spicy moments. I would recommend this book.
March 16, 2023
This is the third book in the festive fun series and by far my favorite. I will say they aren't togther as much but when they were !!!! WOWOWOWOWOW. I love the banter between them. Oh I have to say I'm obsessed with Char she is such a fun loving friend to Kate.
Now Lorenzo I love you I do but wow can you FIGURE it out!! He is such a comlex man.
Santi and Lorenzo have always seemd off to me and very suspicious i should have known it had something to do with the business.
Now we have to wait monthes for the next novela and that makes me sad.
Favorite quotes: " Why should i deny myself what I so desperately crave?"
Favortie song on playlist: Shape of you & Stay !!
Now Lorenzo I love you I do but wow can you FIGURE it out!! He is such a comlex man.
Santi and Lorenzo have always seemd off to me and very suspicious i should have known it had something to do with the business.
Now we have to wait monthes for the next novela and that makes me sad.
Favorite quotes: " Why should i deny myself what I so desperately crave?"
Favortie song on playlist: Shape of you & Stay !!
February 4, 2024
** spoiler alert ** Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! I love love love the depth that’s finally coming to Lorenzo. His points of view literally give me life. I have to say Kate continues to drive me nuts. She is very robotic I feel like and seems to have absolutely no personality. I love Char and Lorenzo though so they’re what keeps me going. I’m so excited to see what happens next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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