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The Hart Sisters #2
Unless It's You
ONE MONTH. TWO ENEMIES. SOMEONE ELSE'S BUCKET LIST.
Stella Hart, an American advertising executive living in London, is reeling from the death of her beloved aunt. But Stella learns her aunt included a stipulation in the will: a bucket list Stella must complete within a month, or the estate—meant for her and her sisters—goes to charity. The entire list is unreasonable, especially the final item, where she needs to Find the One that Got Away. The last thing she wants to do is face her ex.
Ethan Fraser is not Stella’s ex-boyfriend—that title belongs to his best friend, who got him through a traumatizing childhood. Ethan’s a grumpy, bearded, ex-professional rugby player who can’t bring himself to enter the flat of his late troubled mother.
When they’re forced to collaborate on a work project, both find themselves remembering the night they kissed, days before she started dating his best friend. Ethan wants to hate her for choosing someone else, just like his mother always did, but he can’t fight his attraction to Stella. So when she needs an advisor for the list, he offers to help, and the time spent together re-ignites their chemistry. But Ethan’s fierce loyalty to his best friend stands between them.
With a looming deadline for their project and the bucket list, soon everything bringing Stella and Ethan together will disappear… unless Stella figures out what that final item—and the whole list—really means.
Tropes in Unless It’s You:
• Enemies to lovers
• Second chance
• Bucket list
• English ex-pro rugby player
• American FMC in her 30s
• Hot man with a kitten
• Light sports romance
• Open door/ medium spice
Unless It's You is the second book in the Hart Sisters trilogy, but can be read as a standalone romance novel.
Stella Hart, an American advertising executive living in London, is reeling from the death of her beloved aunt. But Stella learns her aunt included a stipulation in the will: a bucket list Stella must complete within a month, or the estate—meant for her and her sisters—goes to charity. The entire list is unreasonable, especially the final item, where she needs to Find the One that Got Away. The last thing she wants to do is face her ex.
Ethan Fraser is not Stella’s ex-boyfriend—that title belongs to his best friend, who got him through a traumatizing childhood. Ethan’s a grumpy, bearded, ex-professional rugby player who can’t bring himself to enter the flat of his late troubled mother.
When they’re forced to collaborate on a work project, both find themselves remembering the night they kissed, days before she started dating his best friend. Ethan wants to hate her for choosing someone else, just like his mother always did, but he can’t fight his attraction to Stella. So when she needs an advisor for the list, he offers to help, and the time spent together re-ignites their chemistry. But Ethan’s fierce loyalty to his best friend stands between them.
With a looming deadline for their project and the bucket list, soon everything bringing Stella and Ethan together will disappear… unless Stella figures out what that final item—and the whole list—really means.
Tropes in Unless It’s You:
• Enemies to lovers
• Second chance
• Bucket list
• English ex-pro rugby player
• American FMC in her 30s
• Hot man with a kitten
• Light sports romance
• Open door/ medium spice
Unless It's You is the second book in the Hart Sisters trilogy, but can be read as a standalone romance novel.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2024
32 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 20, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
This was so much fun. The writing definitely improved from the first book. And another book of great MC’s. I do wish Stella had come to realize things a bit quicker, but again, I freaking love the times of maturity and understanding that were shown in difficult moments (where in most books it would’ve led to an argument).
Also, having a romance lead that doesn’t want to get married or have kids and doesn’t change their mind (and has a partner who agrees) was so refreshing and a rarity in this genre.
This was so much fun. The writing definitely improved from the first book. And another book of great MC’s. I do wish Stella had come to realize things a bit quicker, but again, I freaking love the times of maturity and understanding that were shown in difficult moments (where in most books it would’ve led to an argument).
Also, having a romance lead that doesn’t want to get married or have kids and doesn’t change their mind (and has a partner who agrees) was so refreshing and a rarity in this genre.
March 21, 2024
The plot drew me in. A Bucket list with an enemy sounds like my cup of tea. Stella was given 5 tasks to complete in order to gain her share of her Great Aunt Evelyn's inheritance. Evelyn had created 5 bucket lists tasks for Stella and her two sisters to complete , each sent on their own journey with set of rules. They cannot discuss their bucket list with eachother and they must have an advisor to witness their journey. Stella reluctantly agreed to Ethan's offer of being her advisor, We quickly learn that they both shared a past. Ethan was introduced as her ex boyfriend Ben's, best friend, her client and now her advisor.
We follow Stella and Ethan's story of where their past history / emotions meet with the present. This book has a few good tropes ; Ex's Best Friend, Close proximity, enemies to lovers, angst, OW/OM.. The list goes on. There are some sensitive topics mentioned such as grief, childhood abandonment and resentment.
This is written in dual POV, my ultimate favourite! It's then i am able to connect with Stella, her past relationship with her ex Ben, and how she came to have the "hate" from Ethan. Dual Pov then gave me the opportunity to learn of Ethan's childhood and his past / history with Stella
I liked the style of writing, very easy to get into. The author even included emails and text conversations making their story feel more personal. I love this in books! I found Stella and Ethan had great chemistry together. I enjoyed watching their journey of their own personal growth, overcoming their own past and issues while trying to fix their time in the present
Overall, This is a heartwarming book, with a strong plot, likeable FMC/MMC , has heaps of emotion and witty banter. Personally I'm not keen on miscommunication, especially since they're in their 30s but I'm assuming the author wanted to create the angst and drama which she definitely did succeed in doing. She had me screaming but in a good way as it showed how hard their story drew me in✨4/5✨
Release date - 15th April 2024
✨ Thank you to Chrissy Hopewell, her publishing team and NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨
We follow Stella and Ethan's story of where their past history / emotions meet with the present. This book has a few good tropes ; Ex's Best Friend, Close proximity, enemies to lovers, angst, OW/OM.. The list goes on. There are some sensitive topics mentioned such as grief, childhood abandonment and resentment.
This is written in dual POV, my ultimate favourite! It's then i am able to connect with Stella, her past relationship with her ex Ben, and how she came to have the "hate" from Ethan. Dual Pov then gave me the opportunity to learn of Ethan's childhood and his past / history with Stella
I liked the style of writing, very easy to get into. The author even included emails and text conversations making their story feel more personal. I love this in books! I found Stella and Ethan had great chemistry together. I enjoyed watching their journey of their own personal growth, overcoming their own past and issues while trying to fix their time in the present
Overall, This is a heartwarming book, with a strong plot, likeable FMC/MMC , has heaps of emotion and witty banter. Personally I'm not keen on miscommunication, especially since they're in their 30s but I'm assuming the author wanted to create the angst and drama which she definitely did succeed in doing. She had me screaming but in a good way as it showed how hard their story drew me in✨4/5✨
Release date - 15th April 2024
✨ Thank you to Chrissy Hopewell, her publishing team and NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨
March 17, 2024
4/5 ⭐️ We follow Stella as she navigates the recent loss of her great aunt. After returning home, she gets a new client at the ad agency. As if her day couldn’t get any worse, in walks Ethan. Her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. One night, less than a year ago they met at a party and spent the night at the bar talking and ending the date with a kiss. Due to miscommunication by her bestfriend, she ends up dating Ben. We follow Stella and Ethan as they grapple with the feelings they have for each other that never fully went away, all while trying to complete a bucket list made by her great aunt. She has one month to complete the 5 items to gain her inheritance and Ethan is the there to help along the way not knowing that in the end, this will help with the grief he is carrying from losing his own mother a few months prior. These characters had depth to them and we see them deal with the emotions that come from grief. There is character growth throughout the story with fun banter. While there are tough subjects mentioned and dealt with in the story, the author creates a great mix of funny banter and humor with the sensitive topics of grief. I look forward to book 3 as we get a little bit of Maddie in this one and curious to see how her story goes.
Release day April 15th!
Thank you NetGalley for a complementary copy of this book!
Release day April 15th!
Thank you NetGalley for a complementary copy of this book!
April 4, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I really enjoyed this after reading Chrissy debut novel last year. I did enjoy this one better! They are interconnected stand alones.
The second chance that they never knew they had, while connecting through mutual grief. I really love that they meet each other together where they are and always a stay true to themselves.
The bucket list that her grandmother gives her and her sisters is freaking savage. Like what an awesome lady to help them push to be the best Versions of themselves. The sisters connections to each other is also just so perfect.
“He’s already changed me, but I’m still me, just a better version.”
Tropes
Second Chance
FMC in 30s
Enemies to lovers
Set in London
Bucket List
Ex Ruby Player
I really enjoyed this after reading Chrissy debut novel last year. I did enjoy this one better! They are interconnected stand alones.
The second chance that they never knew they had, while connecting through mutual grief. I really love that they meet each other together where they are and always a stay true to themselves.
The bucket list that her grandmother gives her and her sisters is freaking savage. Like what an awesome lady to help them push to be the best Versions of themselves. The sisters connections to each other is also just so perfect.
“He’s already changed me, but I’m still me, just a better version.”
Tropes
Second Chance
FMC in 30s
Enemies to lovers
Set in London
Bucket List
Ex Ruby Player
March 18, 2024
This book was fantastic. The character growth was phenomenal, while still staying true to themselves. I loved there wasn’t an epilogue that changed everything with babies and marriage.. Just two people doing things together because they’re in love. The way that they challenged, yet comforted one another was next level. I’m already looking forward to Maddie’s story in the final book! If you love a relatable, slightly messy, but easily cleaned up love story, this one is for you!
March 30, 2024
Another superb romance from Chrissy Hopewell stuffed with juicy tropes: enemies to friends to lovers, bucket list, second chance, only one bed, forbidden love, plus some medium heat spice for your pleasure.
The core of this story hits hard: two people grieving, Stella for an elderly relative who cared for her deeply, and Ethan for a mother who neglected him. Hopewell writes about bereavement kindly, allowing grief to take different shapes all deserving validity and compassion. I loved the emotional climaxes, especially the treatment of Ethan; some things can’t be softened, and I respect the choice to keep his hurt real. Despite the heavy topics, though, this book is a positive and hopeful read overall.
Stella could be called an "unlikeable" protagonist, cynical, independent, and uncompromising. But we soon see that her bark is worse than her bite. She'll do anything for the people she cares about. There is a particular loneliness in moving abroad and leaving all your closest relationships overseas, which Hopewell captures beautifully in Stella, who hasn't made many meaningful relationships since moving to London 7 years ago. Perhaps part of this is to do with her fears about letting others in.
Ethan is also a loner: gruff and brooding, with low self-worth caused by his mother's neglect. He doesn't believe he deserves more, and seems to live in his best friend's shadow. Ethan is pretty in tune with his feelings, which I love in a male protagonist. He acknowledges them with a recurring refrain of ‘F*** me’, which is incredibly endearing.
They both have sharp edges, and yet softness comes easily when no one's looking.
Something I’m beginning to appreciate about Hopewell’s books is her protagonists’ habit of showing each other the absolute worst of themselves. It warms my heart because when they stick around for each other, they no longer have anything to prove. They can just be their true selves and fall in love with each other’s true selves, organically, with a foundation of friendship and good faith.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; I am looking forward to the third book in the series!
The core of this story hits hard: two people grieving, Stella for an elderly relative who cared for her deeply, and Ethan for a mother who neglected him. Hopewell writes about bereavement kindly, allowing grief to take different shapes all deserving validity and compassion. I loved the emotional climaxes, especially the treatment of Ethan; some things can’t be softened, and I respect the choice to keep his hurt real. Despite the heavy topics, though, this book is a positive and hopeful read overall.
Stella could be called an "unlikeable" protagonist, cynical, independent, and uncompromising. But we soon see that her bark is worse than her bite. She'll do anything for the people she cares about. There is a particular loneliness in moving abroad and leaving all your closest relationships overseas, which Hopewell captures beautifully in Stella, who hasn't made many meaningful relationships since moving to London 7 years ago. Perhaps part of this is to do with her fears about letting others in.
Ethan is also a loner: gruff and brooding, with low self-worth caused by his mother's neglect. He doesn't believe he deserves more, and seems to live in his best friend's shadow. Ethan is pretty in tune with his feelings, which I love in a male protagonist. He acknowledges them with a recurring refrain of ‘F*** me’, which is incredibly endearing.
They both have sharp edges, and yet softness comes easily when no one's looking.
Something I’m beginning to appreciate about Hopewell’s books is her protagonists’ habit of showing each other the absolute worst of themselves. It warms my heart because when they stick around for each other, they no longer have anything to prove. They can just be their true selves and fall in love with each other’s true selves, organically, with a foundation of friendship and good faith.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; I am looking forward to the third book in the series!
March 16, 2024
Unless It's You by Chrissy Hopewell is the second book in The Hart Series. I haven't read the first in the series (yet!) and I don't think that it's necessary to enjoy this one, which I did!
Stella Hart is an American living in London and works at an ad agency. Ethan Fraser is a former professional rugby player and who is on a sabbatical from his job as a brand manager and is spending his time working for a youth charity. His charity is merging with another and to promote the merger and to hopefully get corporate sponsors, they are hooking up with an agency to make some commercials. Just their luck, Stella and Ethan are stuck working together. Have we mentioned they shared a kiss that was magical a year and a half ago and then Stella thought he was seeing someone, so she didn't follow up? She ended up dating his best friend and the whole time Ethan thought she just didn't like him?
There are lots of supposition by both of them, each thinking the other has feelings they don't, familial angst and a great aunt who leaves a bucket list that Stella has to complete in 28 days or lose it all to a cat charity make this a fun read. I spent a lazy afternoon reading the whole thing and it was delightful.
I'm going to check out the first and then anxiously await the hopeful third one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in lieu of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Stella Hart is an American living in London and works at an ad agency. Ethan Fraser is a former professional rugby player and who is on a sabbatical from his job as a brand manager and is spending his time working for a youth charity. His charity is merging with another and to promote the merger and to hopefully get corporate sponsors, they are hooking up with an agency to make some commercials. Just their luck, Stella and Ethan are stuck working together. Have we mentioned they shared a kiss that was magical a year and a half ago and then Stella thought he was seeing someone, so she didn't follow up? She ended up dating his best friend and the whole time Ethan thought she just didn't like him?
There are lots of supposition by both of them, each thinking the other has feelings they don't, familial angst and a great aunt who leaves a bucket list that Stella has to complete in 28 days or lose it all to a cat charity make this a fun read. I spent a lazy afternoon reading the whole thing and it was delightful.
I'm going to check out the first and then anxiously await the hopeful third one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in lieu of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2024
I started this book this afternoon and finished it this evening. I couldn’t put it down. I loved both Stella and Ethan. They were so different but yet alike. Both holding grudges and anger about something that started and ended up finishing. Then thrown back together again. Stella’s great aunt recently passed and let Stella a bucket list to do. Ethan volunteers go help her. They both have such strong feelings for each other but don’t want to admit it since Stella recently dated Ethan’s best friend Ben. But working closely together the two just can’t seem to deny their feelings for each other any longer.
Does Stella complete her bucket list? Do Stella and Ethan finally get a chance to love one other? Does Ben come in the way?
This is a sweet/spicy read that will sweep you up for a fun afternoon of reading.
Does Stella complete her bucket list? Do Stella and Ethan finally get a chance to love one other? Does Ben come in the way?
This is a sweet/spicy read that will sweep you up for a fun afternoon of reading.
April 1, 2024
This was a book I truly couldn’t put down - I read it in two sittings, all in one day!
I quickly fell in love with both Stella and Ethan. Their characters were easy to love, though they were flawed. I started the book knowing they’d end up together, but I couldn’t wait to find out how their love story unfolded. To see the growth both characters made as they progressed through the novel was so much fun to watch. Stella and Ethan are one of my favorite book couples due to their care for one another, their dedication to ensuring the other is happy and living life to the fullest, and the way they make one another better. If you’re looking for a happy read, add this to your TBR!
I quickly fell in love with both Stella and Ethan. Their characters were easy to love, though they were flawed. I started the book knowing they’d end up together, but I couldn’t wait to find out how their love story unfolded. To see the growth both characters made as they progressed through the novel was so much fun to watch. Stella and Ethan are one of my favorite book couples due to their care for one another, their dedication to ensuring the other is happy and living life to the fullest, and the way they make one another better. If you’re looking for a happy read, add this to your TBR!
April 11, 2024
Okay this was so freaking cute. I absolutely loved Stella and Ethan’s relationship. The build up and chemistry between them was amazing. Some of their dumb moves hurt and made me yell at the book, but that’s part of making them real and life-like real people make dumb choices. All around it was absolutely amazing and had me smiling kicking my feet throughout the entire book. - I did absolutely hate Ben though, would’ve made me happy if he was hit by a bus at the end because the fuck was that shit?? Maybe I’m being dramatic, but man was doing the absolute MOST causing all these issues. He did not deserve to be apart of their happily ever after - or have his own!! 🤣🙅🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Fox Hollow Publishing and of course the amazing author Chrissy for such an amazing book!
This is my honest ARC review!
I didn’t want to put this book down at all. It was such a lighthearted, sweet romance that I absolutely adored! I do have a big imagination, and I love to binge watch rom com movies. I could actually picture this story as a 2000s rom com, and I am so upset that I can’t actually watch it! 😭
This book checked all the boxes for me for it to be a 5 ⭐️ romedy, and I never wanted to stop reading since I opened it. I love a forced-proximity! Ethan and Stella were end goals, and I love that there was no cliché pregnancy or marriage that you find at the end of most books. The main characters ended up in love and happy, and that was more than enough for me!
I also absolutely LOVED that they were mature main characters in their 30s and with actual real jobs. 😂 Too many books are so extra with the MMC just having to have billions of dollars, wear cuff links daily and be a CEO of SOMETHING. It’s a little tiring to be honest.
The spice was EVERYTHING and real. 🥵🌶️ She was not a dainty, inexperienced young woman - once she knew what she wanted SHE KNEW and spoke it. And the sex didn’t last for “hours and hours” like in some romance books. I mean in the real world… does your man last for 3 hours straight? Don’t even lie about it!!!
I LOVED THE SPICE. The bedroom door scene might be my favorite in the entire book. 🔥🥵😍
The angst within this book is everything it should be! As the reader, you know specific behind scene details that the main characters don’t know, and that is what makes you so anxious! I love it! Stella was told that Ethan was with someone else, so when his best friend asks her out (before this timeline) she agrees, even though Ethan was always her first pick. Ethan always thought he was Stella’s second choice and didn’t want to be a second choice. I loved that she eventually came out and just told him. Then they had that “oh shit” moment that they were the right person for each other the entire time and that sometimes shit and people get in the way.
Again… THANK YOU for such an amazing story. This was the exact vibe I was searching for for this specific genre, and it was done amazingly well. I can’t wait for more!
This is my honest ARC review!
I didn’t want to put this book down at all. It was such a lighthearted, sweet romance that I absolutely adored! I do have a big imagination, and I love to binge watch rom com movies. I could actually picture this story as a 2000s rom com, and I am so upset that I can’t actually watch it! 😭
This book checked all the boxes for me for it to be a 5 ⭐️ romedy, and I never wanted to stop reading since I opened it. I love a forced-proximity! Ethan and Stella were end goals, and I love that there was no cliché pregnancy or marriage that you find at the end of most books. The main characters ended up in love and happy, and that was more than enough for me!
I also absolutely LOVED that they were mature main characters in their 30s and with actual real jobs. 😂 Too many books are so extra with the MMC just having to have billions of dollars, wear cuff links daily and be a CEO of SOMETHING. It’s a little tiring to be honest.
The spice was EVERYTHING and real. 🥵🌶️ She was not a dainty, inexperienced young woman - once she knew what she wanted SHE KNEW and spoke it. And the sex didn’t last for “hours and hours” like in some romance books. I mean in the real world… does your man last for 3 hours straight? Don’t even lie about it!!!
I LOVED THE SPICE. The bedroom door scene might be my favorite in the entire book. 🔥🥵😍
The angst within this book is everything it should be! As the reader, you know specific behind scene details that the main characters don’t know, and that is what makes you so anxious! I love it! Stella was told that Ethan was with someone else, so when his best friend asks her out (before this timeline) she agrees, even though Ethan was always her first pick. Ethan always thought he was Stella’s second choice and didn’t want to be a second choice. I loved that she eventually came out and just told him. Then they had that “oh shit” moment that they were the right person for each other the entire time and that sometimes shit and people get in the way.
Again… THANK YOU for such an amazing story. This was the exact vibe I was searching for for this specific genre, and it was done amazingly well. I can’t wait for more!
March 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book; it was very sweet and heartwarming ❤️ I enjoyed the dual POVs with Stella and Ethan. Both characters want to be seen and loved unquestionably. This story has me in tears during certain moments. It was bittersweet love story that was both heartbreaking and loving at the same time. The bucket list was a warmly, sweet idea ☺️
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this before it was released 🫶🏻
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this before it was released 🫶🏻
June 27, 2024
✅️ London
✅️ Best Friends EX
✅️ Enemies to Lovers
✅️ Second Chance
This is Stella's story, and I loved it just as much as I loved Reese's. The sisters are all given a bucket list to complete in a month's time. Each have their own list and aren't able to help each other or talk to each other about their lists until the month is over. This book follows Stella completing her list. I can't wait for Maddie's story this fall!!
✅️ Best Friends EX
✅️ Enemies to Lovers
✅️ Second Chance
This is Stella's story, and I loved it just as much as I loved Reese's. The sisters are all given a bucket list to complete in a month's time. Each have their own list and aren't able to help each other or talk to each other about their lists until the month is over. This book follows Stella completing her list. I can't wait for Maddie's story this fall!!
March 31, 2024
What a great storyline, one we can all relate to at some point or another- whether it be a great loss, sibling squabbles, finding new love, or questioning old ones. This was an easy read with a beautiful message. I feel like I really got to know the characters to their core and love a story with a happy ending.
April 1, 2024
This book was definitely 5/5 for me.
Enemies to lovers? My absolute favorite!
The plot drew me in immediately and the dual point of view made me really feel more connected with Stella and Ethan. Honestly, this story was so beautiful I was crying happy tears. 100% recommend this beautiful book!
Enemies to lovers? My absolute favorite!
The plot drew me in immediately and the dual point of view made me really feel more connected with Stella and Ethan. Honestly, this story was so beautiful I was crying happy tears. 100% recommend this beautiful book!
March 17, 2024
I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2024
When Stella is given a 5 task bucket list to complete in order to inherit her portion of her great aunts estate, who would have thought the man she assumed was her enemy, would be there each step of the way?
This book contained some of my favourite tropes, enemies to lovers, one bed, multiple pov!
This was a really cute story, with both characters working through their past and still finding the heart and compassion to nurture and support eachother
This is a very easy book to get into and a very hard book to put down!
This book contained some of my favourite tropes, enemies to lovers, one bed, multiple pov!
This was a really cute story, with both characters working through their past and still finding the heart and compassion to nurture and support eachother
This is a very easy book to get into and a very hard book to put down!
April 11, 2024
• ARC REVIEW •
This is the second book in the series and follows Stella. We previously met all the sisters in book one. Their late aunt left each sister a bucket list that they must complete in order to get their inheritance.
Ethan & Stella have a one night stand. However, Stella then starts dating his best friend. Now Stella is single & the two meet again when Stella’s marketing job takes on Ethan as a client. There’s a lot of unresolved feelings between the two & with the help of a bucket list, these two figure things out. Also I’m so glad they worked everything out because I could not stand her ex. Aside from the 3rd act breakup, I liked everything about this book! This book was really good! Book 1 was good, but I liked this one even better! Excited for Maddie’s story!
This is the second book in the series and follows Stella. We previously met all the sisters in book one. Their late aunt left each sister a bucket list that they must complete in order to get their inheritance.
Ethan & Stella have a one night stand. However, Stella then starts dating his best friend. Now Stella is single & the two meet again when Stella’s marketing job takes on Ethan as a client. There’s a lot of unresolved feelings between the two & with the help of a bucket list, these two figure things out. Also I’m so glad they worked everything out because I could not stand her ex. Aside from the 3rd act breakup, I liked everything about this book! This book was really good! Book 1 was good, but I liked this one even better! Excited for Maddie’s story!
January 26, 2025
Absolutely adorable...
This is a new author to me and I am glad I took the chance on this one. This is the second Hart sister to find her forever love, even if she didn't believe she'd find it!! I feel this can be a stand-alone, but having enjoyed this one, I'm going back to read book one!
Stella is easy-to-love, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her meet cute with Ethan was sweet, and flirty, but when she sticks him in the "friend zone", and begins dating his best friend - well, he's frustrated.
Great aunt Evelyn is definitely a driving force, very involved in this storyline and this couple's HEA, and I loved it. The chemistry between these two is steamy, addictive and engaging.
My complimentary copy of this book was provided by Netgalley, and I happily leave my review.
I recommend this read.
This is a new author to me and I am glad I took the chance on this one. This is the second Hart sister to find her forever love, even if she didn't believe she'd find it!! I feel this can be a stand-alone, but having enjoyed this one, I'm going back to read book one!
Stella is easy-to-love, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her meet cute with Ethan was sweet, and flirty, but when she sticks him in the "friend zone", and begins dating his best friend - well, he's frustrated.
Great aunt Evelyn is definitely a driving force, very involved in this storyline and this couple's HEA, and I loved it. The chemistry between these two is steamy, addictive and engaging.
My complimentary copy of this book was provided by Netgalley, and I happily leave my review.
I recommend this read.
April 15, 2024
Great growth of the characters, but more importantly, they do it maintaining their true selves.
Stella and Ethan had an instant connection the moment they met, but some miscommunication with her best friend (who was a mutual friend) made her say yes when HIS best friend asked her out. Since then, Ethan had avoided her like a plague.
Ethan is a rough manly guy, who happens to be a total cinnamon roll (he reads romance and have kittens!). But have lots of issues due to his almost unparented past. Luckily his best friend's family helped him and gave him some stability... Which difficults everything. Why? Because Stella is the ex of Ben (his BFF), and he couldn't do that to his mate... right?
Stella is a strong independent woman who definitely doesn't want the whole "family in a white picket fence house" and I love that even when she let herself openly love someone, she maintained herself (thank you author!). She loves her family immensely, just doesn't want to be a mom. Her ideal lifestyle is like the one of her beloved aunt Evelyn, a free spirit who does what she wants with no strings.
When aunt Evelyn pass away, she left everything to her nieces, with the condition that the three of them accomplish a bucket list she personally did for each of them.
The lovely connection Stella have with her sisters AND with her dear aunt won't let her ignore that bucket list, no matter how whimsical and bad timed it is... well, she did try to do a bit of cheating (just for the lack of time! She planned to actually do it sometime 😆) but a certain someone didn't let her.
But you don't need me to tell you the story, the author masterfully do it, and her writing skills won't let you stop reading until the end.
So I'm just gonna say that I absolutely loved this book.
There some sensitive topics like grief and childhood negligence, but very respectfully. This is important for the characters development, but it won't turn it in a gloomy lecture.
Stella and Ethan are the ultimate couple, they love each other so much that they help and just be ther for each other, even when think there's no way they can be together. They just want to see the other happy. And I love that there wasn't a magical change of heart just to have a pink colored glasses HEA.
They do have THEIR happily ever after, just the way they wanted it.
Just read this book, you won't regret it.
I was lucky to be an ARC reader (and my review is totally honest and voluntary).
- Second chance
- Enemies 2 lovers start
- Forced Proximity
- Bucket list
- Hot cinnamon roll
- One bed (pillow division and all 😆)
- Medium spice
- Dual POV
- HEA
Stella and Ethan had an instant connection the moment they met, but some miscommunication with her best friend (who was a mutual friend) made her say yes when HIS best friend asked her out. Since then, Ethan had avoided her like a plague.
Ethan is a rough manly guy, who happens to be a total cinnamon roll (he reads romance and have kittens!). But have lots of issues due to his almost unparented past. Luckily his best friend's family helped him and gave him some stability... Which difficults everything. Why? Because Stella is the ex of Ben (his BFF), and he couldn't do that to his mate... right?
Stella is a strong independent woman who definitely doesn't want the whole "family in a white picket fence house" and I love that even when she let herself openly love someone, she maintained herself (thank you author!). She loves her family immensely, just doesn't want to be a mom. Her ideal lifestyle is like the one of her beloved aunt Evelyn, a free spirit who does what she wants with no strings.
When aunt Evelyn pass away, she left everything to her nieces, with the condition that the three of them accomplish a bucket list she personally did for each of them.
The lovely connection Stella have with her sisters AND with her dear aunt won't let her ignore that bucket list, no matter how whimsical and bad timed it is... well, she did try to do a bit of cheating (just for the lack of time! She planned to actually do it sometime 😆) but a certain someone didn't let her.
But you don't need me to tell you the story, the author masterfully do it, and her writing skills won't let you stop reading until the end.
So I'm just gonna say that I absolutely loved this book.
There some sensitive topics like grief and childhood negligence, but very respectfully. This is important for the characters development, but it won't turn it in a gloomy lecture.
Stella and Ethan are the ultimate couple, they love each other so much that they help and just be ther for each other, even when think there's no way they can be together. They just want to see the other happy. And I love that there wasn't a magical change of heart just to have a pink colored glasses HEA.
They do have THEIR happily ever after, just the way they wanted it.
Just read this book, you won't regret it.
I was lucky to be an ARC reader (and my review is totally honest and voluntary).
- Second chance
- Enemies 2 lovers start
- Forced Proximity
- Bucket list
- Hot cinnamon roll
- One bed (pillow division and all 😆)
- Medium spice
- Dual POV
- HEA
March 26, 2024
Unless It's You by Chrissy Hopewell
4.5 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Chrissy Hopewell, and Fox Hollow Publishing LLC for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Stella is mourning the death of her favourite person in the world, her great aunt Evelyn. However, Evelyn had other plans for Stella and her sisters after her death - a bucket list each to complete in twenty eight days to inherit her wealth. Or everything goes to the charity. Independent and stubborn Stella finds it difficult to stay on track with her bucket list,cause her great aunt knows her very well and has the things she fears in life as her activities to earn the inheritance.
Ethan had a difficult childhood, with an absentee mother who always chose drugs and other men over her own son. Still, her death hits him hard and he is unable to face it. But when he meets Stella after almost a year, things change gradually. Both of them open up just a little bit and experience the chemistry between them. However, can they fully open their hearts to each other and not let their insecurities take charge?
Trigger Warnings~ death of loved ones (past) and absentee drug addict parent (historical).
The story plot was unique and engaging, keeping the readers hooked from beginning to end. The author skillfully portrays the complex emotions of grief and loss, as well as the challenges faced by the characters in overcoming their personal struggles. The chemistry between Stella and Ethan is palpable, and their journey of healing and self-discovery is beautifully depicted.
The thing I disliked was that I felt the supporting characters, especially Gemma, Helen, and Ben, were not shown positively. So I was surprised when they were shown to be supportive and caring about Stella and Ethan almost at the end of the novel. I also felt that personally, neither Stella nor Ethan were very relatable to me, so I enjoyed the novel a little less.
This is the second book in the Hart Sisters series but can be read as a standalone. This book, however, continues from the first book - If We Pretend: A Fake Dating Scottish Sports Romance, but from the second Hart sister and her love interest's point of view.
Overall, this is a compelling and heartfelt story that explores themes of love, resilience, and the power of human connection.
4.5 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Chrissy Hopewell, and Fox Hollow Publishing LLC for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Stella is mourning the death of her favourite person in the world, her great aunt Evelyn. However, Evelyn had other plans for Stella and her sisters after her death - a bucket list each to complete in twenty eight days to inherit her wealth. Or everything goes to the charity. Independent and stubborn Stella finds it difficult to stay on track with her bucket list,cause her great aunt knows her very well and has the things she fears in life as her activities to earn the inheritance.
Ethan had a difficult childhood, with an absentee mother who always chose drugs and other men over her own son. Still, her death hits him hard and he is unable to face it. But when he meets Stella after almost a year, things change gradually. Both of them open up just a little bit and experience the chemistry between them. However, can they fully open their hearts to each other and not let their insecurities take charge?
Trigger Warnings~ death of loved ones (past) and absentee drug addict parent (historical).
The story plot was unique and engaging, keeping the readers hooked from beginning to end. The author skillfully portrays the complex emotions of grief and loss, as well as the challenges faced by the characters in overcoming their personal struggles. The chemistry between Stella and Ethan is palpable, and their journey of healing and self-discovery is beautifully depicted.
The thing I disliked was that I felt the supporting characters, especially Gemma, Helen, and Ben, were not shown positively. So I was surprised when they were shown to be supportive and caring about Stella and Ethan almost at the end of the novel. I also felt that personally, neither Stella nor Ethan were very relatable to me, so I enjoyed the novel a little less.
This is the second book in the Hart Sisters series but can be read as a standalone. This book, however, continues from the first book - If We Pretend: A Fake Dating Scottish Sports Romance, but from the second Hart sister and her love interest's point of view.
Overall, this is a compelling and heartfelt story that explores themes of love, resilience, and the power of human connection.
April 18, 2024
༻♡︎💕✨💕♡︎༺
📖ⒷⓄⓄⓀ•ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ📖
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
📚📝✨💕𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦💕✨📝📚
💕𝚄𝙽𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂 𝙸𝚃’𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙱𝚈 𝙲𝙷𝚁𝙸𝚂𝚂𝚈 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝚆𝙴𝙻𝙻
💕𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟸 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝚃 𝚂𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂
💕𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚂 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
💕𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝟷𝟺𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
💕𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟸𝟿𝟺 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
💕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
💕𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 🌶️🌶️ || 𝟻
⚠️𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to Chrissy Hopewell & R&R Book Tours for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
Unless It’s You is the Romance that I didn’t know I needed in my life. This book was everything to me! Stella and Ethan were absolutely perfect and I loved their journey so much! This was my first read by Chrissy but I’m definitely going to be checking the first book in this series of standalones!
Stella and Ethan are the perfect epitome of enemies to lovers. They shared a kiss one night but due to a miscommunication from her best friend, she ends up dating Ethan’s best friend instead of him. Ethan stays clear of Stella but ends up crossing paths with her again when he becomes her client at the ad agency she works with. After the loss of her Great Aunt, Stella has a “bucket list” of 5 items she has to complete in order to receive the inheritance her Great Aunt left her. Ethan ends up becoming her “advisor,” and together they set out on a journey of healing, self discovery, and romance!
This book does a fantastic job of dealing with some heavier topics such as grief and loss. Ethan lost his mom and was grappling with those feelings, and Stella lost her great-aunt. I loved how they were able to lean on each other during these difficult times, and were able to find solace in each other. I think Chrissy did an amazing job of balancing these heavier themes with fun banter and light hearted moments that really gave this book such an amazing and well rounded feeling to it!
I absolutely loved this book and it was everything I needed in my life right now! I loved the light hearted feel to it and loved the sweet romance that blossomed between Stella and Ethan. It was perfectly written and was such an easy read and I just loved everything about it!
I cannot wait to read Maddie’s story!
✨💕𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘...💕✨
💮Enemies to Lovers
💮Second Chance
💮Bucket List
💮English Ex-Pro Rugby Player
💮American FMC in Her 30s
💮Hot Man w/ a Kitten
💮Light Sports Romance
💮Open door/ Medium Spice
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
📖ⒷⓄⓄⓀ•ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ📖
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
📚📝✨💕𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦💕✨📝📚
💕𝚄𝙽𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂 𝙸𝚃’𝚂 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙱𝚈 𝙲𝙷𝚁𝙸𝚂𝚂𝚈 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝚆𝙴𝙻𝙻
💕𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟸 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝚃 𝚂𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂
💕𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚂 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
💕𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝟷𝟺𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
💕𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟸𝟿𝟺 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
💕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
💕𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 🌶️🌶️ || 𝟻
⚠️𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to Chrissy Hopewell & R&R Book Tours for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
Unless It’s You is the Romance that I didn’t know I needed in my life. This book was everything to me! Stella and Ethan were absolutely perfect and I loved their journey so much! This was my first read by Chrissy but I’m definitely going to be checking the first book in this series of standalones!
Stella and Ethan are the perfect epitome of enemies to lovers. They shared a kiss one night but due to a miscommunication from her best friend, she ends up dating Ethan’s best friend instead of him. Ethan stays clear of Stella but ends up crossing paths with her again when he becomes her client at the ad agency she works with. After the loss of her Great Aunt, Stella has a “bucket list” of 5 items she has to complete in order to receive the inheritance her Great Aunt left her. Ethan ends up becoming her “advisor,” and together they set out on a journey of healing, self discovery, and romance!
This book does a fantastic job of dealing with some heavier topics such as grief and loss. Ethan lost his mom and was grappling with those feelings, and Stella lost her great-aunt. I loved how they were able to lean on each other during these difficult times, and were able to find solace in each other. I think Chrissy did an amazing job of balancing these heavier themes with fun banter and light hearted moments that really gave this book such an amazing and well rounded feeling to it!
I absolutely loved this book and it was everything I needed in my life right now! I loved the light hearted feel to it and loved the sweet romance that blossomed between Stella and Ethan. It was perfectly written and was such an easy read and I just loved everything about it!
I cannot wait to read Maddie’s story!
✨💕𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘...💕✨
💮Enemies to Lovers
💮Second Chance
💮Bucket List
💮English Ex-Pro Rugby Player
💮American FMC in Her 30s
💮Hot Man w/ a Kitten
💮Light Sports Romance
💮Open door/ Medium Spice
───── • ♡︎💕✨💕♡ • ─────
April 10, 2024
This was an ARC review through Netgallley.
It really is a very sweet read. It took me a few chapters to really connect with the characters but from about 40% it got easier to get swept away with the story.
Chrissy has an easy direct writing style and I enjoyed the dual POV throughout the book. It was a balanced ratio between Stella and Ethan.
In the second half of the book, everything really drew me in. There were 2 things that I enjoyed the most:
1 - Stella really did have to try harder to make things work with Ethan.
2 - Ethan is a good guy that is sincere and considerate.
Once I got to know the characters it was easy to connect with both. I loved Stella's independence and adored Ethan's development with his feelings for Stella.
The bucket list was so well thought out and really pushed Stella to her limits which drove the story wonderfully. Initially, I wasn't such a big fan of Ben, even though he is portrayed as the one that everyone adored and chose. The final conversation with Ethan is what made me appreciate him in full as a character in the book.
One of my favourite quotes in the book was:
"I rub the butterfly tattoo on my wrist. When I got it before I moved to London almost eight years ago, I thought it was about freedom. But now? Now I think it's really about transformation. That you can change your life completely, while also keeping who you are at the core."
At the end, I found myself hoping for more about Maddie and am delighted that book 3 will continue with her. I will definitely also be grabbing book 1. Unless it's you works well as a standalone, even though it is book 2 in the series.
Initially, I was going to rate it 3.5 stars but the second half of the book was so well written and everything came together so nicely that it pushed it up to 4 stars.
It really is a very sweet read. It took me a few chapters to really connect with the characters but from about 40% it got easier to get swept away with the story.
Chrissy has an easy direct writing style and I enjoyed the dual POV throughout the book. It was a balanced ratio between Stella and Ethan.
In the second half of the book, everything really drew me in. There were 2 things that I enjoyed the most:
1 - Stella really did have to try harder to make things work with Ethan.
2 - Ethan is a good guy that is sincere and considerate.
Once I got to know the characters it was easy to connect with both. I loved Stella's independence and adored Ethan's development with his feelings for Stella.
The bucket list was so well thought out and really pushed Stella to her limits which drove the story wonderfully. Initially, I wasn't such a big fan of Ben, even though he is portrayed as the one that everyone adored and chose. The final conversation with Ethan is what made me appreciate him in full as a character in the book.
One of my favourite quotes in the book was:
"I rub the butterfly tattoo on my wrist. When I got it before I moved to London almost eight years ago, I thought it was about freedom. But now? Now I think it's really about transformation. That you can change your life completely, while also keeping who you are at the core."
At the end, I found myself hoping for more about Maddie and am delighted that book 3 will continue with her. I will definitely also be grabbing book 1. Unless it's you works well as a standalone, even though it is book 2 in the series.
Initially, I was going to rate it 3.5 stars but the second half of the book was so well written and everything came together so nicely that it pushed it up to 4 stars.
March 25, 2024
“And maybe it’s easier to write a list for someone else than it is for yourself.”
Unless it’s You is a very cute second chance romance. Stella and Ethan met and clicked but because of unfortunate advice, they missed their chance. Now, Stella is Ethan’s best friend’s Ex, the exact same Ethan feels indebted with. Take a forced professional proximity background, and a bucket list put together by a deceased great aunt and you have the opportunity for a very sweet story. They (re)discover each other (and themselves) and finally accept what they always refused (for themselves).
I loved the characters, and how grief was dealt with in this story. Both characters have to deal with loss but process their feelings very differently, making them completely human and believable. That aspect is omnipresent but not heavy, and the story is a page turner, especially thanks to these endearing characters and that bucket-list that forces them to ask themselves the right questions, and consider quite different answers (while staying true to their core valours). This great character development is what makes that romance a very nice and feel good read. (I loved how clumsy it was in the beginning, and how it evolved, 100% believable)
Last mention to how London is a great canvas for the setting, and how –despite a lot of miscommunication– both characters achieves to have a good communication once they grow out of their beliefs (I love romances with 30+ aged characters).
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review
Unless it’s You is a very cute second chance romance. Stella and Ethan met and clicked but because of unfortunate advice, they missed their chance. Now, Stella is Ethan’s best friend’s Ex, the exact same Ethan feels indebted with. Take a forced professional proximity background, and a bucket list put together by a deceased great aunt and you have the opportunity for a very sweet story. They (re)discover each other (and themselves) and finally accept what they always refused (for themselves).
I loved the characters, and how grief was dealt with in this story. Both characters have to deal with loss but process their feelings very differently, making them completely human and believable. That aspect is omnipresent but not heavy, and the story is a page turner, especially thanks to these endearing characters and that bucket-list that forces them to ask themselves the right questions, and consider quite different answers (while staying true to their core valours). This great character development is what makes that romance a very nice and feel good read. (I loved how clumsy it was in the beginning, and how it evolved, 100% believable)
Last mention to how London is a great canvas for the setting, and how –despite a lot of miscommunication– both characters achieves to have a good communication once they grow out of their beliefs (I love romances with 30+ aged characters).
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review
March 20, 2024
A forced proximity romance set in London? Sign me up!
I told myself when starting this book that I wanted to take my time and really take everything in, and yet, I still ended up DEVOURING it in two sittings.
What I loved:
A strong female main character who won't compromise what she believes for a man. Our girl Stella knows what she wants and what's important to her and refuses to settle.
Sweet, flirty banter with a delightful amount of tension
The spice was earned! There was a significant buildup, and I was screaming at my Kindle, begging for these two to just give in and hook up already.
Ethan! Grumpy, check. Tattooed? Check. Former rugby player with a heart of gold and mommy issues? Double and triple-check.
What I didn't love as much:
If you hate miscommunication tropes, this may not be the book for you. The main characters live in their own heads a lot, and it does get a little frustrating that they won't just talk to each other.
The opening was a bit rough, and the character development was a bit choppy, but once you get past the set-up, it flows much better.
It's not my favorite when authors get meta and their characters refer to their own relationship as "enemies to lovers." Just a personal pet peeve.
Overall, I really enjoyed Unless It's You, and I will be seeking out the first book in the series and then waiting for the third.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Hollow Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I told myself when starting this book that I wanted to take my time and really take everything in, and yet, I still ended up DEVOURING it in two sittings.
What I loved:
A strong female main character who won't compromise what she believes for a man. Our girl Stella knows what she wants and what's important to her and refuses to settle.
Sweet, flirty banter with a delightful amount of tension
The spice was earned! There was a significant buildup, and I was screaming at my Kindle, begging for these two to just give in and hook up already.
Ethan! Grumpy, check. Tattooed? Check. Former rugby player with a heart of gold and mommy issues? Double and triple-check.
What I didn't love as much:
If you hate miscommunication tropes, this may not be the book for you. The main characters live in their own heads a lot, and it does get a little frustrating that they won't just talk to each other.
The opening was a bit rough, and the character development was a bit choppy, but once you get past the set-up, it flows much better.
It's not my favorite when authors get meta and their characters refer to their own relationship as "enemies to lovers." Just a personal pet peeve.
Overall, I really enjoyed Unless It's You, and I will be seeking out the first book in the series and then waiting for the third.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Hollow Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
A bucket list with a timeline and an enemy to complete it with? That’s exactly why I requested this book on NetGalley, and it didn’t disappoint!
Stella and Ethan both go through tremendous growth in this story, and I loved it. A quote from the book perfectly sums it up: “He’s already changed me, but I’m still me, just a better version.”
It’s full of emotions I wasn’t expecting. While it’s definitely fun and easy to get into, there’s grief, anger, jealousy, and issues with self-esteem. It felt very rounded out in this way and not just a fluff piece. There’s plenty of banter and joy though, even when I wanted to scream at them for miscommunication.
I think the dual POV was so important for this story, we get a deeper understanding from each character and their backgrounds that led them to where they are. You grieve, cheer and get so invested in their lives that they feel like a friend. You want the best for them, even when times get tough or they make a mistake.
I fully intend to go back and read the first book in this series about Stella’s older sister, plus her younger sister’s story coming later this year. I can’t wait to fall in love with the Hart girls and the men they end up with!
Thank you to Chrissy, Fox Hollow Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! ⭐️
Read if you enjoy:
💙 Enemies to lovers
🌹 Workplace romance
💙 Light sports romance
🌹 Second chance
💙 He falls first
Stella and Ethan both go through tremendous growth in this story, and I loved it. A quote from the book perfectly sums it up: “He’s already changed me, but I’m still me, just a better version.”
It’s full of emotions I wasn’t expecting. While it’s definitely fun and easy to get into, there’s grief, anger, jealousy, and issues with self-esteem. It felt very rounded out in this way and not just a fluff piece. There’s plenty of banter and joy though, even when I wanted to scream at them for miscommunication.
I think the dual POV was so important for this story, we get a deeper understanding from each character and their backgrounds that led them to where they are. You grieve, cheer and get so invested in their lives that they feel like a friend. You want the best for them, even when times get tough or they make a mistake.
I fully intend to go back and read the first book in this series about Stella’s older sister, plus her younger sister’s story coming later this year. I can’t wait to fall in love with the Hart girls and the men they end up with!
Thank you to Chrissy, Fox Hollow Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! ⭐️
Read if you enjoy:
💙 Enemies to lovers
🌹 Workplace romance
💙 Light sports romance
🌹 Second chance
💙 He falls first
August 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
So after enjoying book 1 I had to roll into the 2nd in the series.
In this book we see our MFC Stella, an American who’s working in London, travel up to Newcastle, and then to Scotland. I used to work in London so this book really did make me reminisce, the London work life with pubs and parks was a nostalgic trip for me. I also grew up near Newcastle!
No accents in this book, which maybe was a better call but I couldn’t help imagine a Geordie twang to Helen and Suzanne with their trip up North. With me being such an audio addict I can’t help but imagine the voices in my head when reading.
Stella is a strong independent woman who has her mind made up on the kind of life she wants to live, but after her great aunt passes she is tied into forfilling her great aunts bucket list.
Ethan is our rugby dude MMC, sounds like he’s a tower of a bear of a man with all squishy insides of a stuffed one. His tough exterior is his protection for a life of neglect but Stella could be the one to break through.
I loved Ethan’s inner dialogue, where he wants Stella but he’s holding back (a lot of my highlights were these moments!) I really could feel him itching to make contact but holding himself back so hard.
Again this book was a great grown up rom com, it just had that reality feel to it, not so much of the fluffy stuff just honest and real feelings.
Im really loving the way the author is able to bring all of the cliche romance tropes and just make it more real life. She’s turning into one of my ones to watch.
The tea ☕️-
😾 - enemies to lovers
🚫 - best friends ex
🛏️ - one bed
🇬🇧 - uk destinations
❤️ - 2nd chance (just a nod)
🔥 - slow burn 1.5/5 spice
So after enjoying book 1 I had to roll into the 2nd in the series.
In this book we see our MFC Stella, an American who’s working in London, travel up to Newcastle, and then to Scotland. I used to work in London so this book really did make me reminisce, the London work life with pubs and parks was a nostalgic trip for me. I also grew up near Newcastle!
No accents in this book, which maybe was a better call but I couldn’t help imagine a Geordie twang to Helen and Suzanne with their trip up North. With me being such an audio addict I can’t help but imagine the voices in my head when reading.
Stella is a strong independent woman who has her mind made up on the kind of life she wants to live, but after her great aunt passes she is tied into forfilling her great aunts bucket list.
Ethan is our rugby dude MMC, sounds like he’s a tower of a bear of a man with all squishy insides of a stuffed one. His tough exterior is his protection for a life of neglect but Stella could be the one to break through.
I loved Ethan’s inner dialogue, where he wants Stella but he’s holding back (a lot of my highlights were these moments!) I really could feel him itching to make contact but holding himself back so hard.
Again this book was a great grown up rom com, it just had that reality feel to it, not so much of the fluffy stuff just honest and real feelings.
Im really loving the way the author is able to bring all of the cliche romance tropes and just make it more real life. She’s turning into one of my ones to watch.
The tea ☕️-
😾 - enemies to lovers
🚫 - best friends ex
🛏️ - one bed
🇬🇧 - uk destinations
❤️ - 2nd chance (just a nod)
🔥 - slow burn 1.5/5 spice
July 17, 2025
While the book had some genuinely heartfelt moments, its reliance on constant miscommunication made the story feel more frustrating than moving. The miscommunication trope needs to be well thought out to feel believable, especially in a time where we're more connected than ever. In this case, it was used so often that it became relentless. Nearly every major conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding that could have been resolved with even just one honest conversation, which made the plot feel repetitive and emotionally shallow.
The FMC, Stella, was difficult to root for. Her avoidance of all things difficult, willingness to lie both to her friends, Ethan the MMC and to the lawyer implementing the bucket list she was left with made her an extremely dislikable character overall and that's on top of how little work she gets done.
And honestly, in what world does an ex-rugby player need to have both a stable job and a roommate? That detail just didn’t add up and pulled me out of the story more than once.
Overall this story was simple, expected and nothing super special. I don't feel hooked enough to read the prior or next book in this series, but perhaps if I'd started this series from the beginning I'd feel different so this review might be skewed because of that.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The FMC, Stella, was difficult to root for. Her avoidance of all things difficult, willingness to lie both to her friends, Ethan the MMC and to the lawyer implementing the bucket list she was left with made her an extremely dislikable character overall and that's on top of how little work she gets done.
And honestly, in what world does an ex-rugby player need to have both a stable job and a roommate? That detail just didn’t add up and pulled me out of the story more than once.
Overall this story was simple, expected and nothing super special. I don't feel hooked enough to read the prior or next book in this series, but perhaps if I'd started this series from the beginning I'd feel different so this review might be skewed because of that.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2024
🦋𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗢𝗩
🦋𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮
🦋𝗘𝘅’𝘀 𝗕𝗙𝗙
🦋𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🦋𝗛𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
🦋𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁
🦋𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀
4.5/5
I really loved both MCs a lot. Stella just wants someone to see the real her and love her unconditionally. Ethan just wants someone to pick him, to unequivocally choose HIM. They both have trauma from past relationships and that really messed them up for future relationships.
This book made me tear up a little in different ways. Stella and her close relationship with Evelyn was so beautiful. She had someone who truly saw her and understood her and then she died. It was bittersweet. The bucket list was such a good way to say goodbye though.
Then there was Ethan with his mother. To love someone who should have always put you first but never did is heartbreaking. I really loved how this storyline was treated. His mom was imperfect and this book never tries to sugarcoat that. I appreciated that and his journey into finding closure with her.
There was a lot of miscommunication in this with other people inserting themselves and saying things that weren’t necessarily true. I really didn’t mind too much because I know it was playing on each of their trauma responses from past relationships.
Overall, I really liked this book a lot. For a book about loss and grief it was really uplifting and positive.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
🦋𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮
🦋𝗘𝘅’𝘀 𝗕𝗙𝗙
🦋𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🦋𝗛𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
🦋𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁
🦋𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀
4.5/5
I really loved both MCs a lot. Stella just wants someone to see the real her and love her unconditionally. Ethan just wants someone to pick him, to unequivocally choose HIM. They both have trauma from past relationships and that really messed them up for future relationships.
This book made me tear up a little in different ways. Stella and her close relationship with Evelyn was so beautiful. She had someone who truly saw her and understood her and then she died. It was bittersweet. The bucket list was such a good way to say goodbye though.
Then there was Ethan with his mother. To love someone who should have always put you first but never did is heartbreaking. I really loved how this storyline was treated. His mom was imperfect and this book never tries to sugarcoat that. I appreciated that and his journey into finding closure with her.
There was a lot of miscommunication in this with other people inserting themselves and saying things that weren’t necessarily true. I really didn’t mind too much because I know it was playing on each of their trauma responses from past relationships.
Overall, I really liked this book a lot. For a book about loss and grief it was really uplifting and positive.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2024
If you like a missed opportunity romance where the process of them getting back together is oh so sweet, then read this book!
Stella has been tasked with completing a bucket list in order to keep an estate. The list she has to complete has some crazy things - and she is so tempted to cheat the system. A simple "find the one who got away" - how is she supposed to know who that is?! Could it be her ex?
Watching her figure this out was SO much fun.
Ethan is Stella’s ex boyfriend’s friend. He has faced so much trauma which has made him grumpy and not approachable. He has always had a thing for Stella since they shared a kiss!
This story was heavy on the romance and I was here for it! But the romance did not come easy - imagine having feelings for your best friends girl?!
I really like both Stella and Ethan. Watching them both overcome their personal hurdles by working together was so heart warming!
Ethan has a lot of damage from his mother, and that aspect of the story where he finds closure was important.
Just read this heartbreaking quote he said near the beginning:
"Because someone loved you enough to write a bucket list for you."
This is the second in a series, but can be read as a standalone!
Thank you NetGalley and Fox Hollow Publishing LLC for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Stella has been tasked with completing a bucket list in order to keep an estate. The list she has to complete has some crazy things - and she is so tempted to cheat the system. A simple "find the one who got away" - how is she supposed to know who that is?! Could it be her ex?
Watching her figure this out was SO much fun.
Ethan is Stella’s ex boyfriend’s friend. He has faced so much trauma which has made him grumpy and not approachable. He has always had a thing for Stella since they shared a kiss!
This story was heavy on the romance and I was here for it! But the romance did not come easy - imagine having feelings for your best friends girl?!
I really like both Stella and Ethan. Watching them both overcome their personal hurdles by working together was so heart warming!
Ethan has a lot of damage from his mother, and that aspect of the story where he finds closure was important.
Just read this heartbreaking quote he said near the beginning:
"Because someone loved you enough to write a bucket list for you."
This is the second in a series, but can be read as a standalone!
Thank you NetGalley and Fox Hollow Publishing LLC for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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