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Being Brooke
(Barley Cross #1)
by
My name is Brooke Barker...
And I'm a freaking disaster.
No, seriously. I’m a college drop-out working a dead-end job, my best friend Carly’s dog gets more action than I do, and I have more bad dates in my diary than there are movie remakes.
Not to mention I'm completely and utterly in love with Cain Elliott.
The problem? He’s in a relationship. With a girl who’s so plastic s ...more
And I'm a freaking disaster.
No, seriously. I’m a college drop-out working a dead-end job, my best friend Carly’s dog gets more action than I do, and I have more bad dates in my diary than there are movie remakes.
Not to mention I'm completely and utterly in love with Cain Elliott.
The problem? He’s in a relationship. With a girl who’s so plastic s ...more
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of Being Brooke (Barley Cross, #1)
2 to 3 Stars
Restraint isn't a skill I've ever learned— unless you count the fact I've made it just over twenty-four years and haven't been arrested for murder. With my temperament, that's worth celebrating.
I hear ya, girl!
When I first started Being Brooke, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say I was pumped!
Brooke hooked me right away with her snarky banter and the fun relationship between her and her besties, including her unrequited crush, Cain.
As the story rolled on, we get more and more ...more
Restraint isn't a skill I've ever learned— unless you count the fact I've made it just over twenty-four years and haven't been arrested for murder. With my temperament, that's worth celebrating.
I hear ya, girl!
When I first started Being Brooke, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say I was pumped!
Brooke hooked me right away with her snarky banter and the fun relationship between her and her besties, including her unrequited crush, Cain.
As the story rolled on, we get more and more ...more
LIFE TIP #1: Photoshopping yourself next to hunky celebrities is NOT weird.
Oh well, I thought I was the only one, the sole inhabitant of planet Obsessed-And-Slightly-Creepy-Fangirl, but then Brooke came and admitted doing the exact same thing with Ian Somerhalder. Guess what, I did too! And Orlando Bloom. And Wentworth Miller. And Henry Cavill. And Brad Pitt. Not weird at all, right?
LIFE TIP #2: When you're working 10 hours straight, and your social life is even more nonexistent than the ...more
Oh well, I thought I was the only one, the sole inhabitant of planet Obsessed-And-Slightly-Creepy-Fangirl, but then Brooke came and admitted doing the exact same thing with Ian Somerhalder. Guess what, I did too! And Orlando Bloom. And Wentworth Miller. And Henry Cavill. And Brad Pitt. Not weird at all, right?
LIFE TIP #2: When you're working 10 hours straight, and your social life is even more nonexistent than the ...more
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: I think the overall premise of the book was a good one, but it didn't quite meet its potential for me. There were a few things that simply didn't work for me here. First, there was the constant putting down of the h. Can you say self-fulfilling prophecy anyone? Sorry, that's my psych major popping out. Everyone in the story (including the h) calls the h a mess (12 times), hot mess (14 times), klutz (3 times), disaster (8 times), etc. so much that I can't see how she can ...more
Overall Opinion: I think the overall premise of the book was a good one, but it didn't quite meet its potential for me. There were a few things that simply didn't work for me here. First, there was the constant putting down of the h. Can you say self-fulfilling prophecy anyone? Sorry, that's my psych major popping out. Everyone in the story (including the h) calls the h a mess (12 times), hot mess (14 times), klutz (3 times), disaster (8 times), etc. so much that I can't see how she can ...more
*ARC provided by InkSlingerPR in exchange for an honest review*
Hilarious and Brilliant
I couldn't get enough of this book it was so funny. Brookes character is so funny I luvd her from the start. Her life is a lil crazy she just moved into her own apartment. Basically she needed to get away from her mum. Her mum is a lil crazy and luvs things to be perfect. Brooke is far from perfect she is a hotmess that's what her best friend Cain calls her anyway. Brookes is a lil clumsy asnt had a relat ...more
Hilarious and Brilliant
I couldn't get enough of this book it was so funny. Brookes character is so funny I luvd her from the start. Her life is a lil crazy she just moved into her own apartment. Basically she needed to get away from her mum. Her mum is a lil crazy and luvs things to be perfect. Brooke is far from perfect she is a hotmess that's what her best friend Cain calls her anyway. Brookes is a lil clumsy asnt had a relat ...more
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Review
LIFE TIP #18: Be honest. Always. Sometimes the reactions are surprising. Unless you killed your sister’s cat. Don’t be honest about that.
Friends to lovers has always, always been a trope I struggle with. Whether I don't find the progression believable or feel that it's forced, don't buy the connection, the history, I could go on. It either really works for me or it really doesn't and Being Brooke is definitely the former! ...more
Dec 10, 2016
Natalie ✩★ The Biblioholic ★✩
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
friends-to-lovers,
romcom
One thing I've come to love about Emma Hart's books is how lively and delightful her female characters are. Although they can be overdramatic at times, you can't help but adore them and cheer them on.
This book was about Brooke. She was a HOT MESS!! Seriously. Everyone who loves her has said so and even she knows it's true. The heart of the story was that Brooke was in love with her best friend, Cain. The only problem was that they've been besties for 10 years and she didn't want to ruin their fr ...more
This book was about Brooke. She was a HOT MESS!! Seriously. Everyone who loves her has said so and even she knows it's true. The heart of the story was that Brooke was in love with her best friend, Cain. The only problem was that they've been besties for 10 years and she didn't want to ruin their fr ...more
DNF 31%.
The writing was not working for me and I started skim-reading way too early on.
The writing was not working for me and I started skim-reading way too early on.
That was a very fun and light romance which can be read as a nice pastime. If you like "Friends to Lovers" romances, this is a good one!
My Rating:
I will try to give an overall idea about this book.
1. Sweetness: Sugar overdose - 10 out of 5
Everything about this book is sweet... so so sweet!
2. Fun: Hilarious - 10 out of 5. So many laugh-out-loud moments!
3. Hotness: 0 out of 5.
No sex scenes, even your 12 year-old daughter can read this book! There are only a few dirty jokes told by the grandfather ...more
My Rating:
I will try to give an overall idea about this book.
1. Sweetness: Sugar overdose - 10 out of 5
Everything about this book is sweet... so so sweet!
2. Fun: Hilarious - 10 out of 5. So many laugh-out-loud moments!
3. Hotness: 0 out of 5.
No sex scenes, even your 12 year-old daughter can read this book! There are only a few dirty jokes told by the grandfather ...more
1.5 DISMAL STARS
Well, I've started 2017 with a whimper, lol. I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers, it's a fave trope of mine, but this was incredibly disappointing.
Brooke was the kind of heroine I can't stand: abrasive, loud and foul-mouthed, swears more than she breathes, silly, sarcastic and forgettable. I know this was meant to be funny, with all her snarky comments and over the top sarcasm, but I would never want to be friends with someone like this let alone read about it. No, really what d ...more
Well, I've started 2017 with a whimper, lol. I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers, it's a fave trope of mine, but this was incredibly disappointing.
Brooke was the kind of heroine I can't stand: abrasive, loud and foul-mouthed, swears more than she breathes, silly, sarcastic and forgettable. I know this was meant to be funny, with all her snarky comments and over the top sarcasm, but I would never want to be friends with someone like this let alone read about it. No, really what d ...more
===♥
LIFE TIP #1: Don't fall for your best friend!
¬¬¬You think you have a shitty life? Your job is joke and you are broke?? (view spoiler) And the love of your life seems happy with his would-be wife?? Your cooking sucks and your boss huffs?? What do you gotta do?? You gotta sympathize with our MC because she is all above with the shittiest name and the BFF of a lover. Plus she would rather be a mermaid than an adult!
Yep. This is Bro ...more
¬¬¬You think you have a shitty life? Your job is joke and you are broke?? (view spoiler) And the love of your life seems happy with his would-be wife?? Your cooking sucks and your boss huffs?? What do you gotta do?? You gotta sympathize with our MC because she is all above with the shittiest name and the BFF of a lover. Plus she would rather be a mermaid than an adult!
Yep. This is Bro ...more
LOVED IT!!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.
Cant write a proper review. Too sore from laughing out loud!
Awesome best friends-to-lovers rom-com.
5++++ STARS!!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.
Cant write a proper review. Too sore from laughing out loud!
Awesome best friends-to-lovers rom-com.
5++++ STARS!!!
Brooke is a hot mess. She just moved into her new apartment, she dropped out of college and she isn’t too happy about her job. Her mother calls her a lot to check up on Brooke and her mother isn’t happy with her recent choices. But Brooke will find herself during the book and she’ll accept herself, which was beautiful to read.
This book made me laugh so much! I loved the banter. I also loved Brooke, Carly and Cain’s friendship. They know each other through and through. They can always count on ea ...more
This book made me laugh so much! I loved the banter. I also loved Brooke, Carly and Cain’s friendship. They know each other through and through. They can always count on ea ...more
Dec 07, 2016
aNneMarLi - Chatterbooks Book Blog
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
4.0 "HOT MESS" STARS!!!
There's really a reason why I am rooting for any Emma Hart's book. And that comes from the fact that I love her writing style. She's so witty and brilliant and there's really no way you can put the book down when you start reading it. Being Brooke is no different from her other works being brilliantly written. I really had so much fun reading it that people were staring at me because I was laughing out so loud. Take note, do not read this in a crowded place or sneak readin ...more
There's really a reason why I am rooting for any Emma Hart's book. And that comes from the fact that I love her writing style. She's so witty and brilliant and there's really no way you can put the book down when you start reading it. Being Brooke is no different from her other works being brilliantly written. I really had so much fun reading it that people were staring at me because I was laughing out so loud. Take note, do not read this in a crowded place or sneak readin ...more
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Being Brooke by Emma Hart is a smart, sassy romantic comedy that highlights a modern day woman who is a hot mess. Yes, your heard me right she is a hot mess. Life is not going according to plan and then add in the fact that her love life is non-existent, you can say being Brooke Barker is not so great especially when she is also in love with her best friend, Cain Elliot, who is oblivious to this fact.
Add in a sprinkle of humor, awkw ...more
Being Brooke by Emma Hart is a smart, sassy romantic comedy that highlights a modern day woman who is a hot mess. Yes, your heard me right she is a hot mess. Life is not going according to plan and then add in the fact that her love life is non-existent, you can say being Brooke Barker is not so great especially when she is also in love with her best friend, Cain Elliot, who is oblivious to this fact.
Add in a sprinkle of humor, awkw ...more
4 klutzy stars
So yesterday before I started this book, I was feeling a bit down for apparently no reason. Well at least that's what I thought. Turns out, I had been reading reading a lot of dark themed books (I'd say about 8-9 of them in a row). It took a toll lol.
So there I was, hunting for a good ridiculously over the top book that would make me laugh.
And that is exactly what this book gave me.
Brooke was so fucking weird, and I really connected with her because monologue!
You need to read t ...more
Damn that was so exactly what I needed. Being Brooke was hilarious, sweet, cute, funny, quirky but above all else just plain awesome. Not that I am at all surprised because everything I have read by Emma Hart has been brilliant but with so much going on at the moment I have had a really hard time keeping my focus on anything.
That wasn’t the case here. As soon as I picked it up I was captivated. Brooke was such a great character and I had so many moments reading this that I could sympathise with ...more
That wasn’t the case here. As soon as I picked it up I was captivated. Brooke was such a great character and I had so many moments reading this that I could sympathise with ...more
Brooke has one of those personalities you'll either love or hate. She is coasting through life without a clue. Luckily she has just gain the courage to move out on her own. She's totally head over heels in love with her best friend Cain, unfortunately she doesn't have the courage to put herself out there. Emma Hart is good with comedy and this book made me smile a lot. Brooke is also frustrating and a pain in the butt. Luckily she loveable and can laugh at her misfortunes. This is a friends to m
...more
I liked it but Brooke was a little too much for me. I loved Cain though. It was a fun read but I don't know I guess I was expecting more.
...more
I very much enjoyed this romantic comedy by Emma Hart. It was different than her other books, but a good kind of different. I laughed so many times because of this book.
Brooke is kind of a mess. And along with that, she is in love with her best friend Cain. He totally understands her and is always there for her as a friend.
Over the course of the book, Brooke fights with her feelings for Cain by going on disastrous dates and then worrying about what may happen if they actually tried to be somethi ...more
Brooke is kind of a mess. And along with that, she is in love with her best friend Cain. He totally understands her and is always there for her as a friend.
Over the course of the book, Brooke fights with her feelings for Cain by going on disastrous dates and then worrying about what may happen if they actually tried to be somethi ...more
Dec 05, 2016
Chanelle
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
4-stars,
funny-funny
Emma Hart is bound to have many laughing their grandma panties off with her latest release, Being Brooke.
“I dream about pizza and wine and not wearing pants. I know, I know. I’m going places. Like Weight Watchers, probably.”
College drop out. Twice. Brooke decides she's had enough, and so at 24 she sets out on her own. She gets a job at a travel agency and her very own apartment. Living on take out and out of boxes. Any romance in her life comes from her battery operated friend. She'll have ...more
“I dream about pizza and wine and not wearing pants. I know, I know. I’m going places. Like Weight Watchers, probably.”
College drop out. Twice. Brooke decides she's had enough, and so at 24 she sets out on her own. She gets a job at a travel agency and her very own apartment. Living on take out and out of boxes. Any romance in her life comes from her battery operated friend. She'll have ...more
I have mixed feelings about this one. Brooke was a quirky heroine and was amusing at times, but after awhile, those quirks grew annoying. In fact, Brooke reminds me of a goofy young actress.
Yes, I thought of Jennifer Lawrence a lot during this book.
24 year old Brooke Barker had a crush on her best friend Cain Elliot but she hid her real feelings because she didn't want to risk messing up their relationship. Cain, unaware of Brooke's feelings, was also nursing a silent crush on Brooke. So the go ...more
Yes, I thought of Jennifer Lawrence a lot during this book.
24 year old Brooke Barker had a crush on her best friend Cain Elliot but she hid her real feelings because she didn't want to risk messing up their relationship. Cain, unaware of Brooke's feelings, was also nursing a silent crush on Brooke. So the go ...more
A whirlwind of delicious hilarity and beautiful romance! One of THE BEST romantic comedies of the year! I NEVER wanted it to end!
I don't know if I've ever laughed so hard or so long while reading a book. But OMG it was just out of this world HILARIOUS on every single level! It was like the author was in my head the whole way through! And Brooke Barker...one of THE BEST heroines in a romance that I've ever read! Hands down! Even though she was a hot mess and an all-around disaster...I wanted ...more
I'm rounding it up to 3 stars purely because it funny enough to pass as an entertaining read.
Other than that it felt a bit flats.
Brooke though is very likable. She is a drop out, she needs a diet, she needs a proper job and she needs.... she needs love! Well, she kinda already found her love. But it happens to be Cain, her best friend, handsome, and popular, dating other women. See, life is never easy, is it.
So what do you really do when you in love with your best friend? Do you keep it to your ...more
Other than that it felt a bit flats.
Brooke though is very likable. She is a drop out, she needs a diet, she needs a proper job and she needs.... she needs love! Well, she kinda already found her love. But it happens to be Cain, her best friend, handsome, and popular, dating other women. See, life is never easy, is it.
So what do you really do when you in love with your best friend? Do you keep it to your ...more
Release Date: December 13, 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Well, this was a fun book and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it! Emma Hart has dazzled me with this quirky romantic comedy. I feel like I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Even more? I fell head over heels with the characters. The heroine Brooke, is definitely the kind of girl that only some people can handle; she is kind of broody and a sassy smartass, but also, deep down (and I mean very deep down) has a heart of gold. She ma ...more
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Well, this was a fun book and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it! Emma Hart has dazzled me with this quirky romantic comedy. I feel like I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Even more? I fell head over heels with the characters. The heroine Brooke, is definitely the kind of girl that only some people can handle; she is kind of broody and a sassy smartass, but also, deep down (and I mean very deep down) has a heart of gold. She ma ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Very cute.
For once this wasn't an insta-love story, which I liked. Thank goodness. The relationship/love declarations took a while to come out and that was a nice change after the last few books I've read. I thought the main and side characters were well developed, allowing me to get a good sense of not just the hero/heroine, but their friends, families, and hometown. The surprising element was the lack of sex scenes. Usually I feel that those could be scaled back (sometimes there are just too many), but
...more
Started on a high note with some really funny lines of dialogue. However, far too soon the nosedive came on fast and furiously. Brooke's behavior became a bit over the top -- far too much silliness and childlike behavior for my taste and not enough solid storyline or depth to what I expected to be a heavy dose of friends to lovers relationship development. Didn't quite live up to my expectations from an Emma Hart read. Sorely disappointed in this one.
...more
"Being Brooke is classic Emma Hart. Wit, humor, and a whole lot of snark and sass!" ~Audrey Carlan, #1 NYT Bestselling Author
...more
Being Brooke by Emma Hart
Romantic Comedy Standalone (another standalone is coming)
5+++++ Stars *Top Favorite*
OMG, how have I never read Emma Hart before? If Being Brooke is any indication of what all of her other books are like, I can kick myself for not reading her sooner. It's no secret that I love romantic comedies more than any other romance genre, but what is super important to me is loving the heroine in a book. I FUCKING LOVE BROOKE! She is a total hot mess. She is ...more
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Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut ...more
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut ...more
Other books in the series
Barley Cross
(2 books)
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“LIFE TIP #7: Respect your elders. You never know when they’ll insult the person you hate.”
—
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“I love you the way the center of my world should be loved.”
—
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