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It's Not Just Semantics
Rome Alvez is a disgraced champion race car driver, a notorious playboy, and he’s her stoical Boss.
Alex Hernandez is his efficient but smart-mouth and willful Personal Assistant tasked to repackage his image and bring him back to glory.
He's sarcastic.
She's cynical.
He's a player.
She’s a man-hater.
From the first moment they met, it’s a battle of wit, wills, and principles. Their views and values on relationships are poles apart. They don’t hold them back from each other, expressing them in colorful language every chance they get.
But in reality, both are cowards in disguise, scared and scarred, ruined by people close to them.
So what do they do when they find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences? They run around in circles and chalk up that "something” between them to just plain desire. After all, desire, attraction, lust, chemistry—those are the same banana, aren’t they? It doesn’t matter how they word it.
It’s just semantics. Or is it?
What if that "something" between them masks a deeper feeling which they can't refuse or deny?
What if fate brought them together to heal each other’s emotional wounds and give them the courage to take a risk on love?
Alex Hernandez is his efficient but smart-mouth and willful Personal Assistant tasked to repackage his image and bring him back to glory.
He's sarcastic.
She's cynical.
He's a player.
She’s a man-hater.
From the first moment they met, it’s a battle of wit, wills, and principles. Their views and values on relationships are poles apart. They don’t hold them back from each other, expressing them in colorful language every chance they get.
But in reality, both are cowards in disguise, scared and scarred, ruined by people close to them.
So what do they do when they find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences? They run around in circles and chalk up that "something” between them to just plain desire. After all, desire, attraction, lust, chemistry—those are the same banana, aren’t they? It doesn’t matter how they word it.
It’s just semantics. Or is it?
What if that "something" between them masks a deeper feeling which they can't refuse or deny?
What if fate brought them together to heal each other’s emotional wounds and give them the courage to take a risk on love?
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
11 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Mayumi Cruz
33 books26 followersMayumi Cruz is a Filipino author writing diverse, cross-genre fiction with emotionally-charged and thought-provoking plots. Her books Chroma Hearts: A Psychological Thriller, and The Black Widow, have received awards and recognition. Some of Mayumi’s writings have also appeared in Philippines Graphic, Medium, AdHoc Fiction and The Drabble. To date, Mayumi has written and published twenty (20) books, available online and in print.
She is also an artist, a website designer, a screenwriter, and a freelance editor. Mayumi holds degrees in Economics and Educational Management. She lives in the Philippines with her husband and three sons.
She is also an artist, a website designer, a screenwriter, and a freelance editor. Mayumi holds degrees in Economics and Educational Management. She lives in the Philippines with her husband and three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I like the enemies to lovers trope that's why I was really looking forward to reading this as the title literally has "A Banterful Romance" in it. This is is a story about a girl named Alex, who actually describes herself as a man-hater, and a boy named Rome, who's a ladies' man/player.
I actually loved the story of how they met because it was not your typical meet-cute set up. It actually got me hooked from the 1st chapter.
It was really easy to love Alex from the start. She's totally relatable and you would understand her values and ideals when it comes to love. Rome on the other hand, was a total jerk. It was hard for me to ship Alex with Rome, since I see Rome as a total jerk even though it has already been revealed towards the middle of the story why he acts that way.
It's a good thing that he redeemed himself, and I already found him more likable at the end of the story. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to those who love the enemies to lovers trope. Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Because sometimes, there are some things beyond our control, even when we gave our very best."
"I'm not saying that trusting and hoping will be enough. You have to work together, Alex. Together, you and him. Work on the present, the here and now, despite the odds. Say the words that needed to be said, do the things that had to be done. But only if you're both completely, totally sure. You both have to be all in."
"Once, I told you, 'never settle unless it's forever.' I was wrong, Alex. Not about never settling. No, never about that. We must never settle for less than what we're worth."
Tears generously fell down Marjorie's cheeks. "I was wrong about the forever part. Because it takes two to forever, Alex. You can't have forever without taking risks, making choices, and working on them--together--for a lifetime. You only have a lifetime to write your own story. Make every second last."
Soundtrack: Give Into Me by Devin Dygert
I like the enemies to lovers trope that's why I was really looking forward to reading this as the title literally has "A Banterful Romance" in it. This is is a story about a girl named Alex, who actually describes herself as a man-hater, and a boy named Rome, who's a ladies' man/player.
I actually loved the story of how they met because it was not your typical meet-cute set up. It actually got me hooked from the 1st chapter.
It was really easy to love Alex from the start. She's totally relatable and you would understand her values and ideals when it comes to love. Rome on the other hand, was a total jerk. It was hard for me to ship Alex with Rome, since I see Rome as a total jerk even though it has already been revealed towards the middle of the story why he acts that way.
It's a good thing that he redeemed himself, and I already found him more likable at the end of the story. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to those who love the enemies to lovers trope. Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Because sometimes, there are some things beyond our control, even when we gave our very best."
"I'm not saying that trusting and hoping will be enough. You have to work together, Alex. Together, you and him. Work on the present, the here and now, despite the odds. Say the words that needed to be said, do the things that had to be done. But only if you're both completely, totally sure. You both have to be all in."
"Once, I told you, 'never settle unless it's forever.' I was wrong, Alex. Not about never settling. No, never about that. We must never settle for less than what we're worth."
Tears generously fell down Marjorie's cheeks. "I was wrong about the forever part. Because it takes two to forever, Alex. You can't have forever without taking risks, making choices, and working on them--together--for a lifetime. You only have a lifetime to write your own story. Make every second last."
Soundtrack: Give Into Me by Devin Dygert
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Blurb:
Rome Alvez is a disgraced champion race car driver, a notorious playboy, and he’s her stoical Boss.
Alex Hernandez is his efficient but smart-mouth and willful Personal Assistant tasked to repackage his image and bring him back to glory.
He's sarcastic.
She's cynical.
He's a player.
She’s a man-hater.
From the first moment they met, it’s a battle of wit, wills, and principles. Their views and values on relationships are poles apart. They don’t hold them back from each other, expressing them in colorful language every chance they get.
But in reality, both are cowards in disguise, scared and scarred, ruined by people close to them.
So what do they do when they find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences? They run around in circles and chalk up that "something” between them to just plain desire. After all, desire, attraction, lust, chemistry—those are the same banana, aren’t they? It doesn’t matter how they word it.
It’s just semantics. Or is it?
What if that "something" between them masks a deeper feeling which they can't refuse or deny?
What if fate brought them together to heal each other’s emotional wounds and give them the courage to take a risk on love?
Blurb:
Rome Alvez is a disgraced champion race car driver, a notorious playboy, and he’s her stoical Boss.
Alex Hernandez is his efficient but smart-mouth and willful Personal Assistant tasked to repackage his image and bring him back to glory.
He's sarcastic.
She's cynical.
He's a player.
She’s a man-hater.
From the first moment they met, it’s a battle of wit, wills, and principles. Their views and values on relationships are poles apart. They don’t hold them back from each other, expressing them in colorful language every chance they get.
But in reality, both are cowards in disguise, scared and scarred, ruined by people close to them.
So what do they do when they find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences? They run around in circles and chalk up that "something” between them to just plain desire. After all, desire, attraction, lust, chemistry—those are the same banana, aren’t they? It doesn’t matter how they word it.
It’s just semantics. Or is it?
What if that "something" between them masks a deeper feeling which they can't refuse or deny?
What if fate brought them together to heal each other’s emotional wounds and give them the courage to take a risk on love?
May 25, 2019
Love the banter and chemistry between Alex and Rome. Alex is Rome’s feisty PA. She’s not looking for a relationship with the playboy. Rome is determined to convince her he’s a changed man. Engaging from beginning to end. Recommended read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
This is an entertaining enemies to lovers romance. The author brings strong characters with a fun banter and hot chemistry between Alex and Rome. It's well written,moves quickly and smoothly and had me hooked from start to finish reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 12, 2018
Good enemies to lovers romance story, it is compelling and written well. Strong characters with a lot of banter. It has been a pleasure to read this book.
December 16, 2018
Cozy romance
Alex and Rome's complicated attraction can only be sorted out by talking openly and honesty (eventually) on a private island!
Alex and Rome's complicated attraction can only be sorted out by talking openly and honesty (eventually) on a private island!
August 16, 2021
Maybe is not enough
Funny, sad.... you get a true mix in this romance of two stubborn, hardheaded people who have to learn to love enough for a happily ever after!
Funny, sad.... you get a true mix in this romance of two stubborn, hardheaded people who have to learn to love enough for a happily ever after!
December 10, 2022
It’s Not Just Semantics
Rome and Alex’s story was absolutely incredibly amazing!!!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for what was to happen next!!!! I’m absolutely thrilled they had their happily ever after and that everything else worked out as well!!!!!
Rome and Alex’s story was absolutely incredibly amazing!!!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting for what was to happen next!!!! I’m absolutely thrilled they had their happily ever after and that everything else worked out as well!!!!!
November 3, 2018
She hates men and his is cocky. They butt heads but will they really get together? Can these enemies become lovers. How will it work? See if it can and where it may go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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October 4, 2020DNF
couldn't get past page 5
couldn't get past page 5
August 14, 2021
So lame!
I really regret wasting the money on this book. How it has the stars and reviews it does is beyond me!
I felt like I was reading a book written by a 12 year old. I will be putting this book in my 'Mediocre, at Best' list in order to make me think twice before buying anything by this author again.
I really regret wasting the money on this book. How it has the stars and reviews it does is beyond me!
I felt like I was reading a book written by a 12 year old. I will be putting this book in my 'Mediocre, at Best' list in order to make me think twice before buying anything by this author again.
October 3, 2020
2.5
the premise was interesting but some of the arguments (and things they said) they had was ???? to me because i personally don't agree with it.
also it's almost the same with one of my current reads right now (which i'm not liking the flow of) lol
the premise was interesting but some of the arguments (and things they said) they had was ???? to me because i personally don't agree with it.
also it's almost the same with one of my current reads right now (which i'm not liking the flow of) lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews