What do you think?
Rate this book
Shortcake
***UNPUBLISHED 2022***
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 913 reviews
October 8, 2019
I am totally, utterly and completely in love with the heroine.
February 23, 2020
4 Charred Soul Stars ⭐
Shortcake was so much more than a romantic comedy. You can be assured that there were plenty of laughs featuring standout characters and a cast of kooky neighbours and friends, but it certainly tugged on the heart strings as well.
"The soul can’t breathe without hope."
It wasn't meant to end this way. With the death of her dear friend Rose, the last thing Emelia expected was to be included in her will. An ironclad will that would mean spending 1 month with Rose's grandson Ben, in very close proximity.
"I’m telling you, there’s no way in hell my grandmother left half of her estate to some housekeeper she met a few months ago. No fucking way."
Well as you could imagine this accusation doesn't go over to well. Maybe Rose's plan for them to spend time together would allow them to remove their preconceptions of one another, or not...
“I hate you,” I whisper on a harsh breath, meaning every word.
“Sleep tight, shortcake.”
I can actually hear his grin. Bastard.
As both stand to lose everything by not adhering to the conditions of the will, they are forced to tolerate each other, but not without a little torment thrown into the mix. Now just when you expect this story to be be your run of the mill enemies to lovers trope, you start getting true glimpses into both these characters. And it isn’t pretty.
"I have no place to call my own. No job. And my mind is damaged. They said it would heal in time. They said one day I would wake up whole again.
They lied. Or at least I think they did."
But it will take a lot of mistrust, misconceptions and unlikely circumstances for Ben to see reason. And even with all these insights it still takes ages for these two to even contemplate any feelings for each other.
"He’s so freaking gorgeous when he’s not plotting my murder."
I'm a little torn as to how to rate this book. I actually feel misled as it was labelled as a 'sexy romantic comedy' and I just didn't get much sexy until the very end and this story is seriously long.... If you are a lover of slow burn reads, you will possibly love this. For me, it was quite good, not fabulous.
Shortcake was so much more than a romantic comedy. You can be assured that there were plenty of laughs featuring standout characters and a cast of kooky neighbours and friends, but it certainly tugged on the heart strings as well.
"The soul can’t breathe without hope."
It wasn't meant to end this way. With the death of her dear friend Rose, the last thing Emelia expected was to be included in her will. An ironclad will that would mean spending 1 month with Rose's grandson Ben, in very close proximity.
"I’m telling you, there’s no way in hell my grandmother left half of her estate to some housekeeper she met a few months ago. No fucking way."
Well as you could imagine this accusation doesn't go over to well. Maybe Rose's plan for them to spend time together would allow them to remove their preconceptions of one another, or not...
“I hate you,” I whisper on a harsh breath, meaning every word.
“Sleep tight, shortcake.”
I can actually hear his grin. Bastard.
As both stand to lose everything by not adhering to the conditions of the will, they are forced to tolerate each other, but not without a little torment thrown into the mix. Now just when you expect this story to be be your run of the mill enemies to lovers trope, you start getting true glimpses into both these characters. And it isn’t pretty.
"I have no place to call my own. No job. And my mind is damaged. They said it would heal in time. They said one day I would wake up whole again.
They lied. Or at least I think they did."
But it will take a lot of mistrust, misconceptions and unlikely circumstances for Ben to see reason. And even with all these insights it still takes ages for these two to even contemplate any feelings for each other.
"He’s so freaking gorgeous when he’s not plotting my murder."
I'm a little torn as to how to rate this book. I actually feel misled as it was labelled as a 'sexy romantic comedy' and I just didn't get much sexy until the very end and this story is seriously long.... If you are a lover of slow burn reads, you will possibly love this. For me, it was quite good, not fabulous.
October 9, 2019
❥ 4 / 5 stars
[ e-ARC received from NetGalley ]
At first, I gave this book 4.5 / 5 stars but when I thought over it again, despite the fact that I was pleased with the author’s writing style and truly enjoyed reading it, I realized two main problems that I couldn’t overlook with this book.
1. Some problems in the story were made but left unsolved at the end of the story.
(e.g. Conflict between Ben and his father. What happened after Ben knew something about his father? Did he forgive him and eventually get back on good terms with him or not?, How about Emmy and her cousin, Derek? Was Derek still mad at Emmy because of her relationship with Ben or was he okay with this situation already?)
——> All of these, I’ve got no clue at all.
2. Something that seems to make sense after it was solved but in fact, it didn’t.
(e.g. the thing which got solved at the end of the story and was also the beginning of everything that happened)
Owing to these stuff, I decided to deduct another 0.5 stars from the original ratings so it means finally, I gave it 4 stars out of 5. (which I think it’s still such a high rating for the author’s debut novel because it’s not usual to find a debut novel that made me enjoy this much.💘)
Keyword
- will
- living in the same house
- fake marriage
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn romance
Thank you to NetGalley and Lucy Watson for providing this e-ARC to me in exchange for an honest review.
[ e-ARC received from NetGalley ]
At first, I gave this book 4.5 / 5 stars but when I thought over it again, despite the fact that I was pleased with the author’s writing style and truly enjoyed reading it, I realized two main problems that I couldn’t overlook with this book.
1. Some problems in the story were made but left unsolved at the end of the story.
(e.g. Conflict between Ben and his father. What happened after Ben knew something about his father? Did he forgive him and eventually get back on good terms with him or not?, How about Emmy and her cousin, Derek? Was Derek still mad at Emmy because of her relationship with Ben or was he okay with this situation already?)
——> All of these, I’ve got no clue at all.
2. Something that seems to make sense after it was solved but in fact, it didn’t.
(e.g. the thing which got solved at the end of the story and was also the beginning of everything that happened)
Owing to these stuff, I decided to deduct another 0.5 stars from the original ratings so it means finally, I gave it 4 stars out of 5. (which I think it’s still such a high rating for the author’s debut novel because it’s not usual to find a debut novel that made me enjoy this much.💘)
Keyword
- will
- living in the same house
- fake marriage
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn romance
Thank you to NetGalley and Lucy Watson for providing this e-ARC to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2020
This debut novel by Ms. Watson is a mixed bag for me, so let’s rummage through it and see what we find.
The Good
Engaging writing style. I love a good rom-com because I prefer to laugh than cry with my romances, so I’m always up for getting to read a new-to-me author in this subgenre. Your emotions can run the gamut in a rom-com done well, and Shortcake actually has a lot of potential for some depth with the froth. It was very easy to read (though I struggled the further I got, but more on that later) and I was hopeful that even with some bumps along the way that I would really come to love this.
From the very first line, Emmy is relatable, funny, a bit damaged, definitely prone to drama, and pretty lovable. I was immediately intrigued with what happened to her and wanted to know more. So good setup? Check. Classic tropes of enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity? Check. Funny, wacky scenes? Check. The story is written in first person, all from Emmy’s POV, and while she’s myopic with her perspective of herself and Ben, the rest of the characters are easy to envision and fun to get to know. And then...
The Bad
It’s bad when you don’t like one half of the couple in a romance. Sadly, I really struggled with Ben and his jerkish behavior towards Emmy. The only perspective I have of Ben is from Emmy, and he’s pretty harsh to her from the moment he meets her. Occasionally, they’re both childish and their arguments can land on the comedy end of rom-coms, but alot of times he's just mean. Now, I’ve fallen for “heroes” that start off as jerks. Sometimes seeing that jackass realize he’s a jackass can be very satisfying and eventually I can connect to them on some level. And if this was on the big screen, so much is conveyed through the eyes or body language that you could probably get away with seeing the story mostly through Emmy's eyes. However, Ben stays in the same lane for the majority of his personal journey, so I couldn’t empathize with him and understand WHY he was such a jerk until way too late. Also, his attempts to hook up with other women while living with Emmy did not endear him to me, but I can get past it because he wasn’t romantically involved with Emmy at the time. Still didn’t like it.
Shallow characterizations. Rom-coms don’t have to deep dive into emotional angst. I don’t expect that. But I do need at least ONE really good scene that lays out the emotional connection between the hero and heroine. For example, Ben and Emmy’s “big heartfelt confession” scene, the one where you would finally see them start to understand each other, the scene where their secrets come out and helps advance them to the next stage of their romance? Completely bare bones and came pretty late in the tale. We’re told that Emmy’s big secret was told to him by “some friend.” WTF. This is a crucial scene and yet afterwards, I felt I didn’t know either of them any better for it.
Also, I never felt they were equal in their interactions. Emmy didn't give as good as she got. Ben steamrolled her most of the time if he really wanted to. She was always the one to worry about him, to bend towards his will, to give ground. It’s only towards the end that we’re TOLD about Ben’s feelings, that we’re TOLD that he really did want and care for her, but it didn’t show for the majority of the story. I didn’t really get to see his regret for his treatment of Emmy and there’s absolutely no grovel. Speaking of missed opportunities...
There SO MUCH that is completely glossed over in order to rush to a conclusion. The pacing was very off, and the characters suffered as a result.
Oh lord problematic. Calling Romani people “gypsy” is a slur. It’s never been complimentary, it’s had horrible connotations around the world. There’s an acknowledgment in the story that it’s horrible, and I could understand it being used by an old, ignorant woman. However, the continued use of it, BY THE HERO, as a term of affection? Drove me batty. There’s more but that was one bit that really stuck out and made me cringe.
I really, really wanted to like this story, but this shortcake was shortchanged by the abundance of missed opportunities. The moments that captured my attention and made me want to keep reading didn’t outweigh my disappointment with the lack of character development, weird pacing, and problematic bits. I do think there’s good potential with this author, and I wouldn’t rule out reading another book by her. Just a shame this didn’t work for me.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
The Good
Engaging writing style. I love a good rom-com because I prefer to laugh than cry with my romances, so I’m always up for getting to read a new-to-me author in this subgenre. Your emotions can run the gamut in a rom-com done well, and Shortcake actually has a lot of potential for some depth with the froth. It was very easy to read (though I struggled the further I got, but more on that later) and I was hopeful that even with some bumps along the way that I would really come to love this.
From the very first line, Emmy is relatable, funny, a bit damaged, definitely prone to drama, and pretty lovable. I was immediately intrigued with what happened to her and wanted to know more. So good setup? Check. Classic tropes of enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity? Check. Funny, wacky scenes? Check. The story is written in first person, all from Emmy’s POV, and while she’s myopic with her perspective of herself and Ben, the rest of the characters are easy to envision and fun to get to know. And then...
The Bad
It’s bad when you don’t like one half of the couple in a romance. Sadly, I really struggled with Ben and his jerkish behavior towards Emmy. The only perspective I have of Ben is from Emmy, and he’s pretty harsh to her from the moment he meets her. Occasionally, they’re both childish and their arguments can land on the comedy end of rom-coms, but alot of times he's just mean. Now, I’ve fallen for “heroes” that start off as jerks. Sometimes seeing that jackass realize he’s a jackass can be very satisfying and eventually I can connect to them on some level. And if this was on the big screen, so much is conveyed through the eyes or body language that you could probably get away with seeing the story mostly through Emmy's eyes. However, Ben stays in the same lane for the majority of his personal journey, so I couldn’t empathize with him and understand WHY he was such a jerk until way too late. Also, his attempts to hook up with other women while living with Emmy did not endear him to me, but I can get past it because he wasn’t romantically involved with Emmy at the time. Still didn’t like it.
Shallow characterizations. Rom-coms don’t have to deep dive into emotional angst. I don’t expect that. But I do need at least ONE really good scene that lays out the emotional connection between the hero and heroine. For example, Ben and Emmy’s “big heartfelt confession” scene, the one where you would finally see them start to understand each other, the scene where their secrets come out and helps advance them to the next stage of their romance? Completely bare bones and came pretty late in the tale. We’re told that Emmy’s big secret was told to him by “some friend.” WTF. This is a crucial scene and yet afterwards, I felt I didn’t know either of them any better for it.
Also, I never felt they were equal in their interactions. Emmy didn't give as good as she got. Ben steamrolled her most of the time if he really wanted to. She was always the one to worry about him, to bend towards his will, to give ground. It’s only towards the end that we’re TOLD about Ben’s feelings, that we’re TOLD that he really did want and care for her, but it didn’t show for the majority of the story. I didn’t really get to see his regret for his treatment of Emmy and there’s absolutely no grovel. Speaking of missed opportunities...
There SO MUCH that is completely glossed over in order to rush to a conclusion. The pacing was very off, and the characters suffered as a result.
Oh lord problematic. Calling Romani people “gypsy” is a slur. It’s never been complimentary, it’s had horrible connotations around the world. There’s an acknowledgment in the story that it’s horrible, and I could understand it being used by an old, ignorant woman. However, the continued use of it, BY THE HERO, as a term of affection? Drove me batty. There’s more but that was one bit that really stuck out and made me cringe.
I really, really wanted to like this story, but this shortcake was shortchanged by the abundance of missed opportunities. The moments that captured my attention and made me want to keep reading didn’t outweigh my disappointment with the lack of character development, weird pacing, and problematic bits. I do think there’s good potential with this author, and I wouldn’t rule out reading another book by her. Just a shame this didn’t work for me.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
April 11, 2020
If you loved The Hating Game....
Let me start this again.
I have probably read The Hating Game about 10 times. I know it will continue to launch books inspired by it. But it's 4 years old.
So if you loved the hating game, you will probably find this oddly derivative and won't like it as much. (Depending on how direct your comparisons)
If you didn't love the hating game, it probably depends why--but I'm guessing you can go ahead and side eye this book with some level of disdain.
The details: Lucy - oh nope, Emmy, she's short (aka 'shortcake' she's got wild blue eyes and she's so beautiful). Who is miraculously also called by her more formal name by the hero Joshu--err, no...this hero who also is a closed up book who doesn't get along with his family...not an almost doctor, an ex-marine...Ben. He also refolds towels that Emmy folds, makes sure everything is put away alphabetically and so on. She also refers to him as a serial killer-half the time I wonder why she's not afraid of him.
So the touching part of this book is also the most far-fetched. Rose, Ben's grandmother and the woman that Emmy cared for in her last 6 months, dies. Behind her she leaves her old nurse (Emmy) recovering from trauma, suffering panic disorder and anxiety. Echoes of how Lucy saw herself were written all over Emmy again. Emmy was lonely too. And lost-at this point-now that Rose has died.
Ben shows up, gruff & grunting. Immediately thrown into a preposterous situation with a very strict set of instructions in order to share the estate with Emmy, or its forfeit to his dad. Cause that Rose is a genius. Clearly matchmaking beyond the grave, this thread was a little lackluster and uninteresting though had lovely notes of relationships beyond death to it.
In the first 20% I struggled with Emmy's motivation. Why doesn't she just pack it in? Why help Ben? Particularly because he was hostile.
But if you didn't like the juvenile part of THG, a lot of this stage of the book will grate. More of it will seem threatening. Even the way her space never feels like hers felt icky to me. He carries her everywhere. He slapped her ass on like - night 3 - of living together. And worst of all, most of this is pretty unconvincing. At one point, I kid you not, I was in love with one of Ben's best friends. He has 3 of them, by the way, and they all at some point indicate sexual or romantic interest in the heroine. (To which he called 'dibs' and any reasonably evolved man would let a woman decide) Remind me to bottle up her pheromones or whatever she's putting out because...so special. Not to mention the weird step cousin situation. Anyway, I thought one of said friends made a better match for Emmy, and I'm still not convinced he didn't.
Anyway, there are coercive, at best, non-consensual situations. Their first kiss was stopped elevator-esque. Maybe a bit worse. She cares for him when he's sick. She only starts to clue into her feelings after being so broken down it ends up feeling like an ultimatum if he doesn't say the exact right thing (he doesn't) AND even the pace--it's THG.
But THG this is not. What's missing, aside from beautifully thematic writing. Aside from purposeful prose, is the ABSOLUTE certainty I had that Lucy deep down knew. That she was lying to herself. That it was clearly a game (a game, yes I acknowledge that wore her down) Lucy is also not traumatized. And frankly, Ben ain't no Joshua. (Though he's got some friends with serious potential and they do SHINE). Joshua is a sensitive jerk. Ben is a gruff toxic presence that just...it didn't work as well. (See note about rooting for one of his friends)
The love declaration was fab, no joke. It probably pulled this out of the pit for me along with the rest of the friend dynamics. I remain incredibly critical about Ben's characterization I won't deny that sometimes the dialogue cracked or that overall the writing was tight enough, though not exceptional. This is littered w/ mistakes a nurse would never make. Most important, it's Mr. Rogers,you absolute monster, and therefore you lose a goddamn star. And obviously when it seems like so much is derivative or directly borrowed, this just cannot be above a 2.
ETA: I keep thinking of things. At one point, Ben applies (in retribution to Emmy's heel on his toe) a military pressure point tactic and does not let up until she does. She describes it as a 7 on the pain scale. I've seen a police office (off duty) do this to a member of his family. It's abuse.
Let me start this again.
I have probably read The Hating Game about 10 times. I know it will continue to launch books inspired by it. But it's 4 years old.
So if you loved the hating game, you will probably find this oddly derivative and won't like it as much. (Depending on how direct your comparisons)
If you didn't love the hating game, it probably depends why--but I'm guessing you can go ahead and side eye this book with some level of disdain.
The details: Lucy - oh nope, Emmy, she's short (aka 'shortcake' she's got wild blue eyes and she's so beautiful). Who is miraculously also called by her more formal name by the hero Joshu--err, no...this hero who also is a closed up book who doesn't get along with his family...not an almost doctor, an ex-marine...Ben. He also refolds towels that Emmy folds, makes sure everything is put away alphabetically and so on. She also refers to him as a serial killer-half the time I wonder why she's not afraid of him.
So the touching part of this book is also the most far-fetched. Rose, Ben's grandmother and the woman that Emmy cared for in her last 6 months, dies. Behind her she leaves her old nurse (Emmy) recovering from trauma, suffering panic disorder and anxiety. Echoes of how Lucy saw herself were written all over Emmy again. Emmy was lonely too. And lost-at this point-now that Rose has died.
Ben shows up, gruff & grunting. Immediately thrown into a preposterous situation with a very strict set of instructions in order to share the estate with Emmy, or its forfeit to his dad. Cause that Rose is a genius. Clearly matchmaking beyond the grave, this thread was a little lackluster and uninteresting though had lovely notes of relationships beyond death to it.
In the first 20% I struggled with Emmy's motivation. Why doesn't she just pack it in? Why help Ben? Particularly because he was hostile.
But if you didn't like the juvenile part of THG, a lot of this stage of the book will grate. More of it will seem threatening. Even the way her space never feels like hers felt icky to me. He carries her everywhere. He slapped her ass on like - night 3 - of living together. And worst of all, most of this is pretty unconvincing. At one point, I kid you not, I was in love with one of Ben's best friends. He has 3 of them, by the way, and they all at some point indicate sexual or romantic interest in the heroine. (To which he called 'dibs' and any reasonably evolved man would let a woman decide) Remind me to bottle up her pheromones or whatever she's putting out because...so special. Not to mention the weird step cousin situation. Anyway, I thought one of said friends made a better match for Emmy, and I'm still not convinced he didn't.
Anyway, there are coercive, at best, non-consensual situations. Their first kiss was stopped elevator-esque. Maybe a bit worse. She cares for him when he's sick. She only starts to clue into her feelings after being so broken down it ends up feeling like an ultimatum if he doesn't say the exact right thing (he doesn't) AND even the pace--it's THG.
But THG this is not. What's missing, aside from beautifully thematic writing. Aside from purposeful prose, is the ABSOLUTE certainty I had that Lucy deep down knew. That she was lying to herself. That it was clearly a game (a game, yes I acknowledge that wore her down) Lucy is also not traumatized. And frankly, Ben ain't no Joshua. (Though he's got some friends with serious potential and they do SHINE). Joshua is a sensitive jerk. Ben is a gruff toxic presence that just...it didn't work as well. (See note about rooting for one of his friends)
The love declaration was fab, no joke. It probably pulled this out of the pit for me along with the rest of the friend dynamics. I remain incredibly critical about Ben's characterization I won't deny that sometimes the dialogue cracked or that overall the writing was tight enough, though not exceptional. This is littered w/ mistakes a nurse would never make. Most important, it's Mr. Rogers,you absolute monster, and therefore you lose a goddamn star. And obviously when it seems like so much is derivative or directly borrowed, this just cannot be above a 2.
ETA: I keep thinking of things. At one point, Ben applies (in retribution to Emmy's heel on his toe) a military pressure point tactic and does not let up until she does. She describes it as a 7 on the pain scale. I've seen a police office (off duty) do this to a member of his family. It's abuse.
June 15, 2021
Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5 Stars)
Title: Shortcake
Author(s): Lucy Watson
Character(s):
― Emelia "Emmy" Anderson: 28 years old, Brunette, Blue Eyed
― Benjamin "Ben" Crawford: 27 years old, Brown Eyed
Setting: California
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: First Person (Heroine)
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Here’s a free tip: when life gets messy, listen to the ‘Pina Colada Song.’ It’ll make everything better."
― “You. She put you there. For me. She did that. She gave me you.”
― “The thought of not seeing you every day. You not being with me. Being with someone else. Giving them that smile, that laugh. That part of you that was made for me… I told myself I’d go back to Phoenix, get my head together. Deal with the shit I gotta deal with, then I’d come back. And you’d be here, and whatever I had to do, I’d do it to be with you. And I’d be the guy you deserve. Then I found out you weren’t gonna be in this house. That you were leaving. That this was it. Then I saw you standing there in your dress… and I knew I didn’t deserve you. I told myself I should let you go to find someone who does, but I can’t. Not without trying to make you mine first, because you’re it for me, Shortcake.”
Overall Opinion:
Holy crap. I can't even explain how much I loved this novel. The characters were downright hilarious and I seriously couldn't stop laughing at their witty banter. Needless to say I don't know how Lucy Watson did it but she won me over with this enemies turned lovers trope and whirlwind romance that stole my heart. It's been a while since I last came across a romantic comedy that actually had the 'comedy' in it. So I have to applaud the author on her outstanding debut and I hope we're able to revisit these characters in the future.
October 18, 2019
Well I'll be damned if this here isn't one of the best "enemies to lovers/comedy" reading treats I have indulged myself in lately...
And as I understand this is also a DEBUT novel...well damn good job, and I an really excited to see what comes next from the writing pen of this NEW author!
September 15, 2019
4 Flock of Love Stars
“Why does Ben look like he wants to kill you?” she whispers as we walk toward the stairs.
“This is just how he looks at me sometimes”
When I think about the most appropriate word for Emma and Benjamin’s relationship, one word comes to mind:
Complete and total trainwreck from the very beginning.
Both characters are damaged. Both characters aren’t expecting the best from people when they first meet them. But Rose had to know what she was doing when she left her estate to her beloved grandson, Benjamin, and her live in nurse and newest best friend, Emma. The idea of the two of them spending a month living in Rose’s house while they fix it up is ridiculous, given the fact that from the first moment he meets her, Ben basically torments the everloving crap out of Emma. Let the games begin!
First things first, let’s talk about the things I loved about Shortcake, because the list is long and detailed.
The writing is fantastic. I don’t tend to blow a whole lot of undeserved sunshine during the course of my reviews, but I can honestly say Lucy Watson gets me. Or, at least her kickass writing does. The story is told completely from Emma’s POV and while I could’ve used some strategically placed Ben observations, I came to truly adore the time I spent inside Emma’s head. She’s funny, self-deprecating and so heartbreakingly broken at times that I wanted to give her the hugest of virtual hugs and applaud her for keeping her head above water.
It’s not often I can say the little old ladies helped make the book a winner, but that’s most definitely the case here. There’s absolutely no way I can’t love a woman who chooses Staying Alive as her funeral song. I aspire to be you one day, Rose.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book and for a while, I thought I had a 5 star read on my hands. Then the fighting, bitching and all ‘round bickering started. And it kept going. And going. And going. Ben really freaking resented Emma and there really wasn’t a spare moment he failed to let her know that. Eventually and after a whole lot of pain on Emma’s part, some softness stars to appear, but even then it’s fleeting. By the end, I was exhausted. Just fully worn out from the drama between these two. I still enjoyed the story and the writing in general, but at some point I just need a soft spot to land and I never felt I got that with this story.
I wasn’t lying when I said I loved Lucy Watson’s writing. I do and I’m already eagerly awaiting what she has in store for us next. I just hope the next book doesn’t drain me quite so much.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
“Why does Ben look like he wants to kill you?” she whispers as we walk toward the stairs.
“This is just how he looks at me sometimes”
When I think about the most appropriate word for Emma and Benjamin’s relationship, one word comes to mind:
Complete and total trainwreck from the very beginning.
Both characters are damaged. Both characters aren’t expecting the best from people when they first meet them. But Rose had to know what she was doing when she left her estate to her beloved grandson, Benjamin, and her live in nurse and newest best friend, Emma. The idea of the two of them spending a month living in Rose’s house while they fix it up is ridiculous, given the fact that from the first moment he meets her, Ben basically torments the everloving crap out of Emma. Let the games begin!
First things first, let’s talk about the things I loved about Shortcake, because the list is long and detailed.
The writing is fantastic. I don’t tend to blow a whole lot of undeserved sunshine during the course of my reviews, but I can honestly say Lucy Watson gets me. Or, at least her kickass writing does. The story is told completely from Emma’s POV and while I could’ve used some strategically placed Ben observations, I came to truly adore the time I spent inside Emma’s head. She’s funny, self-deprecating and so heartbreakingly broken at times that I wanted to give her the hugest of virtual hugs and applaud her for keeping her head above water.
It’s not often I can say the little old ladies helped make the book a winner, but that’s most definitely the case here. There’s absolutely no way I can’t love a woman who chooses Staying Alive as her funeral song. I aspire to be you one day, Rose.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book and for a while, I thought I had a 5 star read on my hands. Then the fighting, bitching and all ‘round bickering started. And it kept going. And going. And going. Ben really freaking resented Emma and there really wasn’t a spare moment he failed to let her know that. Eventually and after a whole lot of pain on Emma’s part, some softness stars to appear, but even then it’s fleeting. By the end, I was exhausted. Just fully worn out from the drama between these two. I still enjoyed the story and the writing in general, but at some point I just need a soft spot to land and I never felt I got that with this story.
I wasn’t lying when I said I loved Lucy Watson’s writing. I do and I’m already eagerly awaiting what she has in store for us next. I just hope the next book doesn’t drain me quite so much.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
March 6, 2022
If i have to describe this book with one word it'd be ridiculous.
From the over the top dramatic, weak and annoying h who kept acting like she was still in high school to the H who was the biggest asshole insulting her all the time.
The plot with the engagement was so ridiculous i can not.🤦♀️ why not spend thousand of dollars on a pretend wedding just bc both were so stubborn to admit their feelings?? does money in books grow on trees, seriously asking🙄 i swear they both acted like immature children. did they even know each other other than surfice lvl? I feel like this book was one big h's monologue bc they rarely even spoke, he always grunted, she was just having conversations in her head 🙄
the plot was so undeveloped, there were a lot of things just mentioned and not explained enough like the weird relationship with her step cousin who may or may not be in love with her? the h tragic past or her anxiety? she couldn't wait in home depot bc of the long lines and had anxiety attack but then went in a bar dancing in a crowd and she was magically okay?
sorry girl, anxiety doesn't work like that and magically disapper i'd know.
the ending frustraited me to no end.
oh and the H finally decided not to be mute in the very last 2 pages so there's that.
i hate when everything happens and then resolves in the last chapter, HATE!
The only normal character i liked was grandma Rose, the others not so much.
From the over the top dramatic, weak and annoying h who kept acting like she was still in high school to the H who was the biggest asshole insulting her all the time.
The plot with the engagement was so ridiculous i can not.🤦♀️ why not spend thousand of dollars on a pretend wedding just bc both were so stubborn to admit their feelings?? does money in books grow on trees, seriously asking🙄 i swear they both acted like immature children. did they even know each other other than surfice lvl? I feel like this book was one big h's monologue bc they rarely even spoke, he always grunted, she was just having conversations in her head 🙄
the plot was so undeveloped, there were a lot of things just mentioned and not explained enough like the weird relationship with her step cousin who may or may not be in love with her? the h tragic past or her anxiety? she couldn't wait in home depot bc of the long lines and had anxiety attack but then went in a bar dancing in a crowd and she was magically okay?
sorry girl, anxiety doesn't work like that and magically disapper i'd know.
the ending frustraited me to no end.
oh and the H finally decided not to be mute in the very last 2 pages so there's that.
i hate when everything happens and then resolves in the last chapter, HATE!
The only normal character i liked was grandma Rose, the others not so much.
February 21, 2022
Trigger Warnings:
THIS BOOK OH MA GOD, THIS BOOK IS BLOODY AMAZING. What a bloody ride, this book was so funny I literally was laughing so hard while reading it. There were so many hilarious moments, I'm literally thinking back to scenes and dying of laughter. This book is a hidden gem, it truly is bloody amazing like hooooooly. I was lucky enough to buddy read this gem with my lovely friend, Bookish Opinions I highly recommend you check this out if you have not done so already. This is my first Lucy Watson book and this is her debut book which is CRAZY, like holy. I'm so sad there aren't more books by her since I woulda ate that shit up right away. She said she's coming out with a new book in 2020 but sadly there wasn't one but when there is, I'll be reading that ASAP! My friend Bookish Opinions mentioned that this book kinda gave her the same feel as You Deserve Each Other because of the banter and hilarious jokes, which I completely agree with. So if you loved that book, you might love this as well. Although this book is amazing, there are a lot of plot holes, I feel like you kinda have to throw logic out the window to enjoy it but nevertheless, I loved this book so much, it's definitely something unforgettable.
This book follows Emelia, a girl who is a caretaker of Rose for the past 6 months. Rose suddenly passes away and in her will, she says that if both Emelia and Ben live in the same house for 30 days, they will have access to her inheritance. If Emelia refuses, Ben will not get the inheritance either and it will go to a person he despises. Ben believes that Emelia is a con artist who tricked his poor grandma into giving part of her inheritance to Emelia. Will they pull through for 30 days or give up?
Now for spoilers...
I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a cute romance that'll make you laugh your ass off. As long as you won't be too bothered by plot holes, I feel like you'll love this. That is all, stay safe folks!
THIS BOOK OH MA GOD, THIS BOOK IS BLOODY AMAZING. What a bloody ride, this book was so funny I literally was laughing so hard while reading it. There were so many hilarious moments, I'm literally thinking back to scenes and dying of laughter. This book is a hidden gem, it truly is bloody amazing like hooooooly. I was lucky enough to buddy read this gem with my lovely friend, Bookish Opinions I highly recommend you check this out if you have not done so already. This is my first Lucy Watson book and this is her debut book which is CRAZY, like holy. I'm so sad there aren't more books by her since I woulda ate that shit up right away. She said she's coming out with a new book in 2020 but sadly there wasn't one but when there is, I'll be reading that ASAP! My friend Bookish Opinions mentioned that this book kinda gave her the same feel as You Deserve Each Other because of the banter and hilarious jokes, which I completely agree with. So if you loved that book, you might love this as well. Although this book is amazing, there are a lot of plot holes, I feel like you kinda have to throw logic out the window to enjoy it but nevertheless, I loved this book so much, it's definitely something unforgettable.
This book follows Emelia, a girl who is a caretaker of Rose for the past 6 months. Rose suddenly passes away and in her will, she says that if both Emelia and Ben live in the same house for 30 days, they will have access to her inheritance. If Emelia refuses, Ben will not get the inheritance either and it will go to a person he despises. Ben believes that Emelia is a con artist who tricked his poor grandma into giving part of her inheritance to Emelia. Will they pull through for 30 days or give up?
Now for spoilers...
I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a cute romance that'll make you laugh your ass off. As long as you won't be too bothered by plot holes, I feel like you'll love this. That is all, stay safe folks!
October 2, 2020
4 out of 5 stars
Lucy Watson is another author that has big potential to become one of my priority reads when it comes to RomComs.
This book had me sold when I read the dedication:
Lucy Watson's romance-writing skill is something new, something unique, something compelling, and I am sure as hell here for it. I am ready for more of her books!
☑️ Enemies to Lovers
☑️ 100% Witty banter 🔥🔥🔥
☑️ Laugh-Love-Face palm-Swoon
☑️ Golden humor (The heroine is an absolute comedy central. Weird shit and all.)
☑️ Anxiety attacks
☑️ Dealing with loss (Though this was placed as a minor subplot, this does not affect the legit humorous element of the book.)
Benjamin Crawford hates his dad. He hates his stepmom. Basically, it is safe to say he hates his family, except for his grandma. He loves her. But when his beloved grandma died, she left him with a huge house and her many valuable properties. She also left him with many conditions along with these which is to restore the house and restore it together with Emelia Anderson.
Emelia is the nurse of Ben's late grandma. She has grown very close with her and when she left, she was also devastated by the loss. With the news of the house restoration, she is left shock but the grandma left specific instructions for the job to be done and to be done correctly (hiring a lawyer who inspects on them, with CCTVs and all that!).
Ben is convinced of Emelia conning his grandma for the easy money and properties, and he is absolutely set to see through the scam. No way this nurse can have a piece of his grandmother's assets. But, Ben discovers a lot about the pretty and petite Emelia and he is unable to resist the weird woman. Added to this are some meddling old-lady neighbors who are set on giving them a wedding they don't even want in the first place.
--------------
I gave this book 4 stars because there were conflicts that felt un-resolved, and subplots that felt unnatural and wobbly. Overall, this was a great and incredibly funny read!
I can't help but think that maybe we survived our nightmares, so we can have this. Us.
Lucy Watson is another author that has big potential to become one of my priority reads when it comes to RomComs.
This book had me sold when I read the dedication:
For all the woman who do weird shit.
Lucy Watson's romance-writing skill is something new, something unique, something compelling, and I am sure as hell here for it. I am ready for more of her books!
I read an article that people who return carts are less likely to cheat.
☑️ Enemies to Lovers
☑️ 100% Witty banter 🔥🔥🔥
☑️ Laugh-Love-Face palm-Swoon
☑️ Golden humor (The heroine is an absolute comedy central. Weird shit and all.)
☑️ Anxiety attacks
☑️ Dealing with loss (Though this was placed as a minor subplot, this does not affect the legit humorous element of the book.)
Benjamin Crawford hates his dad. He hates his stepmom. Basically, it is safe to say he hates his family, except for his grandma. He loves her. But when his beloved grandma died, she left him with a huge house and her many valuable properties. She also left him with many conditions along with these which is to restore the house and restore it together with Emelia Anderson.
Emelia is the nurse of Ben's late grandma. She has grown very close with her and when she left, she was also devastated by the loss. With the news of the house restoration, she is left shock but the grandma left specific instructions for the job to be done and to be done correctly (hiring a lawyer who inspects on them, with CCTVs and all that!).
Ben is convinced of Emelia conning his grandma for the easy money and properties, and he is absolutely set to see through the scam. No way this nurse can have a piece of his grandmother's assets. But, Ben discovers a lot about the pretty and petite Emelia and he is unable to resist the weird woman. Added to this are some meddling old-lady neighbors who are set on giving them a wedding they don't even want in the first place.
--------------
I gave this book 4 stars because there were conflicts that felt un-resolved, and subplots that felt unnatural and wobbly. Overall, this was a great and incredibly funny read!
March 12, 2022
Two things made this book an awful read for me.
1- We only get to see the story through the heroine’s eyes. So you don’t get the chance to know the hero and know what’s inside his head. And I needed that like I need air. He was a jackass for nearly the entire book and we don’t know why. We don’t get a chance to see Ben as a decent human. And I have soooo many questions about his past. Why the scars??? It was also hard to overlook Ben's abusive behavior towards the female lead.
(“His heavy hand circles my thigh, right above my knee. […]
His fingers tighten, increasing my pain to level-seven on the Emergency Room pain chart, an orange frowning face with a single drop of sweat traveling from its forehead. […]
I take in a sharp breath through my nose as Ben’s squeezing grip intensifies until it feels like a stampede of Charlie horses on my leg.”)
Was that scene supposed to be funny? Are we supposed to laugh about guys physically hurting girls now???
I honestly couldn’t understand what the heroine saw in him. One of them sure needs therapy. Maybe both!
2- The conflict period went on for way too long. The transition from enemies to lovers was too sudden, and for me, it didn’t make sense. We don’t get the chance to see them falling for each other. Ben in a different light. Suddenly they just were in love. Living their HEA and that was it.
Oh! And let’s not forget that we were left with many unanswered questions… yup! It was that bad! 😒
1- We only get to see the story through the heroine’s eyes. So you don’t get the chance to know the hero and know what’s inside his head. And I needed that like I need air. He was a jackass for nearly the entire book and we don’t know why. We don’t get a chance to see Ben as a decent human. And I have soooo many questions about his past. Why the scars??? It was also hard to overlook Ben's abusive behavior towards the female lead.
(“His heavy hand circles my thigh, right above my knee. […]
His fingers tighten, increasing my pain to level-seven on the Emergency Room pain chart, an orange frowning face with a single drop of sweat traveling from its forehead. […]
I take in a sharp breath through my nose as Ben’s squeezing grip intensifies until it feels like a stampede of Charlie horses on my leg.”)
Was that scene supposed to be funny? Are we supposed to laugh about guys physically hurting girls now???
I honestly couldn’t understand what the heroine saw in him. One of them sure needs therapy. Maybe both!
2- The conflict period went on for way too long. The transition from enemies to lovers was too sudden, and for me, it didn’t make sense. We don’t get the chance to see them falling for each other. Ben in a different light. Suddenly they just were in love. Living their HEA and that was it.
Oh! And let’s not forget that we were left with many unanswered questions… yup! It was that bad! 😒
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 1, 201925% and I'm calling it.
The hero was a real ass. He came on to other women right in front of heroine... they weren't together, but it was still painful to read. I skimmed and found he was going to get it on with a massage therapist in heroine's bedroom while she was still in the house. That was my line and I was no longer interested in reading.
The hero was a real ass. He came on to other women right in front of heroine... they weren't together, but it was still painful to read. I skimmed and found he was going to get it on with a massage therapist in heroine's bedroom while she was still in the house. That was my line and I was no longer interested in reading.
April 7, 2021
Absolutely loved it. I am a complete pushover for an asshole H and Ben was one of the best. I’m kicking myself for not having read this sooner. Thanks for the laughs, LW.
November 19, 2019
4.25-4.5 STARS!
Earlier this year, I was unexpectedly surprised by a little book called Everything Girl by Emily Mayer. I almost didn't pick up the book, almost decided to skip on to the next book and forget about it, but I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't because it became one of my top favorite books of the year.
You think I would've learned. But I didn't. In the wake of my post Everything Girl feels, I almost skipped this book. What a damn shame if I had.
Let me tell you, I learn a lot about a book from a synopsis. A little flare of the author's writing style, and when I read the synopsis for SHORTCAKE, I knew this was going to be balls to the walls hilarious asf. AND I WAS NOT PROVEN WRONG.
THIS BOOK IS ACTUALLY THE DEFINITION OF FINDING SOMEONE WHO CAN TAKE IT AS GOOD AS HE CAN HASH IT OUT BECAUSE LET ME TELL YOU.
THE.TENSION.IN.THIS.BOOK.WAS.EVERYTHING. (picture me applauding with every period in order to further illustrate my point).
Mariana Zapata has ruined me with her writing style because she creates such authentic, distinct protagonist that I find myself comparing all the romcoms I read on the Mariana Zapata scale, and SHORTCAKE IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH MAKING ME SMILE LIKE AN IDIOT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY MAKING ME REALIZE I'M ALONE ASF.
IDON'TEVENKNOWWHATTOSAY...
The SeXuAl TeNsIoN in this book astounded me. I'm clearly shook beyond words as I can't even formulate a rational, cohesive sentence (sorry to all my English professors I've now let down lmao). Literally the scene in Home Depot had me rolling because our protagonist, Emelia, is an actual goddess and anytime Ben would give her shit, she was giving him shit right back, and I loved her cause she was not having his bullshit.
Oh ya. Ben. Ben. Bennnnnn. Benny. So the news of the Grisha Shadow and Bone casting has me all kinds of shook, and the way Ben was described had me picturing Ben Barnes, our resident Darkling, as Benjamin Crawford, and I can't say I was ashamed of my mental image (even if I hate picturing fictional characters as people;P)
Mkay. So this book is actually like a 4.25-4.5, but on a sexual tension/romance/this book had me dying of fifty shades of feels...I rate this book a 12, but when they say law school ruins everything about your life, they are not lying because after taking Trusts and Estates, I just couldn't take Ben seriously when he was snapping at Emelia about her trying to take all his money and how his Grandma wasn't sane in the end (sorry Benny, she was perfectly sane, perhaps your grandmother was just a dirty shipping whore, and was hoping the Emelia/Benjamin ship would sail)...
Also, I thought the plot was a bit ridiculous and some loose ends weren't really tied up, but yah know what, I laughed my ass off reading this book, so I was able to look past it, AND WHO CARES I GUESS LMAO...but seriously I STAN EMELIA AND THIS AUTHOR IS A NEW FAVORITE...I love the way this woman writes and I am here for it...I want an epilogue Lucy!!!!
10/10 RECOMMEND FOR FANS OF QUEENS ZAPATA, RS GREY, AND SALLY THORNE, AND IF YOU ENJOYED EVERYTHING GIRL BY EMILY MAYER (IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT ONE, GO DO IT)
Earlier this year, I was unexpectedly surprised by a little book called Everything Girl by Emily Mayer. I almost didn't pick up the book, almost decided to skip on to the next book and forget about it, but I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't because it became one of my top favorite books of the year.
You think I would've learned. But I didn't. In the wake of my post Everything Girl feels, I almost skipped this book. What a damn shame if I had.
Let me tell you, I learn a lot about a book from a synopsis. A little flare of the author's writing style, and when I read the synopsis for SHORTCAKE, I knew this was going to be balls to the walls hilarious asf. AND I WAS NOT PROVEN WRONG.
THIS BOOK IS ACTUALLY THE DEFINITION OF FINDING SOMEONE WHO CAN TAKE IT AS GOOD AS HE CAN HASH IT OUT BECAUSE LET ME TELL YOU.
THE.TENSION.IN.THIS.BOOK.WAS.EVERYTHING. (picture me applauding with every period in order to further illustrate my point).
Mariana Zapata has ruined me with her writing style because she creates such authentic, distinct protagonist that I find myself comparing all the romcoms I read on the Mariana Zapata scale, and SHORTCAKE IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH MAKING ME SMILE LIKE AN IDIOT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY MAKING ME REALIZE I'M ALONE ASF.
IDON'TEVENKNOWWHATTOSAY...
The SeXuAl TeNsIoN in this book astounded me. I'm clearly shook beyond words as I can't even formulate a rational, cohesive sentence (sorry to all my English professors I've now let down lmao). Literally the scene in Home Depot had me rolling because our protagonist, Emelia, is an actual goddess and anytime Ben would give her shit, she was giving him shit right back, and I loved her cause she was not having his bullshit.
Oh ya. Ben. Ben. Bennnnnn. Benny. So the news of the Grisha Shadow and Bone casting has me all kinds of shook, and the way Ben was described had me picturing Ben Barnes, our resident Darkling, as Benjamin Crawford, and I can't say I was ashamed of my mental image (even if I hate picturing fictional characters as people;P)
Mkay. So this book is actually like a 4.25-4.5, but on a sexual tension/romance/this book had me dying of fifty shades of feels...I rate this book a 12, but when they say law school ruins everything about your life, they are not lying because after taking Trusts and Estates, I just couldn't take Ben seriously when he was snapping at Emelia about her trying to take all his money and how his Grandma wasn't sane in the end (sorry Benny, she was perfectly sane, perhaps your grandmother was just a dirty shipping whore, and was hoping the Emelia/Benjamin ship would sail)...
Also, I thought the plot was a bit ridiculous and some loose ends weren't really tied up, but yah know what, I laughed my ass off reading this book, so I was able to look past it, AND WHO CARES I GUESS LMAO...but seriously I STAN EMELIA AND THIS AUTHOR IS A NEW FAVORITE...I love the way this woman writes and I am here for it...I want an epilogue Lucy!!!!
10/10 RECOMMEND FOR FANS OF QUEENS ZAPATA, RS GREY, AND SALLY THORNE, AND IF YOU ENJOYED EVERYTHING GIRL BY EMILY MAYER (IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT ONE, GO DO IT)
October 1, 2021
I created a whole new bookshelf just to express my sentiments on this book: WTF!! And believe me it’s not a good WTF.
Please be warned that I will be ranting and spoilers:
It is now 23:26PM and I just finished Shortcake. In a nutshell: I HATE this book! Fucking hate it. So long story short, Emmy took care of Ben’s grandmother the 6 months before she passed. In doing so they became good friends. Rose set up her will that Emmy (virtual stranger) and Ben get her whole estate on the condition that they fix up her old house together and sleep in it for the next 30 days or else everything goes to Ben’s dad Mark. Who Ben hates.
I thought at first that this could be hilarious albeit not original. In the first 30% of this book I realized that this was not going to happen. The two MC’s were the most immature, juvenile people I’ve ever read about. I hated Emmy. She was a weak minded, Annoying character that had the maturity of a 3year old. She always needed to have the last word or always needed to one up him, gloating and all round just sprouting nonsense. To be fair the hero of this story was right there with her on the one-upping and immaturity but because we read it from her point of view it annoyed me more with her.
Then there are the 1000 times where she knows she should leave ... and doesn’t. She knows she shouldn’t do or say something but then does anyway. Things like this you can find in almost any romance novel but when you find it on every other page you get tired of it quick. This girl has no impulse control whatsoever and I don’t mean that in a good way.
Then other thing I dislike greatly in romance novels is the heroines inability to not succumb to her hormones. This girl borders on obsessed. There are endless descriptions about Ben and her train of thought regarding him that made me want to blow my brains out.
Another thing I extremely dislike is Emmy’s lack of grit or resolve. She resolved to not succumb to Ben’s ... whatever I can’t figure it out... to then cave 3 words later. Hate it, have a backbone woman!!
Up until the 70% part of this book. Ben doesn’t say much actually. he only acts like a complete jerk and bastard most of the time. But then closer towards the end he starts to speak more and it’s not what you want to hear. He has this sort of stilted caveman speak going on that I guess is intended to come off as alpha but really makes him sound like a moron. He tries to be gentle and tender upon occasion but it is very confusion due to the lack of clarity in his words. But guess what! he’s extremely rich ( black Amex card with no limit) so we’re good, right? NOT
Then!!!! THEN!! There is the issue of the fake wedding. How that shit show of a situation fist of all happened and then got perpetuated is a mystery to me. In non of the alternate universes EVER is a situation like this likely. Preparations for the fake wedding continue because they don’t have the heart to break it to people that it was a lie. Then in the end Ben wants to marry her for real. Sound romantic I know but does he tell her that? No. She gets a marriage licence shoved under her nose. On that licence she learns for the first time Ben’s full name and age and that he signed it. She signs the licence which she knows is real. This is when I lost all respect for her. This is the point you just say no!! So she loves him but is convinced he doesn’t love her back. He has never said so or hinted to it. Her cousins whom she loves and grew up with is boycotting the wedding because he thinks it’s fake and stupid (no argument there) so he can’t walk her down the aisle. So she finally figures this all out on her way down the aisle. Then she has a panic attack and turns back ready to flee. No said her fiancé. He picked her up caveman style and carries her down the aisle to make her marry him. No words of love or reassurance have ever been said by him at this time. He’s still acting like a total dick. Then at the final minute he confessed his love to her and she is the happiest woman alive. And they get married. And they live HEA!
What a load of crap!!!!
It is now 00:05AM. I’m out!
Please be warned that I will be ranting and spoilers:
It is now 23:26PM and I just finished Shortcake. In a nutshell: I HATE this book! Fucking hate it. So long story short, Emmy took care of Ben’s grandmother the 6 months before she passed. In doing so they became good friends. Rose set up her will that Emmy (virtual stranger) and Ben get her whole estate on the condition that they fix up her old house together and sleep in it for the next 30 days or else everything goes to Ben’s dad Mark. Who Ben hates.
I thought at first that this could be hilarious albeit not original. In the first 30% of this book I realized that this was not going to happen. The two MC’s were the most immature, juvenile people I’ve ever read about. I hated Emmy. She was a weak minded, Annoying character that had the maturity of a 3year old. She always needed to have the last word or always needed to one up him, gloating and all round just sprouting nonsense. To be fair the hero of this story was right there with her on the one-upping and immaturity but because we read it from her point of view it annoyed me more with her.
Then there are the 1000 times where she knows she should leave ... and doesn’t. She knows she shouldn’t do or say something but then does anyway. Things like this you can find in almost any romance novel but when you find it on every other page you get tired of it quick. This girl has no impulse control whatsoever and I don’t mean that in a good way.
Then other thing I dislike greatly in romance novels is the heroines inability to not succumb to her hormones. This girl borders on obsessed. There are endless descriptions about Ben and her train of thought regarding him that made me want to blow my brains out.
Another thing I extremely dislike is Emmy’s lack of grit or resolve. She resolved to not succumb to Ben’s ... whatever I can’t figure it out... to then cave 3 words later. Hate it, have a backbone woman!!
Up until the 70% part of this book. Ben doesn’t say much actually. he only acts like a complete jerk and bastard most of the time. But then closer towards the end he starts to speak more and it’s not what you want to hear. He has this sort of stilted caveman speak going on that I guess is intended to come off as alpha but really makes him sound like a moron. He tries to be gentle and tender upon occasion but it is very confusion due to the lack of clarity in his words. But guess what! he’s extremely rich ( black Amex card with no limit) so we’re good, right? NOT
Then!!!! THEN!! There is the issue of the fake wedding. How that shit show of a situation fist of all happened and then got perpetuated is a mystery to me. In non of the alternate universes EVER is a situation like this likely. Preparations for the fake wedding continue because they don’t have the heart to break it to people that it was a lie. Then in the end Ben wants to marry her for real. Sound romantic I know but does he tell her that? No. She gets a marriage licence shoved under her nose. On that licence she learns for the first time Ben’s full name and age and that he signed it. She signs the licence which she knows is real. This is when I lost all respect for her. This is the point you just say no!! So she loves him but is convinced he doesn’t love her back. He has never said so or hinted to it. Her cousins whom she loves and grew up with is boycotting the wedding because he thinks it’s fake and stupid (no argument there) so he can’t walk her down the aisle. So she finally figures this all out on her way down the aisle. Then she has a panic attack and turns back ready to flee. No said her fiancé. He picked her up caveman style and carries her down the aisle to make her marry him. No words of love or reassurance have ever been said by him at this time. He’s still acting like a total dick. Then at the final minute he confessed his love to her and she is the happiest woman alive. And they get married. And they live HEA!
What a load of crap!!!!
It is now 00:05AM. I’m out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2019
1.5*
OH guys I have opinions!
This may be a case of writing two sections with "The Good" and "The Bad".
The Good
The conversations were humourous. I often found the back and forth engaging and overall entertaining. Emelia herself was a decent main character.
The Bad
Ben was a dick and the redemption came a bit too late. This book would have benefited greatly from having his perspective revealed. Also, ugh broody guys who literally manhandle women aren't attractive.
WTF was with Derek? Clearly he was in love with her and she was 100% oblivious but this was never addressed. Also he had been dating someone for a few weeks... this book takes place over the course of 30 days and yet was written like 6 months had passed.
EVERY secondary character was written like they were going to get their own book. Like their only purpose was to add a sequel. (The author's note at the end confirms that there will in fact be a new character specific book next year.)
The drama in their backgrounds was barely touched upon and when it was it felt way undeveloped.
The entire marriage drama was utter bullshit. Honestly WHAT? What the hell did they owe to these people that made them think they had to keep up the ridiculous charade? It was so weird.
Also can we go back to the month thing please?
Why was she always sleeping on the damn couch? It sounded like this place was huge and yet she couldn't find another fucking bed? She talks about the guest room and then is on the couch. WHY!
Did you know Ben has straight white teeth and oh he also has lips! The lip thing is NOT unique to this book, lips are often overly characterized in books. But Ben's lips may get met more character development than a lot of other characters in this book.
I hate when every friend/family member is described as being hot. I get it, it's fiction but come on be more creative!
Conclusion
Do I think Lucy Watson is a bad writer? No.
Do I think Lucy Watson is a bad storyteller? Sort of!
This novels biggest shortfall was poor storytelling. It had SO much potential but as a story the plot was just... desperate?
OH guys I have opinions!
This may be a case of writing two sections with "The Good" and "The Bad".
The Good
The conversations were humourous. I often found the back and forth engaging and overall entertaining. Emelia herself was a decent main character.
The Bad
Ben was a dick and the redemption came a bit too late. This book would have benefited greatly from having his perspective revealed. Also, ugh broody guys who literally manhandle women aren't attractive.
WTF was with Derek? Clearly he was in love with her and she was 100% oblivious but this was never addressed. Also he had been dating someone for a few weeks... this book takes place over the course of 30 days and yet was written like 6 months had passed.
EVERY secondary character was written like they were going to get their own book. Like their only purpose was to add a sequel. (The author's note at the end confirms that there will in fact be a new character specific book next year.)
The drama in their backgrounds was barely touched upon and when it was it felt way undeveloped.
The entire marriage drama was utter bullshit. Honestly WHAT? What the hell did they owe to these people that made them think they had to keep up the ridiculous charade? It was so weird.
Also can we go back to the month thing please?
Why was she always sleeping on the damn couch? It sounded like this place was huge and yet she couldn't find another fucking bed? She talks about the guest room and then is on the couch. WHY!
Did you know Ben has straight white teeth and oh he also has lips! The lip thing is NOT unique to this book, lips are often overly characterized in books. But Ben's lips may get met more character development than a lot of other characters in this book.
I hate when every friend/family member is described as being hot. I get it, it's fiction but come on be more creative!
Conclusion
Do I think Lucy Watson is a bad writer? No.
Do I think Lucy Watson is a bad storyteller? Sort of!
This novels biggest shortfall was poor storytelling. It had SO much potential but as a story the plot was just... desperate?
April 8, 2022
My latest reading recommendation!
This is really such a cute book. It's funny and unexpected and I gobbled it up in one sitting. I especially loved how much I related to Em for all her awkward hilarity, and also how much I felt for Ben (and all his many angry wounds). It's truly the classic definition of romcom, so if you want something adorable and funny, I think you'll love it.
This is really such a cute book. It's funny and unexpected and I gobbled it up in one sitting. I especially loved how much I related to Em for all her awkward hilarity, and also how much I felt for Ben (and all his many angry wounds). It's truly the classic definition of romcom, so if you want something adorable and funny, I think you'll love it.
January 9, 2022
4.5**
February 27, 2020
4,5 stars ☀️
One of my GR friends, Isabella.R, got me curious about this one, so here I am.
It's not a typical enemies to lovers romance... Well, it is. But it's also so much more.
It's funny, sweet and emotional. With lots of jokes and a wonderful writing. And I'm gonna put lots and lots of quotes in here.
Emmy:
* If you ever happen to see a vertically-challenged brunette wandering aimlessly in a mall parking lot while yelling at herself, don’t call the cops. It’s just me trying to find my car.
* I don’t ogle men. I discreetly sneak a peek here and there because I’m classy like that.
* Jamie’s character in the series was a serial killer who strangled his victims while wearing lingerie, which makes the fact I still thought he was yummy sort of freak me out.
Ben:
* He looks pissed, or maybe he just suffers from the male equivalent of resting bitch face.
There are soooo many pop culture and modern absurdity references, it was just a joy to read. (Propably because I'm also a movie dork).
My heartstrings tug a little at the pictures lining the walls, capturing a time when this house was full of laughter and love, when Darth Vader Dottie was still Anakin Skywalker.
If I would read it again 10-20 years from now, it'd bring me back to the stuff nobody would remember anymore, like ice bucket challenge or the way two girls in a club talked in "emoji talk" (I don't know if it's a thing, but it sounded like that to me):
She holds her hand up. [...] "Oh my god, I love that for you," [...] "It’s so fire. Total vibes."
Either she’s invented a new drunk-language, or I’m old, because I haven’t a freaking clue what she’s talking about. Her friend turns from the mirror [...] and says in a way too enthusiastic voice, "Oh my god, same. So, fire. Love-loves."
The romance was an extreme case of slow burn and I loved it. Because once in a while, I like it slow.
"We’re not done," he states in a hoarse whisper, his brown eyes drilling into mine. "Say it," he orders. His lips brush lightly against mine, sending a shiver of desire through me. His thumb runs along my jaws, coaxing my submission. "Say it, babe."
I’ll never be done.
"We’re not done," I whisper, my eyes drifting shut, my hands going to his waist.
If you not into that, the book will frustrate the shit out of you.
Because their insecurities and past traumas did not make it easy for them and our hero behaved like a piece of work sometimes. But hey, we all have shit we have to work through, so those two, walking a bumpy road toward each other, were lovely to watch.
Also personally, the heroine was easy for me to relate to, so probably it was one the reasons I liked the book so much.
There were some moments that did not make it perfect, but I will leave them out.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I will probably get back to it someday.
One of my GR friends, Isabella.R, got me curious about this one, so here I am.
It's not a typical enemies to lovers romance... Well, it is. But it's also so much more.
It's funny, sweet and emotional. With lots of jokes and a wonderful writing. And I'm gonna put lots and lots of quotes in here.
Emmy:
* If you ever happen to see a vertically-challenged brunette wandering aimlessly in a mall parking lot while yelling at herself, don’t call the cops. It’s just me trying to find my car.
* I don’t ogle men. I discreetly sneak a peek here and there because I’m classy like that.
* Jamie’s character in the series was a serial killer who strangled his victims while wearing lingerie, which makes the fact I still thought he was yummy sort of freak me out.
Ben:
* He looks pissed, or maybe he just suffers from the male equivalent of resting bitch face.
There are soooo many pop culture and modern absurdity references, it was just a joy to read. (Propably because I'm also a movie dork).
My heartstrings tug a little at the pictures lining the walls, capturing a time when this house was full of laughter and love, when Darth Vader Dottie was still Anakin Skywalker.
If I would read it again 10-20 years from now, it'd bring me back to the stuff nobody would remember anymore, like ice bucket challenge or the way two girls in a club talked in "emoji talk" (I don't know if it's a thing, but it sounded like that to me):
She holds her hand up. [...] "Oh my god, I love that for you," [...] "It’s so fire. Total vibes."
Either she’s invented a new drunk-language, or I’m old, because I haven’t a freaking clue what she’s talking about. Her friend turns from the mirror [...] and says in a way too enthusiastic voice, "Oh my god, same. So, fire. Love-loves."
The romance was an extreme case of slow burn and I loved it. Because once in a while, I like it slow.
"We’re not done," he states in a hoarse whisper, his brown eyes drilling into mine. "Say it," he orders. His lips brush lightly against mine, sending a shiver of desire through me. His thumb runs along my jaws, coaxing my submission. "Say it, babe."
I’ll never be done.
"We’re not done," I whisper, my eyes drifting shut, my hands going to his waist.
If you not into that, the book will frustrate the shit out of you.
Because their insecurities and past traumas did not make it easy for them and our hero behaved like a piece of work sometimes. But hey, we all have shit we have to work through, so those two, walking a bumpy road toward each other, were lovely to watch.
Also personally, the heroine was easy for me to relate to, so probably it was one the reasons I liked the book so much.
There were some moments that did not make it perfect, but I will leave them out.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I will probably get back to it someday.
July 28, 2019
Woosshh... that is the sound of this book flying to my favorite-2019 shelf. After being in a bit of a reading slump I was so happy to find this book! I loved and enjoyed it.
The book is called 'Shortcake' and is written by Lucy Watson. As a 'The Hating Game' fan by Sally Thorne you get the attraction immediately. Shortcake and Lucy on a cover.. yummy. I just had to request it @Netgalley!
The cover is a bit misleading. The book is a romance and it has a lot of funny moments, but also more heavy moments. Emmy is a nurse and has just lost her patient, Rose. Rose was a friend to her and when the family arrives at the house she expects to leave and find another place to live and work. However, it seems Rose had other ideas! Emmy and Rose's grandson Ben must live in the house and fulfill some tasks to both inherit half the estate. If they forfeit everything will go to Ben's father, the father he is embroiled with.
Ben doesn't like Emmy, at all and so a small war is fought between them while painting and doing their part of the deal. They both give as good as they get, a real enemies-to-lovers! I must say I enjoyed their quarrels and one-upping each other. Also really liked the friends.
The book is a slow-burn as to the fact it takes until almost the end of the book before they get it on, but the time-frame of the book is only a month. I finished the book in just a couple of hours, I really enjoyed it so much. It is also filled with references to movies and series.
Only after you start wondering about certain things (there is a loose end I would like to have seen fixed) but maybe I just should NOT start wondering and just take the book for what it is. I loved reading it and look forward to more books by this author. I would also like some more about these characters!
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
The book is called 'Shortcake' and is written by Lucy Watson. As a 'The Hating Game' fan by Sally Thorne you get the attraction immediately. Shortcake and Lucy on a cover.. yummy. I just had to request it @Netgalley!
The cover is a bit misleading. The book is a romance and it has a lot of funny moments, but also more heavy moments. Emmy is a nurse and has just lost her patient, Rose. Rose was a friend to her and when the family arrives at the house she expects to leave and find another place to live and work. However, it seems Rose had other ideas! Emmy and Rose's grandson Ben must live in the house and fulfill some tasks to both inherit half the estate. If they forfeit everything will go to Ben's father, the father he is embroiled with.
Ben doesn't like Emmy, at all and so a small war is fought between them while painting and doing their part of the deal. They both give as good as they get, a real enemies-to-lovers! I must say I enjoyed their quarrels and one-upping each other. Also really liked the friends.
The book is a slow-burn as to the fact it takes until almost the end of the book before they get it on, but the time-frame of the book is only a month. I finished the book in just a couple of hours, I really enjoyed it so much. It is also filled with references to movies and series.
Only after you start wondering about certain things (there is a loose end I would like to have seen fixed) but maybe I just should NOT start wondering and just take the book for what it is. I loved reading it and look forward to more books by this author. I would also like some more about these characters!
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
February 27, 2020
This book cured my reading slump!
August 27, 2019
Dear Lucy Watson, how DARE you?! How is this your first book??! Why don't you have an entire series for me to devour? ::le sigh::
I guess... I'll wait.
Now to the book. Holy perfection Batman! I loved this book. Absolutely love it.
Emilia was a dorky, movie-quoting wonderful character with delightful flaws and a sad backstory that made me fall in love with her.
Ben, and all of his grumpy man bear tendencies made me want to snuggle him.
I loved these two together, so SO much.
And Nick! Please, for the love of kilts, tell me he's getting his own book!
The only thing that could have made this book pure perfection would be an epilogue from Ben's POV.
Any future books by Ms. Watson are definitely one-click buys for me.
I guess... I'll wait.
Now to the book. Holy perfection Batman! I loved this book. Absolutely love it.
Emilia was a dorky, movie-quoting wonderful character with delightful flaws and a sad backstory that made me fall in love with her.
Ben, and all of his grumpy man bear tendencies made me want to snuggle him.
I loved these two together, so SO much.
And Nick! Please, for the love of kilts, tell me he's getting his own book!
The only thing that could have made this book pure perfection would be an epilogue from Ben's POV.
Any future books by Ms. Watson are definitely one-click buys for me.
November 20, 2019
3.5 "Addictive but problematic" stars
Though this was a enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance and it was pretty addictive, the hero was a little too problematic for me. I love a good brooding alpha but Ben went too far sometimes. Emmy, on the other hand, was a great character. I loved her personality and her voice. She was a truly fun narrator. I'm also curious to see what will happen with Nick and Jesse, Ben's best friends, so I'll definitely be back to read more books in the series.
July 23, 2020
I decided to pick up this book for several reasons: the cover, the author and the synopsis. The cover looked cute, and I loved that it had the female protagonist on it, and since I haven’t read anything by the author, I decided to give it a chance. After having read the synopsis, the book sounded pretty promising and it made it seem like it was going to serve the enemies-to-lovers trope so obviously I was sold. As you may deduce by my rating, the book wasn’t what I was expecting.
Shortcake started as this ridiculously funny book, it was so over the top, but sometimes you just love to read that kind of books, they make you laugh and have a fun time while reading. However, there was a point at which I couldn’t overlook certain things and I was beginning to dread coming to the book and reading the next chapter. As I mentioned before, at first I didn’t mind that there were some things that didn’t make sense or that they weren’t explained well in order to make sense of the story and its development… after the 50% mark I just couldn’t overlook certain things and one of the events has to do with this, I’m not mentioning it because I will be spoiling the book if I did.
Apart from that, the characters were enjoyable, specially Emmy. I didn’t mind Ben at the beginning to be honest, I’m very used to reading about asshole characters that have a soft spot for their love interest. I seriously have no idea when it happened, but I started to not care about him and not condemn his behaviour. Emmy was a sweetheart and I think that her character would have been even more loved if the author gave more details about her.
To sum up, the premise of the book was set to a promising story between two characters that were tided and connected to the same person in their lives. It was a soft concept and I love when characters have to live in close proximity because they are obliged to do so. If the story had more explanation, and some of the things didn’t come out of nowhere, this book would have been an amazing experience.
Shortcake started as this ridiculously funny book, it was so over the top, but sometimes you just love to read that kind of books, they make you laugh and have a fun time while reading. However, there was a point at which I couldn’t overlook certain things and I was beginning to dread coming to the book and reading the next chapter. As I mentioned before, at first I didn’t mind that there were some things that didn’t make sense or that they weren’t explained well in order to make sense of the story and its development… after the 50% mark I just couldn’t overlook certain things and one of the events has to do with this, I’m not mentioning it because I will be spoiling the book if I did.
Apart from that, the characters were enjoyable, specially Emmy. I didn’t mind Ben at the beginning to be honest, I’m very used to reading about asshole characters that have a soft spot for their love interest. I seriously have no idea when it happened, but I started to not care about him and not condemn his behaviour. Emmy was a sweetheart and I think that her character would have been even more loved if the author gave more details about her.
To sum up, the premise of the book was set to a promising story between two characters that were tided and connected to the same person in their lives. It was a soft concept and I love when characters have to live in close proximity because they are obliged to do so. If the story had more explanation, and some of the things didn’t come out of nowhere, this book would have been an amazing experience.
December 9, 2019
Pick up this debut sexy novel and don’t judge it by its cover. It was super fun read and I loved it so much!!
A slow burn, enemies to lovers trope, Rom-com with a bit of sadness that connected the characters to each other.
I loved the witty writing style, the references from films and TV series. Fiery Emmy/Shortcake and brooding Ben were hilarious characters!!
I keep thinking about a sentence at the end, that throws us back into another scene, and I can't erase the smile from my face.
I’m a huge fan of enemies to lovers stories, so if you’re like me - read it!!
A slow burn, enemies to lovers trope, Rom-com with a bit of sadness that connected the characters to each other.
I loved the witty writing style, the references from films and TV series. Fiery Emmy/Shortcake and brooding Ben were hilarious characters!!
I keep thinking about a sentence at the end, that throws us back into another scene, and I can't erase the smile from my face.
I’m a huge fan of enemies to lovers stories, so if you’re like me - read it!!
March 13, 2022
Have you ever read a book that when you’re done you want to immediately tell everyone you’ve ever met that they have to read that book?
This is that book for me! Go now and buy this book! I’m so book hungover I want to read it all over again because I never wanted it to end! The fact this is Lucy Watson’s first book is mind blowing because it was off the chart good and is definitely on my top 3 all time fave books.
I’ve never laughed so hard at a book ever from start to finish this book is hilarious Emelias inner dialogue could be a comedy show. There’s so many awesome movie references in this book it just made this book so fun and easy to read. To make it even better The sexual tension between her and Ben is unbelievable and I love enemy to lover romances! To top off the perfection that is this book the steam which doesn’t come until later in the book is so hot 🔥 have some cold water nearby to cool you off!
If I had to make one complaint I was a little upset that a major relationship of Emelias was kind of left without proper closure but I have so much love for this book I don’t even care!
Huge Praise to Lucy Watson and please write more books ASAP because I need to read them now!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my own opinion on this book
This is that book for me! Go now and buy this book! I’m so book hungover I want to read it all over again because I never wanted it to end! The fact this is Lucy Watson’s first book is mind blowing because it was off the chart good and is definitely on my top 3 all time fave books.
I’ve never laughed so hard at a book ever from start to finish this book is hilarious Emelias inner dialogue could be a comedy show. There’s so many awesome movie references in this book it just made this book so fun and easy to read. To make it even better The sexual tension between her and Ben is unbelievable and I love enemy to lover romances! To top off the perfection that is this book the steam which doesn’t come until later in the book is so hot 🔥 have some cold water nearby to cool you off!
If I had to make one complaint I was a little upset that a major relationship of Emelias was kind of left without proper closure but I have so much love for this book I don’t even care!
Huge Praise to Lucy Watson and please write more books ASAP because I need to read them now!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my own opinion on this book
October 22, 2019
DNF at ~65%.
I said it before and I say it again: if you want me to like your asshole hero, you need to give me a savage bitch for a heroine, or as my favorite dork in the universe put it; "a person who can give it back as good as they can take it."
In this unfortunate case, Ben is a worthless prick, and Emilia is in a desperate need for a spine and an understanding for the words dignity and self-esteem. And for goodness' sake, if I read one more page of her pathetically lusting after him despite how shitty he is being to her, and "not noticing" how insanely hot everything about him is, so help me god I'm picking my own eyes out.
I'd like to keep my eyes where they are and I no longer care how this story ends, hence the DNF.
I said it before and I say it again: if you want me to like your asshole hero, you need to give me a savage bitch for a heroine, or as my favorite dork in the universe put it; "a person who can give it back as good as they can take it."
In this unfortunate case, Ben is a worthless prick, and Emilia is in a desperate need for a spine and an understanding for the words dignity and self-esteem. And for goodness' sake, if I read one more page of her pathetically lusting after him despite how shitty he is being to her, and "not noticing" how insanely hot everything about him is, so help me god I'm picking my own eyes out.
I'd like to keep my eyes where they are and I no longer care how this story ends, hence the DNF.
October 14, 2020
Man ļoti patika humors, dažviet smējos balsī, dažviet mēģināju neiespurgties, bet man nesanāca, un tā es tikai izsaucu dīvainus skatienus savā virzienā.
Beeeet rakstniece ir pārāk iespaidojusies no (nu jau) leģendārā rom-com "The Hating Game". Sākot ar galveno varoņu aprakstiem, uzvedību un beidzot ar galvenajai varonei iedoto iesauku - Shortcake. Nav forši tā darīt.
Tāpat arī autore ir atstājusi virkni nepabeigtu sižeta līniju, komēdijas varoņiem piešķīrusi par daudz traģisma viņu pagātnēs un beigās izveidojusi pilnīgi neloģisku un nejēdzīgu notikumu attīstību. Ceru, ka viņa attīstīs savu talantu un nākotnē nāks klajā ar tikpat smieklīgām, bet labāk nostrādātām komēdijām.
Beeeet rakstniece ir pārāk iespaidojusies no (nu jau) leģendārā rom-com "The Hating Game". Sākot ar galveno varoņu aprakstiem, uzvedību un beidzot ar galvenajai varonei iedoto iesauku - Shortcake. Nav forši tā darīt.
Tāpat arī autore ir atstājusi virkni nepabeigtu sižeta līniju, komēdijas varoņiem piešķīrusi par daudz traģisma viņu pagātnēs un beigās izveidojusi pilnīgi neloģisku un nejēdzīgu notikumu attīstību. Ceru, ka viņa attīstīs savu talantu un nākotnē nāks klajā ar tikpat smieklīgām, bet labāk nostrādātām komēdijām.
September 16, 2020
3.5 stars
This is a bit of a tricky one. I confess this is a bit rant heavy & going to be kinda rambly. I'm quite not sure why. Honestly nothing really left me pissed. So anyways, you were warned. lol.
Start with the good…
- For a debut book, credit for Shortcake is definitely due. The appeal is there as is LW’s talent & potential as a writer. For the most part, I did enjoy Shortcake. LW's sarcasm is definitely in my wheelhouse & had me chuckling more than a few times. She also had me pulling for Emmy to find her happiness - whether with Ben or not 🤷🏻♀️.
- The battle of wills was something else between these two. Honestly, Shortcake might've been more aptly titled The Hating Game: the Real One. lol. Cause I totally believe Emmy & Ben hated each other way more than Lucy & Josh(tHG)[I liked tHG a lot btw, so that's not a diss either way…just to be clear lol]. The chutzpah both had to go at each other was pretty entertaining for the most part.
- Ben's friends & Emmy's new friend. Nick & Winston have some serious potential as heroes of their own stories written all over them. Diablo, Emmy's nickname for Nick, is spot on in the best way btw. He is t-r-o-u-b-l-e & I kinda love him already 😂. He was killing me with the kilts & flock of love 😂😂😂. Both guys are charming as hell. Mara was a fun friend too. Although how Emmy & Mara became friends was a bit awkward to me.
- Once Ben acted on his feelings, they were great together - passionate, funny, sweet. Love his protective streak for her & when they both took care of each other on separate occasions.
On the flipside…
- W/o question, enemies-to-lovers & slowburn tropes are favorites of mine. So as humorous & entertaining as the battle of wills was for a time, the story went TOO LONG w/o so much as a hint of Ben developing any romantic inclination towards Emmy. Quite honestly, even after reading it start to finish & taking time to digest it a bit, I still don't buy his confession of fighting his romantic feelings for as far back as he claims. I would contend he legitimately hated her for at least half of the book. I felt no affection from Ben, hidden or otherwise. He came across as taking genuine satisfaction in causing her misery in that time. (To be fair, Emmy was no shrinking violet. She gave as good as she got. Having her POV gave light to where what she gave back at him came from - hurt, disappointment, pride, feeling lost/unsettled.)
- Likely the biggest culprit to why I felt this way above is the lack of a dual POV. Dual POV isn't a must for me, but here with Shortcake only being from Emmy's POV, the lack of Ben’s definitely hindered the believability of his change of heart began as far back as he claims. Especially since it was a long time before his actions tipped his hand. I mean it didn't need to be equally shared one. Something like 5 or 6 chapters in Ben's POV would've gone a long way.
- There were several noticeable loose ends &/or underdeveloped plot points to their backgrounds. The glaring one of the bunch is her cousin Derek. As close as Emmy & Derek were supposed to be, it's odd their relationship was left unresolved after all the tension by Emmy living with Ben caused them. Honestly, Ben did seem to be right about the accusation he made about Derek, but it was never addressed or squashed. Also the baggage both Emmy & Ben seemed to be carrying around from their own pasts was barely touched on, yet clearly responsible for why they were the way they were entering each other's worlds at the start - imho at least.
-
That probably sounds like more than it is. The positives really outweighed these latter points for the most part. It was just so close aside from those areas, ya know. I am definitely interested to see what's to come from LW in the future.
This is a bit of a tricky one. I confess this is a bit rant heavy & going to be kinda rambly. I'm quite not sure why. Honestly nothing really left me pissed. So anyways, you were warned. lol.
Start with the good…
- For a debut book, credit for Shortcake is definitely due. The appeal is there as is LW’s talent & potential as a writer. For the most part, I did enjoy Shortcake. LW's sarcasm is definitely in my wheelhouse & had me chuckling more than a few times. She also had me pulling for Emmy to find her happiness - whether with Ben or not 🤷🏻♀️.
- The battle of wills was something else between these two. Honestly, Shortcake might've been more aptly titled The Hating Game: the Real One. lol. Cause I totally believe Emmy & Ben hated each other way more than Lucy & Josh(tHG)[I liked tHG a lot btw, so that's not a diss either way…just to be clear lol]. The chutzpah both had to go at each other was pretty entertaining for the most part.
- Ben's friends & Emmy's new friend. Nick & Winston have some serious potential as heroes of their own stories written all over them. Diablo, Emmy's nickname for Nick, is spot on in the best way btw. He is t-r-o-u-b-l-e & I kinda love him already 😂. He was killing me with the kilts & flock of love 😂😂😂. Both guys are charming as hell. Mara was a fun friend too. Although how Emmy & Mara became friends was a bit awkward to me.
- Once Ben acted on his feelings, they were great together - passionate, funny, sweet. Love his protective streak for her & when they both took care of each other on separate occasions.
On the flipside…
- W/o question, enemies-to-lovers & slowburn tropes are favorites of mine. So as humorous & entertaining as the battle of wills was for a time, the story went TOO LONG w/o so much as a hint of Ben developing any romantic inclination towards Emmy. Quite honestly, even after reading it start to finish & taking time to digest it a bit, I still don't buy his confession of fighting his romantic feelings for as far back as he claims. I would contend he legitimately hated her for at least half of the book. I felt no affection from Ben, hidden or otherwise. He came across as taking genuine satisfaction in causing her misery in that time. (To be fair, Emmy was no shrinking violet. She gave as good as she got. Having her POV gave light to where what she gave back at him came from - hurt, disappointment, pride, feeling lost/unsettled.)
- Likely the biggest culprit to why I felt this way above is the lack of a dual POV. Dual POV isn't a must for me, but here with Shortcake only being from Emmy's POV, the lack of Ben’s definitely hindered the believability of his change of heart began as far back as he claims. Especially since it was a long time before his actions tipped his hand. I mean it didn't need to be equally shared one. Something like 5 or 6 chapters in Ben's POV would've gone a long way.
- There were several noticeable loose ends &/or underdeveloped plot points to their backgrounds. The glaring one of the bunch is her cousin Derek. As close as Emmy & Derek were supposed to be, it's odd their relationship was left unresolved after all the tension by Emmy living with Ben caused them. Honestly, Ben did seem to be right about the accusation he made about Derek, but it was never addressed or squashed. Also the baggage both Emmy & Ben seemed to be carrying around from their own pasts was barely touched on, yet clearly responsible for why they were the way they were entering each other's worlds at the start - imho at least.
-
That probably sounds like more than it is. The positives really outweighed these latter points for the most part. It was just so close aside from those areas, ya know. I am definitely interested to see what's to come from LW in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 913 reviews