Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

A Proposal They Can't Refuse by Natalie Caña

6 reviews

mari1532's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I listened to this book through my library with Libby. 

Brief Summary: Kamilah Vega is trying to keep her grandmother's bakery and dream alive. However, at every turn, she butts heads with her grandfather about the direction in which to take the business. However, when he seems willing to enter the bakery on a popular food tour in town Kamilah immediately agrees to anything he wants. Little does she know that he wants her to marry his best friend's grandson, who happens to be her childhood enemy, Liam Kane. 

Thoughts: This was a charming and heartwarming romance novel. I enjoyed Caña's writing and in large part, I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Kamilah and Liam. However, I did feel that the marriage of convenience and forced proximity of it all was a bit hard to buy into sometimes. The hidden aspect of the relationship went on a little longer than I felt was necessary.

My favourite parts of the book were the relationships between Kamilah and her grandfather and Liam and his grandfather. They were loving but complicated, and a large part of the entertainment throughout the book. Caña captured the complex relationships of grandchildren and grandparents well and nailed difficult, but endearing grandfathers.   

I did enjoy the way that Kamilah and Liam were able to learn about their familial trauma together and develop a deep and vulnerable relationship with one another is the real highlight of the book. Overall this emotional connection made the romance feel real and well-rounded. There is sexual chemistry between the two of them but it accentuates the emotional connection between them.

Caña's writing is very good and the plot is heartwarming. I enjoyed this book, but the troupes were not my favourite. 

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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Funny, sweet, and a little bit sexy, this book tells the love story of two helplessly stubborn people. I loved the characters even when they were making complete asses of themselves and the plot, while ridiculous, was amusing. The grandparents were a riot - I wanted to meet these old men. Also, I think the writing style is really beautiful. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started it. 

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kyeruhh's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book had so many things I love: sad men, childhood friends to lovers, complicated family dynamics. The premise is absolutely ridiculous but I adored both grandfathers so much that I simply did not care. Kamilah and Liam were so sweet. The biggest issue I had was how awfully Kamilah’s family treated her and how quickly that was resolved. She deserved more justice!!!

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indieandajean's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

We love a good childhood friends to enemies to lovers romance. The scheming octogenarians were just the icing on the cake for this one. Didn't love the majority of the "supporting" cast of characters (other than Papo and Saint) which is what makes this one a 3.75/5 for me. I don't necessarily know that I will be reading the rest of the series.

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reading_rebellion's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I went into this book with little to no expectations after a month long reading slump. I read this on Audible and was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up liking it! 

There's a friends to enemies to fake dating trope. Not a trope I tend to like, but I actually enjoyed this one. The first few chapters are kind of slow, but it really picks up at about chapter 3-4 and keeps getting better and better as it unfolds. 

I LOVED the background setting and intermingle of interracial culture with food and drinks. As well as the mix of both English, Spanglish and Spanish accents of the characters. The narrator was phenomenal! 

It does tackle some heavy topics of childhood and generational trauma but does it in a way that doesn't weigh you down and keeps the overall vibe lighthearted. 
It also follows some typical Latin family stereotypes but also seeks to correct them. 

Overall this was an unexpected, but very fun read. Sentimental and deep while being lightheaded, full of warmth, spice and heart! 

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amandalorianxo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Loved the PR rep and Kamilah + Liam. I just wish the third part of this book had been written differently. Kamilah’s family is toxic af though :/ 

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