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The Ladies Who Brunch #1
Never Say Never
“I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend.”
When those words left the lips of Damien Shaw, my childhood nemesis, I should have told him to kick rocks right then and there.
But sadly, his scheme to impress his boss left me with something to gain from it too—getting my meddling mother, who was obsessed with my love life, off my back just in time for my parents’ thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration in Hawaii.
You see, Damien and I grew up together, but we weren’t friends. No—we were rivals.
And when we both moved out to California to go to different colleges, we promised never to think of each other again.
It had been twelve years since we had been face to face, but when he kept popping up everywhere, I should have known that trouble would follow.
And sure enough, during a lunch with my parents he told them we were dating.
I was hellbent on exposing him, but then my mother’s reaction made it hard to say no. So, I ended up fake dating my enemy while trying desperately not to fall for him.
My gut told me to keep my distance. But my heart? That bastard was falling for the man with every sweet gesture he made and every orgasm he gave me.
But when the reason for our rivalry and our fake relationship comes to light, everyone and everything explodes, leaving one hell of a mess to clean up.
I never thought I’d fall for Damien Shaw. I never thought my enemy could force me to figure out my life. But you know what they say—never say never.
TW: toxic parental relationships
When those words left the lips of Damien Shaw, my childhood nemesis, I should have told him to kick rocks right then and there.
But sadly, his scheme to impress his boss left me with something to gain from it too—getting my meddling mother, who was obsessed with my love life, off my back just in time for my parents’ thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration in Hawaii.
You see, Damien and I grew up together, but we weren’t friends. No—we were rivals.
And when we both moved out to California to go to different colleges, we promised never to think of each other again.
It had been twelve years since we had been face to face, but when he kept popping up everywhere, I should have known that trouble would follow.
And sure enough, during a lunch with my parents he told them we were dating.
I was hellbent on exposing him, but then my mother’s reaction made it hard to say no. So, I ended up fake dating my enemy while trying desperately not to fall for him.
My gut told me to keep my distance. But my heart? That bastard was falling for the man with every sweet gesture he made and every orgasm he gave me.
But when the reason for our rivalry and our fake relationship comes to light, everyone and everything explodes, leaving one hell of a mess to clean up.
I never thought I’d fall for Damien Shaw. I never thought my enemy could force me to figure out my life. But you know what they say—never say never.
TW: toxic parental relationships
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2022
About the author
Harlow James
31 books1,095 followersHarlow James is a wife and mom who fell in love with romance novels, so she decided to write her own.
Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found working her day job, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking tequila shots or a blended margarita.
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Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found working her day job, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking tequila shots or a blended margarita.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowJamesA...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49499...
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harlow-James/e...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/harlo...
Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
March 12, 2022
As the spiritual guru and fashion icon Cyndi Lauper once said; oh, girls just wanna have fun... and brunch.
Tropes: childhood rivals, fake dating.
3.5 | Charlotte Montgomery and Damien Shaw may have been enemies back in the day, and may have vowed to never see each other again, not even think about the other, but now they are each other's perfect solution to all their problems. Charlotte is hitting 30, with a successful career and a life she created for herself, but that's not enough for her mother, who keeps nagging her about being single, and things are getting worse and worse with her parents 30th wedding anniversary, the one in Hawaii she's attending alone. Damian is fighting for a promotion, but not having a female reproductive organ put him out of the competition, so after a little white lie now he must prove to his boss that he is, in fact, in touch with his feminine side... how? fake dating his childhood enemy, of course.
This book was actually very funny and light to read; I liked the characters (although it took a bit of getting used to Damian) and the farce leading up to the real romance. And then when things blew up... WOW. Pain, but the good one. Also, the series is called The Ladies Who Brunch, so here you have a group of 4 friends from college, all with quite different personalities and careers, who have this tradition to spend time together, and brainstorm and come up with solutions for all their problems.
The only reason I'm not giving it a higher rating is because for all the feminist talk going on here, the author still end up giving the menstruating-based work to the male character anyway? as if he was somehow discriminated against for being a man and not having a vagina? as if a man had problems intruding into all other spaces of society? This one was for the girls, and even if he learned to value women differently with everything that happened after that lie, that wasn't his place.
Tropes: childhood rivals, fake dating.
“Charlotte Montgomery, I’m going to be the best fake boyfriend I can be.”
3.5 | Charlotte Montgomery and Damien Shaw may have been enemies back in the day, and may have vowed to never see each other again, not even think about the other, but now they are each other's perfect solution to all their problems. Charlotte is hitting 30, with a successful career and a life she created for herself, but that's not enough for her mother, who keeps nagging her about being single, and things are getting worse and worse with her parents 30th wedding anniversary, the one in Hawaii she's attending alone. Damian is fighting for a promotion, but not having a female reproductive organ put him out of the competition, so after a little white lie now he must prove to his boss that he is, in fact, in touch with his feminine side... how? fake dating his childhood enemy, of course.
This book was actually very funny and light to read; I liked the characters (although it took a bit of getting used to Damian) and the farce leading up to the real romance. And then when things blew up... WOW. Pain, but the good one. Also, the series is called The Ladies Who Brunch, so here you have a group of 4 friends from college, all with quite different personalities and careers, who have this tradition to spend time together, and brainstorm and come up with solutions for all their problems.
The only reason I'm not giving it a higher rating is because for all the feminist talk going on here, the author still end up giving the menstruating-based work to the male character anyway? as if he was somehow discriminated against for being a man and not having a vagina? as if a man had problems intruding into all other spaces of society? This one was for the girls, and even if he learned to value women differently with everything that happened after that lie, that wasn't his place.
Read
April 16, 2024FREE April 15th through the 19th!
Start The Ladies Who Brunch series for ZERO PENNIES! And get the rest of the series for less than $5!
http://mybook.to/neversaynever
Get ready to meet The Ladies Who Brunch in this childhood enemies to lovers, fake relationship, romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud and swooning over Damien Shaw 😍
Download on AUDIBLE (Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor) or Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited TODAY!
http://mybook.to/neversaynever
Start The Ladies Who Brunch series for ZERO PENNIES! And get the rest of the series for less than $5!
http://mybook.to/neversaynever
Get ready to meet The Ladies Who Brunch in this childhood enemies to lovers, fake relationship, romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud and swooning over Damien Shaw 😍
Download on AUDIBLE (Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor) or Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited TODAY!
http://mybook.to/neversaynever
January 25, 2024
Reread via audio. Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor.
WOW WOW JUST WOW! This audio is PERFECTION! This book is a TRUE romcom and Teddy and Samantha brought that to LIFE! I lost track of the amount of times I was laughing so hard out loud! And that spice brought to life in my ears. 🥵🥵 That desk scene already lives rent free in my head. But NOW after hearing it. HOLY SHIT! I literally had to stop cleaning my kitchen and just breathe. 😂
But all the laughs. The guys with the feminine products. The pineapple party. The girls! Just everything but man I forgot about all of the emotion and hard moments Charlotte and Damien had to deal with and emotions just hit so much better in audio!
The rest of my original review still stands.
Omg I LOVED this book! Damien and Charlotte were childhood frenemies and have come back into each other lives 12 years later and begin a fake dating arrangement that will benefit them both but they get so much more then what they agreed upon! This book just had everything for me!! Damian Shaw was just everything and watching him and Charlotte find what they needed together was beautiful!
-enemies to lovers
-fake dating
-amazing girlfriend group
-WOMEN POWER “Women need to stop fucking apologizing for everything!”
-GREAT banter
-Steamy steam 🔥🔥
-and all the feels!
Harlow James has become one of my favorite Indie authors after reading her California Billionaire series and this book just brings that same writing I love! She writes amazing storylines that just flow so well! You get so much depth from her characters that you become so invested in them! I love that you get so much development in the relationship not just a few pages and she does banter and steam so well!!!!!
Also that extended epilogue! 🙌🏻❤️
WOW WOW JUST WOW! This audio is PERFECTION! This book is a TRUE romcom and Teddy and Samantha brought that to LIFE! I lost track of the amount of times I was laughing so hard out loud! And that spice brought to life in my ears. 🥵🥵 That desk scene already lives rent free in my head. But NOW after hearing it. HOLY SHIT! I literally had to stop cleaning my kitchen and just breathe. 😂
But all the laughs. The guys with the feminine products. The pineapple party. The girls! Just everything but man I forgot about all of the emotion and hard moments Charlotte and Damien had to deal with and emotions just hit so much better in audio!
The rest of my original review still stands.
Omg I LOVED this book! Damien and Charlotte were childhood frenemies and have come back into each other lives 12 years later and begin a fake dating arrangement that will benefit them both but they get so much more then what they agreed upon! This book just had everything for me!! Damian Shaw was just everything and watching him and Charlotte find what they needed together was beautiful!
-enemies to lovers
-fake dating
-amazing girlfriend group
-WOMEN POWER “Women need to stop fucking apologizing for everything!”
-GREAT banter
-Steamy steam 🔥🔥
-and all the feels!
Harlow James has become one of my favorite Indie authors after reading her California Billionaire series and this book just brings that same writing I love! She writes amazing storylines that just flow so well! You get so much depth from her characters that you become so invested in them! I love that you get so much development in the relationship not just a few pages and she does banter and steam so well!!!!!
Also that extended epilogue! 🙌🏻❤️
January 20, 2024
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
OVERALL REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
👏👏👏round of applause for Harlow James👏👏👏
FANTASTIC story! This was more than just a romance journey and the message woven thru that journey was incredibly well layered!
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
I have nothing but MAD PROPS to cheer about Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor’s performance. They did an outstanding job bring the characters and their story to life! WELL DONE!
STORY REVIEW & RATING: 4.5 STARS
I really love this author’s style! Okay, I shouldn’t really say that just yet since this is my first experience with her words, but she impressed me. She made an over-done (aren’t they all at this point lol) trope and gave it just enough of a twist to make it interesting >>> Childhood nemesis both coming full circle to need each other in a scheme (fake relationship but not really *wink*) to appease one or both of their toxic parents. They both needed each other for the exact same reason. I found that tiny twist rather fresh and innovating. It made this next part even more interesting … both MCs having toxic pasts that define their today. Until it didn’t!!
I loved that the author also wove into the narrative that the toxicity wasn’t just aimed at the MCs. I feel I can just say this next part without holding back because this book was released almost 2 years ago. She made sure to write into the story a small plot-point in regard to Damien’s mom leaving his father. It was well placed in the story, and it took just enough space to have an impact because in my eyes, it was another FU to the toxicity. I also really liked that both the MCs had toxic baggage they were carrying, not just one or the other. Again, it added just the right amount of twist and ingenuity to a story that has been told over and over again. I loved that Charlotte had a group of “found family” to rely on and support her.
Everything about this story felt real and organic to me. None of the circumstances came across as forced or even underdeveloped. The relationship building was well paced, and I was honestly hooked from the very beginning.
I am ridiculously excited to get my hands on even more audiobooks by this author and in the meantime, I’ll start to devour her words with my eyes!
ALC provided by The Author Agency PR
OVERALL REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
👏👏👏round of applause for Harlow James👏👏👏
FANTASTIC story! This was more than just a romance journey and the message woven thru that journey was incredibly well layered!
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
I have nothing but MAD PROPS to cheer about Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor’s performance. They did an outstanding job bring the characters and their story to life! WELL DONE!
STORY REVIEW & RATING: 4.5 STARS
I really love this author’s style! Okay, I shouldn’t really say that just yet since this is my first experience with her words, but she impressed me. She made an over-done (aren’t they all at this point lol) trope and gave it just enough of a twist to make it interesting >>> Childhood nemesis both coming full circle to need each other in a scheme (fake relationship but not really *wink*) to appease one or both of their toxic parents. They both needed each other for the exact same reason. I found that tiny twist rather fresh and innovating. It made this next part even more interesting … both MCs having toxic pasts that define their today. Until it didn’t!!
I loved that the author also wove into the narrative that the toxicity wasn’t just aimed at the MCs. I feel I can just say this next part without holding back because this book was released almost 2 years ago. She made sure to write into the story a small plot-point in regard to Damien’s mom leaving his father. It was well placed in the story, and it took just enough space to have an impact because in my eyes, it was another FU to the toxicity. I also really liked that both the MCs had toxic baggage they were carrying, not just one or the other. Again, it added just the right amount of twist and ingenuity to a story that has been told over and over again. I loved that Charlotte had a group of “found family” to rely on and support her.
Everything about this story felt real and organic to me. None of the circumstances came across as forced or even underdeveloped. The relationship building was well paced, and I was honestly hooked from the very beginning.
I am ridiculously excited to get my hands on even more audiobooks by this author and in the meantime, I’ll start to devour her words with my eyes!
ALC provided by The Author Agency PR
January 20, 2024
AUDIOBOOK: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor. It was SO good!
EBOOK: I’m SO excited for Harlow James’ new series! This book played out in my head like a movie. It had everything, tension, chemistry, enemies to lovers banter, STEAM, growth, love and an amazing entourage of characters. You don’t want to miss out on the beginning of what will be your next favorite series! So grab a mimosa, your kindle, and join the fun in book one of the Ladies Who Brunch series! You have some new girlfriends waiting!
The vibes from this book are Sex and the City, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and What Women Want….and with MAJORLY HOT scenes.
EBOOK: I’m SO excited for Harlow James’ new series! This book played out in my head like a movie. It had everything, tension, chemistry, enemies to lovers banter, STEAM, growth, love and an amazing entourage of characters. You don’t want to miss out on the beginning of what will be your next favorite series! So grab a mimosa, your kindle, and join the fun in book one of the Ladies Who Brunch series! You have some new girlfriends waiting!
The vibes from this book are Sex and the City, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and What Women Want….and with MAJORLY HOT scenes.
February 26, 2024
5 Stars/3 Peppers
I LOVED THIS AUDIOBOOK!
Read this book last year and gave it 4 stars because I thought it was hilarious and also had a lot of bigger themes, like confronting toxic parental relationships and setting up boundaries. I could absolutely "hear" Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton in my head. Now listening to it, it is EXACTLY how I imagined it. Samantha and Teddy's comedic timing and banter elevated this story to a 5 stars.
If you love a romcom- this is your book. It has some How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes.
Looking forward to the hearing the rest of the series in audio!
Tropes:
Childhood enemies to lovers
Fake Dating
Banter
I LOVED THIS AUDIOBOOK!
Read this book last year and gave it 4 stars because I thought it was hilarious and also had a lot of bigger themes, like confronting toxic parental relationships and setting up boundaries. I could absolutely "hear" Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton in my head. Now listening to it, it is EXACTLY how I imagined it. Samantha and Teddy's comedic timing and banter elevated this story to a 5 stars.
If you love a romcom- this is your book. It has some How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes.
Looking forward to the hearing the rest of the series in audio!
Tropes:
Childhood enemies to lovers
Fake Dating
Banter
March 23, 2022
I liked the characters, I liked their relationship, I liked the smut, I normally like longer in length books *however* I felt as if this one was just way too wordy. I felt like it was the same exact conversations over and over and over and each conversation was so long and drawn out. If everything had been written in a more concise manner, I think it would have improved the book exponentially. I love when you’re so into a book and you’re thinking “I hope this never ends,” but this one was so repetitive I just kept thinking “ok, let’s move along now.” The same point had to be made multiple times.
February 28, 2022
This book deserves all the stars for completely stealing my heart! 100% a new favorite!
RTC
RTC
February 9, 2024
This was one of the best books I’ve listened to in a while! So funny and steamy (so steamy) and raw and emotional with very real life situations. I was so invested with the characters form the beginning, it had me ooing and awing. Damien and Charlotte are so good together, and the girls are everything you could ask for in a group of friends.
I can’t wait to listen to the rest of Harlow James’ series The Ladies Who Brunch!
Oh and let’s all take a moment of appreciation for Teddy “sexy voice” Hamilton. This man….. THIS MAN and his VOICE!!!!! *ahhhhh*
I can’t wait to listen to the rest of Harlow James’ series The Ladies Who Brunch!
Oh and let’s all take a moment of appreciation for Teddy “sexy voice” Hamilton. This man….. THIS MAN and his VOICE!!!!! *ahhhhh*
February 20, 2022
Harlow James has done it again! She is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors when I need some contemporary romance goodness. Even though this is only book 1, I can already tell the Ladies Who Brunch Series is going to be a new favorite.
Never Say Never introduces us to our first of the Ladies Who Lunch, Charlotte Montgomery, and her childhood rival, Damien Shaw. After spending their entire childhood competing with each other over everything, they each head to different colleges in California. LA is a big city, and they don’t end up crossing paths again for 12 years. But the timing could not be more perfect-Damien told his boss he was in a relationship with someone from back home, and Charlotte is desperate to get her mother to stop pestering her about when she will settle down and get married. Even though it starts as fake dating, it doesn’t take long for both Damien and Charlotte to realize the chemistry between them is not something they can ignore. But will their fake dating relationship and their past come back to haunt them?
I think a lot of people will relate to Charlotte-her mother is really putting the pressure on her to settle down and have children, even though she’s only 30 and has a successful career. Her mother just can’t accept that she’s happy. Charlottes mother also doesn’t miss an opportunity to bring up charlottes weight, which is something I could relate to as well. Learning to navigate that pressure, whether it’s from your mother or from society in general, is really difficult and going on this journey with Charlotte hit home!
Overall I’d give this book a 4.5. Another wonderful book from Harlow James-I can’t wait to read the rest of the ladies stories!
Never Say Never introduces us to our first of the Ladies Who Lunch, Charlotte Montgomery, and her childhood rival, Damien Shaw. After spending their entire childhood competing with each other over everything, they each head to different colleges in California. LA is a big city, and they don’t end up crossing paths again for 12 years. But the timing could not be more perfect-Damien told his boss he was in a relationship with someone from back home, and Charlotte is desperate to get her mother to stop pestering her about when she will settle down and get married. Even though it starts as fake dating, it doesn’t take long for both Damien and Charlotte to realize the chemistry between them is not something they can ignore. But will their fake dating relationship and their past come back to haunt them?
I think a lot of people will relate to Charlotte-her mother is really putting the pressure on her to settle down and have children, even though she’s only 30 and has a successful career. Her mother just can’t accept that she’s happy. Charlottes mother also doesn’t miss an opportunity to bring up charlottes weight, which is something I could relate to as well. Learning to navigate that pressure, whether it’s from your mother or from society in general, is really difficult and going on this journey with Charlotte hit home!
Overall I’d give this book a 4.5. Another wonderful book from Harlow James-I can’t wait to read the rest of the ladies stories!
March 9, 2022
Wow wow wow. The hype is strong with this one.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that was refreshing to read. And perhaps by coincidence I started this on International Women’s Day but this book felt like a movement. It’s empowering. It gives girl power a new uprising.
Firstly, let’s here it for the girls. The first being Charlotte Montgomery. She’s fierce. A strong, independent career driven woman. But she suffers with a mother who just doesn’t see her achievements. But she has best friends, all powerful, independent women with a healthy sexual appetite. There’s Penelope, Amelia and Noelle. And they’re the friends you wish you had. They’ll be The Golden Girls of their era. Supportive, loyal and fun!!
Then, secondly there’s Damien. Damien Shaw, who, despite his crap name, is actually one of the best Book Boyfriends I’ve ever read. A manslut without bragging about it, a guy that’s doing well in his career without being a complete rich prick, a good guy. A really freakin’ good guy. He’s just so stinking cute to Charlotte. He’s loyal, he’s possessive in the best possible way, he’s protective, understanding, shall I go on??
Oh and to top it all he’s the giver of orgasms that will make your toes curl and your nose bleed.
The story itself is full of laughs and giggles but with two very serious underlying stories that pack a punch by the end of the book. So much so I texted up, and I was nit expecting that at the beginning of this book.
I’m Harlow James was a new to me author before this book, but now I want to devour everything she’s ever touched!!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that was refreshing to read. And perhaps by coincidence I started this on International Women’s Day but this book felt like a movement. It’s empowering. It gives girl power a new uprising.
Firstly, let’s here it for the girls. The first being Charlotte Montgomery. She’s fierce. A strong, independent career driven woman. But she suffers with a mother who just doesn’t see her achievements. But she has best friends, all powerful, independent women with a healthy sexual appetite. There’s Penelope, Amelia and Noelle. And they’re the friends you wish you had. They’ll be The Golden Girls of their era. Supportive, loyal and fun!!
Then, secondly there’s Damien. Damien Shaw, who, despite his crap name, is actually one of the best Book Boyfriends I’ve ever read. A manslut without bragging about it, a guy that’s doing well in his career without being a complete rich prick, a good guy. A really freakin’ good guy. He’s just so stinking cute to Charlotte. He’s loyal, he’s possessive in the best possible way, he’s protective, understanding, shall I go on??
Oh and to top it all he’s the giver of orgasms that will make your toes curl and your nose bleed.
The story itself is full of laughs and giggles but with two very serious underlying stories that pack a punch by the end of the book. So much so I texted up, and I was nit expecting that at the beginning of this book.
I’m Harlow James was a new to me author before this book, but now I want to devour everything she’s ever touched!!
March 6, 2022
I can't say no to a fake relationship romance, throw in enemies to lovers and you get one heck of a story. Growing up there was no lost love between Damien and Charlotte. They constantly competed against one another growing up. We find out later on in the story the reason behind all the competing, which explains so much. There are some sensitive topics that they author writes about in this story, but she does a wonderful job not letting her characters become victims and fighting for themselves and those they love. Charlotte has to deal with a mother who verbally abuses her with her ideas of Charlotte's love life, her future, as well as her physical features; like her weight and wrinkles. While Damien has his own struggles with his father that he has to face. Their decision of taking on this fake relationship to get ahead in Damien's career and stop the annoying comments from Charlotte's mother, seems to have been the best decision these two made. This story is filled with lots of laughs (pineapples... you'll have to read to know what that is in reference to) and heartache. I'm excited about this new series and can't wait to read about Charlotte's friends.
February 23, 2022
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Never Say Never is out March 6th.
A steamy childhood rivals to lovers story with lots of banter and a sprinkle of fake dating to make it interesting. Damien and Charlotte have chemistry for days and I was very pleased the author didn’t make us wait for a slow burn!
The lack of communication near the end was frustrating, but the story was quick and easy to read and I’m looking forward to reading the other three books in the series!
A steamy childhood rivals to lovers story with lots of banter and a sprinkle of fake dating to make it interesting. Damien and Charlotte have chemistry for days and I was very pleased the author didn’t make us wait for a slow burn!
The lack of communication near the end was frustrating, but the story was quick and easy to read and I’m looking forward to reading the other three books in the series!
October 27, 2022
Acceptance
As women, it is sometimes difficult to gracefully accept a compliment, never mind the bigger things like love, acceptance, desire, good loving, and the freedom to follow our dreams. Men, too, face family and societal expectations that are unjust. This story was so much more than a love story! And Damien and Charlotte won so much more than each other’s hearts.
As women, it is sometimes difficult to gracefully accept a compliment, never mind the bigger things like love, acceptance, desire, good loving, and the freedom to follow our dreams. Men, too, face family and societal expectations that are unjust. This story was so much more than a love story! And Damien and Charlotte won so much more than each other’s hearts.
September 13, 2022
Oh my gosh what a ride!!!!!
This rivals to lovers was the perfect combination of sexy and swoony, and I absolutely loved it!
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
When Charlotte runs into her nemesis from 12+ years ago at a random cafe, her life takes a drastic turn she would’ve never expected. Damien & Charlotte come to a decision to fake date, him for a potential promotion, and her to get her mother off her back. What they don’t except is to have their steamy, fiery tension awaken and take them to places they never excepted they would go with one another. Ow OWWWWW. Let’s just say there’s a competition 👅
There were so many moments where I teared up and actually felt my heart melting, I SWEAR. The highlighted quotes I have were next level and I felt like I could really appreciate this writing!!!
Also, this is a girl group I would die to be a freaking part of. Besties who always have each others backs are next level!
“Sometimes a woman just needs to be fucked, and fucked well. Hair pulling, ass smacking, dirty talking sex.”
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Childhood Rivals to lovers
Fake dating
Fantastic girl group
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
This rivals to lovers was the perfect combination of sexy and swoony, and I absolutely loved it!
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
When Charlotte runs into her nemesis from 12+ years ago at a random cafe, her life takes a drastic turn she would’ve never expected. Damien & Charlotte come to a decision to fake date, him for a potential promotion, and her to get her mother off her back. What they don’t except is to have their steamy, fiery tension awaken and take them to places they never excepted they would go with one another. Ow OWWWWW. Let’s just say there’s a competition 👅
There were so many moments where I teared up and actually felt my heart melting, I SWEAR. The highlighted quotes I have were next level and I felt like I could really appreciate this writing!!!
Also, this is a girl group I would die to be a freaking part of. Besties who always have each others backs are next level!
“Sometimes a woman just needs to be fucked, and fucked well. Hair pulling, ass smacking, dirty talking sex.”
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Childhood Rivals to lovers
Fake dating
Fantastic girl group
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
January 12, 2024
Damien and Charlotte were rivals growing up. When Charlotte runs into Damien from 12 years ago at a random cafe, her life takes a drastic turn she would've never expected and it comes at the perfect time.
I loved Damien and Charlotte together so much, I adored the way Damien pursued her it was so good. I highly recommend the audio, Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor did so well bringing these characters to life.
Tropes:
🔥Childhood Enemies to Lovers
🔥Fake Dating
🔥Close Proximity
🔥Romantic Comedy
I loved Damien and Charlotte together so much, I adored the way Damien pursued her it was so good. I highly recommend the audio, Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor did so well bringing these characters to life.
Tropes:
🔥Childhood Enemies to Lovers
🔥Fake Dating
🔥Close Proximity
🔥Romantic Comedy
January 16, 2024
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ Open Door, Explicit
🌻 Romantic Comedy
🌻 Childhood Enemies to Lovers
🌻 Fake Dating
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Travel/Vacay
🌻 Dual POV (First Person)
NEVER SAY NEVER hit all of my favorite tropes - I was laughing out loud the entire time while listening to this audiobook. Damien and Charlotte had amazing banter and the spice was OFF the charts - seriously, that desk scene will live rent-free in my head from now on 🔥
I truly enjoyed this novel because we see both MCs navigate rocky relationships with their parents, achieve workplace success and have some awesome character development. I also loved the girl gang vibes, and I so look forward to the rest of this series.
Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor truly had me in stitches while listening to Never Say Never. I thought they were the perfect cast for Charlotte and Damien. Thank you to Harlow James and the Author Agency for the advanced listening copy of Never Say Never!
🌶️ Open Door, Explicit
🌻 Romantic Comedy
🌻 Childhood Enemies to Lovers
🌻 Fake Dating
🌻 Forced Proximity
🌻 Travel/Vacay
🌻 Dual POV (First Person)
NEVER SAY NEVER hit all of my favorite tropes - I was laughing out loud the entire time while listening to this audiobook. Damien and Charlotte had amazing banter and the spice was OFF the charts - seriously, that desk scene will live rent-free in my head from now on 🔥
I truly enjoyed this novel because we see both MCs navigate rocky relationships with their parents, achieve workplace success and have some awesome character development. I also loved the girl gang vibes, and I so look forward to the rest of this series.
Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor truly had me in stitches while listening to Never Say Never. I thought they were the perfect cast for Charlotte and Damien. Thank you to Harlow James and the Author Agency for the advanced listening copy of Never Say Never!
March 8, 2022
Charlotte and Damien's story is not just about loving a partner, but also learning to love yourself - and I loved every minute of their journey.
Charlotte and Damien have been enemies since childhood. Damien had unrealistic expectations thrust upon him by his father, and Charlotte's mother added pressure to her life to become a wife and a mother. Neither wanted to be who their parents wanted them to be, and both ended up moving to California in hopes to have a better life. Before their high school graduation Charlotte made Damien promise he would never think of her or look her up, and he did.
12 years later fate seemed to play a role in bringing these two back together. Damien needs a fake girlfriend to get a promotion, and Charlotte agrees because maybe itll finally get her mother off her back.
Watching Damien and Charlotte fall in love is like a spicy hallmark movie. Damien is incredibly sweet, their banter was wonderful, and they brought the spice.
The relationship with Charlotte's friends also played a large roll in the story (as it should with the ladies who brunch!) and frankly, seeing their friendship, was absolutely beautiful. I loved that they played a big supportive role in the story and I can't wait to read about the rest of them.
Charlotte and Damien have been enemies since childhood. Damien had unrealistic expectations thrust upon him by his father, and Charlotte's mother added pressure to her life to become a wife and a mother. Neither wanted to be who their parents wanted them to be, and both ended up moving to California in hopes to have a better life. Before their high school graduation Charlotte made Damien promise he would never think of her or look her up, and he did.
12 years later fate seemed to play a role in bringing these two back together. Damien needs a fake girlfriend to get a promotion, and Charlotte agrees because maybe itll finally get her mother off her back.
Watching Damien and Charlotte fall in love is like a spicy hallmark movie. Damien is incredibly sweet, their banter was wonderful, and they brought the spice.
The relationship with Charlotte's friends also played a large roll in the story (as it should with the ladies who brunch!) and frankly, seeing their friendship, was absolutely beautiful. I loved that they played a big supportive role in the story and I can't wait to read about the rest of them.
March 6, 2022
This book!! 🙌🏽 Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! Every little break I get at work I would try to sneak in some pages.
Charlotte is a strong independent woman that knows what she wants and works hard to achieve whatever she desires. She surrounds herself with an amazing set of friends that are incredible in their own ways. The kind of girlfriends we all need in our lives!
Damien and Charlotte has a long history of disliking each other, always competing to be the best.
Years later, having no contact whatsoever their paths cross again and all that animosity turned into attraction that makes into lots of steamy scenes! 🥵 🔥
The banter between the two is perfect. Damien most definitely made the top of my book boyfriend list.
It also tackles issues that women has always encountered and struggled with, some I can definitely identify with. This includes family and the expectations put on us and overall general toxicity.
Harlow James has always been on my top one-click authors list and this book further cements her there.
Charlotte is a strong independent woman that knows what she wants and works hard to achieve whatever she desires. She surrounds herself with an amazing set of friends that are incredible in their own ways. The kind of girlfriends we all need in our lives!
Damien and Charlotte has a long history of disliking each other, always competing to be the best.
Years later, having no contact whatsoever their paths cross again and all that animosity turned into attraction that makes into lots of steamy scenes! 🥵 🔥
The banter between the two is perfect. Damien most definitely made the top of my book boyfriend list.
It also tackles issues that women has always encountered and struggled with, some I can definitely identify with. This includes family and the expectations put on us and overall general toxicity.
Harlow James has always been on my top one-click authors list and this book further cements her there.
January 6, 2024
Before I get into the storyline review, I want to say how much I loved listening to this book on audio. Teddy Hamilton is one of my absolute go to audio narrators. Samantha Brentmoor is answer narrator to me and she killed it! These two sold the characters flawless and all the different voices each did were gold.
Damien and Charlotte have been rivals since they were teens. Always fighting to be the top student. Once their lives collided again 12 years later they both have to work together and fake date to help themselves in the issues they are dealing with. Damien needs a girlfriend to show his boss he can settle down and Charlotte needs to date Damien to keep her mother off her back.
I truly loved these two together. They showed hate to love so easily! They had great banter but also showed how in love they were without saying it into words.
I also LOVE the friend group of Charlotte’s. It makes me want to go to brunch and just vent, laugh and cry with my besties!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Second Chance
Rivals to fake dating to lovers
Damien and Charlotte have been rivals since they were teens. Always fighting to be the top student. Once their lives collided again 12 years later they both have to work together and fake date to help themselves in the issues they are dealing with. Damien needs a girlfriend to show his boss he can settle down and Charlotte needs to date Damien to keep her mother off her back.
I truly loved these two together. They showed hate to love so easily! They had great banter but also showed how in love they were without saying it into words.
I also LOVE the friend group of Charlotte’s. It makes me want to go to brunch and just vent, laugh and cry with my besties!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Second Chance
Rivals to fake dating to lovers
February 8, 2023
If Sex And The City had a child with the movie What Women Want, it would be Never Say Never.
This book is the first in a new series, The Ladies Who Brunch, by one of my favorite authors, Harlow James.
The Ladies Who Brunch are Charlotte, the heroine, and her three best friends. Each friend will get their own book in the series. What I loved was the kind of friendship they had. They walk through fire for each other and support stand up for each other but aren't afraid to call each other out on their bullshit. These ladies have the rare kind of friendship, that we all want to have. I already love every one of them and can't wait to read their books.
I adored the main characters! Charlotte and Damien had a history, but now they rekindle as adults and discover things weren't like they thought.
Damien was so swoony and evolved into the perfect boyfriend. He wasn't perfect, but his flaws are what made him perfect.
Charlotte was sassy and fierce but with a sweet side. I enjoyed how the author made her a real modern-day woman and showed how hard being a woman can be.
I don't want to give too much away, but Charlotte and Damien had something in common that prevented them from living how they wanted to. This is very familiar to many people, and I think how this plays out in the story can give people the insights or courage they need.
Damien and Charlotte have an immediate physical connection, and when they come together, the chemistry is off the charts. The steamy scenes are descriptive and sexy.
Like all Harlow James' books, Never Say Never is realistically written, fast-paced, and easy to read.
All aspects of the story are perfectly balanced out. It's packed with fun and hilarious moments, and it made me laugh so hard my belly hurt.
A good storyline, humor, secrets, steam, friendships, and love are the most important ingredients of this story, sprinkle some secrets on them, and you get this little gem.
Never Say Never is a perfect story for fans of contemporary romance, but especially lovers of tropes like fake dating and (childhood) enemies to lovers, and rom-com will adore Damien and Charlotte's story.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book is the first in a new series, The Ladies Who Brunch, by one of my favorite authors, Harlow James.
The Ladies Who Brunch are Charlotte, the heroine, and her three best friends. Each friend will get their own book in the series. What I loved was the kind of friendship they had. They walk through fire for each other and support stand up for each other but aren't afraid to call each other out on their bullshit. These ladies have the rare kind of friendship, that we all want to have. I already love every one of them and can't wait to read their books.
I adored the main characters! Charlotte and Damien had a history, but now they rekindle as adults and discover things weren't like they thought.
Damien was so swoony and evolved into the perfect boyfriend. He wasn't perfect, but his flaws are what made him perfect.
Charlotte was sassy and fierce but with a sweet side. I enjoyed how the author made her a real modern-day woman and showed how hard being a woman can be.
I don't want to give too much away, but Charlotte and Damien had something in common that prevented them from living how they wanted to. This is very familiar to many people, and I think how this plays out in the story can give people the insights or courage they need.
Damien and Charlotte have an immediate physical connection, and when they come together, the chemistry is off the charts. The steamy scenes are descriptive and sexy.
Like all Harlow James' books, Never Say Never is realistically written, fast-paced, and easy to read.
All aspects of the story are perfectly balanced out. It's packed with fun and hilarious moments, and it made me laugh so hard my belly hurt.
A good storyline, humor, secrets, steam, friendships, and love are the most important ingredients of this story, sprinkle some secrets on them, and you get this little gem.
Never Say Never is a perfect story for fans of contemporary romance, but especially lovers of tropes like fake dating and (childhood) enemies to lovers, and rom-com will adore Damien and Charlotte's story.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 21, 2024
Never Say Never by @harlowjamesauthor
Book 1 in Ladies Who Brunch Series
Updated review at the end of Original Review!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Twelve years ago Damien Shaw and I agreed that when we would never see or think about each other again, but you know what they say. Never say Never.
Book:
Pros….
💜Childhood Nemesis
💜Fake Dating
💜Sunday Brunches
💜Charlotte’s Strength
💜Damien *fans self* Swoon
Cons…
☠️None
So far this is only the second book I have read by Harlow James and I can’t wait to read her entire backlist. I was barely into this book when I fell in love with it. I mean it had fake dating which is one of my favorite tropes.
This book is the start of a new series, The Ladies Who Brunch. I loved the dynamic of Charlotte and Damien and the growth you get to see with both of them through the whole book. I also loved to see Sunday Brunch with the girls and how it was a nice way to catch up with each of the girls. I am really excited to read Amelia’s book as well as the rest of them.
Update: I received an ALC copy of this book and after almost 2 years I got to experience this book again and I have to say getting to relive this book in audio was amazing. I had forgotten so much and so it was like rereading it for the first time and can I just say, I fell in love with Damien even more. Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor did amazing as Damien and Charlotte and I can't wait to relive the rest of the series through Audio. Still rating at 5 stars.
Rating: 5⭐️
#bookstagram #charlotteanddamien #ladieswhobrunch #chauvanisticfather #antifeministmother #harlowjames #neversaynever
Book 1 in Ladies Who Brunch Series
Updated review at the end of Original Review!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Twelve years ago Damien Shaw and I agreed that when we would never see or think about each other again, but you know what they say. Never say Never.
Book:
Pros….
💜Childhood Nemesis
💜Fake Dating
💜Sunday Brunches
💜Charlotte’s Strength
💜Damien *fans self* Swoon
Cons…
☠️None
So far this is only the second book I have read by Harlow James and I can’t wait to read her entire backlist. I was barely into this book when I fell in love with it. I mean it had fake dating which is one of my favorite tropes.
This book is the start of a new series, The Ladies Who Brunch. I loved the dynamic of Charlotte and Damien and the growth you get to see with both of them through the whole book. I also loved to see Sunday Brunch with the girls and how it was a nice way to catch up with each of the girls. I am really excited to read Amelia’s book as well as the rest of them.
Update: I received an ALC copy of this book and after almost 2 years I got to experience this book again and I have to say getting to relive this book in audio was amazing. I had forgotten so much and so it was like rereading it for the first time and can I just say, I fell in love with Damien even more. Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor did amazing as Damien and Charlotte and I can't wait to relive the rest of the series through Audio. Still rating at 5 stars.
Rating: 5⭐️
#bookstagram #charlotteanddamien #ladieswhobrunch #chauvanisticfather #antifeministmother #harlowjames #neversaynever
January 12, 2024
**Updated to add audio review**
I loved this book when it first came out but the audio brought it to life just as I hoped it would.
Charlotte is still a rocking lady boss babe and the little things that Damien does will have you swooning. Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor were excellent picks for narrators and did such a great job! Definitely recommend a listen!
**Original review**
Never Say Never is the start of an awesome new series about a group of women who are all about going for what they want in life.
Charlotte and the rest of her friends are all single but definitely do not find that to be a problem. She wants her career and other things in life more at the moment. If not for her Mother's constant nagging about finding a man to fulfill her life it would be perfect.
Damien starts off as a playboy but quickly realizes things need to change when a work opportunity arises. When these two childhood enemies have a chance encounter the fake relationship idea blooms and when it benefits the both of them becomes a reality.
I loved the woman empowerment of this story. I also loved how Damien completely stepped up for Charlotte in all the big ways. She didn't need him to make her stronger but with him behind her was able to over come her obstacles. This story also had so many funny moments (you'll laugh over pineapples) and sweet moments (you'll swoon over the pms care package). Great start to this new series and I can't wait to see what is in store for the other ladies who brunch!
I loved this book when it first came out but the audio brought it to life just as I hoped it would.
Charlotte is still a rocking lady boss babe and the little things that Damien does will have you swooning. Teddy Hamilton & Samantha Brentmoor were excellent picks for narrators and did such a great job! Definitely recommend a listen!
**Original review**
Never Say Never is the start of an awesome new series about a group of women who are all about going for what they want in life.
Charlotte and the rest of her friends are all single but definitely do not find that to be a problem. She wants her career and other things in life more at the moment. If not for her Mother's constant nagging about finding a man to fulfill her life it would be perfect.
Damien starts off as a playboy but quickly realizes things need to change when a work opportunity arises. When these two childhood enemies have a chance encounter the fake relationship idea blooms and when it benefits the both of them becomes a reality.
I loved the woman empowerment of this story. I also loved how Damien completely stepped up for Charlotte in all the big ways. She didn't need him to make her stronger but with him behind her was able to over come her obstacles. This story also had so many funny moments (you'll laugh over pineapples) and sweet moments (you'll swoon over the pms care package). Great start to this new series and I can't wait to see what is in store for the other ladies who brunch!
January 16, 2024
1/2023 audiobook -- "Is it Sunday Brunch with the girls yet?
Just wrapped up Never Say Never, book 1 of the Ladies Who Brunch series on audio and it was just as great as my first eyeball read a couple years ago.
Damien and Charlotte, once childhood enemies, cross paths after a dozen years. Fate or what? They both agree to a fake dating relationship: helping Damien land a work promotion and giving Charlotte’s mom something else to focus on besides her settling down.
The story's a mix of swoony and steamy, with banter that kept me grinning. Individual character growth? Check. The author tackling the whole societal pressure on women over 30 thing. Check. And period care as a microtrope? Check!
Side characters like Jeffrey and Charlotte's girl gang add a hilarious and heartwarming touch, especially in scenes like Damien and Jeffrey researching period products or the girls gossiping at brunch.
I absolutely loved this book and was was excited to reread via audiobook listen! I fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. The narrators were fantastic and the listening experience made it just as enjoyable the 2nd time around. Never Say Never was my first book from Harlow James and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author and the author agency for a review audio copy.
5/2022 ebook - Ahhh read this with a few of my gal pals and we loved it! Yes the girl gang was fantastic but Damien and Jeffrey...LOL haha so great! This is only my 2nd book by Ms James but can't wait to continue with this series!
March 16, 2022
I didn't love this novel. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot at certain plot points. These same plot points where a constant in the novel as well so unfortunately for me, I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. For example, there is a ton of period talk in this novel. And while I'm grown woman who can handle such topics, I would prefer to not read about them in books. I deal with that subject matter enough in real life.
The cast of characters reminded me of "Sex in the City" and if I'm being 100% honest, I'm not a fan of that show so.... needless to say, this one wasn't for. Reading is subjective though so you may enjoy it. This is book 1 in the series so if you do end up loving it, you're in luck, more books will be hitting the shelves soon.
The cast of characters reminded me of "Sex in the City" and if I'm being 100% honest, I'm not a fan of that show so.... needless to say, this one wasn't for. Reading is subjective though so you may enjoy it. This is book 1 in the series so if you do end up loving it, you're in luck, more books will be hitting the shelves soon.
January 16, 2024
Another amazing book by Harlow James! This childhood enemies to lovers, fake relationship romance comedy was one of my favorite book I've read! I absolutely loved Charlotte and Damien so much so that I think about them often. This book was hot, funny, and there were so many amazing characters!
Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor were the epitome of perfection in this audiobook and I devoured this audiobook in a day.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor were the epitome of perfection in this audiobook and I devoured this audiobook in a day.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 16, 2022
4.5⭐️
f: Charlotte
m: Damien
(Dual POVs)
I adore a book where the guy seems to be the first one to fall, especially when he doesn’t even realize it, and this book definitely seemed to have that! A guy does not show up unannounced at your work with some of your favorite things if he doesn’t love you, or at least reallllllllllly like you! While playing the part of fake boyfriend, I felt like there was some truth to what Damien was saying, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.
There’s some quick witted banter between Charlotte and Damien that I really enjoyed plus the fact that Damien was impressed and amused by Charlotte’s comebacks! I very much appreciated that Damien wasn’t intimidated by Charlotte being an intelligent and driven woman, but that he actually respected her and was attracted to her for it! Too many men in real life feel threatened by intelligent women so I was practically drooling over Damien’s appreciation for them! I also praise Damien for pulling out all the stops and not backing down in intimidating situations just to get Charlotte to talk to him! That’s a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it!
These two brought the heat! Childhood rivals + fake dating made for some pretty steamy tension. Add in some of their banter as things were going down and it was my favorite kind of spice! If I had an office, Damien could come and visit it anytime to help me relax! 😉
Harlow James always incorporates some sort of meaningful life struggles and growth into her stories and I am here for it! It often makes the characters so easy to relate to because they’re like real people with real problems... Well, fictional people with real problems 😆 Speaking of problems, I was not expecting the conflict to blow up as much as it did! Kudos to the author for not being predictable and keeping me on my toes, but I am grateful that the conflict was able to be resolved without it causing too much havoc!
I adored the ending how certain small details came full circle! I was also proud of Charlotte for the choices she had to make in order to protect her mental health and put herself first. This was a wonderful and strong start to a new series and I cannot wait to continue it, especially the next book since it’s got enemies to lovers trope! Not to mention, I’m hoping Jeffrey will eventually get his own book! The way he’s always saying the wrong things and fumbling over his words to correct himself had me cracking up!
Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t settle for a spark. Light a fire instead.”
“I’m going to kill you,” I spit back.
“In that case, I prefer to be cremated.”
We spent our entire childhood competing over who was the best, only to realize after all this time that the only people we are the best for are each other. -Charlotte
f: Charlotte
m: Damien
(Dual POVs)
I adore a book where the guy seems to be the first one to fall, especially when he doesn’t even realize it, and this book definitely seemed to have that! A guy does not show up unannounced at your work with some of your favorite things if he doesn’t love you, or at least reallllllllllly like you! While playing the part of fake boyfriend, I felt like there was some truth to what Damien was saying, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.
There’s some quick witted banter between Charlotte and Damien that I really enjoyed plus the fact that Damien was impressed and amused by Charlotte’s comebacks! I very much appreciated that Damien wasn’t intimidated by Charlotte being an intelligent and driven woman, but that he actually respected her and was attracted to her for it! Too many men in real life feel threatened by intelligent women so I was practically drooling over Damien’s appreciation for them! I also praise Damien for pulling out all the stops and not backing down in intimidating situations just to get Charlotte to talk to him! That’s a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it!
These two brought the heat! Childhood rivals + fake dating made for some pretty steamy tension. Add in some of their banter as things were going down and it was my favorite kind of spice! If I had an office, Damien could come and visit it anytime to help me relax! 😉
Harlow James always incorporates some sort of meaningful life struggles and growth into her stories and I am here for it! It often makes the characters so easy to relate to because they’re like real people with real problems... Well, fictional people with real problems 😆 Speaking of problems, I was not expecting the conflict to blow up as much as it did! Kudos to the author for not being predictable and keeping me on my toes, but I am grateful that the conflict was able to be resolved without it causing too much havoc!
I adored the ending how certain small details came full circle! I was also proud of Charlotte for the choices she had to make in order to protect her mental health and put herself first. This was a wonderful and strong start to a new series and I cannot wait to continue it, especially the next book since it’s got enemies to lovers trope! Not to mention, I’m hoping Jeffrey will eventually get his own book! The way he’s always saying the wrong things and fumbling over his words to correct himself had me cracking up!
Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t settle for a spark. Light a fire instead.”
“I’m going to kill you,” I spit back.
“In that case, I prefer to be cremated.”
We spent our entire childhood competing over who was the best, only to realize after all this time that the only people we are the best for are each other. -Charlotte
February 28, 2022
Harlow has yet to write a book I don't like...no wait! LOVE!!!!!!
Gahh! She gives us, this time, a childhood enemies, who have not seen each other for 12 years to fake dating to lovers.
Damien and Charlotte grew up constantly competing against each other on everything. Funny thing is, their families are close and even best friends so the fact that they don't get along is odd. Funny to me that they even get into each others top choice for college in LA. With the knowing of this, and a run in at the carousel, they promise to each other that once they leave their hometown, they will not even think of each other.
Twelve years later, Damien is trying to get a promotion at his job and Charlotte is trying to get her overbearing mother who is constantly in her business as to when is she going to find a man to settle down with, have kids and make her grandmother , run into each other and decide that they will fake date. They start the ruse but they both start feeling things for each other that they find odd because why would they? They have been enemies since their childhood. Do they pull off the fake dating, does Damien get the promotion and does Charlottes mother get off her and let her live her life?!?!
This book, to me, was relatable and I don't think I have every related to a book so much. The constant nagging from her mother and the pressure for Charlotte to live a life where a woman dates, gets married and has kids hit home. To overlook what Charlotte wants and the fact that her mother never asks if Charlotte is happy made me want to throat punch her mother. (Sorry) I am glad that even with her over bearing mother, Charlotte had a support system with her girlfriends. The Ladies Who Brunch, who all have their own issues but are there for each other!! This book gives you steam, hilarious banter and friendships. I am excited to see and read how the other girls stories pan out as Harlow cannot just give us one of the ladies from The Ladies Who Brunch.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Gahh! She gives us, this time, a childhood enemies, who have not seen each other for 12 years to fake dating to lovers.
Damien and Charlotte grew up constantly competing against each other on everything. Funny thing is, their families are close and even best friends so the fact that they don't get along is odd. Funny to me that they even get into each others top choice for college in LA. With the knowing of this, and a run in at the carousel, they promise to each other that once they leave their hometown, they will not even think of each other.
Twelve years later, Damien is trying to get a promotion at his job and Charlotte is trying to get her overbearing mother who is constantly in her business as to when is she going to find a man to settle down with, have kids and make her grandmother , run into each other and decide that they will fake date. They start the ruse but they both start feeling things for each other that they find odd because why would they? They have been enemies since their childhood. Do they pull off the fake dating, does Damien get the promotion and does Charlottes mother get off her and let her live her life?!?!
This book, to me, was relatable and I don't think I have every related to a book so much. The constant nagging from her mother and the pressure for Charlotte to live a life where a woman dates, gets married and has kids hit home. To overlook what Charlotte wants and the fact that her mother never asks if Charlotte is happy made me want to throat punch her mother. (Sorry) I am glad that even with her over bearing mother, Charlotte had a support system with her girlfriends. The Ladies Who Brunch, who all have their own issues but are there for each other!! This book gives you steam, hilarious banter and friendships. I am excited to see and read how the other girls stories pan out as Harlow cannot just give us one of the ladies from The Ladies Who Brunch.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
March 6, 2022
“Because for some reason, having you back in my life has brightened my days, Char. And I don’t want that brightness to dull just yet.”
This was my first book by Harlow James and absolutely will not be last. I loved her writing style so much. Her characters are flawed but beautiful, sexy and relatable. I couldn’t get enough of the hilarious banter and scorching hot chemistry in this book.
Charlotte and Damien have known each other their whole lives. Their parents are best friends but were always in competition against the other trying to one up each other in everything they did. They despised each other. After high school graduation they go their separate ways off to college never to see or speak to the other again until twelve years later they run into each other.
Damien is up for a promotion at work and is in need to a fake girlfriend so seeing Charlotte again is perfect timing. Charlotte is desperate to get her mother off her back about finding a man and settling down so she goes along with his crazy plan to become his fake girlfriend.
Charlotte has the best group of girl friends. They met in college and have been best friends ever since. They meet up every Sunday morning for brunch. This group has serious Sex and the City vibes going on! I absolutely loved how supportive they are but also don’t hesitate to mince words and tell Charlotte what she needs to hear.
I fell so hard for Damien and Charlotte!! Charlotte is a strong independent woman. She has worked hard to get where she is in her career. Damien is hot, sexy, charming and so very swoony. He pulls out all the stops to woo Charlotte and even though their arrangement is supposed to be temporary he is falling for her fast. I loved his determination to prove to Charlotte they could be so much more than good food, and sex.
This was a fantastic introduction to The Ladies Who Brunch series and I cannot wait for the next one!!
*ARC Review
This was my first book by Harlow James and absolutely will not be last. I loved her writing style so much. Her characters are flawed but beautiful, sexy and relatable. I couldn’t get enough of the hilarious banter and scorching hot chemistry in this book.
Charlotte and Damien have known each other their whole lives. Their parents are best friends but were always in competition against the other trying to one up each other in everything they did. They despised each other. After high school graduation they go their separate ways off to college never to see or speak to the other again until twelve years later they run into each other.
Damien is up for a promotion at work and is in need to a fake girlfriend so seeing Charlotte again is perfect timing. Charlotte is desperate to get her mother off her back about finding a man and settling down so she goes along with his crazy plan to become his fake girlfriend.
Charlotte has the best group of girl friends. They met in college and have been best friends ever since. They meet up every Sunday morning for brunch. This group has serious Sex and the City vibes going on! I absolutely loved how supportive they are but also don’t hesitate to mince words and tell Charlotte what she needs to hear.
I fell so hard for Damien and Charlotte!! Charlotte is a strong independent woman. She has worked hard to get where she is in her career. Damien is hot, sexy, charming and so very swoony. He pulls out all the stops to woo Charlotte and even though their arrangement is supposed to be temporary he is falling for her fast. I loved his determination to prove to Charlotte they could be so much more than good food, and sex.
This was a fantastic introduction to The Ladies Who Brunch series and I cannot wait for the next one!!
*ARC Review
February 21, 2022
Damien and Charlotte are childhood enemies. They have always been pinned against one another since they can remember. When they both get into each others preferred colleges in California, they promise to forget about each other and they are done. 12 years later Charlotte is doing well in her career and life is good but her mom is always hounding her "when are you getting married?" "Kids?" "Lose weight"... All the snarky comments. Damien has a good career and trying to move up in the ladder when there's a project to sell women's products but his boss doesn't think he can do it cause he doesn't have a girlfriend, but he lies and thats when he runs in to Charlotte and they decided to fake date it helps her and him. What happens when food and orgasms becomes feelings? What happens when you finally set boundaries for people?
I fell so hard for this book! I love the dynamic of this book so much! This is a fresh idea and I loved every second of it! I laughed so hard though out this book and I was obsessed! I love Damien so much and everything he does for her on her period and how he takes over and helps her see her worth and helps her set boundaries!
I fell so hard for this book! I love the dynamic of this book so much! This is a fresh idea and I loved every second of it! I laughed so hard though out this book and I was obsessed! I love Damien so much and everything he does for her on her period and how he takes over and helps her see her worth and helps her set boundaries!
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