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At The Mall
Mall You Need is Love
Stupid Cupid strikes an arrow through reader’s hearts with this opposites attract standalone Valentine’s Day novella sure to take your breath away.
Jaded-by-love Amara Hart owns a retro-style gaming arcade in the local shopping mall that is bustling full of people who’d rather play Pac-Man than have a candlelit dinner with the charming Casanova store owner next door. Despite her cynicism toward anything roses, Amara finds herself agreeing to help Valentino Rossi when his store is robbed a few days shy of Valentine’s Day—his biggest annual moneymaker.
Valentino believes in endless love and has made it his mission in life to help others express that love through romance and custom-made jewelry. Silly little love songs are what make him get out of bed in the morning, and meeting the anti-Valentine Amara has thrown him for a loop. Determined to prove love me tender is more than a retro ballad, Valentino sets out to give Amara a Valentine’s Day she’ll never forget.
As Amara feels her rough edges begin to soften, she begins to wonder what would happen if she asked the man next door to…be mine, Valentino.
Jaded-by-love Amara Hart owns a retro-style gaming arcade in the local shopping mall that is bustling full of people who’d rather play Pac-Man than have a candlelit dinner with the charming Casanova store owner next door. Despite her cynicism toward anything roses, Amara finds herself agreeing to help Valentino Rossi when his store is robbed a few days shy of Valentine’s Day—his biggest annual moneymaker.
Valentino believes in endless love and has made it his mission in life to help others express that love through romance and custom-made jewelry. Silly little love songs are what make him get out of bed in the morning, and meeting the anti-Valentine Amara has thrown him for a loop. Determined to prove love me tender is more than a retro ballad, Valentino sets out to give Amara a Valentine’s Day she’ll never forget.
As Amara feels her rough edges begin to soften, she begins to wonder what would happen if she asked the man next door to…be mine, Valentino.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2022
About the author
Sarah Robinson
50 books2,237 followers
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
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About Sarah:
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
Stalk Sarah on Social Media:
Click on any of the links below to be taken to one of the social media sites!
Author Website | Subscribe to Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
About Sarah:
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
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January 3, 2023DNF’ed
It just wasn’t working for me and on top of it it’s 3rd POV and I usually don’t love it but I can put it aside but this one didn’t work :/
It just wasn’t working for me and on top of it it’s 3rd POV and I usually don’t love it but I can put it aside but this one didn’t work :/
January 28, 2022
"Mara, you can't just fall for me like this," he joked, but the way her eyes dipped down to his lips when he said that made his core tighten and his stomach flipflop.
This book was a no brainer choice for me, with February a few days away and me being in a huge mood for sweet and easy contemporaries. Plus, I’ve read a couple of Sarah Robinson’s books before, so I knew I am going to like the writing style.
Mall You Need is Love is a cute, fast-paced standalone Valentine’s Day novella. It follows two perspectives and features tropes such as opposites attract, forced proximity (LOL) and insta love.
I loved the idea for this story and the narration. The pacing was also good. And I loved what little we got to know of the characters.
If this were a full length novel, I’m sure I would have given it at least one more star. But as it is, we got to see so little of Amara and Val’s story, as the novella is less than a 100 pages long and a lot of it goes to a secondary plotline.
"You gotta open your heart to love, you know. There's a big banner on the store next door that says just that."
Despite being insta-love-y, I found the attraction and the MCs falling for each other very natural and believable. The epilog, though, seemed somewhat forced.
Honestly, considering it's a Valentine's novella, I was surprised there weren’t even more hearts and flowers. A huge part of me prefers it the way it was. But there’s also this tiny part that wonders if a romance revolving around the most romantic day of the year could have gotten away with even cheesier romantic gestures.
The good news - this is such a quick and easy read, you can always sneak it into your schedule and add some fun romance to your day. The bad news - if you are anything like me, you will be left wanting for more.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Mall You Need is Love by Sarah Robinson in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
This book was a no brainer choice for me, with February a few days away and me being in a huge mood for sweet and easy contemporaries. Plus, I’ve read a couple of Sarah Robinson’s books before, so I knew I am going to like the writing style.
Mall You Need is Love is a cute, fast-paced standalone Valentine’s Day novella. It follows two perspectives and features tropes such as opposites attract, forced proximity (LOL) and insta love.
I loved the idea for this story and the narration. The pacing was also good. And I loved what little we got to know of the characters.
If this were a full length novel, I’m sure I would have given it at least one more star. But as it is, we got to see so little of Amara and Val’s story, as the novella is less than a 100 pages long and a lot of it goes to a secondary plotline.
"You gotta open your heart to love, you know. There's a big banner on the store next door that says just that."
Despite being insta-love-y, I found the attraction and the MCs falling for each other very natural and believable. The epilog, though, seemed somewhat forced.
Honestly, considering it's a Valentine's novella, I was surprised there weren’t even more hearts and flowers. A huge part of me prefers it the way it was. But there’s also this tiny part that wonders if a romance revolving around the most romantic day of the year could have gotten away with even cheesier romantic gestures.
The good news - this is such a quick and easy read, you can always sneak it into your schedule and add some fun romance to your day. The bad news - if you are anything like me, you will be left wanting for more.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Mall You Need is Love by Sarah Robinson in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
January 20, 2022
This novella will get you in the mood for Valentines Day and out of your slump in no time.
It was a quick, cheesy and fun read nothing over dramatic or overdeveloped just a light heartwarming grumpy - sunshine / enemies to lovers story with a dose of mystery.
Thank you NetGalley & Author Collective 20 for the digital ARC
It was a quick, cheesy and fun read nothing over dramatic or overdeveloped just a light heartwarming grumpy - sunshine / enemies to lovers story with a dose of mystery.
Thank you NetGalley & Author Collective 20 for the digital ARC
January 30, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mall you need is love is a short novella about Amara, who runs her own little arcade store in the mall. One night the neighboring jewelry story gets robbed and she and the owner of the store, a known Casanova, have to team up to find the mall thieve.
This was a sweet little romance. I had a good time reading it, even though it's insta-lovey. It was a good novella, but it didn't blow my mind. Nevertheless, it kept me entertained, and I wouldn't mind checking out the other works by this author.
Mall you need is love is a short novella about Amara, who runs her own little arcade store in the mall. One night the neighboring jewelry story gets robbed and she and the owner of the store, a known Casanova, have to team up to find the mall thieve.
This was a sweet little romance. I had a good time reading it, even though it's insta-lovey. It was a good novella, but it didn't blow my mind. Nevertheless, it kept me entertained, and I wouldn't mind checking out the other works by this author.
January 17, 2022
* Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc *
4 stars.
It was a fast paced and easy-to-read novella, which will undoubtedly make anyone feel in the Valentine's Mood. Cute books are just MY thing so of course I loved it.
Amara is a fun protagonist who I founded very easy to empathize with, she is a bit apathetic with Valentine's Day and all things love related due to previous bad experiences and also believes that love should be shown every day, not only on February 14, Val on the other hand, is her opposite, he made me reflect about Valentine’s day, his way of thinking and seeing the world seemed very cute.
Apart from that, Val seems to me like a memorable and refreshing character, he is not the typical man who hates love and all the things related to it that we usually find in the books, for him the details and Valentine's Day do have a meaning and that made me feel kind of…warm? soft? both?
I will definitely reread this novella on February 14 while I stay at home drinking sangria and wishing to have such a cool date such as Amara and Val
4 stars.
It was a fast paced and easy-to-read novella, which will undoubtedly make anyone feel in the Valentine's Mood. Cute books are just MY thing so of course I loved it.
Amara is a fun protagonist who I founded very easy to empathize with, she is a bit apathetic with Valentine's Day and all things love related due to previous bad experiences and also believes that love should be shown every day, not only on February 14, Val on the other hand, is her opposite, he made me reflect about Valentine’s day, his way of thinking and seeing the world seemed very cute.
Apart from that, Val seems to me like a memorable and refreshing character, he is not the typical man who hates love and all the things related to it that we usually find in the books, for him the details and Valentine's Day do have a meaning and that made me feel kind of…warm? soft? both?
I will definitely reread this novella on February 14 while I stay at home drinking sangria and wishing to have such a cool date such as Amara and Val
January 6, 2022
3.75
This is a very quick and easy read. If you want something cute and cheesy, then this book is for you.
Amara Hart is the owner of a mall arcade. When the electricity goes out at work, she goes to the back room to find the circuit breaker. When the power is restored, Amara notices that the back door was open when she entered, rather than locked as it should have been. She questioned as to whether or not her employees had forgotten to lock the doors, but they replied that they had not.
The cops came into the arcade the same day to check if she knew anything or had seen anything about the robbery next door. Valentino Rossi, the owner of Kisses and Karats Jewelry, is her next-door neighbor and wants to speak with her about his robbery. Until that day, the two had never met in person, but Valentino had always contacted her to tell her when the arcade was too noisy for him.
The police suggested that they create a neighborhood watch, and the two of them were the first to sign up. They began doing the neighbor watched the same night and have continued to discover more about each other since then.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
This is a very quick and easy read. If you want something cute and cheesy, then this book is for you.
Amara Hart is the owner of a mall arcade. When the electricity goes out at work, she goes to the back room to find the circuit breaker. When the power is restored, Amara notices that the back door was open when she entered, rather than locked as it should have been. She questioned as to whether or not her employees had forgotten to lock the doors, but they replied that they had not.
The cops came into the arcade the same day to check if she knew anything or had seen anything about the robbery next door. Valentino Rossi, the owner of Kisses and Karats Jewelry, is her next-door neighbor and wants to speak with her about his robbery. Until that day, the two had never met in person, but Valentino had always contacted her to tell her when the arcade was too noisy for him.
The police suggested that they create a neighborhood watch, and the two of them were the first to sign up. They began doing the neighbor watched the same night and have continued to discover more about each other since then.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 5, 2022
Let’s keep this review short and sweet - just like this novella. “Mall You Need is Love” is the latest installment of the “At the Mall” series by Sarah Robinson. Each novella centers around a holiday romance for workers at the Yule Heights Mall. This particular story focuses on the relationship between jaded arcade owner Mara and the romantic jeweler aptly named Valentino. The two are paired together in a neighborhood watch after Val’s jewelry store is robbed right before Valentine’s Day. This book is a cute, heartfelt, wholesome romance that has the charm of a hallmark movie. If you are in need of some sweet romantic banter, classic romantic gestures, and some opposites attract true love to get you in the mood for Valentines Day look no further. This was my first read by this author and I’m excited for more.
January 27, 2022
Amara Hart, who is jaded by her past relationships, owns a retro-style gaming arcade in the local shopping mall. Valentino Rossi believes in endless love and has made it his mission in life to help others express that love through his custom-made jewelry. Amara finds herself agreeing to help Valentino when his store is robbed a few days shy of Valentine’s Day—his biggest annual moneymaker. After they spend time together, Amara feels her rough edges begin to soften. She begins to wonder what would happen if she asked the man to be mine, Valentino.
I really liked this contemporary romance. It was a sweet, and heartwarming, and as a reader, I wish there was a Valentino for every Amara. I liked how the author made everything positive in the end. But I wanted more, more romance, more character development, and more story. I believe that this story could’ve been better as a full-length novel. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I really liked this contemporary romance. It was a sweet, and heartwarming, and as a reader, I wish there was a Valentino for every Amara. I liked how the author made everything positive in the end. But I wanted more, more romance, more character development, and more story. I believe that this story could’ve been better as a full-length novel. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
January 16, 2022
***Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a lot of romance novellas so I know that you have to expect a certain amount of instalove but this was just too much for me.
The story follows Mara, an arcade owner in a mall full of shops that all have puns in their names. When her neighbor shop owner is robbed, Mara and Val team up to form a neighborhood watch to see if the robbers strike again. This lasts one night in which Mara and Val go from knowing nothing about each other to being super into each other.
The resolution of this book just seems really forced and unrealistic. Too neat.
The cover also makes is seem like it is going to have a little spice but no spice was had. Mara and Val’s relationship just felt like coworkers to me.
I have read a lot of romance novellas so I know that you have to expect a certain amount of instalove but this was just too much for me.
The story follows Mara, an arcade owner in a mall full of shops that all have puns in their names. When her neighbor shop owner is robbed, Mara and Val team up to form a neighborhood watch to see if the robbers strike again. This lasts one night in which Mara and Val go from knowing nothing about each other to being super into each other.
The resolution of this book just seems really forced and unrealistic. Too neat.
The cover also makes is seem like it is going to have a little spice but no spice was had. Mara and Val’s relationship just felt like coworkers to me.
February 13, 2022
This is a fun and light-hearted romance novella that will put you in the mood for Valentine's Day! Although cheesy at times (it's a rom-com after all), I liked that it was an easy read which gave me only positive feelings - no stress or frustration over the story or characters at all.
I also enjoyed the social commentary about Valentine's Day from both sides of the spectrum (cynic versus romantic). While I would have liked Amara and Valentino's relationship to have been more developed, it was a cute story overall.
Fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope and those looking for a cute, breezy read will enjoy this one.
✨ "I like to think of Valentine's Day as a moment of reflection on how much a person means to you — or who means what to you. We all go about our lives every day being so busy, trying to get that next promotion, meet our goals, whatever... it doesn't leave a lot of time for just sitting in the here and now. Just saying, hey, I love this person, I love having them in my life, and I want to celebrate that here and now, all on its own."
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
I also enjoyed the social commentary about Valentine's Day from both sides of the spectrum (cynic versus romantic). While I would have liked Amara and Valentino's relationship to have been more developed, it was a cute story overall.
Fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope and those looking for a cute, breezy read will enjoy this one.
✨ "I like to think of Valentine's Day as a moment of reflection on how much a person means to you — or who means what to you. We all go about our lives every day being so busy, trying to get that next promotion, meet our goals, whatever... it doesn't leave a lot of time for just sitting in the here and now. Just saying, hey, I love this person, I love having them in my life, and I want to celebrate that here and now, all on its own."
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
January 20, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
This book was the epitome of wholesome!
I really enjoyed it!
The writing style was fresh and the characters had the best sense of humor (it reminded me of mine lol).
My only complaint is the fact that it was really short and I wanted more of Amara and Valentino.
This book was the epitome of wholesome!
I really enjoyed it!
The writing style was fresh and the characters had the best sense of humor (it reminded me of mine lol).
My only complaint is the fact that it was really short and I wanted more of Amara and Valentino.
January 19, 2022
This is a fast paced and easy to read novella, if you want something cute and cheesy.
Amara Hart is the owner of a mall arcade. One day when the electricity goes out at her arcade, she goes to the back room to find the circuit breaker. When the power is restored, Amara notices that the back door was open. When she comes back to the arcade she hears about the robbery in the adjacent store - Kisses and Karats Jewelry.
Kisses and Karats Jewelry is owned by Valentino Rossi who believes in endless love and has made it his mission in life to help others express that love through romance and custom-made jewelry
The police suggested that they create a neighborhood watch, and the two of them were the first to sign up. They spend the whole night together getting to know each other.
Amara Hart is the owner of a mall arcade. One day when the electricity goes out at her arcade, she goes to the back room to find the circuit breaker. When the power is restored, Amara notices that the back door was open. When she comes back to the arcade she hears about the robbery in the adjacent store - Kisses and Karats Jewelry.
Kisses and Karats Jewelry is owned by Valentino Rossi who believes in endless love and has made it his mission in life to help others express that love through romance and custom-made jewelry
The police suggested that they create a neighborhood watch, and the two of them were the first to sign up. They spend the whole night together getting to know each other.
April 27, 2022
I can relate to Amara since I despise Valentine’s Day. I liked that she opened a retro arcade shop. This is a cute short novella. It’s full of kitsch with one character’s last name of Hart and the love interest’s first name of Valentino. I would change my mind about V day if I had hunky Val next door. Very suitable for the February love fest season. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy.
February 10, 2022
Quick and punny :)
What can you expect from a book where the hero is called Valentino Rossi?!
This was a happy surprise, the story of how Amara, a mall arcade owner started to believe in love for herself while helping her - ex-infuriating- shop neighbor.
While their connection was not enough for my tastes, the book was full of puns, smiles and some heartfelt scenes. What more can you ask for a small valentine's day book?!
I received a copy of this in order to provide my honest opinion.
What can you expect from a book where the hero is called Valentino Rossi?!
This was a happy surprise, the story of how Amara, a mall arcade owner started to believe in love for herself while helping her - ex-infuriating- shop neighbor.
While their connection was not enough for my tastes, the book was full of puns, smiles and some heartfelt scenes. What more can you ask for a small valentine's day book?!
I received a copy of this in order to provide my honest opinion.
January 27, 2022
⫷ The ARC of this book was provided by NetGalley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for an honest review ⫸
Amara + Valentino
✓ Jewellery Shop Owner/ Arcade Owner
✓ Shop Neighbors
✓ Insta-love
✓ Dual POV [Third Person]
✓ HEA
Amara and Valentino were neighbors who never met each other until a robbery put them together. They ended up becoming friends. The more they got to know each other, the more they realized that both of them wanted much more than just being in a friendly relationship.
This one was just a short novella. The main topic was supposed to be Valentine's Day. But it seemed to me that the topic was forced to the plot tbh. You guys might have a different opinion. That's totally fine. Anyway, Val had his way with words. I'll give you that. Moreover I liked how Val and Mara took care of Marco. I felt so bad for the kid.
But it was really unlikely that a jewellery shop owner would handout a free ring to a customer just because the person used to purchase stuff from them. A fudging 'Diamond Ring' precisely. The guy was not even a family member or something to make it more believable. And 'Val being a playboy' part was poorly executed. Because at first the author showed that he's a womanizer according to the gossips Mara heard. Then Val explained about one incident concerning a certain desperate woman which kinda confused me and left me wondering if he was a playboy or not? The author should've cleared that up through Val's POV. I'm not really sure if she did or not though.
Overall, no matter how much I liked the ending, I gotta admit the beginning was kinda boring. I also think it had something to do with the descriptive writing style. Nonetheless it was an okay but forgettable read.
Amara + Valentino
✓ Jewellery Shop Owner/ Arcade Owner
✓ Shop Neighbors
✓ Insta-love
✓ Dual POV [Third Person]
✓ HEA
Amara and Valentino were neighbors who never met each other until a robbery put them together. They ended up becoming friends. The more they got to know each other, the more they realized that both of them wanted much more than just being in a friendly relationship.
This one was just a short novella. The main topic was supposed to be Valentine's Day. But it seemed to me that the topic was forced to the plot tbh. You guys might have a different opinion. That's totally fine. Anyway, Val had his way with words. I'll give you that. Moreover I liked how Val and Mara took care of Marco. I felt so bad for the kid.
But it was really unlikely that a jewellery shop owner would handout a free ring to a customer just because the person used to purchase stuff from them. A fudging 'Diamond Ring' precisely. The guy was not even a family member or something to make it more believable. And 'Val being a playboy' part was poorly executed. Because at first the author showed that he's a womanizer according to the gossips Mara heard. Then Val explained about one incident concerning a certain desperate woman which kinda confused me and left me wondering if he was a playboy or not? The author should've cleared that up through Val's POV. I'm not really sure if she did or not though.
Overall, no matter how much I liked the ending, I gotta admit the beginning was kinda boring. I also think it had something to do with the descriptive writing style. Nonetheless it was an okay but forgettable read.
January 20, 2022
**I want to first off by saying thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review**
Quick, Easy, Funny, and Punny… yes, I said punny.
I absolutely fell in love with our two main characters, Mara and Val.
Mara is the owner of a arcade which instantly gave her brownie points in my books. She’s hardworking, headstrong, and willing to give back to others in her community. Does she have a few flaws? Yes, but I feel that throughout the book she’s learning from them and trying to right her wrongs and ways of thinking.
Val is the owner of a jewelry store right next to Mara’s arcade. From the outside looking in, he seems like this big, scary man who doesn’t seem to ever like fun since he’s always asking Mara to keep the noise to a minimum, but that’s before anybody really got to know him. Very much the idea of “judging a book by its cover”.
All in all I had a wonderful time, like most stories I read like this, my one true complaint is how short they are but that’s only because I get so attached to these characters that I never want to lose them so quickly. Thank you again for the opportunity to receive this book in exchange for my honest review.
Quick, Easy, Funny, and Punny… yes, I said punny.
I absolutely fell in love with our two main characters, Mara and Val.
Mara is the owner of a arcade which instantly gave her brownie points in my books. She’s hardworking, headstrong, and willing to give back to others in her community. Does she have a few flaws? Yes, but I feel that throughout the book she’s learning from them and trying to right her wrongs and ways of thinking.
Val is the owner of a jewelry store right next to Mara’s arcade. From the outside looking in, he seems like this big, scary man who doesn’t seem to ever like fun since he’s always asking Mara to keep the noise to a minimum, but that’s before anybody really got to know him. Very much the idea of “judging a book by its cover”.
All in all I had a wonderful time, like most stories I read like this, my one true complaint is how short they are but that’s only because I get so attached to these characters that I never want to lose them so quickly. Thank you again for the opportunity to receive this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute novella.
I immediately liked Amara. She seemed really cool, owning a retro arcade and really seeming to love the fact it got kids off technology and hanging out with each other. I honestly also immediately liked Val in his POV even though he is dubbed as kind of a player (as well as someone who calls to tell her customers to be quiet) by Amara in the first chapter. They were both people who really valued their customers and tried to make personal connections and do everything they could to help them out.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book, trying to figure out who robbed Val's jewelry store that is right next to the arcade in the mall. It was a believable way for them to have met and noticed the spark between them, I just thought the romance went really fast. Which I realize it kind of has to be in a novella.
I felt it was well rounded out for being so short and the ending was very heartwarming.
This was a really cute novella.
I immediately liked Amara. She seemed really cool, owning a retro arcade and really seeming to love the fact it got kids off technology and hanging out with each other. I honestly also immediately liked Val in his POV even though he is dubbed as kind of a player (as well as someone who calls to tell her customers to be quiet) by Amara in the first chapter. They were both people who really valued their customers and tried to make personal connections and do everything they could to help them out.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book, trying to figure out who robbed Val's jewelry store that is right next to the arcade in the mall. It was a believable way for them to have met and noticed the spark between them, I just thought the romance went really fast. Which I realize it kind of has to be in a novella.
I felt it was well rounded out for being so short and the ending was very heartwarming.
February 9, 2022
Received this arc for an honest review
A story that was a quick read and not very long but full of substance. The characters were very good but I really liked the arcade owner Amara Hart, she had colorful hair tattoos and her store was retro arcade games. The person next to her Valentino Rossi was the owner of a jewelry store. Most of their interaction had just been him asking her or telling her that the noise level was too loud. That was until the power went out and after she restored power the police arrived shortly asking her questions but she was thinking it was about noise only to find out that Rossi had been robbed.
Later the two of them decide to patrol the mall together so their stores are protected during the night, while they are doing that they get to know each other and find out that they like each other. Then the next few days they go on a date and surprising Amara finds out who actually robbed his store. This was a good story for being a short one and with good characters. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars.
A story that was a quick read and not very long but full of substance. The characters were very good but I really liked the arcade owner Amara Hart, she had colorful hair tattoos and her store was retro arcade games. The person next to her Valentino Rossi was the owner of a jewelry store. Most of their interaction had just been him asking her or telling her that the noise level was too loud. That was until the power went out and after she restored power the police arrived shortly asking her questions but she was thinking it was about noise only to find out that Rossi had been robbed.
Later the two of them decide to patrol the mall together so their stores are protected during the night, while they are doing that they get to know each other and find out that they like each other. Then the next few days they go on a date and surprising Amara finds out who actually robbed his store. This was a good story for being a short one and with good characters. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars.
March 28, 2022
Meh. The insta-love was too much too quickly and the characters were ridiculously two-dimensional.
Maybe the book could have been fleshed out and developed more if it were longer, allowing for at least the main characters to seem a little real, but at the pacing of the story and small page length, there was basically nothing other than cheesy names and a little banter.
Insta-love is good when it is well done, and this was not. I would have liked a little more pacing between when they meet and how their feelings evolve. Everything was just crazy rushed and while the storyline was a good idea, it wasn't fully developed. Which is disappointing, because I highly enjoyed the idea, in the few pages it existed.
- I just noticed there are 96 pages in this book. You basically get what you signed up for, so if you're in the mood for a very, very short story where an entire relationship is created and flown through in less than 100 pages, then go for it. This book is for you.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
Maybe the book could have been fleshed out and developed more if it were longer, allowing for at least the main characters to seem a little real, but at the pacing of the story and small page length, there was basically nothing other than cheesy names and a little banter.
Insta-love is good when it is well done, and this was not. I would have liked a little more pacing between when they meet and how their feelings evolve. Everything was just crazy rushed and while the storyline was a good idea, it wasn't fully developed. Which is disappointing, because I highly enjoyed the idea, in the few pages it existed.
- I just noticed there are 96 pages in this book. You basically get what you signed up for, so if you're in the mood for a very, very short story where an entire relationship is created and flown through in less than 100 pages, then go for it. This book is for you.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 7, 2022
This super cute easy read was the perfect thing to read for a quick fix of romance and mystery. Amara owns an arcade in the mall and next door is the jewelry store owned by Val. Val has been known to call the arcade because their noise disrupts his business. One day a burglary occurs and while these two may butt heads a little at first the attraction is undeniable. As they set out to patrol their businesses the start to form a bond that leans towards friendship but with a little more. They both start to see more to the other and realize that they may have judged each other too quickly. As the mystery intensifies so does their chemistry but can Mara let Val in and will Val show her that love can be found even on the day she hates the most? Such a fun cute read that I loved.
February 1, 2022
Mostly I just really liked Amara and her arcade, and her relationship with her kids. I adore the cover and really wanted to like this novella more than I did.
The chemistry between Amara Valentino is just kinda okay. Nobody in this book felt like a real person, they're all very much two-dimensional cardboard cutouts. Valentino has a stick up his butt for most of the book but occasionally there are attempts at making a playful side come out, but it just felt awkward. Maybe it suffered from just not being long enough to give the characters time to really come to life. Everything felt kind of rushed, especially with their enemies to lovers romance and solving a burglary all happening in less than 100 pages. Then again, maybe not - the entire story is very much telling rather than showing.
Still, it's a fun concept, and there are some fun classic rom-com moments that made me smile.
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
The chemistry between Amara Valentino is just kinda okay. Nobody in this book felt like a real person, they're all very much two-dimensional cardboard cutouts. Valentino has a stick up his butt for most of the book but occasionally there are attempts at making a playful side come out, but it just felt awkward. Maybe it suffered from just not being long enough to give the characters time to really come to life. Everything felt kind of rushed, especially with their enemies to lovers romance and solving a burglary all happening in less than 100 pages. Then again, maybe not - the entire story is very much telling rather than showing.
Still, it's a fun concept, and there are some fun classic rom-com moments that made me smile.
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
January 27, 2023
**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for a chance to read to & review an ARC of this book!**
Please find my extended feedback below...along with some spoilers (beware).
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Things I Liked:
-I thought the premise was cute (two mall store owners & enemies to lovers).
-I liked the female main character's feisty attitude.
Things That Didn't Sit Quite Right With Me:
-Some aspects (like the police officer's behavior) seemed bizarre (encouraging the main characters to set up a neighborhood watch in the mall without talking to the mall security or owner?)
-The romance seemed surface level & then all of a sudden very deep.
Overall, I gave this book 2 stars.
Please find my extended feedback below...along with some spoilers (beware).
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Things I Liked:
-I thought the premise was cute (two mall store owners & enemies to lovers).
-I liked the female main character's feisty attitude.
Things That Didn't Sit Quite Right With Me:
-Some aspects (like the police officer's behavior) seemed bizarre (encouraging the main characters to set up a neighborhood watch in the mall without talking to the mall security or owner?)
-The romance seemed surface level & then all of a sudden very deep.
Overall, I gave this book 2 stars.
January 18, 2022
3.5/5 stars
This was a fun novella to get into the Valentines Day spirit! It's weird that I don't read many romances based around it's holiday, considering it's the holiday if love and all, ironic right??
This was fast paced, as novellas usually are, but I enjoyed it. It was short, sweet and interesting too. I love how Amara ran an arcade while Valentino ran a jewelry store!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Robinson for the earc in return for an honest review.
This was a fun novella to get into the Valentines Day spirit! It's weird that I don't read many romances based around it's holiday, considering it's the holiday if love and all, ironic right??
This was fast paced, as novellas usually are, but I enjoyed it. It was short, sweet and interesting too. I love how Amara ran an arcade while Valentino ran a jewelry store!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Robinson for the earc in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2022
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Mall You Need is Love is a quick paced novella. It centers around a woman that runs an arcade and a man who owns the jewelry store next door. There isn't really any development to the story and the characters quickly fall for one another. This was another insta love miss for me.
Mall You Need is Love is a quick paced novella. It centers around a woman that runs an arcade and a man who owns the jewelry store next door. There isn't really any development to the story and the characters quickly fall for one another. This was another insta love miss for me.
March 7, 2022
**FULL REVIEW**
Cute cute cute!!! Quirky little novella, perfect to set the tone for my favorite holiday (Valentine’s Day!).
I very much enjoyed the lightness of this story, the sweet sentiments and the “slow burn/fade to black” elements.
I look forward to reading other books in this sweet little series.
**4 Ms. PAC Man, Stars**
Cute cute cute!!! Quirky little novella, perfect to set the tone for my favorite holiday (Valentine’s Day!).
I very much enjoyed the lightness of this story, the sweet sentiments and the “slow burn/fade to black” elements.
I look forward to reading other books in this sweet little series.
**4 Ms. PAC Man, Stars**
January 26, 2022
If you like quick, easy read romantic novellas then this is the book for you.
Despite it happening over valentines day, it isn't over the top mushy like you would expect, but does leave you feeling happy after reading it!
Despite it happening over valentines day, it isn't over the top mushy like you would expect, but does leave you feeling happy after reading it!
February 11, 2022
**this arc was kindly provide by NetGalley - all thoughts an opinions are my own**
this book was a fairly quick read but I DNF'd around 45% as I was no longer committed to the story. The parts I was able to read, the characters had a great banter and was a very fitting read seeing as how Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I flip flop between loving and despising Valentine's Day, so it was refreshing to see a character who shared their view of not enjoying the holiday.
this book was a fairly quick read but I DNF'd around 45% as I was no longer committed to the story. The parts I was able to read, the characters had a great banter and was a very fitting read seeing as how Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I flip flop between loving and despising Valentine's Day, so it was refreshing to see a character who shared their view of not enjoying the holiday.
March 9, 2022
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a Novella which means very little character building or story back ground.
The characters are likeable though and the story just rolls along.
If you want a quick read this is it.
This is a Novella which means very little character building or story back ground.
The characters are likeable though and the story just rolls along.
If you want a quick read this is it.
July 19, 2022
Sweet, easy read.
Amara/Mara Hart and Valentino Rossi have neighbouring units at Yule Heights Shopping Mall but have never met one another. When Val's jewellery store is robbed, they finally come face to face. Neither are looking for love but, as Valentine's Day approaches, maybe love is coming for them.
This was quick little read, low on heat but lots of humour and attraction. Mara and Valentino are opposites, but they had a real connection and I enjoyed their fun banter.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Amara/Mara Hart and Valentino Rossi have neighbouring units at Yule Heights Shopping Mall but have never met one another. When Val's jewellery store is robbed, they finally come face to face. Neither are looking for love but, as Valentine's Day approaches, maybe love is coming for them.
This was quick little read, low on heat but lots of humour and attraction. Mara and Valentino are opposites, but they had a real connection and I enjoyed their fun banter.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
January 8, 2022
OMG THIS IS THE CUTEST ROMANCE I'VE EVER READ. So sweet, romantic, adorable and simple romance. Short, but full of feelings ❤️ I'm definitely going to read more of this author.
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