I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I loved the storyline and the writing. Hate-love stories are my favorite type.

My rating is 4/5 because I thought Ben was a jerk like 95% of the book.

I usually don't have a problem with that, because sometimes it happens when they don't know each other yet/ they're starting to get to know.each other.

But throughout the book, he was really annoying and other than being "hot" I didn't see why she liked him. His "tender" moments definitely didn't make up for the "jerk" ones, in my opinion.

In the ending I felt like he should've demonstrated more his love for her. It didn't seem very believable.

But Emmy was so funny, I loved most of the other characters. The book kept me entertained.

I initially started reading this book last summer on my iPhone. I was on a beach vacation and in desperate need of a little romance. Ask and ye shall receive! On the cliche meter, this book probably ranks at about a 6 or 7, but the romance I saught was present. It's your typical story of boy-meets-girl, the boy acts like he isn't attracted to and hates the girl, but really they fall in love. Ben is so angry when he first meets Emelia that it made it really hard to find something likable or relatable in his character. Readers want to be able to connect with the character, even just a tiny bit. Emelia is the polar opposite - she has personality, everyone seems to like her, and she feels like a real person. It took me until about chapter 15 to really get into the book and by then the story is basically wrapping up, which is why it took me almost a year to complete it. Number one reason is the ebook format and number two was that I felt the story moved too slowly for me.

Really cute book. I wish I was a little longer but maybe because I liked it a lot. This was my first time reading this author but I am a fan.

Shortcake

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I loved this book. Shortcake was a great mix of a good storyline and great characters. Emilia and Ben balance one another well and even when they annoy each other, they still are there for each other. I also love how they were brought together, it was unique and fresh. Everything that happened to the house, happened with them in mind and created a world for them.

The Good
Engaging writing style. I love a good rom-com because I prefer to laugh than cry with my romances, so I’m always up for getting to read a new-to-me author in this subgenre. Your emotions can run the gamut in a rom-com done well, and Shortcake actually has a lot of potential for some depth with the froth. It was very easy to read (though I struggled the further I got, but more on that later) and I was hopeful that even with some bumps along the way that I would really come to love this.

From the very first line, Emmy is relatable, funny, a bit damaged, definitely prone to drama, and pretty lovable. I was immediately intrigued with what happened to her and wanted to know more. So good setup? Check. Classic tropes of enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity? Check. Funny, wacky scenes? Check. The story is written in first person, all from Emmy’s POV, and while she’s myopic with her perspective of herself and Ben, the rest of the characters are easy to envision and fun to get to know. And then...

The Bad
It’s bad when you don’t like one half of the couple in a romance. Sadly, I really struggled with Ben and his jerkish behavior towards Emmy. The only perspective I have of Ben is from Emmy, and he’s pretty harsh to her from the moment he meets her. Occasionally, they’re both childish and their arguments can land on the comedy end of rom-coms, but alot of times he's just mean. Now, I’ve fallen for “heroes” that start off as jerks. Sometimes seeing that jackass realize he’s a jackass can be very satisfying and eventually I can connect to them on some level. And if this was on the big screen, so much is conveyed through the eyes or body language that you could probably get away with seeing the story mostly through Emmy's eyes. However, Ben stays in the same lane for the majority of his personal journey, so I couldn’t empathize with him and understand WHY he was such a jerk until way too late. Also, his attempts to hook up with other women while living with Emmy did not endear him to me, but I can get past it because he wasn’t romantically involved with Emmy at the time. Still didn’t like it.

Shallow characterizations. Rom-coms don’t have to deep dive into emotional angst. I don’t expect that. But I do need at least ONE really good scene that lays out the emotional connection between the hero and heroine. For example, Ben and Emmy’s “big heartfelt confession” scene, the one where you would finally see them start to understand each other, the scene where their secrets come out and helps advance them to the next stage of their romance? Completely bare bones and came pretty late in the tale. We’re told that Emmy’s big secret was told to him by “some friend.” WTF. This is a crucial scene and yet afterwards, I felt I didn’t know either of them any better for it.

Also, I never felt they were equal in their interactions. Emmy didn't give as good as she got. Ben steamrolled her most of the time if he really wanted to. She was always the one to worry about him, to bend towards his will, to give ground. It’s only towards the end that we’re TOLD about Ben’s feelings, that we’re TOLD that he really did want and care for her, but it didn’t show for the majority of the story. I didn’t really get to see his regret for his treatment of Emmy and there’s absolutely no grovel. Speaking of missed opportunities...

There SO MUCH that is completely glossed over in order to rush to a conclusion. The pacing was very off, and the characters suffered as a result.

Oh lord problematic. Calling Romani people “gypsy” is a slur. It’s never been complimentary, it’s had horrible connotations around the world. There’s an acknowledgment in the story that it’s horrible, and I could understand it being used by an old, ignorant woman. However, the continued use of it, BY THE HERO, as a term of affection? Drove me batty. There’s more but that was one bit that really stuck out and made me cringe.

The Bottom Line
I really, really wanted to like this story, but this shortcake was shortchanged by the abundance of missed opportunities. The moments that captured my attention and made me want to keep reading didn’t outweigh my disappointment with the lack of character development, weird pacing, and problematic bits. I do think there’s good potential with this author, and I wouldn’t rule out reading another book by her. Just a shame this didn’t work for me.

This was the first book I've read from this author and I really enjoyed it. The story was different from anything I've read recently and really captured my attention.

I’m Usually a Fan Of ” Enemies To Lovers ” Storyline in Romance Novels, It’s Interesting, entertaining and gripping, Especially if the hero is secretly in love with the heroine. 😛

BUT, After this Book, I don’t think I will be able to view this kind of books the same way as before.

Benjamin Crawford aka ” The Hero ” of this story was a complete Asshole. He took the word ” Rude ” to the next level. Yeah, I know, ” Enemies to lovers ” stories usually have arguments, fights and even some hurtful encounters but Ben was an ass to Emelia the Whole Book, the only sane conversation they had, was at the end of the book (The last scene before the epilogue).

His actions and words were totally unreasonable. I really hated him, even If he was hurting, he should NOT take all his anger and sadness on others !

Emelia’s character was actually decent, not supper interesting but acceptable. I would have loved the book more, If The author explored her character more instead of her obsession and unreasonable attraction to Ben. If Watson had explored Emelia Panic attacks, mental health, her relation with Derek or even her Job more, the book would have been more interesting.

Lucy Watson Writing Style was actually really good, regardless of the story, the writing was engaging. But I felt like she was writing the book as if it will be the first of a series, there are many unexplored lines, she would start talking about then completely forget to tell us the rest.

Honestly, I was about to DNF this book multiple times, Simply because NO woman (Fictional / Real) should tolerate such behaviour just because she is attracted to a person!

Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book, it had many wrong issues, in my opinion.

Amazingly sweet, heartfelt and hilarious.

Broken, anxiety ridden Emmy just lost her dear friend. Even though the age diffrence is steep, Emmy and Rose have a great bond that readers can feel throughout the story.

Enter Ben, with his cutting stares and boiling anger, Emmy is shocked that this is the same grandson her sweet friend so fondly referred to.

Now that Rose is gone Emmy and Ben must work together to fullfil her last wish. It's the perfect cozy romantic read for any night of the week.

Emilia and Ben are in an impossible situation that neither of them wish to be in. They have been left the estate of Ben’s recently passed Grandmother to renovate. Emmy really doesn’t want to share the space with brooding Ben, especially as he is convinced she is a con woman who charmed her way into his sweet grandmother’s will.

Being made to work together brings a lot of banter and a lot of sexual tension.

I loved this book from start to finish. Although there were comedic moments I thought it was more serious than a romantic comedy. I definitely cried note than I laughed. This will not be the last Lucy Watson novel I read!
.

I really, really liked this book! There were a lot of flaws (which I will get into below), but Lucy Watson's sharp writing style and loveable characters really won me over! Enemies to lovers is also my jam.

I lovvveeedddd the witty banter between Emmy and Benjamin. I laughed out loud multiple times and also loved the many perfect movie quotes/references. I did enjoy a lot of the side characters including the memories of Rose, Ben's friends, and Mara.

Now to the flaws...
1. I'm really confused about the weird love triangle with Derek. The entire storyline with him was left hanging and I did not like it. I honestly thought he was going to show up at the wedding to walk Emmy down the aisle (I was hoping that Ben would get him in on it) and was majorly disappointed when that didn't happen.
2. The ending was very abrupt. It could have closed out a bit better and tied up more loose ends.
3. The conversation about their pasts could have gone much deeper. They dealt with some serious issues and I would have preferred for them to dig deeper.

Despite the flaws, Lucy Watson really won me over with her writing and I will certainly be awaiting her next read! Thank you to netgalley and Lucy Watson for access to the ebook!

Ok what a fun, sexy and actually really steamy rom com. I loved shortcake. They have it stay together during a renovation and let’s just say the sparks really fly. They were fun and charming characters and just really loved this. Please everyone give this a read. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks NetGalley

Totally hilarious! Found myself literally laughing out loud at this book. I loved the characters. Definitely want to read what happens to supporting characters.

This was just what I expected: a fun and fast read! This was an enjoyable piece of chick lit that moved quickly and was enjoyable.

Everything I was looking for!!

This is the first book I have read by Lucy Watson, and it appears this is her first book too. Where have you been hiding? This book was fabulous! Between Emelia’s inner conversations, her and “hatred” of how Ben assumes she tricked his aunt into giving her part of the estate upon her death, how the two are forced to work together, their banter, and eventually their sizzling love, this story was a surprise and fun throughout. Highly recommended!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

You know that old adage: never judge a book by it's cover? Well, in this case it rings true. Just because a book has a beautiful or hunky cover doesn't mean the actual story is worth anything more than poo poo on the sole of your shoe.

The song Roses by Outcast come to mind:

I know you'd like to think your shit don't stink
But lean a little bit closer
See that roses really smell like poo-poo-oo
Yeah, roses really smell like poo-poo-oo

In this case it does mean that Shortcake is everything you didn't know you needed to read and more. For one it is plain hilarious and for those of use who need a good laugh every once and while, it hit that spot and so much more. Two, the h and H are to die for. I mean there were so many awesome quotes in this book, it blew my mind.

Lucy Watson.

You.
Are.
Officially.
On.
My.
Radar.
NOW!

Witty banter and holy guacamole sexual tension does it for me in any novel, no matter the author. It also has enemies-to-lovers trope, again, which is my favorite! I am all for a good rom-com, which lately, albeit a few author, who I won't name cause you know who you are have actually had the comedy part in it.

This one totally has it all!

This book has been added to my OG faves.

So don't let the cover fool you into thinking that this book is garbage, cause it IS NOT! But with comedy there is always a undertone as well. It deals with death and a little angel named Rose, who has a unexpected chore for the our couple. When Emmy's friend unexpectedly passes, she leaves an unusual task for her and her grandson, Ben to complete or they will have to forfeit it all to Ben's father, who doesn't deserve anything!
These two can't stand each other at first. Arguing over every trivial thing. But them trying to out due each other was fantastic! FYI: the book is a bit of a slow burner. But you won't mind with the witty dialogue and these two dueling with each other.

I suggest you pick up Shortcake and have a good laugh!

This book was flipping fantastic. The author hit all the right notes when it came to the sass factor. Funny, witty, sexy, you name it and this book had it. The brilliance in this book will refresh your mind from the all the emotionally draining dramas.

This book is about two people worlds apart in personality thrown into unwelcome circumstances, who encroach each other's space, rub each other in the wrong-est way possible, get pathetically creative in pushing each other's buttons, then slowly and gradually glide towards romance.

The thing about enemies-to-lovers kinda plot is that I get a lot more than romance. Here, the animosity between the lead characters wasn’t just floating on the surface, it was bursting to battle out in the open. I loved the fact that even though I knew they are going to get together in the end (blah! It's a romance), the journey of getting there was more than entertaining. I liked that there wasn’t any unnecessary crisis. I cannot gush enough on how much I loved this book. There was never a dull moment. This one had me grinning like a lunatic the whole time. I was afraid my poor husband was going to twist his neck by the way he was constantly shaking his head at me.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, insane dialogues, solid storyline, a douchy but Adonis-like guy, a quirky but likable heroine and sassy romance, then this is the one for you.

Enemies to Lover romance stories are my bread and butter. They're my favourites to read and Shortcake is no exception. 

Fast paced, funny and exciting! Shortcake is a well written ball of fun that keeps on giving. Fans of The Hating Game will adore this read. 

We follow Emma and Benjamin through the trials and tribulations of being live-in enemies and it is glorious. The tension between the pair is palpable and it's clear to see that something between them is brewing. There are some genuine laugh out loud moments in this gem that will leave you highly amused as a reader!

A really solid and enjoyable piece of work from Lucy Watson - my first of Lucy's work but definitely not my last!

This is a enemies to lovers romance... though the lovers part doesn't happen til late in the book. He thinks she conned his grandma for an inheritance and she thinks he's a jerk with a chip on his shoulder. Needless to say, neither gets along with the other and unfortunately they are forced to live together for a month. Lots of verbal sparring happens between them, and lots of childish antics as they each try to one-up the other. The book is written strictly from her POV. The majority of the book is her trying to be nice, with him throwing everything back in her face... hence all the immature shenanigans. The characters are fun, and despite his bad attitude towards her, they are lovable. The side characters bring in some additional laughs. There is a lot of humor (mostly in the form of her self-deprecating and some klutzy actions.) There are some tender-hearted moments as well, as we learn more about the secrets they each hold. And a little teary eyed moment too. Overall it's a fun story, as we watch them banter. It's a quick moving story that is easy to read. The only negative I had, was how long the 'hate' lasted between them before they finally became friends.

*I received a copy of this book through Netgalley.

Shortcake by Lucy Watson is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. I love this book!! This book made me laugh out loud several times, but it also proved to be emotional at times too. This book really sucked me in, and I found myself wanting to hang out with Emelia, Ben and their fun friends. Both Emelia and Ben have baggage and scars, but can they help each other heal? I highly recommend this wonderful romantic comedy.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.