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Member Reviews

I received this eArc (thanks Netgalley and Gallery!) right before heading to Hawaii for some relaxation and felt this was exactly the rom-com I needed!

I was immediately intrigued by the premise of HEARTBREAK FOR HIRE and manufacturing your own karma revenge. But also found it to be something you can look at too closely in terms of human decency (both men and women come out looking horrible and gross) and/or the mechanics of this business (I have so many questions about how this all works!). But in the end, it felt like something that I, the reader, just had to accept and move past, suspended disbelief and all. I can see that not sitting as well for some readers.

Besides that… the writing style and humor of this book just GOT ME. I feel like Brinkley and I would get along famously drinking cocktails with umbrellas and discussing the latest cat fashion. I loved her internal (and external with Marc!) banter and sarcasm. I was constantly laughing with them and, honestly, some of the ridiculous heartbreak ploys they put up. I also enjoyed all the little conflicts Brinkley and Marc had to get through for their relationship that it felt earned by the end.

Although I did feel like there just may have been too many plot line branches that needed resolution and page time to wrap up that felt unnecessary at the end.

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This was exactly the fun that I needed right now. I am still in Ireland (leave in the morning) and needed something light and fun to combat the stress of driving on the wrong side of the road and accommodating four children. (To be fair...Mr. pages did all of the driving)

Heartbreak for Hire was so good. We follow artist Brinkley as she pieces her life together. For the last few years she has covertly been bringing revenge for women all over Chicago towards men who's egos are too big. She makes good money...but it isn't her passion.

Speaking of passion...insert Mark. He just happens to be the perfect one time thing. Except.... of course he is inserted into her life, and of course feelings may grow.

Add in mama drama, a kitty in clothes, and an epic painting scene and you are set up for a fun rom com.

If you are like me you may need to pair it with your new favorite, Guiness on tap is where it's at.

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Have you ever wanted to take down bad people? Well, I have, so this book was perfect for me.
Brinkley works for Heartbreak for Hire. They are paid to take down the bad people of the world; the ones who have wronged others and need to be brought down a peg. Brinkley fell into this job after her ex Aiden left her bruised and broken after their breakup. She couldn't trust anyone, especially men so this was the perfect gig for her. An aspiring artist, she needs the start up money to open her gallery and this is the perfect way to finance it.
Then she meets Mark, one of her targets, and starts to question things. She has an instant connection to this supposed self-centered nerd who is cut throat in his profession. After almost ruining her reputation at work, her boss informs her that she has hired male heartbreakers and Mark is one of them. Why would her boss hire males (when she knows all the women there hate men) and why would she hire an ex target?
Brinkley knows she has to work with Mark and stay professional because if not, she is out of a job. As she starts getting closer to Mark, she sees he isn't anything like he was portrayed by her client. He's not like Aiden, who destroyed her self worth, if anything, he wants to see her shine. Can Brinkley open up enough to trust again and not get hurt?
This book deals with gaslighting and issues of emotional abuse in her previous relationship and I could relate to what she went through so it was a win for me.
Thank you to Gallery, Netgalley and Sonia Hartl for an early copy.

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Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books and Sonia Hartl for gifting me ana advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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If you’re not into real, relatable characters with flaws and room to grow, this one is not for you! Otherwise, DON’T read any reviews (other than this one, of course) and instead go read this book! I could not put this one down, I was sucked in from the very get-go. The chemistry between Mark and Brinkley was instant and those elevator scenes? As a diehard Grey’s fan, I APPROVE!!!
A lot of reviewers seem to be taking issue with Brinkley and Mark’s job, but this is something that is addressed and resolved completely in the story. The other issue I'm seeing is the steam factor which like... I don’t personally understand, but I know that everyone has their own comfort level and so it’s only fair to say this is STEAMY. The spicy bedroom scenes don’t overtake the story at all and you can easily skip those pages if needed! I personally would’ve liked to see H4H flushed out more, I felt like that part of the storyline just... disappeared by the end. At one point I actually acknowledged to myself while reading that they hadn’t mentioned work for awhile. But two people working for a company that specializes in revenge falling in love, who could resist?
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Brinkley is living a double life. While her friends and family all think she’s spending her days working as an administrative assistant, she’s actually working for Heartbreak For Hire, a woman-run company specializing in all things revenge and humiliation. Crappy boyfriend cheated on you and then left you? Call H4H. Business partners swindle you out of your life savings and ruin your reputation? Call H4h. When Brinkley ends up in the apartment of a target, definitely NOT doing her job, she’s hoping to put the mistake behind her. Until her boss announces she has hired a few men to join the H4H team, including Brinkley’s old target. Mark pushes all of her buttons in all the wrong (and right) ways and soon the lines between enemies, coworkers and more are all blurring and she’s not sure she has any idea of what she wants anymore.

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Thank you Gallery books and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun and different story. Brinkley is a heartbreaker for hire. She helps to embarrass men who have wronged or embarrassed women. She's been doing it for two years, but things go haywire when she tries to take down a man named Mark, but finds she likes him. She shares more about herself than she should and ends up in his apartment. She's understandably surprised when he shows up as her newest coworker as her boss brings on men. Brinkley and Mark have an enemies/friends to lovers vibe. They're obviously both drawn to each other.

Brinkley has a lot of baggage from a college relationship/dropout/poor relationship with her mother. She's determined to pursue her dream of becoming an artist and opening her own gallery.

I loved the instant chemistry between Brinkley and Mark. They had a hot and steamy relationship from the start. It also seemed like they were generally into the other person and cared about them, despite some of their actions. This was a quick fun read and I'd definitely recommend it if you're okay with some steam!

I will update with the link when I share to my bookstagram account.

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bookwas ok but rather bland and boring. would not really recommend to anyone unless they're looking for a quick read with no real substance.

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3.5 stars

I really enjoyed most of this book. First things first: suspension of disbelief is key when reading this book. The idea that this agency could exist in this day and age, and be very successful while having zero advertising and surviving strictly on word of mouth is hard to believe. There are also some difficult and anger inducing themes throughout this book, such as cheating, gaslighting, misogyny, and parental abuse, so know that going in.
The chemistry and banter between Brinkley and Mark is great! Some of my favorite parts of the book were when they were just giving each other crap. I did take half a star off because the ending was very rushed. I’m also not a big fan of the fact that several people in the book committed huge wrongs and yet at the end of the day they basically got away with it. But despite these concerns I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley & Gallery Books for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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This enemies to lovers rom-com doesn’t really work for me. The few cute exchanges between the MCs (and the couple steamy ones) don’t balance out the repetitive storylines of Brinkley doubting herself, judging herself, and stewing in her past. I would have liked more of this plot to focus on her moving forward with her career and in her relationships and maybe even some of Mark’s backstory.

There are a lot of interesting ideas and characters here, but it is rather annoying that they are never developed. Technically, the writing is superb so I have not given up on this author. While this wasn’t a good fit for me it will be enjoyable for a lot of rom-com fans.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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If you could hire someone to get revenge for you would you? Brinkley works for Heartbreak for Hire and that’s exactly what she does, she works in the Ego division and mainly gets hired by women who want their male coworkers taken down a notch or two. It’s a female run business until her boss decides to hire male heartbreakers, which Brinkley isn’t into to. Even worse? Her new partner Mark was a recent target she was hired to take down. I thought this was such a fun premise and nothing I’ve seen done before and enemies to lovers is the best. Brinkley and Mark had believable chemistry and fun banter and there were some steamy scenes 🥵 Overall a cute and fast rom com, definitely excited to see what the author comes up with next ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I loved this book so much! It was funny, it was cute, but it was also surprisingly deep! Brinkley and Mark have chemistry that jumps off the page, but they’re also two characters going through real, mature issues that anyone in their 20s or 30s can understand. This book was moving while also being exceptionally fun.

Another thing this book was? Hot. There’s one scene in particular, *fans self* whew! I won’t say too much but…I will never look at elevators the same again.

Brinkley is probably one of my favorite MCs in awhile. The journey and growth she goes on in this book is magnificent to watch. In fact, this was actually a feminist manifesto disguised as a romance novel, and I can’t imagine a greater combination.

I loved this book so much I purchased a physical copy for myself because I need this book to stay with me forever. I implore you to move it to the top of your TBR when it comes out TOMORROW!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review posted on Goodreads & Instagram

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Had potential with what sounded like an adorable set up. But honestly, it fell a little flat and missed the mark. There were so many little side stories, and side plots that took away from the heart of the book. I liked the two main characters but insta-love is not my favorite meet cute so I thought it was a little forced.

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Heartbreak for Hire by Sonia Hartl

Rating: 4/5 stars
Read if you liked: The Ex Talk

Heartbreak for Hire kept my attention from the first page! The storyline has such a unique and interesting concept! I haven’t read a book in a while that has really made me laugh and enjoy the entire story! You should definitely read this fun rom-com!

Synopsis:
Brinkley Saunders works at Heartbreak for Hire, but everyone around her believes she works at an insurance agency. Heartbreak for Hire is a company that “gets back” at people who need it - frenemies, old boyfriends, and other disloyal people. Heartbreak for Hire decides to begin hiring men, but when one of them walks in the door, Brinkley realizes it’s Mark, one of the people she needed to take down! Mark seems fun and friendly from the outside, but Brinkley isn’t sure he’s exactly who he is portraying himself to be.

Thank you @NetGalley for allowing me to read this great RomCom for my honest review!! #HeartbreakForHire

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Heartbreak for Hire is Sonia Hartl’s debut adult novel and it does not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this story of revenge and romance, told from the point of view of a young woman who is a professional hired to embarrass men. Trigger warning: gaslighting. Brinkley is hired right after a bad breakup to crush Egos-- literally. She is good at her job, but it is only a temporary position until she gets enough money to launch her own art gallery and possibly show her own art if she gets the courage. One day an assignment goes wrong-- and it will change her life and perspective on love-- forever. This book is smart and sexy! I really enjoyed Brinkley and Mark’s dynamic and banter. They are such a good fit, and the best moment of the book is when they finally give into their feelings. Brinkley is an incredibly relatable heroine who has suffered from heartbreak and being a bit of a hot mess these past few years of her life. I like how Hartl shed light on the dark ways that feminism can be twisted and used to manipulate people. Brinkley’s evil cat honestly made the whole book for me-- I laughed in every cat scene! One thing that did bother me though was the demonization of academia-- as a place to work and a place to learn. I am currently in this world and it is definitely not for everyone and it is not without its flaws but I did find the villainization of it throughout the story to be a bit extreme. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of her works! Highly recommend this book for friends of The Hating Game or The Honey-Don’t List.

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#HeartbreakForHire:

I know I’m so far behind on reviews, but this one is a fun one!

Heartbreak for Hire follows Brinkley as a hitman of love. She takes down coworkers of those who have been wronged. Did he feel you up? Bye. Have a slimy boss that shaves your tips so he gets more? Done deal. Did he steal your idea and pass it off as his to get a promotion? Oh buddy, he’s gonna pay. The H4H gals all specialize in something different, and do it well. Until one day Brinkley almost compromises her assignment. Then the next day, Margo, owner for H4H decides to add male heartbreakers to the lineup and it includes Mark, the reason she almost compromised her last assignment.

I really enjoyed this one. Brinkley has a successful, unapologetic academic mother, who keeps shoving her finishing her Masters down her throat to be successful. She thinks Brinkley is a receptionist at an insurance company, and has no idea about H4H. She also didn’t think Brinkley’s dream of owning her own art gallery was realistic. They don’t understand each other, and it plays out in her insecurities.

They story starts off slow, and a big dragging to really see what is going on. I do think once we meet Mark and his steamy self, it starts to pick up. It was funny watching the different characters they had to adapt to do these revenges. While revenge itself may be an icky subject for some, I enjoyed watching some of these folks get what was coming to them. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sorry, not sorry.

Shaina Summerville hit the revenge and steam in great strides. I really enjoyed their narration! I didn’t get confused with the different Heartbreakers or the different people in Brinkley’s life like I usually do. It was easy to follow along with the conversation and plot.

Like in every great romcom, we have “the great misunderstanding” and honestly, it’s a valid one for me. Girl, I’d be pissed too. I found it to be more of a “great wronging” instead of misunderstanding, and whew, they’d be gone too. I did like how the ending was (don’t want to spoil it). I think but was realistic.

Overall, I enjoyed Heartbreak For Hire. It was different, it was fun, it was steamy. It did take a minute to get into and understand the characters, but that takes time. Thank you @somonaudio for the gifted copy! Heartbreak for Hire comes out July 27th! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️/5

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Heartbreak for Hire by Sonia Hartl is a funny, steamy, smart, addictive, brilliant romcom, A fast-paced read that had me turning the pages to find out what happens next. It is quite a steamy book also, with lots of passion between the main characters.

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4.5⭐️
First of all. This is one of my favorite covers of the year! I’m obsessed. It’s so darn cute. 😍

With a very unique and creative storyline, Hartl manages to stand out in a month of amazing romcom releases! I love an enemies to lovers workplace romance - and this one had me smiling the entire time! I thought the “heartbreakers” theme was a lot of fun. I really felt attached to both Brinkley and Mark’s stories. Not only was their chemistry hot from the start, but their characters showed such incredible growth. One of my favorite parts of this book is that there is so much unexpected STEAM - and she doesn’t make us wait around for it!

I will say that there were a couple of things about the ending that I didn’t love - I needed more groveling from Mark and I wished Margo had somehow redeemed herself. But overall such a great romcom!!

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Everyone carries their own baggage into a relationship, but when that baggage leads you to a job where you seek revenge for women who are wronged you get H4H. This story made me giggle many times as Brinkley sought to destroy men’s egos. A quick, silly, adult read perfect for a lazy summer weekend,

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I LOVED this book! It was equal parts laugh out loud funny (the riding the bull scene!!), steamy (the elevator scene!), sassy (all of Brinkley's one liners!), and touching (the art gallery and the cat sweaters!).

Brinkley and her loveable cohorts are tasked with giving men their comeuppance after wronging women. I loved the friendship at work, but wish I could have delved more into the lives of the other girls and their targets. The playful banter between Brinkley and Markus (sorry, Marc Withakay- ha on Starbucks!) was spicy and oh so fun to read. Everything about this book was fantastic (even the annoying characters) and I can't wait to read more from Sonia Hartl!

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It took me a little while to get over the absurdity of H4H's existence - 100% on me and not really preparing myself to suspend disbelief before cracking this one open. But the characters were charming and the romance was steamy. A perfect end-of-summer beach read.

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I. Loved. This. Book.

Phenomenal characters with real baggage who struggle to move past what they’ve been through because they’re trapped in a cycle of being taken advantage of. Just… wow.

Brinkley Saunders works at Heartbreak for Hire where she is hired to, you guessed it, break people’s hearts. Granted, her specific job is to break down men’s egos, which she will gladly do after the crap she’s been through in her past.

But how do we know when we’re hearing the right side of the story? What if the woman who hired Brinkley was the one in the wrong? What if the man she is set to take down a notch hasn’t done anything wrong?

What if he’s hired to work side-by-side her?

Brinkley has never fallen for target before, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a first time.

This book was wonderful. I loved the banter, the illicit romance, the inability to stay away from each other – but most of all, the friendship that developed between Brinkley and Mark.

I also love the fight for true passion (beyond the romance) in chasing their dreams in life, battling the obstacles in their way, and holding out for what they truly deserve in life: happiness.

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