Member Reviews

Down with Love is the first book in Kate Meader’s Love Wars series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! A Wedding Planner and a Divorce Lawyer…sparks fly with these two! So much chemistry, fun banter, great humor and of course the sexy times too! I loved Charlie and Max together. I definitely recommend this one and I’m so looking forward to the future books in the series! If you love the opposites attract / enemies-to-lovers tropes, this one is for you!

**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

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Max is a divorce lawyer. Charlie is a wedding planner. Max is content with his life, he doesn't like change. When his brother announces he is getting married after knowing his fiance for only a few months., Max is set off kilter. Then Charlie and Max meet and sets off fireworks. The story was good. Maybe too much psychological. analysis but there us a HEA. I will recommend it to my friends.

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I loved the witty banter between Max and Charlie, it was so entertaining. Those two went toe-to-toe all the time and it made for some seriously hot sexual chemistry. I was digging it thought out the whole book. I even enjoyed all the secondary characters too. I really want to check out the next one because I was loving Lucas, he seems fun.

My favorite quote in the book-“ When a couple learns how to fight properly—how to argue effectively and work through problems productively—well, that’s the recipe for everlasting love.” I 150 million % concur!

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this book was awesome hot shot divorce attorney who has a black heart he meets his brothers wedding planner n it's like his black heart is changing. you won't be disappointed in this book.

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Disclaimer: I love Kate Meader. Her Chicago series is on fire. Literally. :). I was so pleased to read this one. It is different from her norm, for sure. But I think she hit it out of the park. Definitely not as good as her other series, but it has a lot of potential!! Over all an enjoyable read.

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When divorce lawyer Max Henderson sees Charlie Love in a bar sparks fly, until he finds out that she is his brother's wedding planner. Charlie and Max get to know each other as Charlie plans the wedding and Max tries to reconcile his brother getting married. Charlie brings out Max's softer side and she realizes that he is not as cynical as she originally thought. There is a sub plot with Charlie's parents having marriage trouble and of course with it being in Chicago there has to be a Cubs connection. This was an okay story, but Max's turnaround seemed a little fast and too good to be true, though you were rooting for them to get together.

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This story is about a commitment-phobia divorce attorney and a optimistic wedding planner. Max comes across a little too acerbic for having only one failed engagement. Charlie attacks life full of gusto but just couldn’t figure out what she really wants. The storyline was ho-hum, with nothing new to propel me to read other books by the author. Failed to see as much rom-com as I like.

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I would give this book six stars if I could. I loved every page from start to finish. I enjoyed the dueling POVs and humorous internal monologues from each of the characters. The H and h start off seeming as opposites who are attracted to each other. Max Henderson is a divorce attorney and a cynic about love. Charlie Love is an idealistic wedding planner who is invested personally and professionally in true love. But as they get to know each other as Charlie plans the wedding for Max’s brother, we come to see that they’re not exactly as they seemed. Max isn’t the hardened cynic that he first appears to be and Charlie isn’t the cock-eyed optimist that she seemed at first. They’re both more complex and more fully developed.

It’s a given that they’re physically attracted to each other, but what really gets the sparks flying is how they interact. Their dialogue is witty and entertaining. There are several allusions to classic Hitchcock films in their interchanges and a lovely scene when they watch “Rear Window” together. But the films that this book really reminded me of were the Tracy-Hepburn romantic comedies because the dialogue just sparkles.

I also enjoyed both sets of parents and their relationships. And the friends of both characters are a hoot. I am hoping that we’ll get more romances about Max’s two partners.

As a Chicago Cubs fan, I got a kick out of their visit to Wrigley Field where Charlie unleashes her inner heckler by screaming at the umpire. I got angry myself at his calls in this fictional ball game.

If you enjoy a sexy, witty opposites-attract romance, you’ll really enjoy this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

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Down with Love was another great read in 2018. I was blessed with the opportunity to read this book through Netgalley and I truly enjoyed it. The book revolves around Max and Charlie. Max is a highly successful divorce attorney who comes from family money and Charlie is also an accomplished wedding planner. Their paths cross thanks to Max's brother who is getting married. While the decision is met with cynicism on behalf of Max, Charlie is the wedding planner for the event and also becomes a support system for the couple.
Both have been spurned by past relationships and they're looking for different things. Max was content with being a bit of a player while Charlie was looking for something deeper. Without spoiling anything, I can say that Max and Charlie had really great chemistry. The writing was wonderful and I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. I loved Max's character. He was confident, cocky, and secure in himself. Charlie was such a treat to read as well.

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DOWN WITH LOVE instantly drew my eye with its seductive cover, enemies to lovers vibe, and contemporary setting. I was also inclined to it because it has the same name as a beloved Taiwanese drama that I used to watch (the hero is a lawyer like in this book but that’s the only similarities they have. It’s an oldie but goodies that I recommend!). I also love the fact that it uses the opposites attract trope. Max is a divorce lawyer who is cynical and resists change, while Charlie is a wedding planner who is looking for Mr. Right (It's so cute how her name is Charlie Love!). They have not only separate outlooks on life, but also opposing jobs. Charlie creates couples, Max breaks couples. This was also reminiscent of another Taiwanese drama, MURPHY'S LAW OF LOVE, which features a divorce lawyer and matchmaking app content creator. You can probably see how much I adore opposites attract!

“‘It’s not black and white; it’s not winning in a sprint right out of the gate. We have desire. We have respect. We have love. We will figure this out as we go, stumbling along, but always talking.’”

- I honestly came in looking for a super light and fluffy read, but there are hidden depths in the characters’ backgrounds and narratives. Max is hesitant to bring change into his life, even as Charlie swoops in and turns everything upside-down. Both have been burned by previous engagements, but will they open themselves enough to make a second chance for themselves?

- I really enjoyed the exploration behind Max’s occupation. I feel like for people who love romance, divorce gets a bad rep, but it’s also freeing in a way. And it was interesting to note the several reasons or outcomes of a divorce - usually for the better. Sometimes when the chemistry isn’t working, when the talking and counseling doesn’t help, divorce/separation is the only way to go. And I like how the book recognizes that.

- There was a lot more introspection on how to make a relationship work than I expected, but again, I really appreciated it. This was especially realistic given the different outlooks that Max and Charlie have with both love and life. But they manage to compromise and find each other in the middle.

- At first, the push-and-pull between the couple was tiresome, but later on I feel like the narrative added more depths to it. And I love, love, love the fact that Max was the first to reconcile his feelings. The anti romantic turns pro romantic - who would have known?

- I love the secondary characters as well and can’t wait to read more of them, if this series continues! Gina and James were especially so sweet.

- The dialogue and voice of the characters were just so much fun.

“I might hate myself later, but right this minute, I’m going to take advantage of the gift Max is giving me.
The gift of behind myself.”

DOWN WITH LOVE is about taking a leap of faith and opening up to someone who might be completely different from you, but pushes all the right buttons. Both characters' backgrounds and occupations are immensely different, but the end up finding more in common than ever. Definitely a sweet and satisfying story for contemporary romance readers!

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I absolutely loved this book! I know it was a change in style for Ms Meader however I loved the first person between both characters. As always it was so well written and each book I read of hers I am amazed at how connected I feel to the characters and the story. I laughed so many times while reading and just thoroughly enjoyed the book. Max and Charlie were brilliant together and the opposites attract worked for them so well. Max was very sexy and I loved Charlie. She was strong and funny! The old movie references throughout was one of the things I loved the most. I am really looking forward to the other books in the series! Although I did feel this was different than other Kate Leader books it is fantastic start to finish! Enjoy!!

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"Down with Love" by Kate Meader
I loved this story. I want to make it required reading for anyone contemplating marriage.. or divorce, too, maybe.. There is a lot of really good food for thought between the covers of this story. And, be sure to read ALL the quotes that begin each chapter... What a great contemporary romance novel. I was gifted a copy of this story via NetGalley . I so enjoyed this story... I couldn't put it down... maybe I will start re-reading it in just another couple of days!

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Max and Charlie are at opposite ends of the marriage business. Charlie is a wedding planner hired to plan the nuptials of Max's brother. Max is a divorce attorney that has burned by love in the past. Sparks fly as the two work together to prepare a spectacular wedding. The wit shared between the two had me loving the book for a fun, poolside summer read.

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I loved the chemistry between Max and Charlie! The dynamic between them made for a interesting plot - will they? won't they? can they make it work? It was great to see the the background of these characters be slowly revealed their motivations. It was steamy and drama in all the right places! I love stories that get me into the characters and it definitely got me invested in them. HEA!

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SQUEAL!!! This was such a fun read!

Max was just....ugh... so dreamy, and utterly swoon-worthy. Charlie was such a sweetheart! I fell in love so fast with these two characters.... and side characters! Down With Love is my first novel by Kate Meader, and you can bet your butt it won't be the last!!

Max and Charlie are like family court star-crossed lovers, the cynical divorce lawyer and the hearts-in-her-eyes wedding planner. Reading their story play out was comical at times and made my heart hurt at others. This is a must try if you are a fan of romances comedies with a side of drama and two people who just can't seem to stay away from each other - I felt the chemistry between the two of them jumping out at me through my kindle.

This book has a lot to offer a reader:
- Told in Duel POV -> I loved getting inside Max's head and hearing the thoughts he had, the difference between the beginning and the end is like night and day!
- The Kind of Chemistry You Can Feel
- Comedy
- Hot Sexy-Time Scenes
- Developmental Characters
- Mild Family Drama
- Swoon-Worthy Hero with a Hot Mouth
& So much more.

This is a must add to your TBR shelf until it releases August 7, 2018.

I can't wait for more books in this series! There is a certain divorced couple I AM DYING TO READ ABOUT!!!

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Have you ever read a book that by the fifth chapter had a pretty good grasp of what was going to unfold only to be disappointed because you were right? That was me and this book. Yes, it’s light and cute, romantic and, at times, funny but it is also hopelessly predictable. Watch any of Meg Ryan late-1990s comedies and you’ll know what I mean: boy hates girl, girl hates boy. Girl and boy can’t deny there is chemistry. Bingo-Bongo. This was a mistake. No it wasn’t, and I’ll prove it. Ah, how sweet. The end. Thanks, but I’ve seen this before. Now, don’t get me wrong if you want formulaic and want an easy summer read, then this is your book. However if your motto is, “So many books, so little time.” There are other books to spend your time on.

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Our two main characters find themselves on the opposite ends of marriage. For wedding planner Charlie Love it's all about romance and that special day. Meanwhile for Max Henderson divorce attorney, when love has faded it's all war. Just so happens Charlie will be the wedding planner for Max's younger brother. I am a huge fan of enemies to lovers and this story definitely begins that way. Both characters are hardworking in their respective professions and very likeable. Max is more than his playboy ways and the same can be said about Charlie. Both have sides that they have kept hidden.
The first two chapters moved a little slow with the banter between the two feeling forced. Also there are similarities between this book and another wedding book that bothered me. Overall I really did enjoy the book..

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I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. I liked both Max the divorce attorney and Charlie the wedding planner a lot. They were fun and engaging and entertaining. I thought the banter, when there was some, was extremely witty and well done. If I have one complaint its that both characters seemed to inside their heads at times. I could have done with less exposition and more dialogue.

Anyway, I still very much enjoyed the book and I'm assuming the rest of the series is about Max's two friends/partners, Grant and the charming British guy whose name escapes me. I hope Grant's is a second chance romance with his ex-wife - I'm a sucker for those kinds of stories.

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The first in Kate Meader's new Love Wars series DOWN WITH LOVE pairs a divorce attorney with a wedding planner in a classic rom-com opposites attract situation. The heroine, Charlie Love (not crazy about that name--it tripped me up several times as I kept confusing her with the hero) is planning the hero (Max)'s brother's wedding.

Max is pretty much a typical player, with some cynism about love and marriage from his profession as a divorce attorney while Charlie is more optimistic about love and marriage.

Meader does a good job writing banter and dialogue, in a style reminiscent of Lauren Blakely's writing. Ultimately, I didn't find either Max or Charlie all that interesting or investing. In the end, I didn't really like them that much. I did like the supporting cast better so I'm looking forward to the next book.

All in all, this was a relaxing beach read and I recommend it for some light reading in your beach chair.

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This is my first book by Kate Meader and I can't believe I waited so long! The cover drew me in and it matches the inside perfectly! It's full of snark, sass and a witty yet cynical man - plus it's set in Chicago one of my favorite places.

Max doesn't believe in love. Why? Because he's one of the most sought after divorce attorney's in the city. Jaded should be Max's middle name. Charlie is the maiden of love. Her business, The Perfect Day, is a premiere wedding planner. She's planning Max's brothers wedding and they are thrust together into a crazy plan!

I laughed and swooned so much through this book! Max is so funny with his attitude and Charlie gives it right back to him. This group is the kind that a girl would love to have in real life.

I can't wait to read the next in this series...

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