Member Reviews
4 1/2 Smitten Stars!
Bonnie met Theo in the first book “Getting Hot with the Scot” and there was instant electricity between them, but she’s engaged to her childhood sweetheart. When Bonnie catches her fiancée cheating on her, she decides to live for today and not worry about tomorrow. She takes a job teaching at Cambridge University in London for the summer. Theo is happy about Bonnie no longer having a fiancée and living close to him, but he can’t let his heart get involved with her, as his mother has other plans for his future. So they agree to a friends with benefits relationship because Theo is to marry some with wealth, so that his family’s legacy can continue.
I loved Theo and Bonnie. Theo is such a gentleman and always trying to do the right thing and please everyone. My heart broke for Bonnie when she walked in on her fiancée in bed with another woman ... what a jerk! This book made me laugh, cry and don’t get me started on the steamy scenes ... needless to say the author sure knows how to write them. I love how the author included the couple from the first book. The banter between the characters made me laugh out loud. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received an early copy courtesy of St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
3.5 stars. Bonnie and Theo are introduced in the first book, but neither acts on their mutual interest because Bonnie is engaged to her childhood sweetheart (and that book is focused on other characters). Theo shows up early in this book, and then Bonnie's engagement ends. After that, they're free to act on their feelings. There's a lot of back and forth, Bonnie not sure if she's ready for something new, and Theo feeling the pressure of his family title. Tons of references to Shakespeare, Austen, and other writers. There were a lot of sweet moments, but it took a long time to get there. This book has enough background to work as a standalone if you haven't read the first one, and I did like this one better.
I received a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the Sometimes in Love series by Melonie Johnson. This book is about Bonnie Blythe and Theo Wharton.
I was not too thrilled with this book and was looking forward to reading this book after reading the first book Getting Hot with the Scot. I felt like this book was rushed and the events happening were unrealistic. I am American so understanding how being a peer in Britain works but it felt made up or something I would expect from a few decades ago not modern times especially since Prince Henry married an American (which was mentioned in the book several times).
Overall I would give this book 2 stars
I felt that more details into the characters and more character development would have made the story more believable. The story felt just to flat and the characters didn’t really make any growth in their traits. All the characters even the ones from the first books seemed really flat. If my best friend acted like she didn’t care about me the way Cassie did in the book, I would not have a best friend.
We Met Bonnie and Theo in the first book, GETTING HOT WITH THE SCOT, when Bonnie and her friends were traveling through Europe on a dream vacation. Bonnie's friend Cassie met and fell in love with Theo's best mate Logan, and we get to see what happens with their wedding in this book! I knew right from the beginning these two were meant to be together but Bonnie was engaged to her first boyfriend, heck her first everything who was back home working on his doctorate while she was traveling. I had a not so good feeling about him but that doesn't matter, Bonnie never wavered even though she was definitely Smitten by the Brit.
Friends with Benefits? We've all heard the term before but can it truly stay that way or will someone get hurt in the end? Is it inevitable that feelings will get involved? What if you already feel something for the other person but are denying it even to yourself? This fun and sexy read shows us just how things can get a bit complicated at times but hopefully everything works out in the end.
Theo has responsibilities to his family but will he go with his mothers wishes or will Bonnie win his heart? Only one way to find out, grab your own copy today and get reading, lol, this has been a fun series to read so far and I look forward to seeing each of these women find their own HEAs.
SMITTEN BY THE BRIT is the second book in the SOMETIMES IN LOVE Series, each book can be read as a standalone but since they are based on a group of friends that are in each of the books I would strongly recommend you read them in order.
Happy Reading!!!
I was super excited to read this after LOVING Hot for the Scot. It was quirky and sweet and we met Theo and Bonnie there, and their chemistry was sparking. So, I was excited to see what happened between these two.
Bonnie is the loyal best friend and the girlfriend that has been patiently waiting for her long time fiance to set a date for the wedding. So, once her best friend Cassie and Logan start getting ready for their wedding it sets Bonnie off a bit.
Now add Logan's best friend Theo in the mix whom she has a crush on but can't act on it because she's engaged to her first love.
Once her dreams come crashing down Bonnie takes a leap of faith and job in England which makes her come nearer to Theo and all bets are off when she's over there.
Theo is a dedicated son and he will do anything to help his family even live in misery, but loving Bonnie is different and now he's torn.
I adore this series especially the relationship with all the friends and I can't wait for more from this author and series
3.5
Sweet (maybe a little too sugary sweet?) cute and fast read. I enjoyed it very much. Will go back and read the first in the series. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.
First introduced to Bonnie in the first book of the series, she is engaged to Gabe, and having her own second thoughts. Of course, her girls are all behind her (they see that Gabe is a twit and she can do better) and what’s better than the Duke of Emberton? Theo is wonderfully chivalric, polite, attentive and wholly into Bonnie – all the things that Gabe really isn’t. She is, however, trying to do the right thing and ignore the butterflies.
Much like the first book there was more ‘set up’ for the romance with associated dramas, necessary and not, to make it more difficult for them to find their way together. But, Theo was adorable, and unfortunately, his familial obligations and financial difficulties are going to be a major part of their new life – so perhaps Bonnie taking her time and thinking and deciding about a relationship, rather than it just happening, was a good thing. Very timid and a bit of a doormat, Theo gives her the space to grow and decide for herself – and that was nice to see that she had some growth in there.
The real problem here was the pacing – the relationship was off and on, with little focus or seeing them together UNTIL near the end of the book – and it felt rushed and simply sketched out, not quite complete and full, even though it was obvious that they are well-matched and meant for one another. It’s a solidly written and characterized story with the exception of the pacing, but the light and sweet relationship between two people who are meant to be together – one that accepts Bonnie’s rather shy and timid nature with Theo’s quiet and polite manners worked well. It’s a solid beach read – distracting and light, perfect for when you just want a taste of the sweetness without a great deal of investment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Smitten by the Brit is book two in Melonie Johnson’s Sometimes in Love Series. I like this book more than the first. Everything clicked in this book for me; the characters, their views and their ethics; “two wrongs, don’t make a right” approach to events. However, I certainly enjoyed the thought of the Blythe Brigade showing up at one sadly sorry character’s apartment. It is not that all that wasn’t in the first, it just worked for me in this book.
Smartly written, delightful sassy dialogue, sizzling attraction this is a pleasure to read. At times I still felt as if it might be for a younger crowd than say Bonnie’s parents, who age I am closer to than Bonnie but not often. Bonnie thinks a friend with benefits relationship is what she wants with Theo but I knew early on this is not how either of them is made. Remember that sadly sorry character I mentioned earlier she had dated him for years, knew him since she was six,; not the actions of a serial one nighter. All served to make this a fun read from beginning to end.
**3.5**
This installment from a new series follows Theo and Bonnie, who were obviously going to get their own story. I liked Theo ever since Getting Hot with the Scot, and I continued to like him here. There were a few stereotypes I feel Americans give Brits, but they were minimal and didn't take away his likeability. Bonnie I was already on the fence about since they'd first met. I thought she was rude and didn't get why Theo wanted her apart from the physical. She seemed immature and if it hadn't been for the event that starts off this book, I felt like she would never have given into what was between them, no matter how unhappy she was before. I enjoyed Theo's sisters, but his mom seemed like another stereotype of some upper-crusty British aristocrat. The solution to Theo's family estate problems seemed kind of rushed and also had me going...'um, why wouldn't anyone have thought of that sooner?'
So this was another lighthearted (for the most part) read. The stars are for Theo, the negatives are for Bonnie and a rushed conclusion, but I'm still looking forward to Sadie's story. Especially curious because we have no clue who her guy is yet.
This was the first book I have read in this series, perfectly fine as a stand alone. Bonnie, is a teacher who is engaged to be married. Though it seems her best friend will walk down the aisle before her. While planning her friends wedding, her engagement comes to a halt.
Finding herself single, she bumps into Theo who she met the previous summer. Lots of chemistry they can't seem to ignore leads them into a "friends with benefits" relationship. There was a lot of back and forth and a rebound feel at times. I liked their relationship and how it grew but at times a little too much too soon.
What's not to love about a book with a proper English gentleman who takes his responsibilities seriously, but still knows how to take care of his woman? Theo is so easy to fall for and has you immediately swooning. Even though Bonnie and Theo have a rocky start that's a bit on again/off again, this story keeps you enticed throughout the book. You keep wondering if hes going to mess up what could be a great thing. Both Bonnie and Theo are such likeable characters that you can't help to root for them to end up together. Melonie sure knows how to write a fun, quick romance read. This one isn't as spicy as her others, but is equally as enjoyable.
Things I liked about this book:
1. I loved how genuine and real Bonnie was. She has morals and really thinks things through.
2. Theo really cares about his family and has a close relationship with all of his sisters.
3. The awesome group of friends that Melonie Johnson writes about is such a perfect group of friends. I love their dynamic and how honest they are with each other.
4. This isn't an insta love book where they are instantly swept up into a whirlwind romance.
5. The women save the financial day instead a man. Yay for financially savvy women!
6. Bonnie and Theo have great compatibility and chemistry. They were such a great match.
Things I didn't love:
1. Gabe is an asshole (I understand this is necessary, but I hate infidelity). 😂
2. The pressure from Theo's Mom gets to be a bit much considering there are other things to consider in life other than money. She doesn't really seem to be concerned with her son's happiness until the money is settled. (I couldn't relate to this as a mother.)
3. Bonnie keeps comparing her life to Cassie's. I understand everything didn't turn out as Bonnie planned, but these parts of the book weren't a favorite of mine.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait for the fourth in the series! I have already recommended this series to multiple people!
I believe this is my first read of Melonie Johnson and I was quite "Smitten By The Brit", I should say.
English Professor, Bonnie Blythe meet English royalty Theo Wharton! Broken engagement and a friend's wedding bring Bonnie and Theo together, and a summer of teaching in England is the perfect opportunity for Theo to woo Bonnie and for Bonnie to get her fairy tale ending.
A fun and enjoyable book and Melonie Johnson is a welcome surprise of an author that I intend to revisit.
Last time Melonie Jonhnson gave us kilts this time we got a Duke. Hot romantic romance. Hot fun read. Looking forward to more books from Ms Johnson.
I received an ARC from Netgalley / St Martin's Press.
After a disaster with her current love, English professor Bonnie Blythe has all but given up on love. Then, Theo Wharton, with bluer than blue eyes, a darling accent and sex appeal to die for, comes into her life. How can Bonnie ever resist, especially when she lands in England for the summer--and closer to Theo? Maybe a fling wouldn’t be such a bad idea, after all. Then, Bonnie learns Theo’s secrets and begins to wonder just what she should do now, and things quickly move to the next level.
I loved the way Bonnie could take her broken heart, pick up the pieces and move on. My kind of girl! Bonnie really was a sweet girl, deserving of the very best, which I why I was rooting for her. Theo was the perfect match for any girl/woman: sex appeal, dreamy looks and manners that are above reproach. Still, his secret gets in the way, not to mention Bonnie’s resolve that love may just not be her thing right now. Nevertheless, their chemistry came through loud and clear, as did their deep-down desires. I though, at first, this would be a quick fling, with both moving on, but soon realized there was much, much more to this than a mere quick, passing attraction. If only Theo’s family didn’t get in the way, with his mother’s ideas about her son’s matching up with a girl/woman. Still, the author managed to have the characters work through all this and did that quite well. I enjoyed the story of these two seemingly lost souls meeting up and falling for each other. The author has definitely shown her abilities in writing such a moving romance. I think anyone looking for a great summer read will enjoy this one. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the second book in this series and I was really looking forward to it. They set up the flirtation in the first book, Getting Hot with the Scot, and I liked Bonnie and Theo. The elements were there. Her engagement ends. They run into each other in Chicago and then she ends up in England for the summer.
They have undeniable chemistry. I guess I just wanted more from them emotionally. She’s an Anglophile and he’s British and thinks she’s hot. That seems to be the whole basis for their relationship. I don’t know if I missed something or if something was missing. This just didn’t hit all the right notes for me. But the author writes good banter and fun scenes.
I give this book 3 stars. I think it works better if you’ve read the first in the series because you can see how they met. But it could stand on its own as well. I will definitely continue with the series.
Smitten by the Brit is the second book in the Sometimes in Love series, and once again author Melonie Johnson strikes the perfect balance between hot, hot, hot, hot, hot (did I add enough hots???) sexy stuff and hold your heart and sigh sweetness! This time it’s Shakespeare-loving English professor Bonnie Blythe and devastatingly handsome dashing Duke Theo Wharton who will capture your heart – and make you laugh so hard you will snort.
Theo is the perfect gentleman - chivalric, honor and duty bound and sexy enough to take your breath away. Bonnie likes to plan and play it safe. Her plan for as long as she can remember has been to marry Gabe. Now that her plan is in the dumpster, she can’t imagine what her life will be. And then here comes Theo!
Bonnie and Theo met last year when Cassie, Bonnie and their chums were on their European vacation. There was instant heat between them, but since The Gabe Plan was still in effect nothing happened. Now, though, what’s to stop things from proceeding, especially since Bonnie is suddenly going to be spending the summer in England, conveniently close to Mr. Hottie? Well, that’s where the fun begins. Turns out it’s not that simple.
Smitten by the Brit is every bit as delightful as Getting Hot with the Scot, the first book in this series. Things are awkward and tender and sweet – and did I say hot?? Once again the setting in England is breathtaking, the Shakespeare references are marvelous, and watching this romance stop and start and bump along has your fingers and toes crossed hoping for Bonnie and Theo’s happy-ever-after.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for providing an advance copy for my honest review. I can say without hesitation that I love this series and recommend you read it now. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and hope that author Melonie Johnson writes many, many more.
After reading other reviews for this series, I have decided that it is not for me. I will not be reading or reviewing it for my blog.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Bonnie Blythe expects to spend the summer planning her wedding to her long-time boyfriend (now fiancé). However, she calls off the wedding when she catches him cheating on her. Instead, she gets a chance to fulfill a dream by spending a summer teaching in Cambridge. That she will be near her best friend’s fiancé’s drop-dead gorgeous best friend, Theo, is icing on the cake. The two agree to a friends with benefits arrangement, but can they keep their hearts out of it?
This is the second book in a series but can be easily read as a standalone. Personally, I liked the first book in the series more than this one. However, I am not a big fan of the historical romances with dukes, so maybe having a duke as the lead in this modern romance means that I’m just not a fan of duke romances altogether? Overall, though, this was still a fun read, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
English professor Bonnie Blythe's life is turned upside down when she finds her longtime boyfriend and fiancée in bed with another woman. When an opportunity to teach summer classes in England is offered, she jumps on it. It also gives her the chance to reconnect with Theo Warton, her best friend Cassie's fiancé's best friend. Theo is a duke and handles the family's properties which are in distress due to poor management. Bonnie and Theo start as friends and then quickly become lovers. Theo feels an obligation to his family to marry someone wealthy to help support the family. While there is a happy ending for Theo and Bonnie, it doesn't come easy.
I enjoyed the story, though not being a fan of Jane Austen, the constant references to her books got annoying. I also felt that Theo was a little too good to be true. And even though Theo was conflicted in whether to choose Bonnie for love or someone else for money, I felt he led Bonnie on for a little too long.
Can an everyday girl who teaches Shakespeare love a British Duke? Eventually that is what the story is about but she really has a close relationship with her best friend about to marry her Scottish love who is the best friend of the Duke. Has some good spots but a little too drawn out for me.