EARNING IT
By EF Dodd
3/5

Woah! This one was a ride. Minor Spoilers Ahead!

Regan Murphy is the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding and on the big day is surprised to find the best man is none other than her ex of five years, Donovan McLeod. Obviously, chaos ensues.

What I liked:
The friendship between Rae and her two friends, Kez and V.
This gave me The Unhoneymooners vibes with the whole wedding + enemy wedding party + reluctant vacation bit.
Rae doesn’t give in to the swoon-worthy Van immediately.
Well-timed flashback scenes.

What I didn’t like:
I’m not kidding when I say the first *half* of the book takes place at the wedding. We’re talking like 150 pages spent on what is basically 12 hours.
Rae reallllllly made this poor guy grovel. It was maybe a bit much for me.

Read this if you love:
♥️ second chance love
♥️ enemies to lovers
♥️ major groveling
♥️ steamy
♥️ dual pov

Thank you to NetGalley and Smith Publicity and Sugar Beaver Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted on @booklovingtaylor on 8/3.

I love a good second chance romance! It was steamy and had a lot of witty humor. Rae could be a little frustrating at times but I enjoyed this story overall! Great summer read!

I was so happy to receive this book in advance to give it an early read, thank you!

The story is about a public relations guru, Reagan Murphy, who is all set to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding. She receives the surprise of her life when she finally meets the best man the day of the wedding and discovers she already knows him...and despises him!

I thought that the book was well written and I really enjoyed the story. It was light-hearted with the right about of drama and conflict. Donovan and Reagan work through their very real issues in a way that displayed their vulnerability and gave me, the reader, and opportunity to real root for them and care about their future.

My only criticism is that a couple of the ancillary characters were very stereotypical and over the top. Their dialogue and interaction with the main characters didn't ring true for me because I felt they were caricatures. If I were to change anything about the book, it would be that.

Well... this is a second chance romance and I hated the female MC, she is not someone you get excited that she can find love hahaha I'm sorry but I was like dude you tried too hard already just leave and find a woman because this girl just nope. The first half happens before/during a wedding and I didn't like that. Also the way they met, I have trouble with it, as I like realistic stories and this book didn't have much of that. Realism left this book.

I'll say this... I was all in for the drama while hating Rae hahaha. I kept reading because the drama was intriguing but I'll admit I wasn't rooting for Van and Rae so was hard to engage in all of it. And it became even annoying at times. Van is great tho!! Him. And liked the other characters too

I never laughed, not once. I found lots of sweet romance between the other couples and that saved the book for me, because the MC couple was not good or attractive at all for me, but the other two couples were sweet. It was a fast read tho, but for me it wasn't a favorite. The premise was good but it didn't work for me. It was steamy, it was sexy at certain points and it was good steam but I just guess it's not my kind of romance, but that problem is mine, not the author's problem. I bet many of you would enjoy this one!!! I have seen many loving it so I'll say that me not enjoying it that much is a me thing with the topics, the annoying character and lack or realism. I'm really special in those things so for me ir didn't work, but it will definitely work for many others.

I received this ARC for an honest review.
⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 2/5

⤏ What to expect:
•Dual POV (3rd person)
• second chance romance
• groveling, groveling, and more groveling
• vanilla spice

⤏ What I didn't like:
I like more complex characters and would have
liked to see who these two were as individuals
and not just their relationship. We got more
information on side characters' families than we
did the MCs.

⤏ Overall thoughts:
This was such a fun, easy read that's perfect for
summer. There was a unique twist to the second
hand romance plot that made it so much more
enjoyable to read and get to the bottom of what
happened. I had a really hard time putting this
down wanting to see what would happen next.

It was a very cute second chance romance with the super adorable main characters and highly entertaining and engaging plot line, that, I can’t seem to get out of my head. So, overall it’s a full 5 stars read for me.

I would give this 3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because I was fully on board for the ride. Overall this was a pleasant read. Most steamy scenes weren't too descriptive until the very end, and then the steam went up.

What I liked:
I truly loved the characters. I loved that each had their own distinctive personality and together they balanced out each other's extra/introvertedness. This was a fun friend's group with a great dynamic. Although the wedding portion of the book took place over several chapters, I was entertained enough that it didn't feel drawn out. I also appreciated the dual POV and second chance romance tropes are one of my faves. This is perfect for a summer read.

What I didn't love:
I know lack of communication is really common in real life, but the extreme level Rae avoided having a much needed talk with Van was frustrating in the beginning. If miscommunication or lack thereof, is a pet peeve of yours, this will likely bother you. Lastly, I'm all for partying and having a good time, but there was A LOT of drinking in this book. It didn't bother me necessarily, but it was enough that the thought of alcohol poisoning crossed my mind. The characters didn't even suffer a hangover. Maybe I'm just jealous.

I've submitted my review to Barnes and Nobles to be approved. I searched for it on BookBub to leave a review but did not find it. I submitted a request for them to add this book to their site. I will post my review on IG and Amazon on release day.

It’s no secret that we love a good rom com and this one is at the top of our favorites currently. Rae has completely given up on love until her ex of 5 years shows up as the best man at her best friend’s wedding! Not only does she have to walk down the aisle with him, but then has to spend a whole week of vacation with him. Will he earn her back?

This is a really fun second chance romance with extremely likable (and well written) side characters, beautiful friendships, and just the right amount of steam! There is some witty banter, some laugh out loud moments, and a whole lot of groveling. We would characterize Earning It as the light romantic comedy read.

What we loved:
- Wedding setting
- Second Chance romance with forced proximity
- The groveling- if you love it when the guy grovels, you’ll love this one
- Fun summer read

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun summer romance, we’d recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, E. F. Dodd, and Sugar Beaver Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Rae refuses to fall in love again, not after she walked out on her last relationship after discovering his betrayal. However, exactly a year later, she runs into him at her best friend's wedding. Now Van is convinced to have a conversation with Rae, to explain his side of the story.

This book was a lot. Half of the book took place in a few hours. Half of it. It was the same thing over and over again. Same conversations, same reactions. What really made me frustrated was that all of this took place during the wedding of the main characters' best friends. The story just seemed so centric about the issue at hand. It just seemed so selfish and I really could not like the characters, after they spent 50% of the book acting selfishly.
The other half was where the groveling hit. And did it hit...This is where Van redeemed himself, Rae...not so much.
The story flowed, even though the timing was all weird. I felt like there should have been more pages of the characters falling in love again. The fast paced second chance romance showed no chemistry between the two characters.
I did not enjoy this book, but I feel like anyone that likes second-chance romance, forced proximity, the instant love feeling would love this book.

A big thank you to Netgalley for this gem, loved it.

I'm not sure I am a fan of the cover, it felt amateur like there are so many things that could've been used, e.g. the infamous white bathing suit maybe with Van in the background, something anything. Also the font, not the style but rather the size may be upping it a size or two.

Now onto the review: I was soaked in. Totally on edge, what a brilliant storyline, rich with details and drama so right up my stream. I was filled with emotions, Rae hurt, Van's sadness and loss. The author did a spectacular job and I loved it. It was a quick read, perfect for holidays I envisioned myself on a beach.

Rae was quite childish but she was acting from a place of being scorned to I let it slide. And Van was wrong, she let him off the hook too easy.

Earning It by E.F. Dodd was a cute second-chance romance with funny, interesting characters. Regan "Rae" Murray has spent the last five years heartbroken over her ex, Donovan "Van" McLeod's, betrayal. She's a strong, independent, take-no-shit PR specialist, and she has absolutely no interest in love, until she runs into Van at her best friend's wedding, where they will be the maid of honor and the best man. Van is desperate to get Rae alone so that he can explain what happened five years ago and beg for a second chance with her.

I love a good second-chance romance and this fit the bill perfectly, especially since Van really put in effort to win her back. Though I loved the secondary characters, it felt like this was the third standalone in a series, where the other couples stories (Kez & Jackson, V & Dave) should've been the previous stories. This made me feel like I was missing bits of information about who these characters were and how they got together.

Overall, a cute romance that I'd definitely recommend.

It was a good book. I just wish it didn’t seem rushed. Maybe because the story takes place over a week’s time, it made the plot seem shorter. I definitely would read another book by this author.

— ARC review —

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Regan, better known as Rae, is the maid-of-honor at one of her best friends wedding, Kez. Last minute finding out that the best-man is no one other than her ex-boyfriend Ray Edwards… err.. Donovan McLeod. Rae is experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. Will Rae find peace and maybe give Van another chance? Or at least let him explain?

There were some situations that really frustrated me especially in the first part of the book. One is how much ‘revenge’ Rae wanted without even listening why Van did the things he did. Just… listen already… If you don’t want to do it for him, at least do it for yourself to find closure.

There were also parts in the book that I really liked. One is the vibe between the three girls Kez, V and Rae. Giving great advice, saying their own opinion but still respecting one another and being there for eachother. My most favorite part was the second half of the book when they were in the Caymans. And of course, the ending. It had me smiling from ear to ear.

And that’s I guess why this book is still worth 4 stars in my opinion.

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love a good reuniting with your ex type rom com novel and this one didn’t disappoint! I spent the whole book rooting for Van and Rae to work it out. Definitely some spicy scenes as well throughout that were really great. Now I just need books on the stories of the other two couples, V and Dave and Jackson and Kez

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was not for me. I hate when characters can't communicate even if the conversation is uncomfortable and that became the focus for me. Had to skim a lot due to the graphic content as well.

Earning it had everything you could want... strong women, a tropical vacation, and a man who is the epitome of "if he wanted to he would." It is a quick read and it leaves you feeling satisfied.

I really enjoyed the characters. Rae was sassy in the best possible ways. She was confident and could wrap anyone around her finger. She knew how to grab attention and wasn't afraid to do so. Van brought out her sensitive side while proving himself years after heartbreak. The other friends were hilarious and supportive, only adding to the warm fuzzy feeling the book gave me. My only grievance with the book is that I wasn't in Grand Cayman with the group.

I totally recommend reading this book if you are in need of a quick, feel good second chance romance.

Earning It was the perfect read for summer! Fun, steamy, and with an entire cast of characters, I didn't want to put this one down. I found a few parts of the book a little unrealistic (and the formatting of the ARC on my kindle made it a little challenging to read at times), but I was willing to let go of my disbelief a little bit because I couldn't get enough of Rae and Van! I would have loved a few more flashbacks (between Rae and Van, Rae and her gals, Jackson and the guys), just so I could feel a little more connected to the characters at times, but that's coming from somebody who really loves extreme character depth.

Overall, a fun and easy read that I can't recommend enough for a vacation getaway!

When I tell you that the first 42% of the book took place over one day and in one location, I’m not joking.

This book starts at the wedding of the two MC’s best friends, and you do not leave the wedding for a longggg time. Then, the next 50% of the book takes place during the week-long group honeymoon in the Caymans.

I thought we escaped the third act breakup when everything was fine and dandy at 93%, but I was bamboozled, as I so often am IRL.

The premise (second chance romance) was one of my favs, and I liked all the characters, but a lot of the conversations, especially at the wedding, between the two MC’s felt repetitive.

I will say I did find the grand gesture cute and charming, I just wish we’d spent less time at the wedding and more time seeing how they reconciled and re-fell in love.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book with such an apt name! My God did he grovel! And I had so much fun reading about it! This is a great second-chance romance. The main characters are lovable and you’ll find yourself rooting for them, even as Rae continuously denies Van another chance.

~Arc review~
3.75 ⭐
I'm usually not the one for second chance romances but this book was amazingg!
I definitely wouldn't say the best but this was such a cute summer read.
Rae, the main character of the book runs into her ex boyfriend who she hasn't seen from years at her friend's wedding. This is the same boyfriend she ran out on (oh and I mean she literally RAN from his life) because of something that he had done (which you'll obviously read in the book) and he is naught but the best man of this wedding.
I'm all for the grand gestures and the cute romance (and the occasional spice 😏) but honestly Van, the mmc really did our main character Rae wrong and I don't think I would've been able to forgive him if I was her.
Van had to do a lot of grovelling and convincing and according to the title of the book "earn it".


But in general this book was really good and I didn't really expect to like it. Amazing and a pretty chill summer read.