Would You Rather: A Novel

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Roommates slash good friends Claire and have known each other for a long time and they've enjoyed each other's company. Not until recently, the physical tension between them is top notch and a weird chemistry is building up that both of them cannot ignore, even if they try to. A pitch-perfect mix of all the best romance tropes, Would You Rather is what happens when friends to lovers, fake-dating, and mutual pining are elevated to perfection. Allison Ashley gives me all the feels, and I love every one of them!"--Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis But all of the feels are definitely there. While the steam level is pretty low, the anticipation is high and intense. These two are definitely meant to be. That made it all worthwhile! The woman seemed stunned for a second as she looked at Noah, blinking several times. “Um, sure. Yes, that’s fine. I know I’m a little early.” About the Book "Pitch-perfect...gives me all the feels, and I love every one of them!"—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis

The FMC was so annoying and was hot n cold. She states, "But the thought Graham might fall in love with me was never on my radar. This is all his fault really." Like wtf you met his family and talked to him on an intimate but didn't think he could possibly fall in love??!! Fake marriage- friends to lovers tropes blended in extremely heartwarming, inspirational, genuine love story! You shouldn’t miss Mia and Noah’s amazing story!But while this had all the tropes and making of an all time favorite, it just never hooked or convinced me of their romance. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Allison Ashley and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review* Ashley also did a great job of portraying chronic illness, and really showcasing the negative effects it has not only on your physical health, but on your mental health as well. It can seem a bit annoying at times that she feels she is a burden, but the fact of the matter is, when you suffer from a debilitating chronic illness, this is how you feel. End of story. Overall, I loved these two together ~ great chemistry, great banter and they just seemed like they had a great time together. Love that we had both POV's, too. I have to round down my 4.5 because I absolutely hated the 3rd act breakup, which I usually do. There's maybe a tiny part of me, like my hangnail size, that understands the reasoning, but I'm a YOLO'er. Anything can happen at any time to give you the boot out of life....ya never know, so live it.

Sweet, sexy and smart, Would You Rather is an absolutely un-putdownable book, a slow-burn so rich with pining and genuine emotion that I dare readers to do anything other than devour it in one sitting."—Lynn Painter, author of Mr. Wrong Number - Product Details Thanks a MILLION to Allison Ashley who sent me her novel with annotations! It definitely enhanced my reading experience. You are a GEM! Grateful for you! Would You Rather made my heart burst in the best way. It hits every emotional high note with moments of laugh-out-loud humor, scenes that will bring you to tears, and cuteness that will make you squeal out loud. Allison Ashley will charm you with this affecting and engrossing love story." --Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of Faker, Simmer Down, and On LocationI clearly could not get over the egregiousness of the “fraud” plotline; however, if you are willing to allow an absurdly manufactured tension point pull a story along, then as I said, the marriage of convenience component will undoubtedly hit every single button you’re looking for in that trope. They didn’t end up going to therapy (but they should have), but they did do a great job of processing their hangups at the end to allow themselves to be vulnerable to each other and not to act from a place of fear. So that was good. In case it makes a difference, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator (Ann Marie Gideon, who also did The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead, which I also loved) absolutely killed this. Her comedic timing was PERFECT and made me giggle (ok, chortle) so many times. But we missed all of it. And were instead just told that it was true. Which left me feeling... nothing. Individually, they are both really struggling, with Mia having health problems and Noah still dealing with the death of his brother. They both struggle to let each other in with these specific issues. Usually, I’m one to get annoyed when characters push people away in the spirit of not putting their burdens on others but Ashley does a great job of making me truly understand these characters' intentions. At certain points, this actually made me want to tear up. Fun-pun word battles between the two lead to sparkling wit and an added dose of delightful sweetness and adorableness. The chemistry between these two is undeniably sizzling.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255. I know I said in a reading update that this is a 2 star read....but I had to deduct half a star for that ending. Noah is dealing with his own issues. Ever since his brother passed away on a camping trip the two were on, Noah hasn’t allowed himself to enjoy one of his favorite activities. He has thrown himself into his work, and he’s up for a promotion because of it. But because his father founded the company, he has to deal with coworkers who think he receives special treatment. Roommates who agree to have a friends with benefits relationship but then the guy has an accident and now his leg is broken and she's a nurse so she's going to take care of him and NOW THEY'RE FALLING IN LOVE.

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But while their connection and chemistry is strong, there are traumas from their past keeping each other at arms length.

The chemistry and banter were excellent and immediately hooked me (note: there is sex but it’s closed door), but I also really enjoyed the journey both characters went on. The way we were shown Graham slowly becoming more vulnerable and wanting a real relationship was clever. Claire’s character development was a little rushed, but there was still enough to make their story really satisfying.I have certainly read books where the characters’ life problems do not feel momentous enough. But that isn’t the case in Would You Rather . Mia’s kidney disease causes financial strain, emotional stress, and of course, physical problems. Having initially relied on her adoptive parents to pay for her care, Mia doesn’t want to burden anyone else in her life, including Noah. Because the physical relationship between them was a huge aspect of their romantic connection. And we didn't get to see it. This book is the Perfect Distraction to everything going on with the world right now. Absolutely heartwarming and wholesome, I had a constant grin on my face while reading it. The half star is for Gertrude. The fact she was hateful to Claire in the beginning- listen, dogs KNOW THINGS. Trust your pet, Graham.