Ready or Not

I probably could have combined my reviews for Just Three Words and Ready or Not since I read them as if they were one, large novel. In fact, I re-read Kiss The Girl first to remind myself of the story and characters. So, it would be easy to review all of them at once. But that wouldn’t be fair. Brayden didn’t write them all at once, so each deserves a separate review. Plus, it’s very possible you folks out there haven’t read all three yet or, perhaps, are reading them out of order. Because, while they definitely have a linear timeline, I don’t think it’s fully necessary to read them as if they serve as a proper trilogy. You can still find enjoyment from Ready or Not if you haven’t quite gotten around to Kiss The Girl yet. (Though, I do recommend reading them in order…just because I’m sort of OCD when it comes to that.)Most of my thoughts on Ready or Not mirror those I had regarding the first two books in the series. Brayden did an exceptional job of keeping the characters consistent through each novel. It’s a bit annoying when there are fundamental changes to a character in subsequent books. Character development is one thing, but altering who a character is makes for uneven reading. (This is an issue I had with the narrator for the audio versions of these three books – the unevenness in the performance with each book. But that’s another story for another day and does not have anything to do with Brayden’s writing. The audio books were still very enjoyable.)As with the previous two novels, Brayden has excelled in offering the reader some excellent dialogue. It keeps the story moving and keeps things interesting. The characters have conversations with each other rather than take turns monologuing. When a character does have the need to share more than just a few crisp sentences, it stands out. It’s important. It means something. It makes everyone – characters and readers alike – sit up and take notice. I think that’s a pretty powerful technique. Whether it’s intentional or not, I don’t know. But it’s effective.Brayden sticks with many of the same settings – the Savvy offices, the loft apartments, and Showplace (their favorite bar). Only this time, we get to spend more time in places that were a bit more peripheral in the previous two books. Showplace, for example, plays a much larger role in Ready or Not. We get to learn more about the bar, its history, and the people who inhabit that particular part of the world. Previously, it was simply their favorite place to hang out and relax. Now, it’s integral to the story. The same can be said for Mallory’s loft apartment. In the first two novels, it was there and part of the story…but it wasn’t central. So what we have after reading all three of the books is a fully fleshed out setting that includes all of the spaces that are important to the cast of characters. It’s complete.Quite often, I’ve noticed that readers will ask, “Have you ever thought of making this into a movie? Because that would be awesome!” And, you know what? I agree. That would be awesome. So many novels out there in “Lesbian Literature Land” would make lovely movies. Brayden’s novels among them. But what really intrigues me about the Soho Loft series is that they would be awesome stage plays. Think about it – the cast of characters is fairly minimal, the locations are pretty consistent (Savvy offices, loft apartments, the bar where they gather), and the dialogue is fast-paced and vivid. With the right script, the right actors, and a kick-ass design team, these stories really could work on the stage. I’d go see them.The one drawback to reading all three stories one right after another (and listening to the audio versions) is picking up on little idiosyncrasies that would probably have been missed reading them months apart. Certain words and/or phrases that are used (one or two are over-used) often tend to stand out and be noticed, thereby pulling the reader out of the story for the briefest of moments. I didn’t find it overly problematic and most certainly does not diminish my enjoyment of the stories. I still think they are just wonderful. But, it is something I noticed.All-in-all, I’d say that Ready or Not is a very fine addition to the Soho Loft series…and a fitting wrap up to the individual and collective stories of these four friends. Knowing Brayden, this won’t be the last time we hear from these women – I have no doubt they will make cameo appearances in future novels. And I look forward to that.

** spoiler alert ** I have to admit, I was late to getting around to this book. When I first discovered Melissa Brayden's books, I started with Eyes Like Those and only after Sparks Like This, when there was a brief mention of Mallory Spencer, did I learn about the Soho Loft series.And while each book I have read of Melissa's holds its own very unique spot in my heart, I always come back to this one as one of my absolute favorites. Mallory Spencer is the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. Hope is the kind of person I probably am, especially when it comes to accepting help when needed, and how hard it is to be one disaster away from struggling ALL the time.We all have preconceptions, based solely on the brush stroke ideas of what we know about each other. This story is a perfect example of how those brush strokes are never really the whole story. In fact, they're usually completely false- the facades we put on to keep the world at bay.Mallory Spencer, the bad ass businesswoman in charge of the world, born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth and growing up in an environment where Image Is All? Actually just a total softie, who loves her friends and the simple things in life, and wants nothing more than to find someone who allows her to simply...Be herself, and to focus on just enjoying her own life now. While still recognizing she's a bad ass who will keep fighting for success.And Hope Sanders.... honestly, I feel for her. While I haven't had necessarily all of her experiences, I have (and currently do) know what it is like to fight for everything you've achieved so far, but be only one or two small hiccups away from struggling again. I know what it is like to have family members who bring their problems to your door, and still wanting to help them in spite of past experiences. That it all worked out for her in the end was definitely a good thing.That they were both able to move past their preconceptions of each other, and find not only their common ground, but the person who challenges and teaches them both how to move past their own flaws.

I gave this a four star review only because the soho loft romance came to an end and I for one am unhappy about that fact. I was transfixed by each characters emotional al journey,the humour and freindships. If that was not enough I fell completely in list with every sexual moment and chemistry encountered by every character in each book. My wife often looked over at me wo derived g the reasons for the glimmer in my eyes, the smirks and giggles and of course me telling her she just wasn't being romantic enough like...a aah I can't exactly say lol..I love you melissa brayden and I hope you write more novels that tie into series like soho loft romance has, that they continue to make me hopelessly wanting more as they have and losing track of time in my day to day life. I needed this! I certainly need more lol

Melissa Brayden did an excellent job bringing a story line to life for me. There was happiness, sadness & hope. I love the book & will keep it for a 2nd reading.

I enjoyed this book it really was a very good love story. I really liked the to main characters and their friends. I have not read the previous books but will be looking them up now.

Best Friends, midnight chocolate, business partners and love. What else could you want for an ending to this fabulous trilogy.Detail oriented Mallory keeps getting free drinks from their bartender. Never one to receive the consistent attention from the bartender, thinking she is one of many, she passes on the attention, that is until her friends intervene.Hot Bartender, is actually owner of bar, Hope. Hard working, doesn't date much if at all. So what is it about Mallory that keeps her attention?Sparks fly when they connect on the beach, and playing darts. So what will it take to go on a date?The banter, chemistry, friendships and wit is outstanding from Melissa Brayden. She did an amazing job with this series, I have read a few times.

I easily fell in love with the characters in this series and while I'm sad their story is over I'm glad I can always revisit it in the future

Wow Melissa Brayden can sure write romance, loved it

Ready or Not ist der (leider) letzte Teil der Soho Loft Romances. Nach den beiden ersten Teilen ist nur noch Mallory, die eigentliche Chefin der Soho Savvy Werbeagentur noch nicht vergeben. Mallory stammt aus einer wohlhabenden Familie und eigentlich sollte ihre Partnerin dementsprechend sein. Doch das ist die flotte Barbesitzerin Hope, die aus gänzlich anderen Verhältnissen als Mallory stammt und die zudem noch eine Zwillingsschwester hat, die auf die schiefe Bahn geraten ist...Im Vergleich zu JTW, dem zweiten Teil der Serie, hat sich die Autorin meines Erachtens wieder gesteigert und liefert eine rundum gelungene Romanze ab. Natürlich folgt auch diese dem üblichen Schema und auch dieses Buch hinterlässt einem mit einem angenehmen Gefühl.Alles in allem ein gelungener Abschluss der Trilogie. Leider sind nicht mehr Mädels in der Soho Loft, so dass mit einer Fortsetzung wohl eher nicht zu rechnen ist. Leider.

Melissa Brayden once again reconfirms her position as no.1 writer in this genre. A perfect ending to the Soho Loft series - Mallory's story a sweet romance with sexy bartender Hope. Always great chemistry between the group of friends, hilarious banter and more importantly those midnight chocolate moments! A sad day that I have to say goodbye to these great set of characters - Melissa please bring them back one day!

Even though some moments were predictable. Some even repeated as it is a series. It was a loving ride none the less. The best part to see was 4 great friends with partners and a happy ending.