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Did Not Finish Kindle Edition

4.0 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

Stranded…with my nemesis!

AXEL: It’s bad enough an unseasonal blizzard means I’m stuck with my PA’s annoying cat, but to make matters worse, Mia Samson and her poison pen are in my house too. The renowned reviewer has tanked books with her dreaded DNF and I need to teach her a lesson.

But my enemy is not what I expect and if I’m not careful, I’m in danger of revealing my secret to the one person who can use it against me.

MIA: I know people in publishing call me the career-wrecker behind my back. What they don’t know is, I’m writing a novel, and when I’m lucky enough to win a week-long retreat with bestselling Axel Low in quaint Sugar Plain, Nebraska, I’m thrilled.

Until I discover being snowed in with the reclusive grump is merely the first trope my life has turned into, and soon I’m sorely tempted to enact enemies to lovers…

Which one of us will lose the plot first?

Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

From the Publisher

DNF

DNF

DNF

def

def

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Did Not Finish is not only calling your name, it's screaming "Pick me up. You know you want to! Not only did I love the main characters, but their interaction, the publishing industry tidbits, the tropes ~ OMG the tropes, and the all-around coziness of Did Not Finish made me tear through this at a blistering pace. Regardless of the title, this is NOT a DNF so treat yourself to a fun read. I think you'll be glad you did." Big Time Book Junkie

"Did Not Finish is a unique romance. I laughed. I grinned. I could not put this book down! I highly, highly recommend Did Not Finish!" Goodreads reviewer

"This was a cute romcom that I would love to see made into a Hallmark movie. The relationship was adorable and I couldn't get enough!" Netgalley audio reviewer

"This is such a fun, enjoyable book filled with ALLLLLL the tropes. If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!" Goodreads reviewer

"Did Not Finish is an engaging book with a surprising emotional edge. I loved the characters exhausting familiar tropes that many romance readers enjoy as they navigate their attraction to one another. It was a true delight to sense the feelings behind the words as I listened to this delightful read." Robin Loves Reading

"A tropetastic, fun, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV romance perfect for fans of Book lovers by Emily Henry. I loved how meta this book was with two writer characters. Great on audio and one of my new favorite books from Nicola Marsh. I loved how much of herself I could see in these characters!!" SmallTownBookMom librarian

"I definitely finished Did Not Finish. It was a fun, light romance." Goodreads reviewer

"I loved this book. I was drawn into the story immediately and I didn't want to put the book down. In fact, I did put it down to go to bed and then I got up to finish it at 2 AM." Goodreads reviewer

"I not only finished Did Not Finish, I loved it. Mia and Axel are fabulous, well rounded characters and well matched." Goodreads reviewer

"I absolutely devoured this book. From page one, I was so invested in the story of Mia and Axel. A combination of so many tropes, I managed to read this book on and off over the course of a day because I just couldn't put it down. If you are a book loving romance fan, I guarantee you'll love this one." Mamas High on Books

"Who doesn't want to read a romance about two authors and a book reviewer? This was a cute story with so much bookish content that I was caught up in it all. The tropes we go through in this romance are amazingly good. The spicy scenes were spicy enough. I devoured it in a day." TeesBookJourney

"Loved this. Everything you need in a romance. Angst, banter and love. A truly enjoyfull read. Bring on the next one - I can't wait to read Cole's story." Goodreads reviewer

"This was a fabulous audiobook with fantastic narration. As I mentioned, I love the trapped feeling. When I began listening, I had no idea that I would listen to this book in one day. I didn't want to stop listening but had to take breaks as life called. But finish it, I did with a smile on my face and warm feelings in my heart. I can't wait to read what Nicola Marsh writes next!" Goodreads reviewer

From the Author

INTERVIEW WITH NICOLA MARSH ABOUT DID NOT FINISH

    • Did reviewers on BookTok inspire you to write this book?
    It's no secret I love the BookTok vibe and can spend way too much time absorbing recommendations and buying books to add to my towering to-be-read pile! I'm always so appreciative of people who take the time to read and review my book and I wanted to create a fun story reviewers will identify with.


      • This story is packed with much-loved romance tropes. Any favorites?
      I'm a huge fan of small town romance and enemies to lovers, both as a reader and writer, so these two are tropes I favor often. Being stranded with your enemy was fun to create too. And I love grumpy sunshine, two complete opposites who eventually find common ground and fall in love.


        • Mr Darcy the cat has a prominent role. Tell us about him.
        When I first started writing Did Not Finish, there was no cat. It wasn't until I saw the cover art and that cat curled up on the sofa that Mr Darcy strutted into the story, demanding the spotlight. There's a little extra something at the end of the story from Mr Darcy because even when the book was done, that show-stealing cat wanted more!


          • Axel is a flawed hero with wounds that run deep. Is he redeemable?
          Absolutely. I love writing heroes who feign strength but are cinnamon rolls. That sweet, soft core is what makes Mia ultimately fall in love with him.


            • Axel's best friend Cole and Mia's best friend Rosie strike me as characters who demand their own stories. Any goss you can tell us?
            There are some characters who definitely deserve their own story and next year, you may just see One Star Review release...

            Product details

            • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BDS2MVFH
            • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Parlance Press
            • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 4, 2022
            • Language ‏ : ‎ English
            • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
            • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
            • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
            • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
            • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
            • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
            • Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
            • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780994329592
            • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
            • Customer Reviews:
              4.0 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

            About the author

            Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
            Nicola Marsh
            Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
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            USA TODAY bestselling & multi-award winning author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.

            She has published 86 books, sold millions worldwide, and been translated into 25 languages.

            She currently writes contemporary romance and psychological thrillers.

            A physiotherapist for 13 years, she's been writing full time for 20 years, raising two dashing young heroes, barracking loudly for her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team, and curling up with good books!

            Customer reviews

            4 out of 5 stars
            98 global ratings

            Review this product

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            Customers say

            Customers enjoy this flirty romantic comedy with likable characters and find it easy to read, with one customer highlighting its fun insights into publishing. The book receives positive feedback for its style and pacing, with one customer noting how the setting creates a cozy atmosphere.

            AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

            7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

            Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one mentioning it provides fun insights into publishing.

            "...cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book lovers will love this book!..." Read more

            "...likable characters and even a grumpy cat named Mr. Darcy makes this a fun read. Mia is an influential book reviewer ...." Read more

            "...A triple negative? 3.5 stars! This is a fun book that revolved around the publishing/review scene and felt very meta as they talked about..." Read more

            "...kept comparing it to Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls), and I did love all the writing talk...." Read more

            4 customers mention "Romance"4 positive0 negative

            Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a flirty romantic comedy.

            "...recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel good romance." Read more

            "...This was a cute, low-angst romantic comedy that I found to be entertaining and I recommend it if you are looking for a fun and light book to..." Read more

            "...These characters are real and lovable….. most of the time! Nicola Marsh does a great job with this one...." Read more

            "Cheesy romance book lovers - READ THIS ONE!..." Read more

            3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

            Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

            "...The small town setting, a snowstorm, likable characters and even a grumpy cat named Mr. Darcy makes this a fun read...." Read more

            "...She always has the best characters in her books. Can't wait for book 2." Read more

            "...These characters are real and lovable….. most of the time! Nicola Marsh does a great job with this one...." Read more

            3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

            Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning its cozy setting and another noting its feel-good, cheesy love elements.

            "...Cute, full of the feel good cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book lovers will love this book!..." Read more

            "...The setting made the book seem cozy and inviting. The comparisons between Sugar Plain and Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls were perfect!..." Read more

            "...I liked the setting; once the snow storm subsided (they kept comparing it to Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls), and I did love all the writing talk...." Read more

            3 customers mention "Style"3 positive0 negative

            Customers find the book's style cute, with one mentioning the author's good writing style.

            "I hated having to put this one down to attend to life. Cute, full of the feel good cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book..." Read more

            "The author is has a good style but I read romance for steamy sex and chemistry. This had neither...." Read more

            "...This was a cute, low-angst romantic comedy that I found to be entertaining and I recommend it if you are looking for a fun and light book to..." Read more

            Enjoyable fun read!
            4 out of 5 stars
            Enjoyable fun read!
            thoroughly enjoyed this book! The small town setting, a snowstorm, likable characters and even a grumpy cat named Mr. Darcy makes this a fun read. Mia is an influential book reviewer . Receiving a DNF from her is a killer for an author. Mia submits her first attempt at writing a suspense novel and is accepted at a writers retreat. Axel Low, an accomplished author of crime thrillers, is the host. Axel is a recluse living in a small Nebraska town named Sugar Plain. Mia arrives excited and in awe of Axel, but finds he isn't the friendliest host . Unbeknownst to her, Axel arranged for Mia to arrive a day early hoping to take the reviewer down a peg or two. An early snowstorm hits preventing the other participants from attending. It is just Mia, Axel and the cat. As Mia spends more time with Axel she finds him irresistible . Luckily he feels the same . Unfortunately Axel is harboring secrets that just might get in the way of this real life romance Nicola Marsh does a wonderful job cultivating the relationship between the two main characters. The setting made the book seem cozy and inviting. The comparisons between Sugar Plain and Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls were perfect! Who doesn't love a great Gilmore Girls reference? recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel good romance.
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            Top reviews from the United States

            • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
              I hated having to put this one down to attend to life. Cute, full of the feel good cheesy love, with a little bit of spice sprinkled in - book lovers will love this book! It has all the small touches that scream "romance book nerd" that will leave you laughing and wanting to read it in one day.
              One person found this helpful
              Report
            • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
              thoroughly enjoyed this book! The small town setting, a snowstorm, likable characters and even a grumpy cat named Mr. Darcy makes this a fun read.
              Mia is an influential book reviewer . Receiving a DNF from her is a killer for an author. Mia submits her first attempt at writing a suspense novel and is accepted at a writers retreat. Axel Low, an accomplished author of crime thrillers, is the host. Axel is a recluse living in a small Nebraska town named Sugar Plain.
              Mia arrives excited and in awe of Axel, but finds he isn't the friendliest host . Unbeknownst to her, Axel arranged for Mia to arrive a day early hoping to take the reviewer down a peg or two.
              An early snowstorm hits preventing the other participants from attending. It is just Mia, Axel and the cat. As Mia spends more time with Axel she finds him irresistible . Luckily he feels the same . Unfortunately Axel is harboring secrets that just might get in the way of this real life romance
              Nicola Marsh does a wonderful job cultivating the relationship between the two main characters. The setting made the book seem cozy and inviting. The comparisons between Sugar Plain and Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls were perfect! Who doesn't love a great Gilmore Girls reference?
              recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel good romance.
              Customer image
              4.0 out of 5 stars
              Enjoyable fun read!

              Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
              thoroughly enjoyed this book! The small town setting, a snowstorm, likable characters and even a grumpy cat named Mr. Darcy makes this a fun read.
              Mia is an influential book reviewer . Receiving a DNF from her is a killer for an author. Mia submits her first attempt at writing a suspense novel and is accepted at a writers retreat. Axel Low, an accomplished author of crime thrillers, is the host. Axel is a recluse living in a small Nebraska town named Sugar Plain.
              Mia arrives excited and in awe of Axel, but finds he isn't the friendliest host . Unbeknownst to her, Axel arranged for Mia to arrive a day early hoping to take the reviewer down a peg or two.
              An early snowstorm hits preventing the other participants from attending. It is just Mia, Axel and the cat. As Mia spends more time with Axel she finds him irresistible . Luckily he feels the same . Unfortunately Axel is harboring secrets that just might get in the way of this real life romance
              Nicola Marsh does a wonderful job cultivating the relationship between the two main characters. The setting made the book seem cozy and inviting. The comparisons between Sugar Plain and Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls were perfect! Who doesn't love a great Gilmore Girls reference?
              recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel good romance.
              Images in this review
              Customer image
              One person found this helpful
              Report
            • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
              The author is has a good style but I read romance for steamy sex and chemistry. This had neither. By the 3rd or 4th sex scene that sort of gets started but then skips to after they're done w zero details, I'm sorry to say I DNF.
            • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
              Absolutely enjoyed this book by Nicola Marsh. She always has the best characters in her books. Can't wait for book 2.
              2 people found this helpful
              Report
            • Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
              I did not DNF Did Not Finish! How’s that for a confusing sentence?! A triple negative? 3.5 stars!

              This is a fun book that revolved around the publishing/review scene and felt very meta as they talked about reading and reviewing ARCs and the pressure advance readers feel to balance honesty and empathy. I know I feel that all the time as I read early copies of books.

              Axel and Mia meet and have an immediate spark. The insta-lust was strong. They have so much in common and a mutual understanding of an author’s need to chase the inspiration when it hits.

              Axel is a seasoned author and Mia is just learning as a novelist, but is a well respected reviewer, who wields a lot of power with her column. And there is where all the crazy conflicts of interest begin, but not end.

              I liked that Axel had plans to give Mia a taste of her own medicine while critiquing her story, and couldn’t quite go through with it. But I didn’t like that he kept secrets from her for far too long for someone who is thinking they are in love.

              This was chock full of fun insights into publishing and I loved Axel’s journey as the story progressed.

              Just wanted to slip in that this a closed door romance, but you still feel all the feelings. I just wished there had been a little more time lapse so that we felt a bit more tension and longing between the two of them.

              I requested an early reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
            • Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2023
              Did Not Finish was a book that took everything out of me to finish. I really wanted to love this one, and on paper I really thought that I would, however something just did not click for me. I probably would have stopped this one if it wasn't set in a state (Nebraska) I needed for a challenge, and also because I was listening at my second job and needed something to get me through my shift. First of all this is marketed as enemies to lovers; now while that is not my favorite trope I can get behind some. This was not one of them. This book is the perfect example of why I don't love the trope. Only one person "hated the other" and the other had no idea why they were being treated so badly, and then it lasted for a whole maybe 3 chapters before they were so into each other. Which leads me to the instalove. This book was extremely instalusty (and ended up being closed door and also extremely instalovey. The MC were together a total of maybe 4 days and they were not sure how they were going to be apart from each other. I didn't particularly love with MC. I loved that Mia was an aspiring author and I did enjoy seeing that. I loved how much Axel cared for his sister and wanted to keep her safe at all cost, but at the end of the day he was kind of just a jerk. There are trigger warnings for death of a love one, grief, and mentions of domestic violence, I do think that those topics were handled well, and they made sense for the plot. There were things that I did like about this book. First of all I loved that it was available on KU and the audio was available on Hoopla. I liked the setting; once the snow storm subsided (they kept comparing it to Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls), and I did love all the writing talk. I liked Axel's friend (who's name escapes me right now), and I would read a book about him if this becomes a series, but I wouldn't rush out to do it.

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