A Review of The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires, #1) by Lauren Asher
When I first picked up The Fine Print, I was drawn in by the promise of a slowburn romance paired with a lavish billionaire backdrop—essentially a formula for escapism. Lauren Asher’s earlier work hinted at a knack for creating captivating narratives, so I was really looking forward to diving into this world. What I found, however, was a mixed bag of enchantment and exhaustive repetitiveness, transforming my eager anticipation into something akin to a rollercoaster of emotions.
The story centers on Rowan and Zahra, two characters entangled in an intriguing gravitational pull that promises plenty of romantic tension. The potential here is staggering; we get some genuinely cute moments—like an adorable book-signing surprise and intimate dinners—highlighting the sweet connection between them. The interactions between Rowan and his sister Ani? Absolutely the highlight of the book! I will die on that hill! But despite these beautiful instances, the pacing feels glacial, primarily due to an excess of filler content that detracts from the meaningful parts of the plot.
Now, let’s talk about those slowburn vibes that turned out to be more of a sputter. In the early chapters, we see an insta-lust moment that undermines the very concept of a slowburn. Rowan and Zahra share their first kiss around the 20% mark; you’d expect some intense buildup afterward, right? Instead, what follows is a constant back-and-forth of internal dialogues questioning each other’s feelings. It’s as if we, the readers, are stuck on repeat. “Hello, you just had a more intimate encounter than most couples ever do; please don’t keep acting like you have to tiptoe around your feelings!”
Sometimes, I found myself zipping through the last quarter of the book. I was skimming through the pages like my heart was racing at a speed that couldn’t keep up with the bewildering contradictions. Just when one of the characters expresses deep feelings—Rowan’s almost lovey-dovey declarations—he simultaneously insists on keeping things casual. This dichotomy feels more confusing than delightful and only padded the storyline unnecessarily.
The repetitive dialogue and themes made reading feel laborious. Imagine being hit over the head with the same emotional revelations several times throughout a single book—it grows tiresome quickly. Zahra’s poignant line about how Rowan “hates how much he wants her” is impactful, but when that sentiment is reiterated, you can’t help but roll your eyes. I was 67% in, feeling like I’d spun my wheels for far too long without any actual forward motion.
Despite these frustrations, I found myself loving the moments that did shine—a contrast that left me wanting more from the overarching narrative. If Asher could streamline the plot, cut out the redundant interactions, or perhaps align the pacing better, this book would’ve soaring potential.
Ultimately, The Fine Print feels like it stumbles through a multitude of ambitions: the workplace romance, grumpy-sunshine tropes, and hidden identities. However, it feels as though Asher lost her grip along the way. If you enjoy billionaire romances filled with cute moments and don’t mind sifting through the slower elements, it might resonate with you. For me, it was a tough read, one that, despite its charms, left me longing for refinement.
In the end, I’m still intrigued enough to continue exploring Asher’s world—Cal’s book is next on my list. After such an exhausting journey through Rowan and Zahra, I could use a new adventure that captures the thrill of romantic tension without the weight of repetitive back-and-forth. Here’s to hoping for a refined experience ahead!
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