I absolutely loved this book! Love this author and she's always a one click for me! Thabjs Netgalley for the ARC

Ellie is a headstrong plucky character that makes you laugh and shake your head at the same time. While Hugh is there for the ride. I got such second hand frustration for Ellie when the town sides with the lies against her coming from her ex Jason, and every attempt to get her dog back that failed broke my heart a little more.

As always when a main character has a secret that you know can cause some drama you just struggle with wanting to shake them until they spill. But would there be a story without the drama, maybe. I honestly thing Ellie overreacts to the news, how was Hugh supposed to know Jason was a bad guy if he’d never even met him. The whole third act “betrayal” was just too much for me and because I was rolling my eyes at the character and I was honestly starting to dislike her quite a bit.

I’ve been reading shorter books lately so this one was a bit of a struggle to make it all the way through and I noticed my attention seemed to be split between it and other books I’d been reading.

The way the side characters come and go lead me to thing that we may see more from this town, or at least I hope so.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

I started off this really enjoying it. An island where money speaks and Ellie's mega rich ex fiance has ruined her life, of course she needs revenge. I was rooting for the comeuppance!! Not to mention romance with the hot tall broody man thats helping her with her plotting, whats not to love?

UNTIL the worst trope to ever exist pops up.. miscommunication. This ruined a perfectly good book. I could sense it was coming but when the main plot wrapped itself up too quickly, I think the author needed a way of adding a few more chapters on.

First, the miscommunication was one tiny sentence which didnt even need to be a 'secret' in the first place. It could have been disclosed in the begnning and made perfect sense with no drama. Also, these characters are essentially STRANGERS, they've known each other a few days? You dont go around disclosing your full life story to strangers.
Secondly, it ruined the perception we have of Ellie. She was a badass, with determination, drive, strength. But she turned into a pathetic, immature child the way this 'miscommunication' went down. Her reaction and behaviour was completely cruel, uncalled for and I lost all the respect that the first half of this book created for her.
I was hoping Hugh would walk away because she's a walking red flag. The rationale behind her thought process. Is ridiculous at best.

That aside im left very underwhelmed with the ending for Jason her ex-fiance. That got tied up way too neatly and quickly. I definitely didnt get the compeuppance i was looking for which was disappointing. One minute hes screaming at her thinking hes won and the next we hear that he got caught.. i wanted to read it happen, to get the reaction from him when he realises what shes done and had actually outsmarted him, the man that grew an empire?!!

Im not sure id recommend this book to friends, theres too much missing from this and I left the booking feeling disappointed which is definitely not how you should feel after reading a romance.

This story was a lot of fun.
The premise was different and unique. I liked that each character had their own motivations for wanted to go after her ex. It made the motivations of each clear and interesting.
I liked both characters. Both were great and had good chemistry.
A great, fast paced read!

Ellie is fiercely protective of her family and friends who live on a small lush island a ferry ride away from Seattle. She has been humiliated by her former fiance who she caught having an affair with his assisant. Now he is holding her beloved dog Louie to irritate her. She's been arrested (released) and humiliated. She was revenge and enlists her bestie for help, until the bestie has an accident.

In walks Hugh, he of broad shoulders and gooey eyes. He decides to help her, although unbeknownst he has an alernative reason. What ensure is Ellie's fight to save her family's land, her dog and her reputation. And it all falls apart when Hugh's lies of omission tear them apart.

Liliam Monroe is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers and she does not disappoint.

"Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge" is a charming contemporary romance that combines elements of revenge, mystery, and unexpected love in a picturesque coastal setting. With well-drawn characters, a compelling storyline, and a dash of small-town charm, this book offers an engaging and heartwarming reading experience.

The story follows Ellie Davis, a determined and resourceful woman who is determined to get back at her ex-fiancé, Jason, for his betrayal and attempts to claim her parents' property. Ellie's decision to use the OddJobs app to seek help in her revenge plan sets the stage for the unexpected arrival of Hugh Hartford, a brooding and enigmatic stranger who is in town temporarily.

The dynamic between Ellie and Hugh is filled with chemistry and tension, and their interactions are laced with humor and genuine emotions. As Ellie keeps hiring Hugh for various odd jobs, their connection deepens, even as they both harbor secrets related to their individual missions.

The small-town setting of Fernley Island adds a delightful backdrop to the story, with its close-knit community and quirky characters enhancing the overall charm. The OddJobs app and its various characters bring an element of fun and unpredictability to the narrative, making it an enjoyable and unique aspect of the plot.

As Ellie's revenge plan unravels, the book explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the power of letting go of the past. The mystery surrounding Jason's actions and Hugh's involvement in the investigation add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged in the unfolding drama.

Overall, "Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge" is a delightful and heartwarming romance that showcases the transformative nature of unexpected love. It's a story of two individuals brought together by chance, who find healing and happiness in each other's company. With its well-crafted characters, engaging plot, and a touch of mystery, this book is a charming addition to the contemporary romance genre.