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makmarkley's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly? This was so much better than Icebreaker!!! (Don’t cancel me!) The characters are still just as lovable (PLEASE write Henry’s love story I’m dying over here!) but the actual story feels more realistic and sweet. The characters have tangible flaws and realistic reactions. They’re grounded in their personalities in a way that makes them feel more real. Nate and Stassie were a fun couple to read about because they followed so many classic tropes, but Russ and Rory were better because they surprised me in the best ways. Definitely would recommend the read!!
morganmkes's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book. I like most cringey romance, but this one scratches the itch better than most. And the constant praise Russ gives Aurora OMG. I had the audio book and I WILL be buying a physical copy
magicdaydreams's review against another edition
3.0
I toyed with giving this a 4, but it was a solid 3.5 for me. Enjoyable, I’d recommend it to my romance genre friends, but it isn’t making my best read list. I wanted just a smidge more character development from our two mains and I think that would’ve bumped it up for me.
adbow28's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ksy411's review against another edition
4.0
What I Liked:
1. Summer camp - I loved the camp! It genuinely sounded like such a fun place! Both for the kids who went but also the people who were counselors too. I liked reading about the kids activities and the counselors interacting with them but also each other. The other counselors giving each other a hard time and joking around also really helped to sell that even though they were the adults, they were still just college kids. As someone who used to work somewhere similar during the summer during college, it definitely had the right vibes.
2. Russ - he seemed like such a nice guy. And I liked that even though he was attractive, he wasn’t arrogant, which is always a nice change of pace. Usually in these type of books, the hot guy is also a pain in the ass. I also thought the story with his family was interesting and added some depth to his character
3. Fish and her pups - honestly they don’t really add much to the plot but they sounded adorable and I love
4. No slut shaming - I appreciate that Rory was comfortable with her body and sex. I think women are often shamed for being “slutty” even in books/movies/tv and I hate it. Women should be allowed to do whatever they want and I did appreciate and admire that about Rory
5. Rory - Her inability to shut up when she’s nervous was kind of annoying but I do like how she gets Russ to come out of his shell which added some authenticity to their relationship and I do appreciate how there was some depth added to her character when it came to her family.
6. The epilogue - I love seeing Russ and Rory in the future and they’re still together. Honestly, they weren’t a couple I imagined would last long-term but I like that it was added in. It was very wholesome
What I Didn’t Like
1. The family drama - I know both characters have these super heavy/traumatic relationships with their families and I think for something that was so impactful/influenced so much of their personality, it was resolved so easily. It only took one confrontation from each of them and all of a sudden every thing is better?
1. Summer camp - I loved the camp! It genuinely sounded like such a fun place! Both for the kids who went but also the people who were counselors too. I liked reading about the kids activities and the counselors interacting with them but also each other. The other counselors giving each other a hard time and joking around also really helped to sell that even though they were the adults, they were still just college kids. As someone who used to work somewhere similar during the summer during college, it definitely had the right vibes.
2. Russ - he seemed like such a nice guy. And I liked that even though he was attractive, he wasn’t arrogant, which is always a nice change of pace. Usually in these type of books, the hot guy is also a pain in the ass. I also thought the story with his family was interesting and added some depth to his character
3. Fish and her pups - honestly they don’t really add much to the plot but they sounded adorable and I love
4. No slut shaming - I appreciate that Rory was comfortable with her body and sex. I think women are often shamed for being “slutty” even in books/movies/tv and I hate it. Women should be allowed to do whatever they want and I did appreciate and admire that about Rory
5. Rory - Her inability to shut up when she’s nervous was kind of annoying but I do like how she gets Russ to come out of his shell which added some authenticity to their relationship and I do appreciate how there was some depth added to her character when it came to her family.
6. The epilogue - I love seeing Russ and Rory in the future and they’re still together. Honestly, they weren’t a couple I imagined would last long-term but I like that it was added in. It was very wholesome
What I Didn’t Like
1. The family drama - I know both characters have these super heavy/traumatic relationships with their families and I think for something that was so impactful/influenced so much of their personality, it was resolved so easily. It only took one confrontation from each of them and all of a sudden every thing is better?
dwydeck's review against another edition
4.0
3⭐️ Significantly better than Icebreaker. Hannah Grace definitely learned from her mistakes. I found this one to be adorable and I’ve just loved Russ from the beginning so this really solidified that.
better_meg's review against another edition
5.0
Heart eyes forever! I thought I would be sad this book was about Russ instead of Henry but I’m not at all. Loved him. Love him. Love Rory.
(Hen better be next.)
(Hen better be next.)
wonderstruck_books's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible and beautiful way to capture how communication, understanding, acceptance, empathy, compassion, and honesty with someone can bring people together. Aurora and Russ don’t have the best examples in their family to learn from, but the people they have surrounded themselves with have had an impact on them that no one can take away. The connection, slowly healing together and apart, and every interaction between them was so intoxicating and natural. Every side character felt intentional and part of the story and I loved every moment.
angeliecatharina's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25