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jessg1014's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, and Infidelity
scoodle42's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Okay. So I ran hot and cold about this book. It never felt like I was on an even keel. There were some parts of it that were so good I was hungry for more, and other parts that were so cringey I put the book down.
So first, I love reading about women my age. Especially getting another chance at love. I love that Vanessa had a support system (they had a corny name though, lol) and that they had such a great bond. Vanessa and Michael were so very hot and I loved that too. Them falling together was sweet and very lovely. This book had a BUNCH of great highs.
*This next part of the review is completely my fault* I didn't read the synopsis, so the reason they ended up in each other's orbit threw me off a lot. But as a plot point, it was interesting enough. That ex-husband of hers was a doozy. Mess.
And Vanessa's introspection spoke a lot on therapy and the things she overcame (which I love. I love when we get the help we need), but her actions sometimes would have you believe she wasn't putting any of her breakthroughs into practice. Like, she was realizing things without actualizing them. And it was like the book wanted to give you Hallmark vibes but didn't quite make it in some places. I hate the way she looked down on their small town, but I also hated the way everyone there was so smug and the tiniest bit condescending.
Overall though, I liked it. The banter, the sex, the lusting--all great. The laughs and friendship--great too. The total Countdown to Christmas ending--wonderful, lol.
Also, fair warning--there's a third act breakup. Hated that. But I know some people don't mind.
So first, I love reading about women my age. Especially getting another chance at love. I love that Vanessa had a support system (they had a corny name though, lol) and that they had such a great bond. Vanessa and Michael were so very hot and I loved that too. Them falling together was sweet and very lovely. This book had a BUNCH of great highs.
*This next part of the review is completely my fault* I didn't read the synopsis, so the reason they ended up in each other's orbit threw me off a lot. But as a plot point, it was interesting enough. That ex-husband of hers was a doozy. Mess.
And Vanessa's introspection spoke a lot on therapy and the things she overcame (which I love. I love when we get the help we need), but her actions sometimes would have you believe she wasn't putting any of her breakthroughs into practice. Like, she was realizing things without actualizing them. And it was like the book wanted to give you Hallmark vibes but didn't quite make it in some places. I hate the way she looked down on their small town, but I also hated the way everyone there was so smug and the tiniest bit condescending.
Overall though, I liked it. The banter, the sex, the lusting--all great. The laughs and friendship--great too. The total Countdown to Christmas ending--wonderful, lol.
Also, fair warning--there's a third act breakup. Hated that. But I know some people don't mind.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
Minor: Grief
ashleycmms's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, and Infidelity
kbairbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I was intrigued when I saw this book available on Netgalley but I’ll admit that I struggled with this read. It was very insta-lovey, and I didn’t feel like the main characters had any chemistry. I will say the supporting characters were lovely and Adam seemed really cool and I liked the HEA. It just felt a bit like I was being told how to feel in the story but I wasn’t vibing with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent and Classism
Minor: Car accident
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