Reviews

The Changeup by Megan Cousins

lolovesbooks3's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved how the FMC was so smart and had a tough career that she had to navigate through while dealing with her arthritis. Marcus was very attentive and sweet and it was fun watching them go from friends to more (even though I don’t usually like this trope… this one worked really well.)

sammies_booked's review

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5.0

This book validated things I’ve felt and felt like I shouldn’t feel for so long so obviously it gets all the stars.

bookishkenyannerd's review

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4.0

Jenna struggled to be comfortable with her arthritis in an unaccommodating work environment, but she made it work. Marcus was so supportive of her, letting her fight her battles but never leaving her side. He had his own caveman-ish tendencies whenever it came to Jenna and her wellbeing, but I liked that

christinareadsontheroad's review

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4.0

What to Expect:
-College Friends to Lovers
-Dual POVs
-STEM hero (and heroine!)
-Cross Country roadtrip
-National Parks & Wildlife
-Strength & Vulnerability
-Closed Door

Megan is so talented and capturing emotion and creating characters that you are always rooting for. While I felt a more personal connection with Peneleope from The Curveball, I loved watching Jenna and Marcus grow their friendship into something more. I can’t wait to read more books by Megan!
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

shelvedthoughts's review

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5.0

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Jenna & Marcus’s points of view

– Jenna deals with arthritis & chronic pain and uses aids in her day to day life due to it

– Marcus deals with the rift between him and his father due to his parent’s divorce and his choices in life that they didn’t agree on (past events, but this does get resolved!)

Review:

This is my first book by Megan Cousins and I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to go back and read the first book while I wait for the rest of the series! I loved Jenna and Marcus and how much they nerded out about science throughout the book. (While I didn’t understand quite a bit of the science, I did like that it didn’t detract from the story and I learned some new things which was cool!) I also loved Jenna and Marcus’s banter and their general comfort around each other. I loved that they could be themselves and grew to know each other a little bit differently over the course of their road trip and volunteering. I loved the little things Marcus would do for Jenna, even the ones she didn’t realize he did right away. It was so sweet of him! I loved that Jenna made science and hikes fun for her family and the people that she took on hikes. I also loved that she stepped up in her volunteer position and took over where there was lack. I loved that she took care of the people around her, especially when it made people flock to her in favor of a not-so-nice supervisor. I also loved the banter with her family and how they accepted Marcus from the get go. Some of my favorite scenes included: the bet and winnings for it, Marcus fishing with Aiden, times they spent with Marcus’s dad & her family, the bears, and the last couple of scenes (starting when Jenna’s brothers come down).

Summary:

Jenna and Marcus have been best friends since their first class together in college and their friendship has only grown over the years. Now, Jenna thinks she is falling for him, which could be a problem. Why? One: They are best friends and he might not feel the same way. Two: They were both accepted to a fellowship that will end in someone being offered a job there. If one of them is offered the job and they both want it, what will it do to their friendship? Three: And most importantly, they will both be living in the same apartment for the next three months during their time volunteering with the fellowship. Things could get awkward real fast if Jenna isn’t careful.

Marcus has been in love with his best friend for awhile now. He knew that Jenna’s ex was no good for her but he couldn’t say anything for fear that she’d buckle down and refuse to listen. But now they are both single and about to be spending a lot more time together. Maybe it’s finally time to let Jenna know just how he feels. Marcus will have ample opportunity to do so with working at the fellowship and living in the same apartment as her. And if he holds it in any longer, Marcus may just burst like the geysers he’ll be studying…

maireadingnook's review against another edition

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5.0

In this book we follow Jenna (sister of Jake, MC of book 1 in the series) and Marcus. They both get accepted into the Yellowstone Research Fellowship for the summer. Both have big feelings for the other, both have never said anything in fear of risking their friendship. Mutual pining?! Forced proximity?! Yes, please!!

The thing I love the most about Megan's books is that they really take you on a journey. I've never been to Yellowstone but do I now have this vivid picture of what it's like in my head? Totally. I love that. I love how she gets you so wholly immersed- in the story, in the characters, in the settings. She has this amazing ability to tug at your heartstrings, and weaving her stories and characters through them and you're left with no choice but to love them.

I love the Hutchinson family and cannot wait for what Megan has in store for the rest.

mysticforestcrafts's review against another edition

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5.0

I have been so incredibly lucky to meet the author twice at signings at my local independent bookstore. The kindness shown in her characters come directly from her and the love of family truly is a representation of her own family who are as kind and sweet as she is.

I’ve had people ask me if they’ll like the books if they aren’t into sports or science and I can say with certainty you will. Nothing is done in a dry technical way and everything always relates back to the characters and the plot. You can go in knowing nothing about either and come out with some info but most importantly feeling happier because these books, while handling real world issues always come to a close with the happiest of endings.

What can you expect?

STEM representation without man bashing

Grumpy/ Sunshine dynamics

Friends to lovers

Disability rep done with respect without making it the only quality of the character

Strong family ties

Clean romance so you can read with you child or grandmother without blushing

Pros:

The characters are beautifully real with strengths and weaknesses they have to work with. I love that you see characters handle chronic pain in this book and the first but in different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone handles pain differently and I love that the author has captured two different styles and personally I was thankful this one involved less crying. I agree there is nothing wrong with crying it out but I know many pain sufferers who find it increases their pain so they fight it with everything they have.

The family dynamics in this book are amazing. You get to experience strong family ties as well as broken ones in need of repair.

I struggled with other STEM stories always focusing on men being evil and the women man bashing. I really appreciate that while it is discussed and the issue of misogyny in the field is addressed that Jenna never puts blame on issues with work on her gender and she never once holds Marcus’ success against him because he is male. I love seeing him stand up for her and seeing her stand up for herself even more. This was much more successful in showing how such things should be handled than major releases aimed at STEM lovers.

Cons:

I have very few to no complaints with this story. If anything I almost wanted to see Jenna break a trail rule when she sees her first bears but that would break character terribly so it is best it didn’t happen.

theanachronismreads's review against another edition

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5.0

love letter to friends who become loves and Yellowstone

Jenna and Marcus knew and liked each other from their first early morning lab and this book takes place almost half their lives later- and we find them on an adventure.
There’s a road trip. There are snacks. There’s chronic pain and it’s handled beautifully. There are insecurities and differences in upbringing. It’s not all smooth sailing but these two manage to love one another out loud, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Yellowstone and that makes me want to explore this place even more than I already did.
Love this book, can’t wait for more Hutchinsons!!

dearbookboyfriend's review

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted slow-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

4.0

erinrachelreads's review

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4.0

The Changeup is such a sweet friends to lovers story. Jenna and Marcus are our classic nerdy idiots and I loved them. Jenna’s fear of being a burden and being wary of being vulnerable around people was relatable, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and obviously made me sob. Marcus is such a wonderful guy who shows his love openly through caring for others and protecting them  - this obviously causes a few issues for the two as they try to figure out how to be best be there for each other. I can’t wait for James’s story next.