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thereadinghammock's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another wonderful Hutchinson family romance! Jenna and long time best friend Marcus set out on the road trip they've always dreamed of doing together to work at Yellowstone National Park in hopes of securing a dream research position for scientists like them. Oh, and they both have had feeling for each other FOR EVER but the fear of changing the status quo of their rock solid friendship has kept them both scared to take that next step.
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
I was FURIOUS with Jenna's lab supervisor, Aiden, for all the bullshit he kept pulling. Not only harping on "you could be replaced" vibes, but then asking her to stay behind for more samples ALONE???? SIR?!? ARE YOU DAFT?!!? When she laid into him after everything she and Monica went through after his asinine request, I was nearly shouting with "YES! YOU TELL THAT DUCK SNORT WHAT FOR!!"
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Ableism
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