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theforereffect's review
I wanted to like this one, but I felt like the author was trying to hard to be clever. Yes, I get that the main characters are super brilliant literary nerds and therefore the author is doubly brilliant and doubly nerdy and ai am super impressed. Really.
The FMC annoyed me. I could tell this was going to be a way too long book about an obvious mystery and two adults that can't communicate. I don't have time for this kind of nonsense.
The FMC annoyed me. I could tell this was going to be a way too long book about an obvious mystery and two adults that can't communicate. I don't have time for this kind of nonsense.
sunflowerbookqt's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The story was engaging and had its moments, but there were just a few things that didn't quite click for me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but it just didn't blow me away. Maybe if the pacing was a bit smoother and the characters' choices made more sense!
Overall, this was a fun, rom-com! If you're into cozy romances set in small towns with literary vibes and second chances, this book is perfect for you! 🌸💕
maddieandherbooks's review
3.0
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
i enjoyed this rom-com! i loved all of the classic lit references, and athena was a great main character. she and thorne were written really well, and i enjoyed their banter and relationship. the side characters were also fantastic! i loved all of the cafe customers (and finn!), and seeing athena’s interactions with all of them; it added to her character depth, and made the story much more interesting.
the writing in this story wasn’t very fast-paced, but it was well written and remained interesting for the most part, so it worked. there was a bit too much miscommunication between characters (a lot could have been resolved by just talking to each other about it), which was a bit annoying, and some of the plot fell flat, but overall, the story was pretty light-hearted and fun, and I would recommend it! :)
i enjoyed this rom-com! i loved all of the classic lit references, and athena was a great main character. she and thorne were written really well, and i enjoyed their banter and relationship. the side characters were also fantastic! i loved all of the cafe customers (and finn!), and seeing athena’s interactions with all of them; it added to her character depth, and made the story much more interesting.
the writing in this story wasn’t very fast-paced, but it was well written and remained interesting for the most part, so it worked. there was a bit too much miscommunication between characters (a lot could have been resolved by just talking to each other about it), which was a bit annoying, and some of the plot fell flat, but overall, the story was pretty light-hearted and fun, and I would recommend it! :)
alliehwilliams's review against another edition
3.0
This was not my favorite but am giving it three stars because I think it's just that I don't love Wuthering Heights at all and so a story that leans on it a is probably not going to be my favorite. I didn't get invested in the chemistry between Thena and Thorne and I thought the side characters were a little superficial and shallow in characterization. I wanted to love it but it was just okay for me.
tzeglis86's review
4.0
This was definitely a cute and fun summery read. I quite enjoyed the author’s play on classic literature. However, I expected a little more spice between the characters. Not a book I would read again, but would recommend to my girl friends!
shelbyruch's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this dual perspective third chance at love story between English Professor Athena and Thorne, her college sweetheart and the man who broke her heart after he dumped her without any explanation. When Athena returns home on a sabbatical determined to write a book uncovering the mysterious C. L. Garland who writes spicy retellings of classic love stories she runs into Thorne, who has taken over the local cafe and is her new boss.
Full of witty banter and great chemistry, Athena and Thorne slowly repair their relationship. The miscommunication trope is huge in this book so if that's not your thing you might want to pass. I didn't mind it so much when you learn why Thorne kept secrets from Athena but it is a big plot device. Other strong points included the mental health and caregiver rep, small town charm and great Bronte references. The characters do definitely hook up but this is a fade to black, closed door romance which was the biggest flaw for me. The characters get us all worked up and then it's the morning after - is there anything worse??
Overall though this was a fun read that I do recommend, especially for Bronte lovers. It was also great on audio narrated by Katie Schorr. There are a couple (somewhat predictable) surprise reveals but definitely a solid, highly enjoyable story. Much thanks to NetGalley and Forever for my advance review copies!
Full of witty banter and great chemistry, Athena and Thorne slowly repair their relationship. The miscommunication trope is huge in this book so if that's not your thing you might want to pass. I didn't mind it so much when you learn why Thorne kept secrets from Athena but it is a big plot device. Other strong points included the mental health and caregiver rep, small town charm and great Bronte references. The characters do definitely hook up but this is a fade to black, closed door romance which was the biggest flaw for me. The characters get us all worked up and then it's the morning after - is there anything worse??
Overall though this was a fun read that I do recommend, especially for Bronte lovers. It was also great on audio narrated by Katie Schorr. There are a couple (somewhat predictable) surprise reveals but definitely a solid, highly enjoyable story. Much thanks to NetGalley and Forever for my advance review copies!
maliffi's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Edelweiss for the advanced copy!
This was cute and I enjoyed the premise. I didn't feel like there was a ton of genuine character development, it felt pretty flat. The spice was fade to black, which someone people will prefer, I however do not.
I found the language to be a little cringey but then again, reading a book inspired by the Bronte's that was to be excited and will be a huge plus for some readers.
All in all, it's cute, quirky, niche and a little cringey. If this book sounds like it's something you'll like, you'll probably like it.
*Spoiler*
By the end of the book I was so tired of the back and forth, will they be together, will they not.
And the miscommunication, which in this case is just flat out lies. Did not do it for me.
This was cute and I enjoyed the premise. I didn't feel like there was a ton of genuine character development, it felt pretty flat. The spice was fade to black, which someone people will prefer, I however do not.
I found the language to be a little cringey but then again, reading a book inspired by the Bronte's that was to be excited and will be a huge plus for some readers.
All in all, it's cute, quirky, niche and a little cringey. If this book sounds like it's something you'll like, you'll probably like it.
*Spoiler*
By the end of the book I was so tired of the back and forth, will they be together, will they not.
And the miscommunication, which in this case is just flat out lies. Did not do it for me.