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jaynovara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Infidelity
Moderate: Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
lucyrudd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Alcohol, and Sexual content
meeklovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
You know I was a bit on the fence with Emily Henry's books. I loved "Becah Read". I enjoyed "People We Meet On Vacation". I wasn't a fan of "Book Lovers" and I thought "Happy Place" was fine. So her latest releases weren't spectacular to me, but she's still an auto-read author for me because I do enjoy her writing and the way she writes banter. Now with that being said, it has been a while since I've consumed one of her books so I don't know if it's just me but her writing felt different in this book. And I'm not sure if I feel good or bad about it. It's certainly not bad, but it doesn't make me feel over the moon about it either. However, I don't feel indifferent or neutral towards it either. I don't know. There were some parts where I wasn't a fan of her writing and there were other parts where I relished in it and ate it up. For the most part, as I was reading, her writing felt like she was talking to me, like we were chatting and she was telling me an overly detailed story. Which isn't a bad thing. I feel like the informal-ness of her writing at times made the book more relatable. Everything felt like how a real person would say or act while still remaining true to certain romance tropes (although I really wished she utilized the one-bed situation; I didn't realize how much I loved the "one-bed trope" until I love the couple; this book was definitely not prioritizing tropes which isn't a bad thing but it's just something to keep in mind when going into it).
But anyway, all that writing talk aside to say that I really enjoyed this book. And I'm really glad I did. To be honest of out all her books I think these characters are the ones I relate to the most. I don't know how she does it but literally, the first 10% of this book had me laughing, getting angry, and tearing up a bit. I find Daphne's and Miles's initial encounters with one another hilarious. And I really enjoyed their dynamic throughout the entire book. I LOVED both of them! Miles was a sweetheart through and through. He is an acts of service and quality time king! And oh my gosh he's so thoughtful towards her even before they start to develop romantic feelings for each other (not to mention he's an absolute gem at reassurance). He would do little things for her and it just melted my heart to read because I'm a sucker for thoughtfulness and consideration. He literally had me smiling and giggling like a little schoolgirl. I smiled SO much during this book! I really enjoyed reading about Daphne and her struggles and just how her situation with her parents and Peter truly affected her and how she views her place in other people's lives. I found her perspective to be so relatable; always feeling like you're always "second" and having that constant feeling that people who want to hang out with you are only doing it out of charity or because they're doing you a favor. I also related so much to her constant fear of abandonment which in turn leads her to unintentionally become reclusive to other people in fear that they'll hurt her or leave her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her internal struggles and her self-discovery journey from becoming a "we" to an "I" (if you know, you know).
I would have to re-read her other books, but I am most definitely confident in saying that Daphne Vincent is most definitely my favorite Emily Hentry female lead. In addition to being my favorite female lead, I think Miles may have to be my favorite male lead from her (sorry Gus). I found it refreshing how he wasn't a caricature of the perfect male lead, even the way he was described was realistic. Someone commented on this book saying that their main grievance with it was that we didn't get to know enough about Miles, which is fair. And I do wish we could more of him and his backstory, however, I personally think the stuff that we did get about him was sufficient. Not only do I love him because of the way he treats Daphne, but I also feel in love with his charisma and his ability to be a people person. Similarly to Daphne I personally relate so much to Miles's internal struggles as well. He has trouble trusting himself and his own judgment due to some very faulty parenting and feels like his own place in other people's lives is redundant. He finds it easy being the happy-go-lucky guy because it's easier to not disappoint people who only see you on a surface-level stance. And this is what I admired about Miles and Daphne's dynamic the most. He SAW her and she SAW him! And I understand that certain readers may think they won't last (which is totally understandable), but I love them so much that my hope for them transcends all doubt.
I also genuinely enjoyed the friendship between Ashleigh and Daphne in this book, especially in the last quarter. They really showed up for one another and their little reunion most definitely had my eyes watering. (and i love the relationship between her and her mom; emily henry is so good at writing child-parent dynamics)
As I mentioned before with her writing there are just so many quotes in here that I just wanted to tab, highlight, and underline. And it's not due to the lyricalness of her quotes, but the RELATABILITY that they held. There are SO MANY quotes or pieces of dialogue that I relate to in this book, it's insane! I felt like she was speaking to me when she wrote this. I seriously see myself re-reading this book and doing just that. I seriously read this book at the perfect time!
I enjoy this book so much that even the 3rd act conflict didn't bother me (too much). Now not gonna lie, when I read it I was both sad and upset (because I love Daphne and Mile so much). I seriously wonder how we were gonna come back from this, but I personally think Emily Henry did a good job in tying things together and having it make sense.
I think the first 25%-30% and the last quarter of this book were my favorite. I was so invested and tearing up so much during the last 100 pages of this book. I was seriously holding on for dear life hoping everything was gonna be okay. Now I know how much I'm raving about this book you'd expect it to be a 5-star, however, (and I think this is a personal issue) I like to note that although the premise of this book still holds true there still isn't much plot to this book. We're just watching Daphne's life after what Peter did to her. So, therefore, I found certain mundane parts of this book to be pretty boring. And because I love Miles and Daphne and literally eat up every scene that they're in, I found myself wanting more of them when those mundane parts would come in. Also, liked I stated before there were just certain parts in the writing that weren't clicking with me for some reason. And I do feel like the book was a bit too long. I think I would've given this book 5-star if the romance between Miles and Daphne was the main focus and we were following both of their journeys towards self-discovery because I do really wish we got a bit more on Miles. Nonetheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, obviously. I could read about Daphne and Miles forever. I kid you not, when I finished this book I was lowkey perplexed that it was over I was sad that the story was over and that wasn't gonna get any more of them (i highkey wanted to see them date for real; cuz lowkey this book was just build up for their relationship). And I think if I were to re-read this book and take my time with it I might just appreciate those mundane parts of the book for what they are. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (obviously) and I'm so glad I gave Emily Henry another chance and can't wait for her future releases to come!
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
But anyway, all that writing talk aside to say that I really enjoyed this book. And I'm really glad I did. To be honest of out all her books I think these characters are the ones I relate to the most. I don't know how she does it but literally, the first 10% of this book had me laughing, getting angry, and tearing up a bit. I find Daphne's and Miles's initial encounters with one another hilarious. And I really enjoyed their dynamic throughout the entire book. I LOVED both of them! Miles was a sweetheart through and through. He is an acts of service and quality time king! And oh my gosh he's so thoughtful towards her even before they start to develop romantic feelings for each other (not to mention he's an absolute gem at reassurance). He would do little things for her and it just melted my heart to read because I'm a sucker for thoughtfulness and consideration. He literally had me smiling and giggling like a little schoolgirl. I smiled SO much during this book! I really enjoyed reading about Daphne and her struggles and just how her situation with her parents and Peter truly affected her and how she views her place in other people's lives. I found her perspective to be so relatable; always feeling like you're always "second" and having that constant feeling that people who want to hang out with you are only doing it out of charity or because they're doing you a favor. I also related so much to her constant fear of abandonment which in turn leads her to unintentionally become reclusive to other people in fear that they'll hurt her or leave her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her internal struggles and her self-discovery journey from becoming a "we" to an "I" (if you know, you know).
I would have to re-read her other books, but I am most definitely confident in saying that Daphne Vincent is most definitely my favorite Emily Hentry female lead. In addition to being my favorite female lead, I think Miles may have to be my favorite male lead from her (sorry Gus). I found it refreshing how he wasn't a caricature of the perfect male lead, even the way he was described was realistic. Someone commented on this book saying that their main grievance with it was that we didn't get to know enough about Miles, which is fair. And I do wish we could more of him and his backstory, however, I personally think the stuff that we did get about him was sufficient. Not only do I love him because of the way he treats Daphne, but I also feel in love with his charisma and his ability to be a people person. Similarly to Daphne I personally relate so much to Miles's internal struggles as well. He has trouble trusting himself and his own judgment due to some very faulty parenting and feels like his own place in other people's lives is redundant. He finds it easy being the happy-go-lucky guy because it's easier to not disappoint people who only see you on a surface-level stance. And this is what I admired about Miles and Daphne's dynamic the most. He SAW her and she SAW him! And I understand that certain readers may think they won't last (which is totally understandable), but I love them so much that my hope for them transcends all doubt.
I also genuinely enjoyed the friendship between Ashleigh and Daphne in this book, especially in the last quarter. They really showed up for one another and their little reunion most definitely had my eyes watering. (and i love the relationship between her and her mom; emily henry is so good at writing child-parent dynamics)
As I mentioned before with her writing there are just so many quotes in here that I just wanted to tab, highlight, and underline. And it's not due to the lyricalness of her quotes, but the RELATABILITY that they held. There are SO MANY quotes or pieces of dialogue that I relate to in this book, it's insane! I felt like she was speaking to me when she wrote this. I seriously see myself re-reading this book and doing just that. I seriously read this book at the perfect time!
I enjoy this book so much that even the 3rd act conflict didn't bother me (too much). Now not gonna lie, when I read it I was both sad and upset (because I love Daphne and Mile so much). I seriously wonder how we were gonna come back from this, but I personally think Emily Henry did a good job in tying things together and having it make sense.
I think the first 25%-30% and the last quarter of this book were my favorite. I was so invested and tearing up so much during the last 100 pages of this book. I was seriously holding on for dear life hoping everything was gonna be okay. Now I know how much I'm raving about this book you'd expect it to be a 5-star, however, (and I think this is a personal issue) I like to note that although the premise of this book still holds true there still isn't much plot to this book. We're just watching Daphne's life after what Peter did to her. So, therefore, I found certain mundane parts of this book to be pretty boring. And because I love Miles and Daphne and literally eat up every scene that they're in, I found myself wanting more of them when those mundane parts would come in. Also, liked I stated before there were just certain parts in the writing that weren't clicking with me for some reason. And I do feel like the book was a bit too long. I think I would've given this book 5-star if the romance between Miles and Daphne was the main focus and we were following both of their journeys towards self-discovery because I do really wish we got a bit more on Miles. Nonetheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, obviously. I could read about Daphne and Miles forever. I kid you not, when I finished this book I was lowkey perplexed that it was over I was sad that the story was over and that wasn't gonna get any more of them (i highkey wanted to see them date for real; cuz lowkey this book was just build up for their relationship). And I think if I were to re-read this book and take my time with it I might just appreciate those mundane parts of the book for what they are. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (obviously) and I'm so glad I gave Emily Henry another chance and can't wait for her future releases to come!
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, and Cursing
emmas_bookshelf's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another poignant story of love, friendship, and family from Emily Henry! 🫶🏻 I cried far lessssss than when I read Happy Place last year which is a bit of a relief. Emily captures universal feelings so well: being new, going through change, the ache of finding your place and building a community of people around you in your twenties and thirties. I loved Daphne, Miles, Julia, Ashleigh, and basically everyone in this book (except Peter and Daphne’s dad 🗑️). Also hilariously I was wearing my Mr. Collins “what excellent boiled potatoes” shirt while reading which was shockingly apropos! Hahahaha.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Alcohol
embroidery_by_booklover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
reallyrosalie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Alcohol
felishacb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I liked this one from the start, and I liked learning about the characters. The third act kinda got under my skin, but I guess that's what third acts do--particularly to me.
There is some childhood trauma and unhealthy family dynamics on both sides, so get ready to revisit your abandonment issues and why you feel so unlovable. Just me?
Emily Henry knows how to write a monologue!
There is some childhood trauma and unhealthy family dynamics on both sides, so get ready to revisit your abandonment issues and why you feel so unlovable. Just me?
Emily Henry knows how to write a monologue!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Drug use
gwenswoons's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this so much - my favorite Emily Henry so far. I’m so glad I bought/listened; Happy Place, last year, was my least fave - so I was a little wary heading into this one. I love the complexity of the characters’ backstories, and the ways in which they communicate and miscommunicate around the patterning they learned in their differently rough childhoods. All felt so real and thoroughly drawn, including for the side characters! I love Daphne and Miles so much, and their chemistry both together and in the web of friendships that populate the book. I love the way the food throughout the book gives us such a sense of place and care. So beautiful!! Made me so happy reading this that I drew it out a few days just to enjoy a little bit longer. ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol, Misogyny, Drug use, Sexism, and Grief
readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Characters: 3
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 3
Setting: 3
Plot/Overall Story: 3
Writing: 4
Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexual content, Infidelity, and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
snipinfool's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Daphne was jilted by her fiancé, Peter, the day after his bachelor party. Peter realized he was in love with his forever best friend and fellow bachelor party attendee, Petra. Peter had told Daphne that he loved Petra like a sister, but when Petra revealed her long-held love for him, he did the same. Since Daphne moved to Waning Bay to live with Peter, she had to find a new place to live. Most of the people she knew in town were Peter’s friends or family. While she was worrying about lodging, Miles, Petra’s boyfriend arrived looking for Petra. Since Daphne had no other options she could think of, she asked if she could move into Miles’s apartment while she looked for a place of her own.
This was all kinds of cute. Miles was the sweetest guy. He tried to make Daphne feel welcome and showed her sights around town that Peter never offered to her. He seemed to be friends with everyone. Daphne was also wonderful. She was a librarian and loved working with children and teens the most. Both were very supportive of the other and went out of their way to be kind and a good friend. I loved the secondary characters so much. Julia, Miles’s little sister, was a kick. She brought them out of their funk by getting them out of the apartment. Daphne’s co-worker, Ashleigh, was also amusing. I loved the monthly poker game she had with friends of her late mother. As expected over time, both Miles and Daphne fall for each other. The third act break-up was a little messy for me and I wished Henry had tweaked it a bit to make it read more straightforwardly. Overall, it was one of my favorites by Henry.
Both Daphne and Miles had unresolved family trauma caused by a parent (her- father him- mother) which factored into some of the choices they made in the story. If this is a content area that is concerning for you, please check out content warnings online.
This was all kinds of cute. Miles was the sweetest guy. He tried to make Daphne feel welcome and showed her sights around town that Peter never offered to her. He seemed to be friends with everyone. Daphne was also wonderful. She was a librarian and loved working with children and teens the most. Both were very supportive of the other and went out of their way to be kind and a good friend. I loved the secondary characters so much. Julia, Miles’s little sister, was a kick. She brought them out of their funk by getting them out of the apartment. Daphne’s co-worker, Ashleigh, was also amusing. I loved the monthly poker game she had with friends of her late mother. As expected over time, both Miles and Daphne fall for each other. The third act break-up was a little messy for me and I wished Henry had tweaked it a bit to make it read more straightforwardly. Overall, it was one of my favorites by Henry.
Both Daphne and Miles had unresolved family trauma caused by a parent (her- father him- mother) which factored into some of the choices they made in the story. If this is a content area that is concerning for you, please check out content warnings online.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcohol, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship