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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
2.5 stars
I requested this book from NetGalley but it wasn’t marked as the second book in a series. I didn’t realize until I came to Goodreads to review/mark the book as complete. This makes a lot more sense now as I was confused about this being a standalone book. I didn’t read the first book and was fairly confused at the beginning. And then continued to be confused along the way as the storyline didn’t connect for me. The narration was very old fashioned, which I guess worked for the stuffy nature of the main male character. It definitely didn’t work for the female POV sections though. I did enjoy the author’s previous books that I’ve read so will read future books even though this one didn’t work for me.
I requested this book from NetGalley but it wasn’t marked as the second book in a series. I didn’t realize until I came to Goodreads to review/mark the book as complete. This makes a lot more sense now as I was confused about this being a standalone book. I didn’t read the first book and was fairly confused at the beginning. And then continued to be confused along the way as the storyline didn’t connect for me. The narration was very old fashioned, which I guess worked for the stuffy nature of the main male character. It definitely didn’t work for the female POV sections though. I did enjoy the author’s previous books that I’ve read so will read future books even though this one didn’t work for me.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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:
Complicated
The title of this book perfectly defines the main character. I loved Effie in Earl’s Trip, and getting to dive into him as a main character was even better than I could have hoped. The acceptance, heart, and love between all of these characters follows through from that book to this.
I found the beginning to have a lot of ‘romance reasons’ to get the main characters together, and it was a bit slower. That said, Jenny Holiday has a gift for writing interactions between characters. Found families, how these Earl’s have come together, and the people who have become important to them along the way are the crux of this series. The way these characters support and care about each other could be unbelievable or insincere, but because of the way the author guides the characters and readers, it is beautiful and heartwarming. By the end I didn’t want to put it down.
Big picture commentaries about society are woven into the main character plots, without ever feeling like a history lesson. This context really adds to our love and understanding of the characters. Both Julianna and Effie are wonderfully individual, and I loved the quirks and perspectives that made them who they are. I would definitely recommend it BUT I would recommend reading Earl’s Trip first. The context given there to all of the characters definitely enhances this read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Funny with delightful characters and witty banter. Bi and Demi representation Appreciated Effie making decisions to make himself happy, not anyone else
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Once again, the characters in this universe won me over. To be quite honest, I found this book to be a bit slow-paced, and it seemed to take forever for Effie and Jules to meet in person. Yet, Effie and his friends had me staying engaged. They are the best.
When it comes to that first in-person meeting between Jules and Effie…chef’s kiss! It was fantastic. I fell in love with this couple in that moment. When they were allowed to be themselves, their chemistry came out, and I loved it. Yet, there was too much suppression for me to get overly attached to them. I wanted them to give me something to fight for, but neither was fighting for themselves. I understand they were trying to respect each other’s limits, wants, and needs, and I guess the fact that Effie is “too nice” is kind of the point, but something was missing at times.
Once their time in Brighton was over, Effie had a few discoveries that were life-changing. I found them interesting, but felt that whole bit seemed unresolved. It actually was resolved, but it felt unresolved. Like I was missing something.
I adore how Effie’s sexuality was explained. Even more, I appreciate that Effie did not fear discussing it with Simon and Archie. I’m telling you, this friend group is THE. BEST. When Jules discussed her past experiences, Effie didn’t blink an eye. There is so much about sexuality, sex, gender norms, etc. that this book tackles with aplomb. It’s all organic to the story and informative in a way that doesn’t feel preachy.
You can see this story had its ups and downs for me. There was really a whole lot to love about the book. I wish the pacing had been better so the great parts would have shone brighter.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent
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:
Yes
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
emotional
funny
inspiring
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:
Yes