Reviews with content warning for Pandemic/Epidemic - The Exception to the Rule

This is the first short story I’ve read by Christina Lauren. Turns out it is the first short story they’ve written. They did a fantastic job. It is fast-paced, interesting, touching, and romantic. There are a lot of heavy topics that come up, but nothing is delved into. Still, there are content warnings to be aware of. I’ve seen some complaints that this isn’t a rom-com, and it’s not. But I haven’t seen anything in the synopsis or on the cover that would lead me to believe it’s a rom-com so I don’t have an issue with the lack of comedy. Some funny bits keep things light, but it’s not a comedy.

The first part of this book is strictly e-mail messages between two people, teenagers when the initial accidental email is sent and in grad school by the time the narrative turns to anything other than the e-mail. It works. Especially in the audiobook format. It reads like banter (which it is) with heart. These back-and-forth messages are short, yet I could still see the growth the characters had over the years from adolescence to adulthood.

If it weren’t for what happens when one of the characters realizes who their pen pal has been all these years, this would have been a 5-star read for me. There was something about how it played out that didn’t sit right with me. I won’t say more as it will ruin the story. It’s not terrible, it just wasn’t something I was completely comfortable with. However I still highly recommend this book.

Content Warnings

avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

A cute novella about an email meet-cute turned into an IRL meet-cute.
This is a good quick read. I just wish it had some spice!

Narrator Rating: 5 stars
Both narrators did an excellent job on this!

Extra ratings: Fluff-5/5 Heartfelt-1/5 Helpful-NA Horror-NA Inspiration-NA Love aka Romance-4/5 Mystery-0/5 Predictability-4/5 Spice-0.5/5 Suspense-0/5 Tear- 1/5 Thrill-0/5 Humor-2.5/5

Content Warnings

adub345's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This was the cutest little short story! I started it on my lunch break and then HAD to sneak my kindle to read the last few pages because I couldn't focus without finishing it.

Content Warnings

desirai's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Think You've Got Mail - Valentine's Day Edition and it's easy to imagine this short romcom's plot.

Told largely through emails, and alternating perspectives, [email protected] accidentally emails [email protected] on valentine's day and thus begins their tradition.

I loved the banter and mystery the characters tried to maintain while still living their lives and slowly falling for each other.

It definitely made me want to pick up another Christina Lauren book.

The audiobook narrators did a great job too!

Content Warnings

courtneysbookstack's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

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