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abby_can_read's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
📖
I had a good time reading this book. It was cute. I loved the dynamics between Connor and Fizzy - from their first glance at each other to their first meetings to their developing romantic relationship. I liked the DNADuo and the reality show.
I had a good time reading this book. It was cute. I loved the dynamics between Connor and Fizzy - from their first glance at each other to their first meetings to their developing romantic relationship. I liked the DNADuo and the reality show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Infidelity and Pregnancy
Minor: Alcohol and Sexism
occasionalyarnie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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
I've spent a few days trying to figure out why this book wasn't a five star read for me, and I think it comes down to the pacing.
The beginning was a little slow, which is understandable because the plot and the concept of the TV show needed to get off the ground. But during this slow beginning, the relationship between Fizzy and Connor progressed a little too quickly; it was like the narrative needed them to already be in love by the time filming of the show began. Because of that, Fizzy never gave any of the guys on the show a chance, and while I didn't necessarily want a full-blown love triangle, I almost wish that her relationships withEvan or Isaac were ones that she'd been more open to, potentially causing a little internal conflict. I also didn't love the third act breakup , not because I thought it was dumb, but because I felt it just went on a little too long. Like, obviously miscommunication and insecurities happen in relationships, but I didn't like how the "who's causing the breakup" flip flopped for ~reasons~ . I also thought it was a little bit of a cop-out that neither of the show's finalists had romantic feelings for Fizzy, making it that much easier for the finale's grand gesture to work .
Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this book. It was laugh-out-loud funny, and the characters were likeable (even if Fizzy was sometimes so dense about her own feelings I couldn't believe she was older than me by a whole decade). I loved that the kids in the book were actually written like children and not how adults who have never been around children think children are. The yearning between Connor and Fizzy was *chef's kiss* which just made the ending that much more swoony and cry-worthy. Given that my least read from Christina Lauren was a miss for me, I'm glad that this one restored my faith in them.
The beginning was a little slow, which is understandable because the plot and the concept of the TV show needed to get off the ground. But during this slow beginning, the relationship between Fizzy and Connor progressed a little too quickly; it was like the narrative needed them to already be in love by the time filming of the show began. Because of that, Fizzy never gave any of the guys on the show a chance, and while I didn't necessarily want a full-blown love triangle, I almost wish that her relationships with
Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this book. It was laugh-out-loud funny, and the characters were likeable (even if Fizzy was sometimes so dense about her own feelings I couldn't believe she was older than me by a whole decade). I loved that the kids in the book were actually written like children and not how adults who have never been around children think children are. The yearning between Connor and Fizzy was *chef's kiss* which just made the ending that much more swoony and cry-worthy. Given that my least read from Christina Lauren was a miss for me, I'm glad that this one restored my faith in them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy and Infidelity
rachelkreadsbookz's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
akannabeth14's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.75
I enjoyed this but the third act was a little cringey and then felt rushed. I loved the majority of the book however, and I love Fizzy’s character as well as her relationship with Juno and Stevie. Honestly my biggest issue is with the epilogues. I won’t spoil it here but I’m not sure that some themes applied in the epilogue are consistent with Fizzy’s original character concept and development 🤔
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
breathehopebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing and Infidelity
kelseyfontaine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! Fizzy was such a lovable MC; I’ve never read anything like her. Not to mention, the love story between her and Connor kept drawing me in. I knew how I wanted it to end with them, but never quite knew how it would get there. The premise of the book was really fun/unique, and I couldn’t stop smiling and swooning while reading. A five star read for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy and Infidelity
leftreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Maybe I'm crazy, because I don't see it mentioned, but the reveal at around 80% and then his reaction to her reaction really ruined this for me. It made me feel so disappointed in how everyone was treating Fizzy.
I am, of course, talking about his reveal that he and his ex-wife split about ten years ago because he cheated on her. Obviously this would be pretty shocking news to hear from the person you're falling in love with by this point. Now couple that with the fact the FMC has quite recent trauma of unknowingly being the "other woman" in such a scenario! She had even been open about this trauma to him a month or so ago. So unsurprisingly, when she hears this, she leaves the room to clear her head and get some space (who wouldn't need space after hearing that?? Especially when you had a traumatic experience similar to the one described!).
What follows is where they really lost me. She ultimately decides he's changed (idk man we could get into a whole tangent here about how these two should probably go to a few therapy sessions together to work through the absolute mountain of baggage) and that she really has fallen in love with him. So, because her character has been extremely clear in communicating through the book aside from the one blip of needing space at his reveal, she goes to his house to confess she loves him. Now, instead of trying to understand how hard it was for her to hear that info about him and how lucky he is that she truly believes him to have changed, he gets angry with her! But in his own head! Out loud, he says some rubbish about her running at the first speed bump (talk about a major speed bump) and how he can't deal with that. Like sir what in the emotional manipulation.
So now I was already like alright I barely want to finish this but let's power through because I gotta pass the commute somehow. Then, Mr. How-dare-you-not-communicate-with-me let's her go on believing she'll have to choose some guy she doesn't love on national television!! But he kisses her beforehand which is like man cut her a break just tell her something. Then he comes on stage and is like surprise you can choose me and it's all happy exciting love after that. But like what the fuck yknow. Idk Connor is a hypocrite and it adds up that he's some old-money English Connor the third let's be real.
What follows is where they really lost me. She ultimately decides he's changed (idk man we could get into a whole tangent here about how these two should probably go to a few therapy sessions together to work through the absolute mountain of baggage) and that she really has fallen in love with him. So, because her character has been extremely clear in communicating through the book aside from the one blip of needing space at his reveal, she goes to his house to confess she loves him. Now, instead of trying to understand how hard it was for her to hear that info about him and how lucky he is that she truly believes him to have changed, he gets angry with her! But in his own head! Out loud, he says some rubbish about her running at the first speed bump (talk about a major speed bump) and how he can't deal with that. Like sir what in the emotional manipulation.
So now I was already like alright I barely want to finish this but let's power through because I gotta pass the commute somehow. Then, Mr. How-dare-you-not-communicate-with-me let's her go on believing she'll have to choose some guy she doesn't love on national television!! But he kisses her beforehand which is like man cut her a break just tell her something. Then he comes on stage and is like surprise you can choose me and it's all happy exciting love after that. But like what the fuck yknow. Idk Connor is a hypocrite and it adds up that he's some old-money English Connor the third let's be real.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
antidietleah's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity
alexcabanechevarria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
dkgreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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? No
4.5
Man, I freaking LOVE Christina Lauren books! They seriously never disappoint! Fizzy was vibrant and fun, and Connor was the most swoon worthy ever! I loved the concept of the show they created, too. I’m not much for reality dating shows, but I totally would have watched The True Love Experiment!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity