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proudtobeabookaholic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
When Lucas Hunt suggests a fake dating arrangement Kate can't believe what she's hearing. Sure, she needs her car repaired and he needs to show his ex that they're truly over. But as the booknerd she is, Kate knows how these books end: with the couple falling in love. And she refuses to be the girl who falls for the guy she's only pretending to date.
Kate and Lucas really have nothing in common. She's the booknerd who works shifts at Books & Beans in between school days, and he's the sport jock who plays baseball for the school team. Kate also needs her alone time, which I definitely can relate to.
"After multiple social interactions and too many sounds, my brain feels like it's gotten sensory overload, and I need this time to recuperate before I face the rest of the day."
But despite being each others opposites they get along great when they meet. It's quite predictable, but I still really enjoy it!
The book is written in first person, from Kate's point of view. I would have liked to have dual POV's, but we actually get to know Lucas well enough, and it's rather easy to imagine what he's thinking. He's both considerate and attentive and he's definitely earned a spot on my book boyfriend list! The author also has a bonus scene you can read, from his POV, and it makes him even more likeable and cute!
As usual, Shore adds some more serious topics into the story as well. Besides Kate's anxiety issues she has to deal with her mother's alcoholism. Lucas' parents are getting a divorce, he's got an ex girlfriend who wants to get back together and his father pressures him on the baseball field. It feels like they both can use some breathing space, and they get that when they're together. This might not be my favorite book by Shore, but I'm still very satisfied!
* I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infidelity
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