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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I was really nervous in the beginning, but the story grew on me as I continued reading. I'm glad I kept going. Looking forward to reading this author's backlist.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well written with two clear voices to differentiate the POVs. Though the same repeated typos/formatting issues were very annoying.
I loved the autistic pov. I was hesitant at first because we're usually described as such charicatures, but this was refreshing, and I'm so happy to see us getting better more accurate representation (in that there's a large variety of ways one can be autistic). Preston had clearly worked on integrating many coping strategies into his life, and he grew on me very fast. I would've loved to see more about some of his struggles, in his mind, other than over talking. I adored how Harmony did her own research and was so accepting of everything, it would've been cool to see her thought process focus on that even a little bit though.
I had a much harder time enjoying Harmony's character; I did not like her for most of the story, she annoyed me for a chunk of the book. She came off as vapid, flighty, uncaring, and selfish. However, the snippets of her being a real person, like when she changed her whole mood because of a positive text from Preston, started to endear her to me. It became clear the parts that annoyed me were an act she had put on for herself too, and she was much more likeable when she let her true self shine.
The writing also did an excellent job at showing how much thought Harmony was putting into the smallest of her actions to manipulate people, something I found lacking in some other similar stories.
Usually with a romcom you can just sit and get lost in the moment, but there was underlying tension throughout, that never went away, because you know they're going to get hurt when the truth comes out, right at the begining. I kept reminding myself it would end well, because it stressed me out so much. There is a HEA so I wasn't always sure how, and I'm happy with how the book tied everything together.
Thank-you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own
I loved the autistic pov. I was hesitant at first because we're usually described as such charicatures, but this was refreshing, and I'm so happy to see us getting better more accurate representation (in that there's a large variety of ways one can be autistic). Preston had clearly worked on integrating many coping strategies into his life, and he grew on me very fast. I would've loved to see more about some of his struggles, in his mind, other than over talking. I adored how Harmony did her own research and was so accepting of everything, it would've been cool to see her thought process focus on that even a little bit though.
I had a much harder time enjoying Harmony's character; I did not like her for most of the story, she annoyed me for a chunk of the book. She came off as vapid, flighty, uncaring, and selfish. However, the snippets of her being a real person, like when she changed her whole mood because of a positive text from Preston, started to endear her to me. It became clear the parts that annoyed me were an act she had put on for herself too, and she was much more likeable when she let her true self shine.
The writing also did an excellent job at showing how much thought Harmony was putting into the smallest of her actions to manipulate people, something I found lacking in some other similar stories.
Usually with a romcom you can just sit and get lost in the moment, but there was underlying tension throughout, that never went away, because you know they're going to get hurt when the truth comes out, right at the begining. I kept reminding myself it would end well, because it stressed me out so much. There is a HEA so I wasn't always sure how, and I'm happy with how the book tied everything together.
Thank-you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own
This book! If you haven’t read it, so reading this and go buy it! I absolutely loved it.
Let’s start with the characters. Schwartz has a talent for drawing them with words and making each one unique that I’m insanely jealous of. Preston is a sweetie and I was rooting for him from his introduction – hauled into the principle’s office after his sister was in a fight. The descriptions of his autism and masking are so genuine.
Harmony is just as lovely, though she hides her mushy centre beneath a hard exterior. The blurb negates to mention that her aim is revenge. Justice for her father. I know one can’t include everything on the back cover, but I do think this ought to have been mentioned. It’s her drive until she meets Preston, and the main reason she holds back. In short, it’s integral to the plot.
Ahh, the plot. Enemies-to-lovers is my catnip. I want to roll around in the furtive glances, the snarky exchanges, and the pining. It’s a delicious trope and Schwartz serves it up perfectly. The way she builds the romance is also perfect. Heck, everything about this book is perfect!
Especially the representation. From Harmony being unrepentantly fat (and utterly fabulous) to the difference between Preston’s autism and his sister’s, to the LGBTQ+ romance between two side characters, everything is just on point and beautifully told.
Schwartz’s prose is *chef’s kiss* This book is ever so readable. It pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s a lovely hug of a book, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Let’s start with the characters. Schwartz has a talent for drawing them with words and making each one unique that I’m insanely jealous of. Preston is a sweetie and I was rooting for him from his introduction – hauled into the principle’s office after his sister was in a fight. The descriptions of his autism and masking are so genuine.
Harmony is just as lovely, though she hides her mushy centre beneath a hard exterior. The blurb negates to mention that her aim is revenge. Justice for her father. I know one can’t include everything on the back cover, but I do think this ought to have been mentioned. It’s her drive until she meets Preston, and the main reason she holds back. In short, it’s integral to the plot.
Ahh, the plot. Enemies-to-lovers is my catnip. I want to roll around in the furtive glances, the snarky exchanges, and the pining. It’s a delicious trope and Schwartz serves it up perfectly. The way she builds the romance is also perfect. Heck, everything about this book is perfect!
Especially the representation. From Harmony being unrepentantly fat (and utterly fabulous) to the difference between Preston’s autism and his sister’s, to the LGBTQ+ romance between two side characters, everything is just on point and beautifully told.
Schwartz’s prose is *chef’s kiss* This book is ever so readable. It pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s a lovely hug of a book, and I cannot recommend it enough.
I have to say that it took me a little while to warm up to this book and its characters - from the jump, I loved Preston and throughout the book, I loved getting his perspective and the moments we were in his head. I loved the way he loved Harmony and what that brought out in him! Harmony was a little more difficult - she really rubbed me the wrong way for the first at least 25% of the book and maybe it's a credit to her growth that I found myself rooting for her by the end.
I loved the bones of this plot. The Music Man is a favorite story of mine and I think this was a fun reinterpretation, but some of those plot elements just fell a little flat, particularly around the con itself and getting to know Harmony. I wanted a little more development on page for some of the bits and pieces and for our main characters and their romance.
I appreciated the nods to queer romance and topical issues like book bans and the way they harm our communities, but some of that felt a little disconnected from the actual plot.
All of which to say, I did come around on the charm of the story and I think if you're willing to handwave some of the con-oriented pieces, this is a fun read to dive into!
I loved the bones of this plot. The Music Man is a favorite story of mine and I think this was a fun reinterpretation, but some of those plot elements just fell a little flat, particularly around the con itself and getting to know Harmony. I wanted a little more development on page for some of the bits and pieces and for our main characters and their romance.
I appreciated the nods to queer romance and topical issues like book bans and the way they harm our communities, but some of that felt a little disconnected from the actual plot.
All of which to say, I did come around on the charm of the story and I think if you're willing to handwave some of the con-oriented pieces, this is a fun read to dive into!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A really fun retelling of The Music Man. It was a little beat for beat at times, but it wasn't too distracting. The autistic rep made me feel really seen, and I thought the banter between MCs was cute and witty.
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
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Preston was a nice character, but I personally think Harmony was a bit too much. The plot always held up too little, and even the secondary characters were almost all gimmicks, starting with Alice. In short I am not so happy with this book.
Preston era un bel personaggio, ma personalmente ritengo Harmony un po' troppo eccessiva. La trama reggeva sempre troppo poco e anche i personaggi secondari erano quasi tutti delle macchiette, a cominciare da Alice. Insomma.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Preston era un bel personaggio, ma personalmente ritengo Harmony un po' troppo eccessiva. La trama reggeva sempre troppo poco e anche i personaggi secondari erano quasi tutti delle macchiette, a cominciare da Alice. Insomma.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes