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madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Love Your Life was a fun and quick read typical of Kindella's usual style.
I absolutely loved the beginning of the book where Ava and Matt meet at the writer's retreat. It was fun and carefree and you felt like you were in Italy with them. The middle of the book drove me a little nuts. I get what Ava and Matt were trying to do by keeping their bubble and not rocking the boat but they did such a disservice to their relationship. They were acting immature and I just wanted to knock their heads together. There were several bright spots in the middle when they let their guard down which helped it from being too infuriating. Then I fell in love with like the last 70 pages of the book. Seeing the entire group come together the way that they did just brought a smile to my face.
I also loved Ava and Matt's personal character development. They both did a lot of work on themselves and pushed one another to do that. Kinsella writes her characters in such an open and honest way that you really get to know them and why they do the things they do and it helps you connect with the story so much more.
I absolutely loved the beginning of the book where Ava and Matt meet at the writer's retreat. It was fun and carefree and you felt like you were in Italy with them. The middle of the book drove me a little nuts. I get what Ava and Matt were trying to do by keeping their bubble and not rocking the boat but they did such a disservice to their relationship. They were acting immature and I just wanted to knock their heads together. There were several bright spots in the middle when they let their guard down which helped it from being too infuriating. Then I fell in love with like the last 70 pages of the book. Seeing the entire group come together the way that they did just brought a smile to my face.
I also loved Ava and Matt's personal character development. They both did a lot of work on themselves and pushed one another to do that. Kinsella writes her characters in such an open and honest way that you really get to know them and why they do the things they do and it helps you connect with the story so much more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Ableism and Chronic illness
theespressoedition's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'll admit, I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about Love Your Life.
It was cute - with a whirlwind, insta-love romance that jumpstarts the story. I found myself laughing aloud at the antics that took place in Italy. From the goofy names to the uncomfortable story sharing. Then, I suddenly found myself laughing for different reasons. It all felt really ridiculous. They proclaimed their love to one another so quickly and so publicly, without even knowing real names, occupations, or locations. It just seemed outlandish.
I suppose that was the point in order to lead into the rest of the story, but it became a little difficult to actually feel bad for the couple when things began to go awry. And they kept pushing for their relationship to work, despite having barely known each other in the first place. I suppose, if it were me, I would've called it off, rather than forcing something that was clearly not at all working, but maybe I'm just thinking about it too practically. It is just a story, after all.
Towards the last quarter, I really just wanted them to make the decision to lead their own separate lives and find what they love without being mushed together. I was both appreciative and frustrated with the ending of the book.
One thing I will say is that Herold was, by far, the best character!
It was cute - with a whirlwind, insta-love romance that jumpstarts the story. I found myself laughing aloud at the antics that took place in Italy. From the goofy names to the uncomfortable story sharing. Then, I suddenly found myself laughing for different reasons. It all felt really ridiculous. They proclaimed their love to one another so quickly and so publicly, without even knowing real names, occupations, or locations. It just seemed outlandish.
I suppose that was the point in order to lead into the rest of the story, but it became a little difficult to actually feel bad for the couple when things began to go awry. And they kept pushing for their relationship to work, despite having barely known each other in the first place. I suppose, if it were me, I would've called it off, rather than forcing something that was clearly not at all working, but maybe I'm just thinking about it too practically. It is just a story, after all.
Towards the last quarter, I really just wanted them to make the decision to lead their own separate lives and find what they love without being mushed together. I was both appreciative and frustrated with the ending of the book.
One thing I will say is that Herold was, by far, the best character!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Ableism and Chronic illness
Minor: Sexual content and Violence
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