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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Death
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
This book followed the Harlequin outline to a T. There were no surprises or interesting characters.
Trite and boring.
Trite and boring.
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For the first forty pages or so, I was so not convinced. There was just so much snark, and the setup of the love story felt contrived (omg she owns a bookstore but hates books, he's a romance author, can i make it any more obvious...) but once the actual story kicks in and the reasons why Drew acts and feels the way that she does are revealed, it became a lot more bearable.
The main highlights of this book to me was with Drew's friend, Elsie, and sister, Daisy, who supported her whether that was through her dates with Jasper or through her fights with her father. And once I got used to Drew's voice, she became so much more funny and relatable. I will say that as much as this is billed as a romance book, the romance feels somewhat secondary (in a good way) to Drew dealing with her grief and learning how to live with it and to make her own choices for herself. The actual love interest, Jasper, I didn't care all that much about, I mean he was fine, and the romance itself was fine, but he didn't actually seem to bring much to the table other than being very hot. But nevertheless, this was fun enough to read, and quick enough of a read that overall I enjoyed it.
Also I will say that while Drew's reasoning for loving fairy tales and escaping into them but then realizing it doesn't work to help you actually escape the pain you're going through made sense, her absolutist belief that "well, real life doesn't end in happily ever afters for everyone, so I should just give up on books altogether" girl you can go read some tragedies if you'd like 😭 go pick up some Dostoevsky or something 😭😭
The main highlights of this book to me was with Drew's friend, Elsie, and sister, Daisy, who supported her whether that was through her dates with Jasper or through her fights with her father. And once I got used to Drew's voice, she became so much more funny and relatable. I will say that as much as this is billed as a romance book, the romance feels somewhat secondary (in a good way) to Drew dealing with her grief and learning how to live with it and to make her own choices for herself. The actual love interest, Jasper, I didn't care all that much about, I mean he was fine, and the romance itself was fine, but he didn't actually seem to bring much to the table other than being very hot. But nevertheless, this was fun enough to read, and quick enough of a read that overall I enjoyed it.
It was a decent romance story. I think it is for a different audience than myself maybe, and I think that’s why I only gave it 3 stars. It was very light hearted to me. There was no real conflict besides a tiny bit in the last 90%. Mostly the main “struggle” was the main character dealing with grief. The romance was super straight forward and cute, and there was no struggle or fighting between the couple & they got together with no issue right away. Mostly it was just a cute and fun story. Which is just not what I necessarily love out of romance books. I prefer a little bit more struggle and angst to the plot. BUT! I totally see where this style of romance book fits within the genre. So if you’re looking for a light hearted, minimal drama, cute story that’s well written with fun character interactions & tropes than this is for you.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was fun! I enjoyed that we explored Drew’s relationship with the bookshop, with her grandma, with her sister and with her best friend as well as her romantic relationship. I enjoyed the bookstore setting, and the exploration of nature. The romance was steamy, and fun. Overall the book was fun, but also… just fine!
I received an advanced digital copy from the publisher, through Netgalley.
I received an advanced digital copy from the publisher, through Netgalley.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes