Reviews

How to Win a Breakup: A Novel by Farah Heron

adina_'s review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"How to win a breakup" was a light and easy read and I actually really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was right amount of cute but I didn't find it cringey (mostly) or childish.
Fake dating **chefs kiss**
Gorgeous nerdy hockey player - its a yes from me 

joanna77_'s review against another edition

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funny inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5


𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
The writing was really good! I liked the way the author wrote dialogue. I was also really into the whole baking aspect even though it didn’t really fit the plot at times. I really liked the secondary character’s particularly Tahira and I’m excited to read her book.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞:
I think my biggest issue with this book is the fact that despite being called out on her elitist attitude, Samaya never changed. I really struggle to read books when I hate the main character and unfortunately Samaya really is that unlikable. The author tried to make her come off as this super badass, I don’t give a shit girl, but instead she came off as self-absorbed and dumb. 

She makes everything about her, and yes, as someone who has worked with high schoolers this tends to happen, but I really struggled to feel any sort of sympathy for her because she refuses to acknowledge her own privilege. 

Another issue I had with this book was the plot. Not only is it incredibly drawn out, but it’s really quite boring. There’s long, drawn out conversations and so many plot pit stops that oftentimes I feel like I lost the real thread of the story. There was too much going on, and even though the writing was decent, the plot really suffered. 

Also, the whole “nerd vs jock” thing is the weirdest piece of this book. I feel like the author herself hasn’t grasped the fact that ✨you can be into video games and still play sports or vice versa✨

elysareadsitall's review against another edition

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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

3.0

"How to Win a Breakup" is a fake-dating romance between one of the top students at an elite school and a hockey player she meets volunteering at a family shelter. Fake dating doesn't work as well for me when it's only one perspective. It's frustrating to hear the same character's feelings over and over. I was a bit disappointed in the identity of the Earl's gossip Instagram account because it felt like a throwaway. I supposed it's realistic, but it made the account feel like a plot device. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I loved Daniel and learning about his background (possibly another reason I wanted his perspective). Samiah grows a good bit throughout the book. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I'm happy to keep reading Heron's work.

lucy__342's review against another edition

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funny 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? Yes

4.5

rebar351's review against another edition

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emotional informative 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

5.0

I picked up this book up from the library because I wanted a book involving baking! This was a really well written YA romance that touched on so many tough topics such as racism, homelessness etc. 

Samaya was just broken up by her long term boyfriend. She wants to move on and what better way to get rid of her “it couple” name is to find someone new. At a volunteer bake sale Samaya meets Daniel. He’s a hockey jock and a whiz when it comes to pies! Daniel agrees to fake date Samaya in exchange she will help him pass calculus. Will this be a recipe for disaster when feelings become real or will the two be the right ingredients for each other. 

I love a good fake dating! I really liked how this book talked about hard topics. I really liked all the hockey references we got! I loved that this book took place in Canada Toronto to be exact. I loved that the author was Canadian! I loved Yasmin and how she loves fairies and the large part she plays in the book! I adored Daniel’s character and all the baking that takes place in this book!! Please give this book a chance you won’t be disappointed! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ids100's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

3.75

moondustlu's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? Yes

3.0

ammalek's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Fake dating troupes are always fun but we don’t always see ones like this, diverse YA -popular STEM  heroine and Jock/ baker hero. It was a great story and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

anjanordh's review

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funny lighthearted 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

3.5

This was a good book. The relationship between Samaya and Daniel was fun to read about. Sometimes I thought Samaya was a little bit annoying, but she showed growth and by the end I liked her. I enjoyed seeing stereotypes being broken with Daniel being a jock who enjoys baking and seeing a girl who is a giant nerd and loves gaming. Thank you, NetGalley for providing this ARC.

noukv's review against another edition

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  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0