Reviews

The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen

swe_m's review

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This is the most boring book ever..guhh.. Even the steamy parts are not steamy at all. How is that possible? At the beginning, it was kind of fun because I really want to know what that process would be like ..but it’s just sort of blend; it’s not in details. Sometimes, the author would describe something so boring in minute details and then when the real deal like that optimizing process comes, she or he just sorts of skips over and I think it should be provided with more details because I thought that’s the focus of the book. Then after that process is done, I wonder “ ok..so she or he sorts of skips over many details about that process..maybe the focus is on the romance”. Well, if that’s the case, man..this is the most boring, cringy romance book of all time. I don’t even find any chemistry between them. Please, those nicknames they call each other, please it cringe s the f out of me. I’m sorry, I am supposed to find them cute but I can’t even stand them. Why did I read this far of I hate it that much? Well, you know there’s a thing called “hate-watching” which is when you continue watch the bad movie to see how far it can get worse. Yep, I’m doing the same here. But, at 58%, I will now let go. Moving on to a book I’ve always wanted to read, A man called Ove.

galahads's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

annaks17's review

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emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was hooked! Beyond the exploration of modern dating, I loved the focus on career and sense of self, especially the experiences of women in those two areas. Definitely a unique read.

emilyreadstoomuch's review against another edition

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such an interesting premise but so fucking boring

kaylakrystek's review

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4.5

I did not expect to like this so much! Lent to me by Ally Young.

 Ursula and Rafael were both flawed and came to the relationship with baggage. Ursula wanted Rafael to love and accept her "mess", chaos, quirkiness. This is something that resonated deeply. I loved these two together (even when they were fighting).

My one minor complaint is some elements were too over-the-top and drew me out of the story a bit: example, the feminist spa. 

katieniegos's review

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4.0

This book had a similar plot as The One by John Marrs - this idea that two people are perfectly matched for each other and there’s a third party (the Arc) who can help you find that person. I actually enjoyed this story more than The One. It felt more engaging with more flawed, but real, characters. I enjoyed watching their relationship from the beginning. Despite the outlandish premise of this organization who can help match you to your person, the relationship ups and downs felt really real and relatable. If goodreads let you do 1/2 stars, I would have given this 4.5 stars.

readingissosexy's review

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3.0

People on Goodreads be acting surprised at how weird this book was as if there weren't warning signs.

The protagonist's name is literally Ursula... idk what they were expecting.

Ya, it's weird. Ursula & Rafael use cringe pet names, Ursula aggressively asserts "not like other girls" energy through the entire thing AND spends time at an over-the-top feminist wellness club with a "Womb Room" for bathing in placenta, PLUS she GROWLS unprompted. (She's also selfish af & unrealistic.)

For me, the writing (sorta) made up for the bizareness. The author is obviously talented, although a few more rounds of revisions could've served the story well. (It felt LONG, with LONG tangents, & a few chapters that added nothing to the story.)

Overall, it was fine. The story arc (no pun intended) intrigued me enough so I stuck around for the end. Naturally, I resent the fictional characters for existing in NYC while I'm stuck in LA.

jillmlong's review

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2.0

The plot of this book sounded interesting, people that pay a very high price for unconventional matchmaking service. I had a few problems with the story. I never really connected with the characters, so I found myself not caring what happens. Also, the book felt very long even though it wasn't.

ltvoa9's review

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4.0

Fun, engaging book with great writing. I thought it dragged in a couple spots (how much background do we need on her mom? How many pages devoted to perfect dates?) but otherwise was a good read.

kwoody24's review

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emotional 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

4.0