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cheypreston's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
sdupont's review
emotional
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
5.0
Dear god someone get me a tissue! This book was like a punch right in my feelings in the best way possible. I cried every night I picked up and read this book. I related to Georgia in so many ways, particularly how she worried about not fitting in with her friends, of being concerned they’re moving on without you and are too busy for you. This book allows us to see Georgia go through this beautiful journey of healing and finding her way back to Eli. I loved seeing them fall back into sync with each other. They clearly saw and understood each other in ways no one else would. Adding in a cursed wedding full of hijinks just added to the second chance magic. You immediately are rooting for them as individuals and together. This book is perfect for fans of Emily Henry.
Bonus Taylor Swift playlist for this book based on vibes:
Mirrorball
loml
You’re Losing Me
Say Don’t Go
Labyrinth
Paper Rings (iykyk)
Bonus Taylor Swift playlist for this book based on vibes:
Mirrorball
loml
You’re Losing Me
Say Don’t Go
Labyrinth
Paper Rings (iykyk)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Pregnancy
bookishmillennial's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is a second-chance romance about Georgia and Eli, who must come together to plan their mutual best friend Adam's wedding after their all-inclusive wedding venue is no longer a choice. They haven't spoken for years since their messy breakup, but both are set on ensuring Adam and his fiance have the wedding of their dreams no matter what. Tropes: forced proximity, one bed
Spoilers below because I have a lot to say hehehehehe.
The reason Georgia and Eli first broke up was incredibly relatable. Let me project for a second here, because Jessica Joyce wrote a story that will speak to the millions of people-pleasers, perfectionists, and incredibly independent millennials out there, trying their best to keep it together. Hello, I am one of them. Eli and Georgia reminded me a lot of my current partnership, and it's something I last saw in Chloe Liese's Ever After Always with Freya and Aiden, who I forever hold dear in my heart.
There is something to be said about how toxic, oppressive systems like patriarchy and capitalism inevitably crush us by forcing us into these molds that no one can fit in, even the people you think they are meant for (cishet white men and women). Eli's desperation for (a sense of) financial security for his future, and to "provide" for those he cares for was almost painful to witness. Seeing anyone try to "win" this rat race that dominant narratives tell us are the only path forward is devastating. He could not fathom a future where he was not "successful," so much so that it affected his most intimate relationships, including his relationship with Georgia. He stopped listening to what Georgia valued, what Georgia wanted, and he didn't even know what he wanted if you took money out of the equation.
Jessica Joyce weaved his anxiety in seamlessly, and I appreciated the mental health representation of a cis-het man, along with talk therapy. I recognize therapy is 1) not accessible to all 2) not always the answer, as many therapists still subscribe to harmful ideologies when it comes to larger systems of oppression, which leaves many folks feeling even less heard and understood. For Eli though, I loved his journey, and the scene of 54321 <3
I think a lot of cishet men in America can relate to that, internalizing this toxic messaging that men must "provide" for their loved ones and that their worth lies within how much financial security they can offer. Our worth is inherently tied to what we can do for others in American society, and it's so fucking bleak. Fuck that. My wish is for everyone to unlearn this harmful belief, because we all deserve to just be, and we are all deserving of unconditional love no matter what our occupation, annual salary, retirement fund, etc.
Georgia is a people pleaser who tries to not be a problem or "too much" for her close-knit group of friends especially. She places everyone's feelings and needs above hers, as she subscribes to the idea that she is too messy, too sensitive, "too much." I find it heartbreaking that we have so many FMCs like this, but I think this is telling of how we have raised past generations of femmes in American society. To be caretakers, to be hyper-vigilant of others' feelings and comfort, to be "good" girls. Georgia's accountability in her breakup with Eli the first time was due to her prioritizing his comfort and his goals first. She didn't want to add any more to his already overflowing plate, so she instead repressed her own needs and feelings.
When there is a lack of honesty and communication from both partners, you're bound to have simmering pain, fatigue, and a dreadful sense of loneliness, even though you are supposed to have a partner in one of the most alive cities in the world (New York). It's easier said than done - communicate! However, I think both Georgia and Eli were thoughtful in the way they acknowledged past pains, and moved forward intentionally to make their relationship work, rather than repeating past behaviors and habits.
The wedding planning elements of this in Napa were so goofy, yet tense?! I loved how much fun they had together in choosing the cake, finding a dj/band, and how this operated as a trust-building activity for them. Jessica Joyce, the woman that you are! Their banter was organic, played well off of each other, and added a layer of light-heartedness and levity that you needed when you had two melancholy characters like Eli and Georgia.
I loved the feelings of "everything is changing, you're getting married, I'm getting left behind and forgotten!" because that's real. No, not everything is about you, but damn, those feelings are REALLLLL! As you get older, you seemingly have less time with folks, people drift apart sometimes, and friendship dynamics change. It's okay to grieve that a bit, and to name it in the moment. It's certainly not an irrational fear; it happens all the damn time. I didn't think Georgia was intentionally and maliciously selfish in the ways she felt this and/or voiced it, but her friends are so much more gracious than I would be hahaha. However, you cannot plan when your emotional breakdowns will be, so I hold a lot of empathy for her there.
I will continue to read Jessica Joyce's work, because she just hits heartstrings that you forget are there, you know? She presents these characters who often struggle with their worth and make value-judgment statements about themselves, but who end up on their own journeys of finally believing in themselves, and more importantly, to show some freakin' grace towards themselves! SHEESH! This is exactly what I mean when I say art helps me understand and make sense of the world, because of tender, layered books like this with stunning displays of the complex human experience.
I highly recommend this, and I thank PRH Audio for the audiobook, which was a lovely experience.
This is a second-chance romance about Georgia and Eli, who must come together to plan their mutual best friend Adam's wedding after their all-inclusive wedding venue is no longer a choice. They haven't spoken for years since their messy breakup, but both are set on ensuring Adam and his fiance have the wedding of their dreams no matter what. Tropes: forced proximity, one bed
Spoilers below because I have a lot to say hehehehehe.
There is something to be said about how toxic, oppressive systems like patriarchy and capitalism inevitably crush us by forcing us into these molds that no one can fit in, even the people you think they are meant for (cishet white men and women). Eli's desperation for (a sense of) financial security for his future, and to "provide" for those he cares for was almost painful to witness. Seeing anyone try to "win" this rat race that dominant narratives tell us are the only path forward is devastating. He could not fathom a future where he was not "successful," so much so that it affected his most intimate relationships, including his relationship with Georgia. He stopped listening to what Georgia valued, what Georgia wanted, and he didn't even know what he wanted if you took money out of the equation.
Jessica Joyce weaved his anxiety in seamlessly, and I appreciated the mental health representation of a cis-het man, along with talk therapy. I recognize therapy is 1) not accessible to all 2) not always the answer, as many therapists still subscribe to harmful ideologies when it comes to larger systems of oppression, which leaves many folks feeling even less heard and understood. For Eli though, I loved his journey, and the scene of 54321 <3
I think a lot of cishet men in America can relate to that, internalizing this toxic messaging that men must "provide" for their loved ones and that their worth lies within how much financial security they can offer. Our worth is inherently tied to what we can do for others in American society, and it's so fucking bleak. Fuck that. My wish is for everyone to unlearn this harmful belief, because we all deserve to just be, and we are all deserving of unconditional love no matter what our occupation, annual salary, retirement fund, etc.
Georgia is a people pleaser who tries to not be a problem or "too much" for her close-knit group of friends especially. She places everyone's feelings and needs above hers, as she subscribes to the idea that she is too messy, too sensitive, "too much." I find it heartbreaking that we have so many FMCs like this, but I think this is telling of how we have raised past generations of femmes in American society. To be caretakers, to be hyper-vigilant of others' feelings and comfort, to be "good" girls. Georgia's accountability in her breakup with Eli the first time was due to her prioritizing his comfort and his goals first. She didn't want to add any more to his already overflowing plate, so she instead repressed her own needs and feelings.
When there is a lack of honesty and communication from both partners, you're bound to have simmering pain, fatigue, and a dreadful sense of loneliness, even though you are supposed to have a partner in one of the most alive cities in the world (New York). It's easier said than done - communicate! However, I think both Georgia and Eli were thoughtful in the way they acknowledged past pains, and moved forward intentionally to make their relationship work, rather than repeating past behaviors and habits.
The wedding planning elements of this in Napa were so goofy, yet tense?! I loved how much fun they had together in choosing the cake, finding a dj/band, and how this operated as a trust-building activity for them. Jessica Joyce, the woman that you are! Their banter was organic, played well off of each other, and added a layer of light-heartedness and levity that you needed when you had two melancholy characters like Eli and Georgia.
I loved the feelings of "everything is changing, you're getting married, I'm getting left behind and forgotten!" because that's real. No, not everything is about you, but damn, those feelings are REALLLLL! As you get older, you seemingly have less time with folks, people drift apart sometimes, and friendship dynamics change. It's okay to grieve that a bit, and to name it in the moment. It's certainly not an irrational fear; it happens all the damn time. I didn't think Georgia was intentionally and maliciously selfish in the ways she felt this and/or voiced it, but her friends are so much more gracious than I would be hahaha. However, you cannot plan when your emotional breakdowns will be, so I hold a lot of empathy for her there.
I will continue to read Jessica Joyce's work, because she just hits heartstrings that you forget are there, you know? She presents these characters who often struggle with their worth and make value-judgment statements about themselves, but who end up on their own journeys of finally believing in themselves, and more importantly, to show some freakin' grace towards themselves! SHEESH! This is exactly what I mean when I say art helps me understand and make sense of the world, because of tender, layered books like this with stunning displays of the complex human experience.
I highly recommend this, and I thank PRH Audio for the audiobook, which was a lovely experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infidelity, Misogyny, Grief, and Abandonment
mysticserenity's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy
katrinaward's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
literaryintersections's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I cannot function omg this book is so good. I cried so much in the end. The subtle nods to friendship and love, platonic and romantic. The trauma of childhoods that made you feel abandoned or unloved and how that made Eli push so hard for stability and Georgia push so hard to not need anyone too much. It’s all so relatable. So loving. So hard. So messy.
Jessica does a wonderful job of writing a beautiful love story but also a love story about family or friends: grandparents in YWAV and now friends in TEV. Adam and Eli and Georgia. A friendship that survives so much, end of an era but start of a new one. And Adam and Eli - the ways they showed vulnerability with each other. The crying and emotion is not something you see often with men in romance.
I absolutely loved this. “It’s a privilege to have someone trust you enough to show you those pieces of themselves, the most vulnerable and tender, the least polished. It’s a show of trust to let you see them first thing in the morning, in the middle of a panic attack, right after they’ve cried.” 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Not a 5 star because I wish there was more background into grace and Adam’s identities.
Jessica does a wonderful job of writing a beautiful love story but also a love story about family or friends: grandparents in YWAV and now friends in TEV. Adam and Eli and Georgia. A friendship that survives so much, end of an era but start of a new one. And Adam and Eli - the ways they showed vulnerability with each other. The crying and emotion is not something you see often with men in romance.
I absolutely loved this. “It’s a privilege to have someone trust you enough to show you those pieces of themselves, the most vulnerable and tender, the least polished. It’s a show of trust to let you see them first thing in the morning, in the middle of a panic attack, right after they’ve cried.” 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Not a 5 star because I wish there was more background into grace and Adam’s identities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Abandonment
kimberlyyyreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
Another great romance from Jessica Joyce!
I love second chance romances, and this book proved exactly why. Georgia and Eli are two characters that I am sure will win you over. They are two flawed individuals trying to balance their anxiety while also figuring out there own lives. I think this is definitely a place in life that several of us can relate too.
I will always love a MMC who values the small things and Eli knows EXACTLY how to!! This man is attentive, loving, and a romantic at heart. Seeing him allow himself to be vulnerable after bottling it in for so long was reliving. I was fully rooting for my man!
I also love myself a man who can acknowledge his wrongs and strive to be better!
Also I need to highlight that this book is very Therapy Positive which I LOVEEEEE, One of my favorite things about this is that Eli acknowledges that Therapy is a process and that it won't automatically cure his anxiety. Which is so real and honest of him, which I applaud him for.
Georgia was honestly a great FMC, I liked that we had her perspective in this book because it really helped me understand her character and frustrations. Towards the end, this girl was tugging on my heart strings because she really deserves nothing but the best. The way she is so present for the people she loves is respectable, and to be honest I strive to be like that too!
Each individuals character development was really well written, in second chance romances it's always important to find out how the relationship ended and how that will impact their future which I think this book did a really good job in showcasing!
Overall, I think this book was a good one. It didn't get the full 5 stars because there were some scenes where I wish we would've gotten more chemistry moments between but regardless I still had a good time!
I am super excited for everyone to read this!!!
Mental Health Rep: Anxiety and Panic Attacks
I love second chance romances, and this book proved exactly why. Georgia and Eli are two characters that I am sure will win you over. They are two flawed individuals trying to balance their anxiety while also figuring out there own lives. I think this is definitely a place in life that several of us can relate too.
I will always love a MMC who values the small things and Eli knows EXACTLY how to!! This man is attentive, loving, and a romantic at heart. Seeing him allow himself to be vulnerable after bottling it in for so long was reliving. I was fully rooting for my man!
I also love myself a man who can acknowledge his wrongs and strive to be better!
Also I need to highlight that this book is very Therapy Positive which I LOVEEEEE, One of my favorite things about this is that Eli acknowledges that Therapy is a process and that it won't automatically cure his anxiety. Which is so real and honest of him, which I applaud him for.
Georgia was honestly a great FMC, I liked that we had her perspective in this book because it really helped me understand her character and frustrations. Towards the end, this girl was tugging on my heart strings because she really deserves nothing but the best. The way she is so present for the people she loves is respectable, and to be honest I strive to be like that too!
Each individuals character development was really well written, in second chance romances it's always important to find out how the relationship ended and how that will impact their future which I think this book did a really good job in showcasing!
Overall, I think this book was a good one. It didn't get the full 5 stars because there were some scenes where I wish we would've gotten more chemistry moments between but regardless I still had a good time!
I am super excited for everyone to read this!!!
Mental Health Rep: Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
whatbeccareadnext's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
I am so in love with Jessica Joyce's writing. I absolutely adored 'You With a View' last year, so was beyond thrilled to get the opportunity to read and review this book. This story is absolutely perfect for fans of second-chance romance, he falls first and even friends-to-lovers.
I think, more than anything, Jessica has such a gift for writing very visceral characters. The characters have struggles and they feel so real. I can easily put myself in their shoes, and I can feel their joy, grief and everything in between.
I read so many romance novels, that sometimes I think I almost disassociate from the emotional parts of the book, the parts that are designed to make me laugh or cry. With this story I was sobbing, smiling, and kicking my feet - for me any book that can make me feel so strongly is worthy of 5 stars!
** I received an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **
I think, more than anything, Jessica has such a gift for writing very visceral characters. The characters have struggles and they feel so real. I can easily put myself in their shoes, and I can feel their joy, grief and everything in between.
I read so many romance novels, that sometimes I think I almost disassociate from the emotional parts of the book, the parts that are designed to make me laugh or cry. With this story I was sobbing, smiling, and kicking my feet - for me any book that can make me feel so strongly is worthy of 5 stars!
** I received an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcohol
soulwinds's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Loved the first half, hated the second half. Personal opinion though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
savvyrosereads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Out July 16, 2024 [Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC!]
Rating: 5/5 stars
Georgia and Eli were best friends, then lovers, then nothing at all. When they reunite as “best people” to save their mutual best friend’s wedding, they just might have the second chance they’d never admit they always wanted…
This book is cataclysmically beautiful and I am undone. I absolutely adored everything about this book, which is sweet and sexy and warm and caring and gut-wrenching in all of the best ways. In particular, I related to Georgia on a molecular level, and so many scenes absolutely flattened me—there are few books out there that make me feel seen in quite the way this one did.
Jessica Joyce is without doubt one of the best romance authors in the game right now—this book is not even OUT yet and I already can’t wait for whatever’s coming next. In short, a piece of my heart will stay in the Napa Valley with these characters forever. I truly cannot WAIT for everyone to have this book in July!
CW: Anxiety/panic attacks; abandonment
Rating: 5/5 stars
Georgia and Eli were best friends, then lovers, then nothing at all. When they reunite as “best people” to save their mutual best friend’s wedding, they just might have the second chance they’d never admit they always wanted…
This book is cataclysmically beautiful and I am undone. I absolutely adored everything about this book, which is sweet and sexy and warm and caring and gut-wrenching in all of the best ways. In particular, I related to Georgia on a molecular level, and so many scenes absolutely flattened me—there are few books out there that make me feel seen in quite the way this one did.
Jessica Joyce is without doubt one of the best romance authors in the game right now—this book is not even OUT yet and I already can’t wait for whatever’s coming next. In short, a piece of my heart will stay in the Napa Valley with these characters forever. I truly cannot WAIT for everyone to have this book in July!
CW: Anxiety/panic attacks; abandonment
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
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