Reviews

How to Win a Breakup: A Novel by Farah Heron

elysareadsitall's review

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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

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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

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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 against another edition

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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

frida_kahlo's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

thepolishedbibliophile's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.0

Samaya and her friends brought me right back to the high school years as we navigate exes, friends and  preparing for college with them.  When Samaya begins to volunteer for a local shelter, she meets Daniel and the connection between them two is quick!  I found myself having a hard time connecting with Samaya, at first, but by the end of the story I was rooting for her and glad to see her growth and self-discovery!  Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape! All thoughts and opinions are my own