Reviews

His Grumpy Childhood Friend by Jackie Lau

myames's review against another edition

5.0

Love the Asian/Asian rep. A fluffy and lovely book <3

meganh10's review

emotional 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? No

3.25

emberjay's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.25

dawnjoy's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

saveyourtears's review against another edition

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

4.75

ok_katiebug's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse and Child abuse

xandadu's review against another edition

2.0

I didn't connect to the two MCs. And I just didn't care enough about their story.

Definite case of "It's not you, it's me."

nitya's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

Childhood best friends + fake dating + grumpy/sunshine trope in reverse = INJECT THIS INTO MY VEINS AHHHHHH

I read The Professor Next Door before this and wanted to check out Charlotte and Mike's story as well! This was super sweet and a quick read. I also loved all the food descriptions!!! So scrumptious.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Child abuse and Emotional abuse

gothamgal's review against another edition

4.0

Charlotte likes things.
But she also doesn't like things--like being proposed to during a sporting event.
She is finally able to get her life back together and she meets an old childhood friend.
Who seems okay with her rules. Okay with the way she feels about things.
Cute, fast read.

bookedinsideout's review against another edition

4.0

Sometimes I like when the will-they-won’t-they is drawn out (especially when you know they will), but I loved in this case that what would normally be the end happened in the middle and it still didn’t feel too rushed. I loved their communication. I loved that Charlotte knew what she wasn’t willing to compromise on and that she wouldn’t settle for anyone who wouldn’t let her be her introverted self. I loved that Mike was open to therapy and addressing the trauma from his past, and that it wasn’t all magically healed in the end. Hopeful, but realistic too.


CW: Parental emotional abuse (in the past)