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blackveilbeccy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I wanted to like this more than I did. I loved the main love interest way more than the protagonist. I loved all the talk of food and cooking. Some of the side plots (such as the cats!) were adorable. The rivals to lovers trope was used well. I loved the main character’s mum and the mum’s best friend.
I don’t know why I didn’t love this. The main character irritated me, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to make her quirky. Thesex scenes, especially the masturbation scenes were ultra cringe. The romantic dynamic felt forced in parts and the dialogue, especially in intimate moments, was stilted. I think this is partially because I prefer my romances fluffier, with less explicit scenes - it meant I skimmed parts every time I thought there’d be lemons. If I didn’t have to read the word “growled” again in that context I’d be very happy. Also, the nude beach scenes didn’t add to the story at all.
I don’t know why I didn’t love this. The main character irritated me, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to make her quirky. The
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Medical content, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Sexual harassment
kfmcf's review
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book had a very common enemies-to-lovers trope. That is not innately a bad thing, however, I don't really understand why they...stopped being enemies. It was just like, a third of the way through the book they were just kind of fine. And there was also the brother who was like 'oh no he doesn't hate you' and it was all a bit messy.
The best praise I have for this book is actually a spoiler - the fact that Penelope was actually a good person and didn't lie or hurt the FL was so nice. And I did actually tear up a bit when she referred to them as friends, because that's so hard in your twenties and in a new places. Also, connecting with her old friends after she though they would hate her after he dad died was important and I appreciated that.
My biggest problem, honestly, was how fake the British slang/dialecti writing felt. I know that's nitpicky but it was distracting. also omfg what was the point of the cousin mixup at the end. It added 100% totally unnecessary drama that did nothing for the plot.
Overall, this book was fine. It was mostly harmless and I don't feel like I wasted time reading it.
The best praise I have for this book is actually a spoiler -
My biggest problem, honestly, was how fake the British slang/dialecti writing felt. I know that's nitpicky but it was distracting.
Overall, this book was fine. It was mostly harmless and I don't feel like I wasted time reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, and Bullying
seedsofsunflowers's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Cancer
saadiasreads's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Cancer and Chronic illness
kristin's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
whatcaitreads's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer and Death
bringmybooks's review
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, & Penguin Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
DNF @ 49%
There was nothing particularly wrong with this one, but I found myself skimming at around 30% and just couldn't get myself back into it. I loved the descriptions of the food (man oh man, I need some lumpia in my life and NOW) and the descriptions of family and obligation and grief and love were also done really well. The characters chemistry was hit or miss, and I definitely struggled with the gruff/grump to suddenly irresistible nature of the main male characters. I've seen a lot of great reviews for this one, so don't let mine be the only review you read!
DNF @ 49%
There was nothing particularly wrong with this one, but I found myself skimming at around 30% and just couldn't get myself back into it. I loved the descriptions of the food (man oh man, I need some lumpia in my life and NOW) and the descriptions of family and obligation and grief and love were also done really well. The characters chemistry was hit or miss, and I definitely struggled with the gruff/grump to suddenly irresistible nature of the main male characters. I've seen a lot of great reviews for this one, so don't let mine be the only review you read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Cancer
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