Reviews

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

eesh25's review against another edition

3.0

3.25 Stars

This book is about Ellie and Graham. After Graham accidently sends an email to Ellie instead of his friend, they strike up an email conversations and soon become pen pals. They talk a lot about each other but never exchange names. Which is why Ellie has no idea that Graham is a movie star. Now, Graham is in the town Ellie lives, for a movie, and they're finally about to meet. But the problem is, Graham is constantly surrounded by paparazzi and Ellie wants to stay as far away from cameras as possible.

Hence the story begins.

This is the second book that I've read by Jennifer E. Smith and this one is noticeably better written and planned. The execution is loads better than it was in [b:The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|10798416|The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|Jennifer E. Smith|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1337187623s/10798416.jpg|15464655], but I still found myself liking this one less.

The beginning of the book was really good. It was cute and funny and I was really enjoying it. In fact, most of the book was entertaining and cute. That wasn't the problem.

The problem was that the relationship wasn't equal. This is one of my pet peeves, relationships being unbalanced. In the relationship between Ellie and Graham, it seemed that only Graham was the one willing to work for it. All Ellie did was hide, run away or say 'no'. It felt like she didn't care much about him or about their relationship and was more resigned to their connection than a willing participant.

it told me that if they ever got into an argument and Graham got mad at her, she would just tell her self that 'it was good while it lasted' or 'it was never going to work anyway' or even 'maybe it's better this way' and walk away. If it wasn't for Graham, the plot wouldn't have gone anywhere. I kept waiting for her to take incentive but she never did. And that really bothered me. I don't think she deserved him because he was the sweetest guy. So nice, caring and funny. Handsome, talented, considerate... what more do you need to stop rejecting the guy?

There was also Quinn, Ellie's friend. She seemed like a good friend until she wasn't. She reminded me exactly why I have no interest in making friends of my own.

But this was still, like I said, a good read and if the thing that annoyed me is okay with you, then you should definitely read it. I finished it in two sittings and for the most part had a smile on my face. The ending was pretty open and I'm gonna be reading the novella soon to find out what happens. I also hope that Ellie will change. Though, from its synopsis, it's doubtful.

karrama's review against another edition

2.0

I feel like I missed the fun part. As though someone started writing, and I was given a synopsis. This is what happens after the love story. We skipped the falling in love part. And skipped to Someone telling you what the ever-after was. I'm not experiencing it with the characters. I'm not seeing the struggle or the happiness. I'm not feeling the excitement or fun.

reader4evr's review against another edition

4.0

Before reading this, I had read a couple dark books and I'm really glad that I picked this up next! I really liked this book, so cute and sweet. This book really had it all friendships, family and romance.

I liked the whole premise of the book and I'm surprised that another author hasn't written something like this. I'm surprised that Ellie actually answered Graham's email. I would have sent it right to spam or deleted it.

Even though this story wasn't a true book told by alternating characters, I liked how this book was set up because you really got to know the characters.

Overall I liked this more than The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, I've enjoyed books by Jennifer E. Smith and will want to keep reading them.

annashiv's review against another edition

5.0

I thought this would just be an easy fun little romance for me to read, but it's more than that. I think there is some real life stuff to learn from this and the way it was done is just beautiful. I can't really think of anything really damaging to this book other than maybe it's a little slow at times, but I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I really wanted them to be happy. Part of it was just romance and stuff, but I think it had a lot of interesting things to say about it. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good believable romance that is more deep than the typical romance novel.

ajyaa's review against another edition

3.0

This book was okay and I did enjoy reading it, it's just that some parts were dragging and i had to read something else in between.

plutoz's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

risssss's review

3.0

I can't even finish reading this book.

kiriwho's review against another edition

2.0

I was really expecting something interesting, possibly a good rendition of a typical modern day internet/long distance relationship. I was sorely disappointed. Unfortunately, I had not read the the the synopsis on the back, and I was hypnotized by the cover design. I found the plot to be dull as it plodded along at a snails pace. Half way through the book I was so tired of it and wanted it to be finished. Also, I just saw it as another cliche of a highly desirable, popular, bland person falling in love with a less than mediocre bland person. Yes, the characters were sweet and "lovable" but honestly they just rubbed me the wrong way.

eggjen's review against another edition

4.0

The premise of this book was fun and the characters were easy to root for even when they were bad at decision making. I plowed through the book and definitely plan to check out more books by Smith.

adelle_bookworm's review against another edition

Odkládám na dobu neurčitou, zatím to vidím na dvě a půl hvězdičky. Všechny postavy jsou tak otravné, že to snad ani nejde...