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katebee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Racism, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, and Infidelity
ssomani's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Really enjoyed this book — super cute fate dating to lovers story. Swooned so hard at the confession scene.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Racism
persephone09's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Das Buch ist auf jeden Fall falsch gemarketet. Ich habe es in der Erwartung gekauft, dass ich ein Fake relationship trope Buch lesen kann. In dem Buch geht es aber in den ersten 100 Seiten nur um ihre Trennung von ihrem Freund, mit dem sie ACHTZEHN Jahre zusammen war. Auch wenn sie den männlichen Protagonisten dann über den Verlauf von einem halben - dreiviertel Jahr kennenlernt, macht es doch alles sehr unrealistisch. Eigentlich geht es viel mehr um Selbstliebe, weibliche Freundschaften und berufliche Selbstverwirklichung. Diese Aspekte haben mir auch sehr gut an dem Buch gefallen, die Liebesgeschichte war auch sehr gut geschrieben. Wenn man von den ersten hundert Seiten, den unrealistischen Ausgangsbedingungen und dem absoluten Klischeeende absieht, war es ein amüsantes Buch, dass Diskriminierung von Frauen und Rassismus super aufgegriffen hat. Man muss sich bei dem Kauf nur bewusst sein, dass man nicht wirklich ein typisches Romance Buch bekommt und sich durch die ersten hundert Seiten kämpfen muss, um zu der wirklich interessanten, herzerwärmenden und humorvollen Geschichte zu kommen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Racism
acethirtynine's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
4.75
This charming rom-com set in Manchester, England was funny and engaging while also sometimes tackling darker and more difficult topics. Both main characters have experienced trauma that informs their current lives and that plays out throughout the novel. At first I did find some of the UK slang a little challenging to stay focused on but once I got into the real meat of the story - just a couple chapters in, it didn't bother me anymore. I felt so much righteous indignation on behalf of Laurie in so many instances during this story, and did absolutely end up rooting for Jamie.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, and Racism
jupiter2932's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness and Racism
schmoopyplanz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
I love Laurie's development. She matures in a fantastic way, as does Jamie.
I wouldn't call it a romance as much as just general fiction.
The author writes *very* triggering material. A good writer, but trauma is never forewarned and always hits hard.
This is the most light hearted one, and my favourite despite that.
I wouldn't call it a romance as much as just general fiction.
The author writes *very* triggering material. A good writer, but trauma is never forewarned and always hits hard.
This is the most light hearted one, and my favourite despite that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Racism
Minor: Emotional abuse and Pedophilia
This is the least triggering Mhairi McFarlane book I've read. None of her books have warnings of sensitive subjects that readers may find harmful, but every other one needs it. This one is no exception.pagesand_polish's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Racism, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
greengables302's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
rachminick's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
Minor: Cancer and Pedophilia
ablaine's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
This is a case of, “I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed.” I went into this reading so hopeful, and just felt let down by the book overall.
I appreciate that McFarlane attempted to diversify her leading lady oeuvre as I acknowledge that I can’t speak to how well she did at portraying a Black woman’s experience in England. What I found difficult about the character was how uneven the development felt. I understand the importance of containing multitudes etc., but McFarlane seemed to paint her as both a domineering force with ambition while also being a sheltered wallflower. Her voice in the beginning was so clear but it became murkier as the story went on.
The romance seemed to primarily revolve around swapping traumatic childhood stories, which is fine, but not for me. I also didn’t buy the journey from polar opposites to people who thought, felted and acted the same.
The themes were all over the place, including an attempt at highlighting the enduring strength of female friendships. Sadly, it felt like an afterthought.
The ending felt so rushed and out of character for all parties involved, that I was truly baffled after having spent so many hours with them.
I appreciate that McFarlane attempted to diversify her leading lady oeuvre as I acknowledge that I can’t speak to how well she did at portraying a Black woman’s experience in England. What I found difficult about the character was how uneven the development felt. I understand the importance of containing multitudes etc., but McFarlane seemed to paint her as both a domineering force with ambition while also being a sheltered wallflower. Her voice in the beginning was so clear but it became murkier as the story went on.
The romance seemed to primarily revolve around swapping traumatic childhood stories, which is fine, but not for me. I also didn’t buy the journey from polar opposites to people who thought, felted and acted the same.
The themes were all over the place, including an attempt at highlighting the enduring strength of female friendships. Sadly, it felt like an afterthought.
The ending felt so rushed and out of character for all parties involved, that I was truly baffled after having spent so many hours with them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Terminal illness, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Child death, and Pedophilia