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hdcamp's review against another edition
2.0
Overall it was a decent collection of stories. They were engaging and the characters were fun. Some of them didn't vibe with me, but I suspect that has more to do with me being old and bitter, and less to do with the quality of the storytelling (which was just fine). Also, I don't think a book that dredges up all the politics of the pandemic is something I'll ever enjoy reading - that wasn't it's goal, but every time someone mentioned social distancing or masking up or sanitizing their groceries it added tension in my shoulders (which were probably already very tense tbf). There was a bit I really liked, where one character got upset about the front desk lady's comment about covid, calling it "callous and cruel." I was all salty at the character, because this was exactly the kind of instant judgement I'm tired of in our current society; then on the very next page the other character got to narrate, and he mentioned how the front desk lady (who he knew personally) was intensely anxious about the virus, and how she had been anxious about germs before this happened and everything had amped up for her. That was a nice little reminder to the reader to be more gracious with strangers instead of making assumptions about them, but it was the only moment of that nature that I liked. Also the moment didn't endear me to the first character, who I was already struggling to connect with.
Anywho, enough rambling. What's more irritating than reading a book rife with covid commentary? Reading a review rife with commentary on the covid commentary
Anywho, enough rambling. What's more irritating than reading a book rife with covid commentary? Reading a review rife with commentary on the covid commentary
maddieg's review against another edition
4.0
Love, Delivered - I thought this short romance was so cute! It definitely fit with the current times and everything was very relatable in a way that I never imagined. While I could instantly sense an attraction between Millie and Luka, I wish I could've seen it develop. If Erin Craig would write a full-length novel of this story, I would definitely read it.
The Socially Distant Dog-Walking Brigade - This was one of the stories I was really looking forward to just from the cover art and it didn't disappoint! It was a great story with an interesting meet-cute that I instantly loved! Dax and Kaz were adorably awkward and cute and charming all into one that they instantly hit it off. When Dax didn't answer Kaz's texts, I got upset on Kaz's behalf because of his past, but I'm glad there was a great reason behind it and made it better.
One Day - I wasn't too sold on this story to start with, but it grew on my at the end and I enjoyed it. I think it was the writing style that made me feel a disconnect at the start. I loved that it incorporated a balcony romance as I have seen them on the news, but never seen it in person. Bobby and Neal seemed to have great banter that could flourish into a great relationship.
The Rules of Comedy - This was my least favorite story of the ones I've read so far. For some reason, the characters and writing didn't do anything to me that made me want to root for Harper and Alyssa's relationship. I did love the TikTok aspect of the relationship because that was something that was big during the pandemic and trended for a long time. Overall, the characters were good, but could've been better and more developed, along with the story.
The New Boy Next Door - And just like that, I found my new favorite story in this book! I loved how it was a boy-next-door romance with the tree as their form of communication. Quinn and Archer were clearly both attracted to each other from the beginning when they stole glances at one another and it was very cute. I like how Quinn brought him out of his shell and bonded so quickly. I would love to see this as a full novel and get Archer's perspective as well as it would make a great romance!
Love with a Side of Fortune - I wasn't too sure about this story at first, but it definitely grew on me once Evan and Michelle started to form a relationship. I liked how she got what she wanted with Evan and could eventually tell her mom to not be superstitious without knowing the full story. I thought it was cute to add a restaurant backdrop to the plot because it made a cute meet cute.
The Green Thumb War - I wasn't too sure about a plant-themed story, but I must say, this was quite enjoyable. Even though Bastian and Billie got off to a rough start, you could instantly tell that they had a spark together. I loved the added element of competition into their romance because you could tell that they both wanted to impress each other. This is one of my favorite stories in this book for sure!
Stuck with Her - I was excited for this story because I love Rachael Lippincott, but this story kind of disappointed me. I felt everything was rushed between Allie and Mia and all happened in a split-second, whereas the other stories had some type of development in the two characters. I do however think Allie and Mia had good chemistry and came together after a meaningful talk.
Masked - I knew I was going to love this story because I've loved Erin Hahn's past two full-length novels. This story was so cute and romantic that I couldn't help but fall in love with Gray and Jude's relationship. The music element in each of Hahn's stories is so unique and clever that I appreciate how well it's done each time. I would love a follow-up novel or full-length novel if this story to see Gray and Jude's relationship grow.
Favorite Quote: "One day, quarantine would be lifted."
The Socially Distant Dog-Walking Brigade - This was one of the stories I was really looking forward to just from the cover art and it didn't disappoint! It was a great story with an interesting meet-cute that I instantly loved! Dax and Kaz were adorably awkward and cute and charming all into one that they instantly hit it off. When Dax didn't answer Kaz's texts, I got upset on Kaz's behalf because of his past, but I'm glad there was a great reason behind it and made it better.
One Day - I wasn't too sold on this story to start with, but it grew on my at the end and I enjoyed it. I think it was the writing style that made me feel a disconnect at the start. I loved that it incorporated a balcony romance as I have seen them on the news, but never seen it in person. Bobby and Neal seemed to have great banter that could flourish into a great relationship.
The Rules of Comedy - This was my least favorite story of the ones I've read so far. For some reason, the characters and writing didn't do anything to me that made me want to root for Harper and Alyssa's relationship. I did love the TikTok aspect of the relationship because that was something that was big during the pandemic and trended for a long time. Overall, the characters were good, but could've been better and more developed, along with the story.
The New Boy Next Door - And just like that, I found my new favorite story in this book! I loved how it was a boy-next-door romance with the tree as their form of communication. Quinn and Archer were clearly both attracted to each other from the beginning when they stole glances at one another and it was very cute. I like how Quinn brought him out of his shell and bonded so quickly. I would love to see this as a full novel and get Archer's perspective as well as it would make a great romance!
Love with a Side of Fortune - I wasn't too sure about this story at first, but it definitely grew on me once Evan and Michelle started to form a relationship. I liked how she got what she wanted with Evan and could eventually tell her mom to not be superstitious without knowing the full story. I thought it was cute to add a restaurant backdrop to the plot because it made a cute meet cute.
The Green Thumb War - I wasn't too sure about a plant-themed story, but I must say, this was quite enjoyable. Even though Bastian and Billie got off to a rough start, you could instantly tell that they had a spark together. I loved the added element of competition into their romance because you could tell that they both wanted to impress each other. This is one of my favorite stories in this book for sure!
Stuck with Her - I was excited for this story because I love Rachael Lippincott, but this story kind of disappointed me. I felt everything was rushed between Allie and Mia and all happened in a split-second, whereas the other stories had some type of development in the two characters. I do however think Allie and Mia had good chemistry and came together after a meaningful talk.
Masked - I knew I was going to love this story because I've loved Erin Hahn's past two full-length novels. This story was so cute and romantic that I couldn't help but fall in love with Gray and Jude's relationship. The music element in each of Hahn's stories is so unique and clever that I appreciate how well it's done each time. I would love a follow-up novel or full-length novel if this story to see Gray and Jude's relationship grow.
Favorite Quote: "One day, quarantine would be lifted."
sincerelyadi's review against another edition
3.0
There were definitely a lot of cute stories, most of which I didn’t want to end!! I think this would of been nicer to read at the beginning of quarantine rather than the end because at that point you want to escape out of it, if that makes sense. Also I read this during a week where I was having struggle focusing in every aspect of my life so I wonder if I would of rated it 4 stars if I had a little more to focus on. It’s a quick read and enjoyable so either way I would recommend! Plus if you haven’t checked out the authors previous works, this gives you a glimpse into their writing a bit. There are for sure some authors within this book I haven’t checked out before but will be now!
isabellegrace32's review against another edition
3.0
because i love a ranking, here’s the short stories from my fav to i liked it but not as much as the others:
1. love, delivered
2. love with a side of fortune
3. stuck with her
4. one day
5. the new boy next door
6. the green thumb war
7. the socially distant dog walking brigade
8. masked
9. the rules of comedy
1. love, delivered
2. love with a side of fortune
3. stuck with her
4. one day
5. the new boy next door
6. the green thumb war
7. the socially distant dog walking brigade
8. masked
9. the rules of comedy
altheathereader's review against another edition
3.0
Cute and light short stories centered on the lockdown and quarantine life ✨
My favorite was probs the Neal and Bobby one skskskak. I think I have a weakness for people who know how to play the guitar
My favorite was probs the Neal and Bobby one skskskak. I think I have a weakness for people who know how to play the guitar
ashbearly's review against another edition
3.0
None of the stories really made me feel one type of way or another. Not bad, not amazing.
genderqueer_hiker's review against another edition
3.0
These were short romance stories from 2020 during pandemic lockdown. I understood the point of the writing and stories, but many of them didn't hold my attention or interest.
terezbooklover's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
amberinpieces's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Mental illness, Lesbophobia, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
purrfectpages's review against another edition
Every time I read a book of short stories I wonder why I don’t read more of them. So when this title came up on Net Galley, I decided to leave my self-imposed comfort zone, so to speak. It’s actually ironic to allude to leaving anything though, because this is a collection of stories about the complete opposite.
Together, Apart is a book that never would have happened without Covid-19. I know, I know...who wants to reminded of the world wide epidemic when most of us read to escape just that? Pandemic overkill aside, when you really think about it, quarantine is actually excellent fodder for meet cutes and long distance pining.
This book is comprised of nine short stories with a YA slant, written by different authors. Another plus of books like these is it’s a great way to “sample” an author’s writing who may otherwise be new to you and get a feel for their style. While each story naturally had the same theme, each author had their unique approach to making quarantine woes their own.
As with any collection, some stories resonated more with me than others. My personal favorites happened to be the bookends of the collection- the first entitled Love, Delivered, written by Erin A. Craig, and Masked, written by Erin Hahn.
So if you can handle reading what is one of the first in what’s soon to be an onslaught of virus inspired entertainment, I’d say Together, Apart is a safe choice.
Thanks to Net Galley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Together, Apart is a book that never would have happened without Covid-19. I know, I know...who wants to reminded of the world wide epidemic when most of us read to escape just that? Pandemic overkill aside, when you really think about it, quarantine is actually excellent fodder for meet cutes and long distance pining.
This book is comprised of nine short stories with a YA slant, written by different authors. Another plus of books like these is it’s a great way to “sample” an author’s writing who may otherwise be new to you and get a feel for their style. While each story naturally had the same theme, each author had their unique approach to making quarantine woes their own.
As with any collection, some stories resonated more with me than others. My personal favorites happened to be the bookends of the collection- the first entitled Love, Delivered, written by Erin A. Craig, and Masked, written by Erin Hahn.
So if you can handle reading what is one of the first in what’s soon to be an onslaught of virus inspired entertainment, I’d say Together, Apart is a safe choice.
Thanks to Net Galley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.