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literary_laurynn's review against another edition
5.0
There is something about Ann Liang's writing that I just absolutely love. More than just her simple and beautiful prose, it's her characters that really get me, because somehow, she always crafts a character so close to my heart that I'm entirely convinced this was a book written for me.
I previously read If You Could See the Sun and I Hope This Doesn't Find You and both of those books were just wonderful and I felt so happy coming out of them. But there's something about This Time It's Real that is somehow even better, and I'd probably be lying if I said it was anything other than the main character, Eliza. I would elaborate, but I think you'd better just read the book.
When I read a romance, the worst part of the story for me is always right after the two love interests get together, because oftentimes it feels like the banter falls apart and both characters just lose their personalities. But in all three of Ann Liang's books, the story builds to the emotional climax and ends no more than a chapter later. Obviously this isn't what everyone wants, and obviously we all want to read more about the characters, but I love it, because it just makes me love her books more (and especially this one).
In short, I love this book to death, I love all of Ann Liang's main characters to death, and I love Eliza Lin to death.
I previously read If You Could See the Sun and I Hope This Doesn't Find You and both of those books were just wonderful and I felt so happy coming out of them. But there's something about This Time It's Real that is somehow even better, and I'd probably be lying if I said it was anything other than the main character, Eliza. I would elaborate, but I think you'd better just read the book.
When I read a romance, the worst part of the story for me is always right after the two love interests get together, because oftentimes it feels like the banter falls apart and both characters just lose their personalities. But in all three of Ann Liang's books, the story builds to the emotional climax and ends no more than a chapter later. Obviously this isn't what everyone wants, and obviously we all want to read more about the characters, but I love it, because it just makes me love her books more (and especially this one).
In short, I love this book to death, I love all of Ann Liang's main characters to death, and I love Eliza Lin to death.
esha_tujjohora_3786's review against another edition
4.0
One of the coolest and sweetest fake dating romance I’ve read in a while. TBH, I really loved the plot as it is fast pacing and simple, not too complex, not too cringe... Also, the example of amazing friendship between Eliza and Zoe was truly meaningful… loved this book while reading as it doesn’t need much brain work and cozy… you can definitely read this book if you’re looking for an easy and shoothing read. Cdrama/ Kdrama lovers are definitely going to adore this novel.
porshia's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
daytime_star's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
♫ : One of the Girls (The Weeknd, JENNIE, Lily-Rose Depp)
kcasey'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
revoli's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
bookgirlchloe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
4.25
calsivier's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
In several chapters of the beginning of this story, I might think seems like I would love Eliza much that I could feel the same struggle as hers. Alas, the more I read the more I can't relate and somehow I don't like Eliza's decisions here. I got less excited especially the bridging before she feels she falls in love with Caz and vice versa because the whole story dominantly was focused on Eliza, little talking about Caz in an intimate point of view in my opinion. Thus, I can't fully into their feeling towards each other. Something missing, just it. I wish I could dive into Caz's feeling deeper and have his point of view towards Eliza. It was also sad that the ending was just like that? I have to admit that I love I Hope This Doesn't Find you more than this.