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lilly_reads98's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
2.75
It took me 150 pages to actually start enjoying the book, before that it felt very slow and boring. I just don’t like having to wait so long for the plot to get going and then being in the mc’s head just kept annoying me so much. I did enjoy the middle portion where Neil and Rowan worked together on the scavenger hunt. But the only reason why I kept reading was because I’m going on a trip to Seattle and I thought this would be fun to read before I go. I did learn a couple of things about Seattle but I did not have a good time with this book.
I like how the parents write books together! The first 10ish pages were fine but after that I found it very boring for a while. I was interested in this book because it takes place in Seattle. I wasn’t expecting the beginning of them being at school to take so long. They start the citywide scavenger hunt on page 75. I always find it annoying when characters call each other by their last names. The amount of ‘McNair’ and ‘mcthisandthat’ was annoying. Even after the game starts it still feels so slow and boring because the characters are stopping and talking so it doesn’t feel fast paced like I thought it would. if it weren’t for the Seattle setting I would have dnfed this since I mostly only had complaints about it still by page 100. The font is really small which bothers me. I swear all books used to have the same size font and now in the last few months every book I pick up has a drastically different size font. I also just didn’t enjoy how this is supposed to be about their game but it immediately becomes about Rowan being upset that her friends are going on vacation without her, like it makes her upset so then the game isn’t like fun and enjoyable like I thought it would be. And then again at the safe zone it’s all they talk about and they have no sympathy for her being upset. I hadn’t heard any reviews about this so this isn’t coming from like having high expectations or hype I just genuinely thought this book would be more enjoyable. I like books that can at least make me smile or laugh, or at least have a writing style that’s interesting or compelling if not that. The book gets a lot more enjoyable after they team up. I started enjoying it after that. I liked Neil and Rowan working together and seeing them become friends instead of rivals. I still am annoyed though that it takes like 150 pages to start enjoying the book, and even then I think I only enjoyed a solid 70 pages before I started getting annoyed with being in Rowan’s head.
When they decided to get high right before the book signing event I was like that is not a good idea. I was so sad for her that she missed the book signing. Also it makes no sense that she noticed she was 10 minutes late and at the same time noticed Neil wasn’t next to her anymore, he shows up and says he was in the bathroom, yet somehow so much time passed while he was in the bathroom that she says now it’s way too late for her to go. Then they talk for a few minutes and then he shows her a tweet from the author about how the event was amazing? That doesn’t make any sense that he would be in the bathroom for that long to the point where the event went from being 10 minutes in to being over. Neil tried to help but doesn’t even apologize that he’s the reason why she didn’t get to go. Rowan’s thoughts also continue to be annoying throughout the whole book. She’s very hell bent on yelling about people hating on things made for women which I get and I was also more fired up about stuff like that around that age, but I don’t feel like she needs to throw in these conversations like force them into the book so much. When she starts going off about how she’s not a virgin to Neil I was like oh my god you don’t have to do that. And I knew he probably likes her a lot so just why he probably doesn’t want to know that. And then they just proceed to talk about their exes. Neil even still brings up her ex after that in her thoughts multiple times. I was rooting for Neil and Rowan to end up together, they are so sweet to each other and do sweet things for each other.
Nearing the end I was considering reading the sequel, but then Rowan finds the piece of paper with her name on it and the way they handle that made me so upset. She was about to tell him she likes him but then she assumes he was faking everything. And then she says ‘maybe you’re more like your dad than you thought’ ???? What???? That is extremely cruel and has literally nothing to do with him. I do not want to support a sequel about them being together, not after she says that. And then they just start fighting instead of telling each other they actually have feelings for each other?? How can authors think that that would set up a good or healthy romance??? Oh my god. This book feels so similar to Better Than The Movies in that they both have rivals to lovers but instead of telling each other they like each other they just start insulting each other?? I actually really liked that book until then, and I feel like the author of that book may have been inspired by this one a lot. Also with him secretly being in love with her. I never understand why in books a character would go so far as to imply they don’t have feelings for the other person when actually they love them? That makes no sense. If you want to be with them and love them why would you mislead them and lessen your chances of getting to tell them you love them?? I hate that so much. He did not have to say it would have been a mistake to kiss her, he could have waited to see what she had to say. I just really wish this book would have been more enjoyable.
I did like the ending when Rowan and Neil made up. It was funny when Rowan tackled Brady and Neil ran for the finish line. I also thought it was sweet when they kissed. I thought the book was over but then they go back to her house and are you kidding me???
I like how the parents write books together! The first 10ish pages were fine but after that I found it very boring for a while. I was interested in this book because it takes place in Seattle. I wasn’t expecting the beginning of them being at school to take so long. They start the citywide scavenger hunt on page 75. I always find it annoying when characters call each other by their last names. The amount of ‘McNair’ and ‘mcthisandthat’ was annoying. Even after the game starts it still feels so slow and boring because the characters are stopping and talking so it doesn’t feel fast paced like I thought it would. if it weren’t for the Seattle setting I would have dnfed this since I mostly only had complaints about it still by page 100. The font is really small which bothers me. I swear all books used to have the same size font and now in the last few months every book I pick up has a drastically different size font. I also just didn’t enjoy how this is supposed to be about their game but it immediately becomes about Rowan being upset that her friends are going on vacation without her, like it makes her upset so then the game isn’t like fun and enjoyable like I thought it would be. And then again at the safe zone it’s all they talk about and they have no sympathy for her being upset. I hadn’t heard any reviews about this so this isn’t coming from like having high expectations or hype I just genuinely thought this book would be more enjoyable. I like books that can at least make me smile or laugh, or at least have a writing style that’s interesting or compelling if not that. The book gets a lot more enjoyable after they team up. I started enjoying it after that. I liked Neil and Rowan working together and seeing them become friends instead of rivals. I still am annoyed though that it takes like 150 pages to start enjoying the book, and even then I think I only enjoyed a solid 70 pages before I started getting annoyed with being in Rowan’s head.
When they decided to get high right before the book signing event I was like that is not a good idea. I was so sad for her that she missed the book signing. Also it makes no sense that she noticed she was 10 minutes late and at the same time noticed Neil wasn’t next to her anymore, he shows up and says he was in the bathroom, yet somehow so much time passed while he was in the bathroom that she says now it’s way too late for her to go. Then they talk for a few minutes and then he shows her a tweet from the author about how the event was amazing? That doesn’t make any sense that he would be in the bathroom for that long to the point where the event went from being 10 minutes in to being over. Neil tried to help but doesn’t even apologize that he’s the reason why she didn’t get to go. Rowan’s thoughts also continue to be annoying throughout the whole book. She’s very hell bent on yelling about people hating on things made for women which I get and I was also more fired up about stuff like that around that age, but I don’t feel like she needs to throw in these conversations like force them into the book so much. When she starts going off about how she’s not a virgin to Neil I was like oh my god you don’t have to do that. And I knew he probably likes her a lot so just why he probably doesn’t want to know that. And then they just proceed to talk about their exes. Neil even still brings up her ex after that in her thoughts multiple times. I was rooting for Neil and Rowan to end up together, they are so sweet to each other and do sweet things for each other.
Nearing the end I was considering reading the sequel, but then Rowan finds the piece of paper with her name on it and the way they handle that made me so upset. She was about to tell him she likes him but then she assumes he was faking everything. And then she says ‘maybe you’re more like your dad than you thought’ ???? What???? That is extremely cruel and has literally nothing to do with him. I do not want to support a sequel about them being together, not after she says that. And then they just start fighting instead of telling each other they actually have feelings for each other?? How can authors think that that would set up a good or healthy romance??? Oh my god. This book feels so similar to Better Than The Movies in that they both have rivals to lovers but instead of telling each other they like each other they just start insulting each other?? I actually really liked that book until then, and I feel like the author of that book may have been inspired by this one a lot. Also with him secretly being in love with her. I never understand why in books a character would go so far as to imply they don’t have feelings for the other person when actually they love them? That makes no sense. If you want to be with them and love them why would you mislead them and lessen your chances of getting to tell them you love them?? I hate that so much. He did not have to say it would have been a mistake to kiss her, he could have waited to see what she had to say. I just really wish this book would have been more enjoyable.
I did like the ending when Rowan and Neil made up. It was funny when Rowan tackled Brady and Neil ran for the finish line. I also thought it was sweet when they kissed. I thought the book was over but then they go back to her house and are you kidding me???
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
sophie_9's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love this book, it is so sweet and one of my favourite romance books, there are just a few things I wish I could change and then this would be a 5 star read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
ojudge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the fact that this book all took place over the course of ONE DAY! But even still, this book was phenomenal. I never once felt bored reading this book, and found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the enemies to become lovers (IYKYK). I loved this book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
jade_wolff's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
mollyalex's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
abbypeekreads's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Antisemitism
bear145's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
I listened to the audiobook on Libby and loved it - I highly recommend this format. :)
I deeply related to Rowan, because I have a tendency to hyperfixate on things, like reading, writing reviews, or making bookish content, that I essentially have tunnel vision, and lose sight of everything else. Graduating senior, Salutatorian Rowan Roth has this issue during her senior year, in being so laser-focused on competing with her longtime academic rival Neil McNair, that she doesn't make time to meaningfully interact with her best friends and inevitably feels left behind and isolated. She is navigating wistful feelings about the costs to the opportunities that she sought out, and agrees to work alongside Neil for Howl, a senior game which takes place after the last day of school! Forced proximity with a splash of "it's-always-been-you" will have you swooning by the very end!
I love how RLS weaves in such fantastic Jewish representation in her books, and this one is no different. Rowan discusses the microaggressions and overt antisemitism she has experienced, and it's again an example of people claiming they are allies but still missing the mark and fumbling. I loved the magic in Rowan realizing she found a new friend who could relate to her experiences, because there's truly no better feeling than being validated and affirmed that the comments and behaviors others have displayed were egregious.
I also enjoyed the commentary on the internalized misogyny that young women have too! Rowan is so scared of telling her best friends that romance is her favorite genre, and that she wants to go meet her favorite author. This is so wholesome, because I can only imagine being 17 or 18 and loving romance. When I was 17 and 18, I was absolutely & embarrassingly inoculated with "pick me"/"cool girl" syndrome, so I didn't think her friends were villains either -it's a product of being raised in a patriarchy that belittles everything femmes love. Rowan also is weary of telling love interests about this, because she hates dealing with the aftermath of either having to justify/explain herself, and/or realizing this is just another boy who is not worth it. It's disheartening, and I think all romance readers can relate!
One last thing that I appreciated was Rowan highlighting how romance novels helped her to be sex positive, and to be able to communicate about sex and birth control with her parents and her friends. Romance is so powerful yall.
Anyway, the entire premise of the Howl game being the force that allows Rowan and Neil to let their guards down and actually get to know the other was pure genius. I ate it up!!! It sounded like so much fun, and I'd love to join a scavenger hunt like this! RLS has another hit with this one, and I will continue to read anything she writes!
cw: antisemitism, car accident, drug use, mention of incarcerated parent, mention of physical violence, sexual content (fade-to-black/closed door)
I listened to the audiobook on Libby and loved it - I highly recommend this format. :)
I deeply related to Rowan, because I have a tendency to hyperfixate on things, like reading, writing reviews, or making bookish content, that I essentially have tunnel vision, and lose sight of everything else. Graduating senior, Salutatorian Rowan Roth has this issue during her senior year, in being so laser-focused on competing with her longtime academic rival Neil McNair, that she doesn't make time to meaningfully interact with her best friends and inevitably feels left behind and isolated. She is navigating wistful feelings about the costs to the opportunities that she sought out, and agrees to work alongside Neil for Howl, a senior game which takes place after the last day of school! Forced proximity with a splash of "it's-always-been-you" will have you swooning by the very end!
I love how RLS weaves in such fantastic Jewish representation in her books, and this one is no different. Rowan discusses the microaggressions and overt antisemitism she has experienced, and it's again an example of people claiming they are allies but still missing the mark and fumbling. I loved the magic in Rowan realizing she found a new friend who could relate to her experiences, because there's truly no better feeling than being validated and affirmed that the comments and behaviors others have displayed were egregious.
I also enjoyed the commentary on the internalized misogyny that young women have too! Rowan is so scared of telling her best friends that romance is her favorite genre, and that she wants to go meet her favorite author. This is so wholesome, because I can only imagine being 17 or 18 and loving romance. When I was 17 and 18, I was absolutely & embarrassingly inoculated with "pick me"/"cool girl" syndrome, so I didn't think her friends were villains either -it's a product of being raised in a patriarchy that belittles everything femmes love. Rowan also is weary of telling love interests about this, because she hates dealing with the aftermath of either having to justify/explain herself, and/or realizing this is just another boy who is not worth it. It's disheartening, and I think all romance readers can relate!
One last thing that I appreciated was Rowan highlighting how romance novels helped her to be sex positive, and to be able to communicate about sex and birth control with her parents and her friends. Romance is so powerful yall.
Anyway, the entire premise of the Howl game being the force that allows Rowan and Neil to let their guards down and actually get to know the other was pure genius. I ate it up!!! It sounded like so much fun, and I'd love to join a scavenger hunt like this! RLS has another hit with this one, and I will continue to read anything she writes!
cw: antisemitism, car accident, drug use, mention of incarcerated parent, mention of physical violence, sexual content (fade-to-black/closed door)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Antisemitism, Drug use, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
m4rtt4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
4.5
probably the best contemporary romance novel I've ever read — like Neil, I'm not an avid enjoyer of the genre either, but it does please me to find a good love story every now and then. As someone who has always prioritized her GPA above all else, this book hit a little too close to home.. nevertheless, I enjoyed it, because what is better than enemies to lovers? Enemies to lovers but make it academic <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Violence, and Drug use
heatherdinh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Antisemitism