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the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Sophie Gonzales is a hilarious author, and her works never fail to make me laugh out loud. "Never Ever Getting Back Together" is no exception. There are brilliant one-liners and zingers throughout the story, and the semi-ridiculous plot is so much fun to read. You find yourself rooting for Jordy's complicated downfall pretty much immediately! All of the side characters are interesting and likeable. Maya and Skye are wonderfully compelling.
My biggest note about the book is that it focuses very heavily on the revenge plot, which makes the romance plot weak by comparison. The chemistry between Skye and Maya doesn't feel believable as romantic partners, though they pair off well as enemies and co-conspirators. Sophie could have spent more time developing the romance and attraction between these characters, though this would have required simplifying the revenge plot. As it is now, it felt to me a little bit like "two hot bi women in forced proximity so of course they just get together", though I know this wasn't the intention.
The ending feels sort of lackluster for the same reason. It centers a lot on the relationship dynamic and since I felt like that was under-developed, the stakes never felt especially clear for me.
I think it's a wonderful book, but I wouldn't especially recommend it as a romance. Instead, I think it's great contemporary fiction with some light romance thrown in!
My biggest note about the book is that it focuses very heavily on the revenge plot, which makes the romance plot weak by comparison. The chemistry between Skye and Maya doesn't feel believable as romantic partners, though they pair off well as enemies and co-conspirators. Sophie could have spent more time developing the romance and attraction between these characters, though this would have required simplifying the revenge plot. As it is now, it felt to me a little bit like "two hot bi women in forced proximity so of course they just get together", though I know this wasn't the intention.
The ending feels sort of lackluster for the same reason. It centers a lot on the relationship dynamic and since I felt like that was under-developed, the stakes never felt especially clear for me.
I think it's a wonderful book, but I wouldn't especially recommend it as a romance. Instead, I think it's great contemporary fiction with some light romance thrown in!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault
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