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quasinaut's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Cute, cute, cute. I adore how Kate Clayborn builds the world and writes her characters, with main characters and side characters alike having their own dynamics and interactions and lives.
At times, things felt too unrealistic, with moments written just so, with things falling into place to seamlessly help the plot or explain a character quirk. Like, why would the high school music teacher remember her students over a decade later - and why would Georgie care so much about her opinion?
And another thing, slightly spoiler-y:
Why wouldn't Georgie just tell Levi that Evan is in the notebook? Clearly, by not mentioning it, that's going to become the big point of contention - though truly I'm grateful that it was resolved by them both figuring out how to navigate their hurt in a way that didn't feel overblown and dramatic.
An enjoyable read, though I'm curious how memorable I'll find it in a few months to be honest!
At times, things felt too unrealistic, with moments written just so, with things falling into place to seamlessly help the plot or explain a character quirk. Like, why would the high school music teacher remember her students over a decade later - and why would Georgie care so much about her opinion?
And another thing, slightly spoiler-y:
An enjoyable read, though I'm curious how memorable I'll find it in a few months to be honest!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
flower_mail's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Gun violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Pregnancy, Addiction, and Cursing
macykey's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
I love Georgie’s character!! And honestly, Levi’s too. I’m sure we all know someone who has a hard exterior because of the way the world has beat them down, but they’re really soft and squishy inside. Even if that’s us. I also love how Georgie wasn’t the perfect FMC. She didn’t excel at school, she wasn’t super talented at anything like sports or music or writing or anything. She’s just a loving, selfless, adaptable person who’s biggest strength is herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Pregnancy, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Minor: Gun violence
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Wow, what a gorgeous, gorgeous book. I've said many times that I really love books that are quiet and slow and character-driven, and this is the most perfect rendition of that. There are so many soft little domestic scenes that are just quietly romantic and intimate. Such a lovely heartwarming story full of growth and forgiveness.
One thing that really stood out to me while I was reading was the absolute total vulnerability that the characters were allowed to feel and showcase. It's quite rare to see in romance, especially in male characters, and I loved it. Georgie and Levi had such depth to them and were written with such care. Kate Clayborn has such a gift for writing characters that feel real. I personally found both characters very relatable — Georgie in all of her impulsive, chaotic mess and not knowing what she wants to do and Levi in his quiet, withdrawn introversion. The characters feel like complete opposites at first (the archetypal grumpy and sunshine) but as the story continues and they communicate with each other (such great communication in this) you begin to see that deep down they are very alike in their strength and softness and worldview. I saw one review compare Levi to Cash Wall from Against a Wall and I am so offended on Levi’s behalf. Cash was a petty bully mired in toxic masculinity and unwilling to take accountability for his actions (please excuse me while I take any chance I can to hate on him). Levi is basically the exact opposite of that, just shy and socially awkward. He categorically refuses to let others make excuses for his past behaviour. Oh, and he's a dog dad and it's just so CUTE.
One thing that really stood out to me while I was reading was the absolute total vulnerability that the characters were allowed to feel and showcase. It's quite rare to see in romance, especially in male characters, and I loved it. Georgie and Levi had such depth to them and were written with such care. Kate Clayborn has such a gift for writing characters that feel real. I personally found both characters very relatable — Georgie in all of her impulsive, chaotic mess and not knowing what she wants to do and Levi in his quiet, withdrawn introversion. The characters feel like complete opposites at first (the archetypal grumpy and sunshine) but as the story continues and they communicate with each other (such great communication in this) you begin to see that deep down they are very alike in their strength and softness and worldview. I saw one review compare Levi to Cash Wall from Against a Wall and I am so offended on Levi’s behalf. Cash was a petty bully mired in toxic masculinity and unwilling to take accountability for his actions (please excuse me while I take any chance I can to hate on him). Levi is basically the exact opposite of that, just shy and socially awkward. He categorically refuses to let others make excuses for his past behaviour. Oh, and he's a dog dad and it's just so CUTE.
Another thing I really loved about this was the portrayal of strong female friendship. The friendship plotline is one of the things I really disliked about Love Lettering, and I'm so pleased that wasn't the case here. Bel and Georgie are always there for each other, supporting and caring for one another in the most authentic way. The scene where Bel confesses that she hates small town living and Georgie is immediately supportive was so wonderful (and another great example of vulnerability in this book).
I also appreciated the lack of drama in the family plot. A lesser author would have created a lot of melodrama out of the situation but instead it felt calm, mature, and just well-suited to the characters.
I also appreciated the lack of drama in the family plot. A lesser author would have created a lot of melodrama out of the situation but instead it felt calm, mature, and just well-suited to the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, Violence, Terminal illness, Cancer, Chronic illness, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence
meredith_williams_'s review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
This book was recommended to me as an “Emily Henry adjacent” type of read. Main character Georgie finds herself out of a job and out of ambition. She returns to her hometown and rediscovers an old high school notebook full of her childhood dreams. She decides to make each of them come true as an exercise in inspiration for her adult future. I really enjoyed the small town setting and cast of quirky characters in this story. It reminded me a lot of my own hometown. The story was also full of funny, heartwarming moments and I liked that the main love interests communicated with one another in a realistic and healthy way. Some of the dialogue was a bit corny and for me personally, the male love interest’s dog was featured too much. Overall, this was a light and easy read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Drug use, Cursing, and Violence
theespressoedition's review
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Alcohol and Pregnancy
Minor: Vomit
bookedandbusy's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
I loved this book so much. It was such a cute, fun read! I’ll definitely read more by this author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Chronic illness
downtown_kb's review
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? Yes
5.0
5 Expansive Georgie Stars!
Is it weird that this book is about Georgie but for me it was very much Levi’s story?
Is it weird that this book is about Georgie but for me it was very much Levi’s story?
This story made me cry, and not in a sad way, but in a beautiful way.
Georgie is laid off and goes home to try and find herself. She is down on herself for not having any plans for her future and she finds an old journal of all the things she wanted to do but never did in high school. Silly things like watching horror movies she wasn’t allowed to watch, jumping off the old pier, sneaking into the local bar etc. So she sets out to do them.
This book is sweet and charming and at first I just didn’t know where we were going with it all. I can get all literary and tell you I felt set a drift in this story like Georgie was but whatever, I’m gushing. It’s slice of life and a slow build.
But I fell so in love with Levi Fanning. I need more grumps who are actually just shy introverts. Quiet, unassuming, so caring, and just not sure how to act around people. I appreciated Levi’s inner monologue so much. You could tell he had really done the hard work in therapy. He is the sweetest. (There were some Reid Sutherland vibes) I melted. I also appreciated how he seemed neurodiverse and socially anxious but it wasn’t labeled. I get so tired of the “I have anxiety so xyz” inner monologue. I don’t want my characters trapped in a neatly labeled box. In this you come to understand how he sees things just by getting to know him. K.C. does this so well like she did in Love Lettering.
Don’t get me wrong, I also loved Georgie. She cracked me up. I really enjoyed her meta humor. And her journey was so sweet. I didn't care so much for her and Bel's friendship at first but when it all came together it was so beautiful to see how Georgie loves from the eyes of her best friend.
What bumped this book to 5 stars for me was the 3rd act split, which is nuts. I saw the 3rd act conflict right away but when it did come around it was just so real and didn’t go at all how I thought. Levi’s reaction, he knew was immature but an emotion he just couldn’t stop, like self sabotage. And something he had to fight so very hard to overcome to come back to Georgie. It was so real. So relatable. That desperate desire to get over what’s pissing you off and struggling so hard to not be petty when your feelings are hurt. And the way they came back together was so lovely!
Also, I need more dogs as plot moppets, that was perfection. Anyway, this lived up to my hopes and dreams!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy and Drug abuse
emmas_bookshelf's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
I really loved this book! It’s the first one I’ve read by Kate Clayborn and I absolutely loved the two main characters. Going on Georgie’s journey to figure herself out was really satisfying, and Levi is such a sweetheart who deserves all the good things!!!! And Hank! Definitely would recommend! Have the tissues ready though, I cried so much reading this on the plane!
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Blood, Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Drug use, and Pregnancy
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