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dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
sad
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
4.75
Wow, was this book good! First of all, the writing was amazing! I will read anything that Jessica Joyce writes. I loved her descriptions of the picturesque places they visited, but my favorite was the dialogue. I absolutely fell in love with Theo and that was because of both his dialogue and the expressions that the author paired with each thing he said.
The rivals to lovers was done so well! Even though they haven’t competed for anything in a decade, they kept that spark of competition alive, and that spark led to great romantic chemistry for Theo and Noelle. This couple really has soulmate energy.
I think seeing their grief made the book feel so much more real. I thought that going on a road trip to grieve a grandma was a really unique plot for a romance book and I think it was done very well.
Beyond Theo and Noelle, I loved their families. I want Thomas and Sadie to have a prequel, because I want to see how they got together. I also loved the grandparents’ storylines. I had a grandma that I was very close to too, and this book made me wish to find letters or a journal that would let me get to know her again years after she’s died. I also think that Paul was a great addition, because anyone can take a role like a grandparent in your life.
Now, go read this book! Especially if you read in on a road trip like I did.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley, and Jessica Joyce for providing me access to this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Grief
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Death
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