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moodreadingwithmaddy's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is the book I’m going to use as the baseline for my category of ~vanilla romance books~
🍦Vanilla Romance Books🍦
- are 3 stars
- have a few ick moments but not too many that I have second hand embarrassment
- have a sweet romance but nothing that made me swoon
- have a satisfyingly happy ending
- are nothing to write home about
🍦Vanilla Romance Books🍦
- are 3 stars
- have a few ick moments but not too many that I have second hand embarrassment
- have a sweet romance but nothing that made me swoon
- have a satisfyingly happy ending
- are nothing to write home about
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse
courtney_saba's review
2.0
This book has been compared to The Hating Game, one of my favorite romances ever, and I just gotta say that there is no resemblance whatsoever.
How disappointing. The only things similar between this book and The Hating Game is that the two love interests are fighting for the same promotion and end up falling in love in the process. That's it.
The one thing I really appreciated is the conservation message. In this day and age, caring about the planet should be a priority, not a small detail. I could feel the drive and the empathy from the characters and the author.
However, this book was a meh overall. I kept waiting for something to happen. I get to the 50% mark and nothing is really happening. It read more like a travel magazine than an actual romance. And when the romance actually occurred, it was the kind that was either interrupted by another character or a fade to black situation. I didn't believe in Graeme's attraction or longing. And Henley was only attracted to him because he was hot and had a deep voice. I wanted more tension and romantic developments, rather than extolling the wonders of the Galapagos. Don't get me wrong, there were some funny parts, and I could feel the wonder of their experiences, but this was advertised as a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Slow burn? More like lukewarm and slow. Enemies-to-lovers? Why? Because she thought something about him in the beginning that was actually completely misinterpreted and he was actually a nice guy? There was no tension. At all. Graeme was cute and nice, but I didn't get butterflies from him. Not to mention, he was always staring at Henley "intently." It gets annoying when the author keeps repeating herself. Henley was strong, but also a little bit of a coward. She was also annoying.
The climax seemed rushed. Like the author had to think of something to make everyone happy with a HEA and end it like a sappy romcom. *cue the cringing*
I was bored. I kept reading because I wanted to give this a chance, and maybe it would surprise me in the end or with the smut or whatever. But alas, that didn't happen.
Would I reread this? No.
Would I recommend this? I'll probably forget this book existed after this.
Was I entertained? Barely. Not a good sign.
Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.
How disappointing. The only things similar between this book and The Hating Game is that the two love interests are fighting for the same promotion and end up falling in love in the process. That's it.
The one thing I really appreciated is the conservation message. In this day and age, caring about the planet should be a priority, not a small detail. I could feel the drive and the empathy from the characters and the author.
However, this book was a meh overall. I kept waiting for something to happen. I get to the 50% mark and nothing is really happening. It read more like a travel magazine than an actual romance. And when the romance actually occurred, it was the kind that was either interrupted by another character or a fade to black situation. I didn't believe in Graeme's attraction or longing. And Henley was only attracted to him because he was hot and had a deep voice. I wanted more tension and romantic developments, rather than extolling the wonders of the Galapagos. Don't get me wrong, there were some funny parts, and I could feel the wonder of their experiences, but this was advertised as a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Slow burn? More like lukewarm and slow. Enemies-to-lovers? Why? Because she thought something about him in the beginning that was actually completely misinterpreted and he was actually a nice guy? There was no tension. At all. Graeme was cute and nice, but I didn't get butterflies from him. Not to mention, he was always staring at Henley "intently." It gets annoying when the author keeps repeating herself. Henley was strong, but also a little bit of a coward. She was also annoying.
The climax seemed rushed. Like the author had to think of something to make everyone happy with a HEA and end it like a sappy romcom. *cue the cringing*
I was bored. I kept reading because I wanted to give this a chance, and maybe it would surprise me in the end or with the smut or whatever. But alas, that didn't happen.
Would I reread this? No.
Would I recommend this? I'll probably forget this book existed after this.
Was I entertained? Barely. Not a good sign.
Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.
demiii_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
1.75
ewagner78's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book, and I enjoyed it while reading it, but then immediately forgot most of the plot. The concept was fun and it did feel very rom-com.
haleyarzt's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
theroomiesdigest's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
breeannamclovin's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE!!!!
One of my all time favourite reads! I will recommend this to EVERYONE! I can’t believe I’ve only just heard of it! Having been on a few cruises to different places myself, I could really picture myself on board with the characters.
I loved seeing Henley ease up and de-stress throughout the book. Even if she was letting her guard down here and there to begin with, it all helped get her to the place she needed to be.
Graeme was such a sweetie! Always communicating, always supporting Henley and rooting for her. Him helping Henley with snorkelling was adorable!
NIKOLAI GOT HIS GIRL AND WAS A LEGEND FYI
One of my all time favourite reads! I will recommend this to EVERYONE! I can’t believe I’ve only just heard of it! Having been on a few cruises to different places myself, I could really picture myself on board with the characters.
I loved seeing Henley ease up and de-stress throughout the book. Even if she was letting her guard down here and there to begin with, it all helped get her to the place she needed to be.
Graeme was such a sweetie! Always communicating, always supporting Henley and rooting for her. Him helping Henley with snorkelling was adorable!
NIKOLAI GOT HIS GIRL AND WAS A LEGEND FYI
rachele29's review
3.0
Just didn’t love the story line or characters as much as I wanted to. I think I was expecting more romance less talk about the intricacies of their jobs even though that was the main plot. Wasn’t awful and did have some interesting parts but probably wouldn’t read again.
pocketfulofprinting's review
3.0
3/5 Light, cute, and makes me want to hop the next plane to the Galápagos Islands (after COVID of course!) Henley was a bit over the top early on but thankfully mellowed out and Walsh's heavy, personal drama kindof came out of nowhere and was instantly solved in a 5 minute convo, but I loved the descriptions of the islands, and learned more about conservation efforts. It was a little sticky sweet for me, but overall enjoyable.
suzyq436's review
5.0
Such a feel-good rom-com!
Loved the tropical atmosphere, the relationship between Henley and Graeme and her relationship with her sister as well.
Loved the tropical atmosphere, the relationship between Henley and Graeme and her relationship with her sister as well.