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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
The writing seemed immature. I get that the characters are immature so they can grow in the story but this was not hitting me right. Plus the presence and use of alcohol was a bit much
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
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
funny
hopeful
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:
No
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book - all opinions are honest and my own!
In this phenomenal debut novel, Gabriella Gamez tackles some of the messiest parts of getting over a break up, discovering yourself after distancing one's self from "their person" and just falling in love in general.
Marcela and Theo are in the exact same boat - the people they are in love with and have been pining after for years are getting married. The kicker? Those two people are getting married to each other. Marcela has been in love with Ben since college and Theo has been in love with Alice probably for forever, and now Marcela and Theo have to figure out how to get over their exes through the most healthy and mature means necessary - rebounding! Due to a slight miscommunication, or assumption with the lack of clarification, Marcela and Theo end up fake dating (which is a bonus point since that is one of my favorite tropes). As Marcela and Theo get closer, the lines get blurred and Marcela starts to reevaluate her relationship with Ben.
This felt like the most mature handling of conflict between the main characters that I had ever read - the key conflict between Marcela and Theo was something that in other books would have caused a full blown third act break up, but they way they handled it was absolutely amazing and I really appreciated how it was handled. Additionally, while I adore a dual POV book, being able to read and feel Marcela's inner thoughts and watch her grow as a character was a huge positive for the book. Reading through how she handled her insecurities, her relationships (both platonic and romantic) as well as her past made her all the more relatable. While I would have loved to hear Theo's inner thoughts, I would not trade those if that were to mean I would lose Marcela's development.
Overall, this was an absolutely phenomenal book and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants a funny, spicy and maturely handed romance! If you loved Funny Story by Emily Henry, you need to read this as well! They are very similar, but also are very distinct in a way where you do not feel like you are just reading the same book over again.
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 5/5
Things to Look Out For: Body Insecurities, Slight Body Worship, Ex's Brother, Hot Mess MCs, Fake Dating
In this phenomenal debut novel, Gabriella Gamez tackles some of the messiest parts of getting over a break up, discovering yourself after distancing one's self from "their person" and just falling in love in general.
Marcela and Theo are in the exact same boat - the people they are in love with and have been pining after for years are getting married. The kicker? Those two people are getting married to each other. Marcela has been in love with Ben since college and Theo has been in love with Alice probably for forever, and now Marcela and Theo have to figure out how to get over their exes through the most healthy and mature means necessary - rebounding! Due to a slight miscommunication, or assumption with the lack of clarification, Marcela and Theo end up fake dating (which is a bonus point since that is one of my favorite tropes). As Marcela and Theo get closer, the lines get blurred and Marcela starts to reevaluate her relationship with Ben.
This felt like the most mature handling of conflict between the main characters that I had ever read - the key conflict between Marcela and Theo was something that in other books would have caused a full blown third act break up, but they way they handled it was absolutely amazing and I really appreciated how it was handled. Additionally, while I adore a dual POV book, being able to read and feel Marcela's inner thoughts and watch her grow as a character was a huge positive for the book. Reading through how she handled her insecurities, her relationships (both platonic and romantic) as well as her past made her all the more relatable. While I would have loved to hear Theo's inner thoughts, I would not trade those if that were to mean I would lose Marcela's development.
Overall, this was an absolutely phenomenal book and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants a funny, spicy and maturely handed romance! If you loved Funny Story by Emily Henry, you need to read this as well! They are very similar, but also are very distinct in a way where you do not feel like you are just reading the same book over again.
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 5/5
Things to Look Out For: Body Insecurities, Slight Body Worship, Ex's Brother, Hot Mess MCs, Fake Dating
funny
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
🌶️🌶️/5
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I was a bit hesitant to pick up this book because the trope isn’t one of my favorites. The idea of two people bonding over their unrequited love for others—who also happen to be in a relationship with each other—sounded like it could get really messy. But I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I loved how understanding and supportive the two main characters were with each other. Their personal growth throughout the story was so well done, the angst hit just the right level, their chemistry was palpable, and the steamy scenes were amazing. The male lead was swoon-worthy, and he had such a sweet gesture for the heroine that made my heart melt. I also really appreciated the plus-sized representation and the depiction of a wonderful female friendship.
My one issue with the book was that the messiness of the characters pining for other people, especially the female lead, went on a bit too long. I think the story would have been stronger if that phase had been resolved earlier and if the two leads had communicated better once their feelings began to change. But I liked everything else about the book so much that i didn’t mind this too much.
I loved how understanding and supportive the two main characters were with each other. Their personal growth throughout the story was so well done, the angst hit just the right level, their chemistry was palpable, and the steamy scenes were amazing. The male lead was swoon-worthy, and he had such a sweet gesture for the heroine that made my heart melt. I also really appreciated the plus-sized representation and the depiction of a wonderful female friendship.
My one issue with the book was that the messiness of the characters pining for other people, especially the female lead, went on a bit too long. I think the story would have been stronger if that phase had been resolved earlier and if the two leads had communicated better once their feelings began to change. But I liked everything else about the book so much that i didn’t mind this too much.