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jackiehorne's review
3.0
Beau North's Modern Love features a pair of protagonists that would have benefitted from some straight talk to get beyond their misconceptions about and misunderstandings of one another. Yet both are so interesting in themselves that I found myself forgiving the author for making their disagreements more contrived than character-based. University of Minnesota MFA student bisexual Alice Aberdeen does not really hit it off with the guy her sister and sister's boyfriend have invited to meet them at the annual Humane Society's Bowie tribute show. Alice may be hard up, still reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend, but she certainly doesn't need a set-up with wealthy, entitled "Earth's Grumpiest Supermodel" (283). For his part, while Will Murphy finds Alice "as cute as hell, a firefly bobbing through a dim world, unaware of the dullness that surrounded her" (258), he also thinks she's "abrasive and odd, and she clearly doesn't think much of me" (273). Of course, romance cannot help but blossom after such an obvious not-meet-cute. Two such super-cynical protagonists of course have some hefty baggage to unpack (Will, growing up not fitting into either side of his Punjabi/Irish family; Alice dealing with guilt over her mother's death and a past history of substance abuse) as well as a lot of wit to launch at one another and the world at large.
Favorite line:
This was my third date in as many weeks and I was already exhausted. How did people do this dating thing, blinding giving total strangers the benefit of the doubt, trusting that they won't be boring or mean or secretly racist? (1537)
Favorite line:
This was my third date in as many weeks and I was already exhausted. How did people do this dating thing, blinding giving total strangers the benefit of the doubt, trusting that they won't be boring or mean or secretly racist? (1537)
lifeand100books's review
4.0
If you're into contemporary versions of Pride and Prejudice I recommend this one! Great pacing, intriguing characters, creative story, wonderful themes of familial relationships, and great perspectives on recovery from addiction.
sleepgoblin's review
5.0
I wish I could unread this so I could have the pleasure of reading it for the first time again. So so good.
gimchi's review
4.0
Super enjoyable, witty, and a quick read. Exactly what I needed right now to get my mind off the insanity of my life.
thaictaff's review
3.0
This is the first book I've ever read from by Beau North, but I can assure you it'll definitely not be the last. Modern Love was a great surprise that I just stumbled upon and it instantly caught my attention.
I was instantly hooked when I started reading this book for two main reasons; 01) I loved Allie's witty voice. I related a lot to her way of thinking and I believe most millennials will as well. And 02) the realistic feel of it. How can you not see a sister and a best friend setting up people they think would get along on blind dates? I personally have been there and well it didn't turn out great, but my point is that it happens. It's not a far-fetched idea or something not believable that romances pull out sometimes.
I admire that even though the main character had a past with narcotics and is bisexual, the author never used those facts as a plot device or for shock purposes, I was so ecstatic to see that. I think it's way past time for author to stop using those things to strategically enhance and base their storyline on.
The romance was great, nothing rushed or forced, the development felt natural and it was amazing to see. I also absolutely love Will, he's my favorite part about this book and I wish we would've gotten more chapters from his perspective. But at the same time I get it, it's Allie's story more than just a romance story.
I, as a millennial, loved this story and everything along with it. With that being said, I also believe this isn't a story that only millennials will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.
I received this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Review also posted at Read. Breathe. Repeat.
I was instantly hooked when I started reading this book for two main reasons; 01) I loved Allie's witty voice. I related a lot to her way of thinking and I believe most millennials will as well. And 02) the realistic feel of it. How can you not see a sister and a best friend setting up people they think would get along on blind dates? I personally have been there and well it didn't turn out great, but my point is that it happens. It's not a far-fetched idea or something not believable that romances pull out sometimes.
I admire that even though the main character had a past with narcotics and is bisexual, the author never used those facts as a plot device or for shock purposes, I was so ecstatic to see that. I think it's way past time for author to stop using those things to strategically enhance and base their storyline on.
The romance was great, nothing rushed or forced, the development felt natural and it was amazing to see. I also absolutely love Will, he's my favorite part about this book and I wish we would've gotten more chapters from his perspective. But at the same time I get it, it's Allie's story more than just a romance story.
I, as a millennial, loved this story and everything along with it. With that being said, I also believe this isn't a story that only millennials will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.
I received this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Review also posted at Read. Breathe. Repeat.
maureenlikethetango's review
5.0
"Love at first sight isn't for the Tinder generation" -- this is Allie's aphorism, one that any millennial reader will feel the pangs of all too well. Beau North has crafted a love story that cuts through to the heart of what we're all looking for as we futilely swipe right -- someone who knows us, all the parts of us, and loves us all the more for it. In a remarkably short amount of time, she makes you fall hard for a litany of characters, from the aloof Will Murphy (he make think he's Claude Rains, but the man is all Bogart) to our damaged but very lovable protagonist Allie and their wide group of friends and family. It's a romance novella that is poignant, touching, sexy, and hits all the right notes. Characters are kept apart by very real misunderstandings rather than plot contrivances, and it acknowledges the difficulty of cutting through the bullshit and letting down your guard enough to get that "modern love" we hunger for. What's more -- North weaves a tale of multiple types of love, not just romantic, but the love we have for siblings and our complex love for our parents and loved ones who have left us. She wounds with her incision into an understanding of how musicians, actors, etc. can come to stand in for something much greater in our lives than the sum total of their talents -- and why their loss can be such a potent form of grief for those that love them. And she acknowledges that our sense of loss, but more importantly our love for those who have gone, never truly leaves us. It deepens and grows and heals as new love enters our life. The book might be titled "Modern Love," but the thrust of this story that will have you weeping by the end is a very old truth indeed.
jenigrant's review
5.0
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
I'm not a big romance reader, but from the first pages I knew this wasn't your standard Harlequin bodice ripper. With diverse, dynamic characters and snappy writing, this book is a great read. I literally couldn't put it down - I read it in one night! I identified with Alice from the start, her relationship with Will felt realistic and heartfelt, and the supporting characters added real depth and emotion to the storyline. An excellent book, highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one, Beau!
I'm not a big romance reader, but from the first pages I knew this wasn't your standard Harlequin bodice ripper. With diverse, dynamic characters and snappy writing, this book is a great read. I literally couldn't put it down - I read it in one night! I identified with Alice from the start, her relationship with Will felt realistic and heartfelt, and the supporting characters added real depth and emotion to the storyline. An excellent book, highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one, Beau!
bananatricky's review
4.0
This is a NA/YA opposites attract romance set to the background of David Bowie's greatest hits.
Alice Aberdeen has just come off a messy break-up with her girlfriend of two years. Her long-suffering sister Emma invites her to a David Bowie tribute show sponsored by the Humane Society. They dress up and Emma (a make-up artist) does their make-up. Unbeknownst to Alice, Emma and her boyfriend Gabe have invited Gabe's best friend Will Murphy along, trying to match-make.
Will looks rather older than he is, with grey flecks in his hair and beard. From an exotically mixed Irish/ Indian parentage, he looks like a hot model. He owns his own successful business, is a vegetarian and drives a Tesla (very expensive, electric sports SUV with phenomenal speed - like a Porsche for the eco-warrior).
Alice looks young for her age, she's a student studying for her Masters in Fine Art at the University of Minnesota and living hand-to-mouth in her sister's apartment.
Their first meeting is not auspicious, Alice is dancing like a loon to David Bowie when she turns and spills her drink all over Will. Will reacts badly and the two of them are fighting (verbally). Both react with horror when they realise that they have been set up with each other. Nevertheless, undeterred, Emma and Gabe continue to bring Alice and Will together in hopes of them becoming a couple. I couldn't decide whether this was sheer stupidity (I want my sister and your BFF to be a couple too) or a recognition that despite their differences Will and Alice are kindred spirits.
Thus begins our modern romance where, just like in an old-fashioned dance, Will and Alice come together for a brief moment and then part only to repeat, with David Bowie a ghostly presence that witnesses each of the occasions. Even the title is a reference to one of David's songs.
I liked both Will and Alice, I found Alice's feelings about her mother slightly difficult to understand (especially some of the earlier cryptic references to doing bad things) although I totally understand why she would be traumatised.
My only criticism would be that I thought this was going to be a bit more edgy, a bit less mainstream NA/YA, and would have MORE David Bowie. At the end I really had to think before I realised that David Bowie had, in one way or another, been a presence throughout their romance.
But that aside, I really enjoyed this book. I mean, what's not to like, a quirky NA/YA romance with a sexy guy and a fun girl, all set to the soundtrack of my youth, the incomparable David Bowie.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Alice Aberdeen has just come off a messy break-up with her girlfriend of two years. Her long-suffering sister Emma invites her to a David Bowie tribute show sponsored by the Humane Society. They dress up and Emma (a make-up artist) does their make-up. Unbeknownst to Alice, Emma and her boyfriend Gabe have invited Gabe's best friend Will Murphy along, trying to match-make.
Will looks rather older than he is, with grey flecks in his hair and beard. From an exotically mixed Irish/ Indian parentage, he looks like a hot model. He owns his own successful business, is a vegetarian and drives a Tesla (very expensive, electric sports SUV with phenomenal speed - like a Porsche for the eco-warrior).
Alice looks young for her age, she's a student studying for her Masters in Fine Art at the University of Minnesota and living hand-to-mouth in her sister's apartment.
Their first meeting is not auspicious, Alice is dancing like a loon to David Bowie when she turns and spills her drink all over Will. Will reacts badly and the two of them are fighting (verbally). Both react with horror when they realise that they have been set up with each other. Nevertheless, undeterred, Emma and Gabe continue to bring Alice and Will together in hopes of them becoming a couple. I couldn't decide whether this was sheer stupidity (I want my sister and your BFF to be a couple too) or a recognition that despite their differences Will and Alice are kindred spirits.
Thus begins our modern romance where, just like in an old-fashioned dance, Will and Alice come together for a brief moment and then part only to repeat, with David Bowie a ghostly presence that witnesses each of the occasions. Even the title is a reference to one of David's songs.
I liked both Will and Alice, I found Alice's feelings about her mother slightly difficult to understand (especially some of the earlier cryptic references to doing bad things) although I totally understand why she would be traumatised.
My only criticism would be that I thought this was going to be a bit more edgy, a bit less mainstream NA/YA, and would have MORE David Bowie. At the end I really had to think before I realised that David Bowie had, in one way or another, been a presence throughout their romance.
But that aside, I really enjoyed this book. I mean, what's not to like, a quirky NA/YA romance with a sexy guy and a fun girl, all set to the soundtrack of my youth, the incomparable David Bowie.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
leahtd's review
3.0
I received a NetGalley copy for an honest review.
While I enjoyed the characters and some of the millennial vibe behind the book, it was just too short and the timeline too rushed. The book would suddenly jump months and then just casually mention it, which didn't give Allie and Will's relationship the time, description and tension it needed to really hit it out of the park. I liked the characters at the start., but as the book progressed I found myself wanting to know more about them and to have a deeper understanding of who they were. I did really enjoy the fact that Allie was bisexual and was getting over her last relationship, and Will really took that all in stride.
The book has some great lines such as this on page 19, "How hard is it to just meet someone at, say, a bookstore? Or at the gym? Or in a cooking class? Isn’t that how every chick flick started? Two sexy people meet, have an equal exchange of appreciating glances and hurled insults, and eventually fall in love?" As a millennial I found myself identifying with this. Again, the book started off really strong with this cool millennial vibe but then kind of lost it's uniqueness as the book went on.
http://leahdudak.com/advisory/book/modern-love
While I enjoyed the characters and some of the millennial vibe behind the book, it was just too short and the timeline too rushed. The book would suddenly jump months and then just casually mention it, which didn't give Allie and Will's relationship the time, description and tension it needed to really hit it out of the park. I liked the characters at the start., but as the book progressed I found myself wanting to know more about them and to have a deeper understanding of who they were. I did really enjoy the fact that Allie was bisexual and was getting over her last relationship, and Will really took that all in stride.
The book has some great lines such as this on page 19, "How hard is it to just meet someone at, say, a bookstore? Or at the gym? Or in a cooking class? Isn’t that how every chick flick started? Two sexy people meet, have an equal exchange of appreciating glances and hurled insults, and eventually fall in love?" As a millennial I found myself identifying with this. Again, the book started off really strong with this cool millennial vibe but then kind of lost it's uniqueness as the book went on.
http://leahdudak.com/advisory/book/modern-love
nen96's review
4.0
I know that this isn't objectively a great book but I was still thoroughly entertained.