4.08 AVERAGE



This may be controversial, because I’ve seen a lot of reviews saying this is EmHen’s “worst” book, but in my opinion, it’s one of her best. I loved everything about this. It gave some slight Evelyn Hugo vibes, the relationship between the FMC & MMC was so lovely, the relationship between the FMC & her mom was relatable, and the plot was solid and interesting. Also, I really enjoyed all of the side characters, which is standard in EmHen books for me. There were quite a few twists that I didn’t see coming as well, which I haven’t really experienced in a romance novel yet. I just really enjoyed this book, and in a lot of ways would be enjoyable for any reader, romance or not

huge win for lovers of the seven husbands of evelyn hugo
emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot

The last hundred or so pages had me like, where’s Jodi?? And then somehow I completely forgot about Theo. But that’s ok, Alice needed to forget about him too. 

I appreciate a book with multiple threads that weave around the core of the story to reinforce it, even as they seem to be leading in different directions. I also quite liked the two main characters and found the details which made them unique did a good job of distancing them from the usual tropes in small but distinct ways, with charm. As individuals, they’re engaging and the idea of them together I find makes for an exciting pair — but the reality of them on the page I felt didn’t quite reach its full potential. It’s close! But there were a few too many moments where the tension seemed cut before it could fully build or I found myself rolling my eyes at a reaction that one had to the other. Still, I think with this type of book a lot comes down to personal preference. And the writing itself is certainly clean. 

The only other item to catch my attention was the quick ending. Which, I really do mean the end-end. The last 15 pages or so blasted onward but easily could have taken far more space. I didn’t need the book on the whole to be longer, but that final coming together is such a peak moment for this form of narrative that I was surprised not to get time to sit with it. Though I could have done without the actual last chapter / final 3ish pages. 

Overall, it’s cozy and curious, which I think are two quite fun qualities for a story. 

Edit: I forgot to mention! Some of the celebrity events will feel very familiar to tragedies that have happened to real well-known people. One in particular I haven’t quite processed my thoughts on. 
emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional relaxing 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

If Evelyn Hugo had fewer husbands
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective 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: No

surprisingly enticing mystery, family drama plot! plus a lovely romance