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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
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
sorry lizzy dent i just do not give a fuck about astrology
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for an ARC of this book! I’ve willingly read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
This is my second book from Lizzy Dent and I was completely hooked on THE SETUP the moment a psychic reading was mentioned.
The book opens with the main character, Mara (Sagittarius), lover of astrology, coming across a psychic during her vacation. After a brief reading, her psychic rushes out to give birth, leaving Mara with the idea that she’ll soon be meeting a tall, handsome stranger. Then in walks Joe, a classical musician who Mara is convinced is the love she’s been desperate for.
Posing as the psychic, she convinces Joe that he’ll be meeting a woman named Mara in a few months and then she leaves the rest up to fate, returning home to make some fixes in her life—hair, wardrobe, local community center where she works—and meet her new roommate, Ash.
I so related to Mara’s love of astrology and the comfort of finding out what’s coming along down the road, not just for the day ahead, but for the great wide expanse of unknown that is the future. I loved the whole quirky cast of characters, especially Ash. And though, as a character, Mara at times could be self-absorbed, it never made her an unlikeable character. The reader is truly able to see her transform and become more confident in herself and her own decisions.
This is my second book from Lizzy Dent and I was completely hooked on THE SETUP the moment a psychic reading was mentioned.
The book opens with the main character, Mara (Sagittarius), lover of astrology, coming across a psychic during her vacation. After a brief reading, her psychic rushes out to give birth, leaving Mara with the idea that she’ll soon be meeting a tall, handsome stranger. Then in walks Joe, a classical musician who Mara is convinced is the love she’s been desperate for.
Posing as the psychic, she convinces Joe that he’ll be meeting a woman named Mara in a few months and then she leaves the rest up to fate, returning home to make some fixes in her life—hair, wardrobe, local community center where she works—and meet her new roommate, Ash.
I so related to Mara’s love of astrology and the comfort of finding out what’s coming along down the road, not just for the day ahead, but for the great wide expanse of unknown that is the future. I loved the whole quirky cast of characters, especially Ash. And though, as a character, Mara at times could be self-absorbed, it never made her an unlikeable character. The reader is truly able to see her transform and become more confident in herself and her own decisions.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It is rare that I enjoy a book with an unlikeable/annoying main character and this story wasn’t an outlier. Perhaps other readers might find her charming but I did not. The MMC was moderately developed. The plot was lighthearted and silly with eccentric townspeople.
I did not enjoy the romance plot, mainly due to the main characters not feeling like much of a match. Nor did they have chemistry.
If you like Sofie Kinsella books, this might be something that you would enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for my honest review.
I did not enjoy the romance plot, mainly due to the main characters not feeling like much of a match. Nor did they have chemistry.
If you like Sofie Kinsella books, this might be something that you would enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
ARC REVIEW - Publication Date: 9th June 2022
The Setup tells the story of Mara as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding out what and who she wants in her life. Although it is very clear from the beginning that her high levels of self-doubt were holding her back, this was different to other romance books I have read – in a significant way! Her quirkiness, social anxiety, and obsession with horoscopes make her highly relatable, easy to invest in and an entertaining leading character.
I particularly like that Kent was the location of choice for this book - always a winner for me! Although a little predictable in places for my preference, the plot is fast-paced, but overall, very readable. I was able to finish this quickly, and I was eager to determine the outcomes of Mara’s decisions.
The writing style adds comical moments throughout, and this would suit any reader with a good sense of humour, as there is a lot of ‘banter’ between characters. The Setup is not a book to be taken too seriously; however, this adds to the enjoyment factor.
This is a light-hearted, adorable romance with a slice of family drama on the side. Perfect for a summer read, whether on the beach somewhere exotic or just chilling in the back garden. It is recommended to all fans of this genre and author.
(Thank you, Penguin General UK, and NetGalley, for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.)
The Setup tells the story of Mara as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding out what and who she wants in her life. Although it is very clear from the beginning that her high levels of self-doubt were holding her back, this was different to other romance books I have read – in a significant way! Her quirkiness, social anxiety, and obsession with horoscopes make her highly relatable, easy to invest in and an entertaining leading character.
I particularly like that Kent was the location of choice for this book - always a winner for me! Although a little predictable in places for my preference, the plot is fast-paced, but overall, very readable. I was able to finish this quickly, and I was eager to determine the outcomes of Mara’s decisions.
The writing style adds comical moments throughout, and this would suit any reader with a good sense of humour, as there is a lot of ‘banter’ between characters. The Setup is not a book to be taken too seriously; however, this adds to the enjoyment factor.
This is a light-hearted, adorable romance with a slice of family drama on the side. Perfect for a summer read, whether on the beach somewhere exotic or just chilling in the back garden. It is recommended to all fans of this genre and author.
(Thank you, Penguin General UK, and NetGalley, for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.)
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
~I received this book free from Netgalley for an honest review~
I went into this book expecting it to be a fun light read. There were definitely parts that fit that but I found that I was rather stressed throughout the book.
Mara is a very frustrating main character. I completely understand someone not trusting themselves and relying on fate but at times it was quite difficult to read. It was due to this that I couldn't quite fully enjoy the story.
That being said, I did love the small town aspects of the book and the connections between the townsfolk and Mara's workmates were lovely.
Overall it was a fun read, a little stressful at times but I did still enjoy the book.
I went into this book expecting it to be a fun light read. There were definitely parts that fit that but I found that I was rather stressed throughout the book.
Mara is a very frustrating main character. I completely understand someone not trusting themselves and relying on fate but at times it was quite difficult to read. It was due to this that I couldn't quite fully enjoy the story.
Spoiler
While I enjoyed parts of her romance with Ash, I actually felt like she didn't deserve him. She treats him awfully and hardly ever seems to appreciate all the things that he does for her. While I don't mind reading about flawed characters, Mara just felt too rude and mean. I was left feeling sorry for Ash when they actually end up together.That being said, I did love the small town aspects of the book and the connections between the townsfolk and Mara's workmates were lovely.
Overall it was a fun read, a little stressful at times but I did still enjoy the book.