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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
surprisingly liked more than I thought I would. A lighthearted, cute lil book about learning to trust yourself, friendships as an adult, and a tiny bit of romance.
I loved the journey that The Setup took me on in Europe. I found this book to be funny and an enjoyable read.
Mara was an unusual character that at first I wasn't sure of, but I grew to like her. I didn't understand her obsession with Joe, nor her determination to keep everyone, including her family, away. I loved Ash and Mara together, but wish that they had a little more romantic development. They felt more suited to be friends by the end. Mara's growth really did it for me though and I loved the self-awareness she had at the end.
If you enjoy sarcasm and dry humor, you should enjoy this one!
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the gifted copy
Mara was an unusual character that at first I wasn't sure of, but I grew to like her. I didn't understand her obsession with Joe, nor her determination to keep everyone, including her family, away. I loved Ash and Mara together, but wish that they had a little more romantic development. They felt more suited to be friends by the end. Mara's growth really did it for me though and I loved the self-awareness she had at the end.
If you enjoy sarcasm and dry humor, you should enjoy this one!
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the gifted copy
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
I really enjoyed “The Summer Job” by Lizzy and was so excited to read this book. It was still a creative concept, even though it was a bit silly. Definitely enjoyed it, but I wasn’t as invested in this book as I was her previous.
It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but would still recommend if you are looking for a super light romance read. Also pre-warning, very PG, no spicy bits haha.
It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but would still recommend if you are looking for a super light romance read. Also pre-warning, very PG, no spicy bits haha.
This book is a good solid read. Mara can be a bit frustrating as a character sometimes, but that’s kinda the point. Mara does take it a little too far sometimes and seems to get herself together rather quickly towards the end. I like that the author explores the early 30s sense of not having everything together. There is a strong sense of friendship throughout the book, which is also a nice bonus.
Thanks to NetGallery for the early read.
Thanks to NetGallery for the early read.
Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Admittedly first chapter I was like meh! BUT 3 chapters later I was invested! I enjoyed the storyline and how it was about being out of your comfort zone. Mara was so relatable as a character and she reminded me so much of myself - making my life smaller so I didn't have to put myself out there in social situations. I'm a total recluse lol!!
The other characters were a great addition, especially Ash as the added love interest! All of them were real and flawed which added to the story! Mara's relationship with her family was strained but it added to the dynamics as not all of us live like happy families right so I liked that about them. Although I was urging her to burst into tragic sobs and admit everything to her mum!!
There was a good amount of humour throughout which I enjoyed. Alongside the romance and family issues, Mara was dealing with long time friendship dramas. I think I was hoping for a bit more sympathy from Mara to her life long friend who has recently had a baby but that kinda seemed like one of Mara's flaws - she came across a bit selfish.
Overall a good read, quite fast paced and fun.
Admittedly first chapter I was like meh! BUT 3 chapters later I was invested! I enjoyed the storyline and how it was about being out of your comfort zone. Mara was so relatable as a character and she reminded me so much of myself - making my life smaller so I didn't have to put myself out there in social situations. I'm a total recluse lol!!
The other characters were a great addition, especially Ash as the added love interest! All of them were real and flawed which added to the story! Mara's relationship with her family was strained but it added to the dynamics as not all of us live like happy families right so I liked that about them. Although I was urging her to burst into tragic sobs and admit everything to her mum!!
There was a good amount of humour throughout which I enjoyed. Alongside the romance and family issues, Mara was dealing with long time friendship dramas. I think I was hoping for a bit more sympathy from Mara to her life long friend who has recently had a baby but that kinda seemed like one of Mara's flaws - she came across a bit selfish.
Overall a good read, quite fast paced and fun.
Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Admittedly first chapter I was like meh! BUT 3 chapters later I was invested! I enjoyed the storyline and how it was about being out of your comfort zone. Mara was so relatable as a character and she reminded me so much of myself - making my life smaller so I didn't have to put myself out there in social situations. I'm a total recluse lol!!
The other characters were a great addition, especially Ash as the added love interest! All of them were real and flawed which added to the story! Mara's relationship with her family was strained but it added to the dynamics as not all of us live like happy families right so I liked that about them. Although I was urging her to burst into tragic sobs and admit everything to her mum!!
There was a good amount of humour throughout which I enjoyed. Alongside the romance and family issues, Mara was dealing with long time friendship dramas. I think I was hoping for a bit more sympathy from Mara to her life long friend who has recently had a baby but that kinda seemed like one of Mara's flaws - she came across a bit selfish.
Overall a good read, quite fast paced and fun.
Admittedly first chapter I was like meh! BUT 3 chapters later I was invested! I enjoyed the storyline and how it was about being out of your comfort zone. Mara was so relatable as a character and she reminded me so much of myself - making my life smaller so I didn't have to put myself out there in social situations. I'm a total recluse lol!!
The other characters were a great addition, especially Ash as the added love interest! All of them were real and flawed which added to the story! Mara's relationship with her family was strained but it added to the dynamics as not all of us live like happy families right so I liked that about them. Although I was urging her to burst into tragic sobs and admit everything to her mum!!
There was a good amount of humour throughout which I enjoyed. Alongside the romance and family issues, Mara was dealing with long time friendship dramas. I think I was hoping for a bit more sympathy from Mara to her life long friend who has recently had a baby but that kinda seemed like one of Mara's flaws - she came across a bit selfish.
Overall a good read, quite fast paced and fun.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another fabulous read by Lizzy Dent!! After reading her first novel The Summer Job, I was very excited to pick this one up!
The Setup was a super refreshing and upbeat read, full of escapism and a well-painted universe. I loved the cast of characters, the plot-line and of course the romance, which was delightful to read! I found myself so frustrated with Mara throughout much of the novel but her struggles with herself and her attempt at a “perfect” life were thoroughly relatable and hit close to home. My favourite part of Dent’s books is her ability to create realistic worlds with trials, struggles, romance, friendship, and community - which makes the stories all the more relatable and enjoyable. Truly loved Mara and Ash sm and their relationship buildup was perfectly paced 🫶🏻
The Setup was a super refreshing and upbeat read, full of escapism and a well-painted universe. I loved the cast of characters, the plot-line and of course the romance, which was delightful to read! I found myself so frustrated with Mara throughout much of the novel but her struggles with herself and her attempt at a “perfect” life were thoroughly relatable and hit close to home. My favourite part of Dent’s books is her ability to create realistic worlds with trials, struggles, romance, friendship, and community - which makes the stories all the more relatable and enjoyable. Truly loved Mara and Ash sm and their relationship buildup was perfectly paced 🫶🏻
lighthearted
It was a fun read, and a bit of a hallmark movie set over the Sumer instead of Christmas.
I didn’t really get what Mara’s deal was, though.
I didn’t really get what Mara’s deal was, though.