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theloranhale's review against another edition
5.0
Laura Jane Williams' protagonists are always relatable and Penny Bridge is no different. Penny Bridge is another successful, admirable thirty years old woman who feels less wanted and unloved and more frustrated and confused to why. A failing long term relationship and a coward of an ex boyfriend and many dates that never become more than casual flings that she started to believe that there is something innately wrong standing in the way of finding her happiness. Soon enough, things change when, suddenly, it starts raining men. Penny finds herself stuck in a romantic dilemma with three eligible men. However, Her trouble is compounded by the fact she's a breast cancer survivor. She wants to have a child. She has infertility problems. She has already gone with the embryo freezing process. But how can she handle all of that on top of moving to the countryside for a year and taking care of her uncle’s pub business?
Along with the romantic entanglements, The Love Square protagonist finds herself struggling with familial obligations, messy situationships and her own desire to build a family and become a mother She embarks upon a wild journey that challenges her conception of love, intimacy and relationships.
To begin with, I’m a fan of Williams’ writings for her ability to centre womanhood in her writings. I keep coming back to her books not only for their relatability but also for their didactic nature. In The Love Square, Penny is a breast cancer survivor. She only got diagnosed at the age of 25 years old, which is commonly believed as surreal, that almost never happens to younger women. Right? We rarely see that in real life. In fact, according to statistics, only 5% of breast cancer cases happen to women under the age of 40. I really admired Williams’ empathy towards such a sensitive topic and her willingness to delve into its aftermath experience. Hormones therapy, surrogacy, embryo freezing and infertility; all of those issues are openly discussed by Penny in a way that allows an understanding of its pain and more space to think and talk about those matters. It, also, demonstrates an authentic, alternative reaction to the stereotypical perception of infertile individuals. Penny wasn’t wallowing in self-pity, or stuck in the victim role but rather she embraced her illness and found an alternative to guarantee that her family dream comes true.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about the books is the authors’ attempt at challenging the heteronormative norms of the dating scene. Penny herself gets into situationships with both Thomas and Priyech “no strings attached”. The former is a polygamous partner whom she has fun with and doesn’t feel the pressure of commitment with as for the latter is just a sex partner whom apparently is her best laid. We get to see another types of relationships that do not warrant any judgmental commentary or contempt.As for Penny herself, the freedom of exploring her sexuality and enjoying her time without sex-shaming herself is considered a win for women. It’s high time woman stopped feeling guilty or shameful for pursuing sexual pleasure or seeking casual relationships.
Furthermore, The family dynamics in the book tug at my heartstrings. Penny is really close to her uncle who took her and her sister in when they were orphaned. She sacrifices her life in London for a year to take care of his business leaving behind Francisco, her first love interest, and her café for her friend and co-worker to manage. (Even though she does it bitterly.). She, also, feels deeply for her sister Clemntine who happens to travel a lot yet keep in touch with. She stands by her and listens to her rants all the time. She even pursued her to be her surrogate. Clearly, she has a loving family and a solid support system.
Notably, I enjoyed the friends to lovers trope with Fransisco. Possibly, I will never get over him asking her to fall in friendship with him. Their relationship is endearing. It’s genuine, raw and intimate even though they haven’t known each other for that long, they seemed to be comfortable and at ease. He’s the only love interest whom she shared bits of her illness with. He embraces her as a future single mother without seeking to have an active role as a father figure (even though that changes in the epilogue). He calls her out on her confusion and blatantly verbal slaps her about her seemingly romantic attachments. He even asks her to seek therapy which she does to make sense of it all.
Penny Bridge is, definitely, a hella relatable messy character. I think all of us at some point got tugged into different directions trying to meet expectations and duties veering from what we really want, which is in her case is a baby. Realising that she’s being passive in her happiness and taking back control over her own life has made her redirect her focus from romantic relationships to motherhood. That did not mean that she didn’t get the guy. She did, but it wasn’t about Francisco after all. It was all about what a woman really wants.
It’s safe to say that Williams is an incredible author. I admire the way that she handles the female experience in her books, and how she tackles many facets of it in each and every one of them. The Love Square is just another testimony that the author is not only unapologetically shedding light on women’s voiceless struggles in the romance genre but also demonstrating it from an empathetic, understanding, eye-opening angle. I love her protagonists, I love her writing, I love the way she always has something to say. Definitely not a disappointing read.
Along with the romantic entanglements, The Love Square protagonist finds herself struggling with familial obligations, messy situationships and her own desire to build a family and become a mother She embarks upon a wild journey that challenges her conception of love, intimacy and relationships.
To begin with, I’m a fan of Williams’ writings for her ability to centre womanhood in her writings. I keep coming back to her books not only for their relatability but also for their didactic nature. In The Love Square, Penny is a breast cancer survivor. She only got diagnosed at the age of 25 years old, which is commonly believed as surreal, that almost never happens to younger women. Right? We rarely see that in real life. In fact, according to statistics, only 5% of breast cancer cases happen to women under the age of 40. I really admired Williams’ empathy towards such a sensitive topic and her willingness to delve into its aftermath experience. Hormones therapy, surrogacy, embryo freezing and infertility; all of those issues are openly discussed by Penny in a way that allows an understanding of its pain and more space to think and talk about those matters. It, also, demonstrates an authentic, alternative reaction to the stereotypical perception of infertile individuals. Penny wasn’t wallowing in self-pity, or stuck in the victim role but rather she embraced her illness and found an alternative to guarantee that her family dream comes true.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about the books is the authors’ attempt at challenging the heteronormative norms of the dating scene. Penny herself gets into situationships with both Thomas and Priyech “no strings attached”. The former is a polygamous partner whom she has fun with and doesn’t feel the pressure of commitment with as for the latter is just a sex partner whom apparently is her best laid. We get to see another types of relationships that do not warrant any judgmental commentary or contempt.As for Penny herself, the freedom of exploring her sexuality and enjoying her time without sex-shaming herself is considered a win for women. It’s high time woman stopped feeling guilty or shameful for pursuing sexual pleasure or seeking casual relationships.
Furthermore, The family dynamics in the book tug at my heartstrings. Penny is really close to her uncle who took her and her sister in when they were orphaned. She sacrifices her life in London for a year to take care of his business leaving behind Francisco, her first love interest, and her café for her friend and co-worker to manage. (Even though she does it bitterly.). She, also, feels deeply for her sister Clemntine who happens to travel a lot yet keep in touch with. She stands by her and listens to her rants all the time. She even pursued her to be her surrogate. Clearly, she has a loving family and a solid support system.
Notably, I enjoyed the friends to lovers trope with Fransisco. Possibly, I will never get over him asking her to fall in friendship with him. Their relationship is endearing. It’s genuine, raw and intimate even though they haven’t known each other for that long, they seemed to be comfortable and at ease. He’s the only love interest whom she shared bits of her illness with. He embraces her as a future single mother without seeking to have an active role as a father figure (even though that changes in the epilogue). He calls her out on her confusion and blatantly verbal slaps her about her seemingly romantic attachments. He even asks her to seek therapy which she does to make sense of it all.
Penny Bridge is, definitely, a hella relatable messy character. I think all of us at some point got tugged into different directions trying to meet expectations and duties veering from what we really want, which is in her case is a baby. Realising that she’s being passive in her happiness and taking back control over her own life has made her redirect her focus from romantic relationships to motherhood. That did not mean that she didn’t get the guy. She did, but it wasn’t about Francisco after all. It was all about what a woman really wants.
It’s safe to say that Williams is an incredible author. I admire the way that she handles the female experience in her books, and how she tackles many facets of it in each and every one of them. The Love Square is just another testimony that the author is not only unapologetically shedding light on women’s voiceless struggles in the romance genre but also demonstrating it from an empathetic, understanding, eye-opening angle. I love her protagonists, I love her writing, I love the way she always has something to say. Definitely not a disappointing read.
totallybookeduk's review against another edition
4.0
Following the life of Penny, who hasn't been all that lucky in love. With nothing serious since her boyfriend Mo left her as she found out she had breast cancer five years ago. Thinking that her love life is never going to go anywhere she considers motherhood, utilising the fertilised eggs she has in storage from her cancer treatment.
Suddenly, she meets Francesco who delivers the bread order to her cafe one day for a friend. Sensing a spark between them Penny's colleague gets him to leave his number. However, Penny is too scared to message. A few false starts they start to date, however, Penny suddenly has to leave London to look after a pub/restaurant for her uncle.
Newly single she ploughs her efforts into work, however, manages to find some fun along the way. With not one but two interested parties. Then with Francesco back on the scene she's found herself in a 'Love Square'.
Is she destined to life, love and work where she wants? Or is there something more important that she wants?
Suddenly, she meets Francesco who delivers the bread order to her cafe one day for a friend. Sensing a spark between them Penny's colleague gets him to leave his number. However, Penny is too scared to message. A few false starts they start to date, however, Penny suddenly has to leave London to look after a pub/restaurant for her uncle.
Newly single she ploughs her efforts into work, however, manages to find some fun along the way. With not one but two interested parties. Then with Francesco back on the scene she's found herself in a 'Love Square'.
Is she destined to life, love and work where she wants? Or is there something more important that she wants?
lissac's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars - there was a lot to like about the characters in this book, but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed in some things about how the story wrapped up.
beth_joey's review against another edition
4.0
I really, really loved this book!
I honestly didn't expect to because the whole premise didn't seem like my kind of story and I'm usually not a huge fan of the whole 'Love Triangle' trope so I thought adding one more person to that would just be worse... Plus I'm always slightly hesitant about book subscriptions boxes, especially when I pick a mystery one and I don't know what I'm going to get.
The Love Square really got me hooked from the beginning and I reckon I could have smashed it out in a day if work hadn't got in the way.
I liked how Penny wasn't really looking for a man when they started showing up in her life and that she felt empowered enough to make the life choices that she had been gunning for for so long, like starting a family and a successful business all on her own.
Of course, as a hopeless romantic, I loved the drama and the sexiness and the sappiness so it really ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The Love Square definitely isn't the kind of book that's supposed to challenge you or make you think but it did challenge the idea that lots of love and attention from different men is the dream.
I think this idea is a trap that a lot of 'Love Triangle' books get stuck in - they make it sound like having all these men campaigning for the main characters' attention is the perfect situation and the only issue is having to pick one at the end.
I like that Penny struggled with this and that it wasn't easy for her to be stuck between these men. I like that her feelings got in the way. Williams really beautifully demonstrated the complexities of Penny's situation which I feel is so important and a nice little learning opportunity for readers.
The one thing I was unsure about was the involvement of Lizzo in the story - I thought it was a bit strange and didn't really add anything to the general plot or arc of the story. On the other hand, I guess it was the thing that really attracted her to Thomas to begin with.
The friendships and family and support system that played such a strong part in the book were really beautiful and I think it was important that Williams showed that a loving support system is the dream, not the love of many men.
Overall, it was a really great, feel-good book.
I honestly didn't expect to because the whole premise didn't seem like my kind of story and I'm usually not a huge fan of the whole 'Love Triangle' trope so I thought adding one more person to that would just be worse... Plus I'm always slightly hesitant about book subscriptions boxes, especially when I pick a mystery one and I don't know what I'm going to get.
The Love Square really got me hooked from the beginning and I reckon I could have smashed it out in a day if work hadn't got in the way.
I liked how Penny wasn't really looking for a man when they started showing up in her life and that she felt empowered enough to make the life choices that she had been gunning for for so long, like starting a family and a successful business all on her own.
Of course, as a hopeless romantic, I loved the drama and the sexiness and the sappiness so it really ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The Love Square definitely isn't the kind of book that's supposed to challenge you or make you think but it did challenge the idea that lots of love and attention from different men is the dream.
I think this idea is a trap that a lot of 'Love Triangle' books get stuck in - they make it sound like having all these men campaigning for the main characters' attention is the perfect situation and the only issue is having to pick one at the end.
I like that Penny struggled with this and that it wasn't easy for her to be stuck between these men. I like that her feelings got in the way. Williams really beautifully demonstrated the complexities of Penny's situation which I feel is so important and a nice little learning opportunity for readers.
The one thing I was unsure about was the involvement of Lizzo in the story - I thought it was a bit strange and didn't really add anything to the general plot or arc of the story. On the other hand, I guess it was the thing that really attracted her to Thomas to begin with.
The friendships and family and support system that played such a strong part in the book were really beautiful and I think it was important that Williams showed that a loving support system is the dream, not the love of many men.
Overall, it was a really great, feel-good book.
spowers2627's review against another edition
2.0
A romantic comedy that for me fell short.
The meet cute between Penny and Francesco was fun and their story had potential. Overall I could not get into this book. I didn't enjoy the writing of this store, both the dialogue and character development fell flat for me. Truly, I didn't think Penny was a very likable character. I did find the conclusion satisfying and I enjoyed the idea that friends become family.
The meet cute between Penny and Francesco was fun and their story had potential. Overall I could not get into this book. I didn't enjoy the writing of this store, both the dialogue and character development fell flat for me. Truly, I didn't think Penny was a very likable character. I did find the conclusion satisfying and I enjoyed the idea that friends become family.
jules_writes's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe closer to a 4.5* rating but I loved it!
And when I turned the last page I went and bought her previous book - Our Stop :D
Longer review to come...
And when I turned the last page I went and bought her previous book - Our Stop :D
Longer review to come...
emeriouss's review against another edition
5.0
Would've devoured it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to work! Absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
marbooks88's review against another edition
4.0
Penny has given up on love when she meets Francesco and they become friends. Just as they are beginning to become more when Penny leaves London to help her family. It has only been a few weeks so she can't ask Francesco to give up his life. While running the family restaurant she meets 2 more men who bring out different sides of her. But who is she the real Penny with? A story of family and finding your true self.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review.
gabfat's review against another edition
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
3.5