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laelyn's review against another edition
3.0
"Love at First" is a cute little romance with pretty complex characters. Both Will and Nora are loveable, and I was invested in both of their backstories. There are a ton of quirky, endearing side characters too, and I loved the general concept of the story. It's sweet, it's light, it's fun to read, and oh do I love a good found family in my books!
I did think that the conflict between Will and Nora felt a little forced at times - they really had no actual reason to consider each other enemies (though I'd argue they never really did but just pretended to), and both of them suffered from a heavy dose of instalove which is a trope I don't necessarily enjoy. I prefer there to be more (real, not forced) obstacles, more meat to the development of the romance. And a part of me really would have loved for them to actually meet back in the days when they were teenagers instead of it being a one-sided thing.
In the end, I'm pretty sure I won't remember much about this story in a few months. It's not a Stand Out kind of romance full of new ideas and groundbreaking characters. But it's a really enjoyable, well written, quick and fluffy read, and that is, after all, what I want and expect from my romance novels.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the arc!
I did think that the conflict between Will and Nora felt a little forced at times - they really had no actual reason to consider each other enemies (though I'd argue they never really did but just pretended to), and both of them suffered from a heavy dose of instalove which is a trope I don't necessarily enjoy. I prefer there to be more (real, not forced) obstacles, more meat to the development of the romance. And a part of me really would have loved for them to actually meet back in the days when they were teenagers instead of it being a one-sided thing.
In the end, I'm pretty sure I won't remember much about this story in a few months. It's not a Stand Out kind of romance full of new ideas and groundbreaking characters. But it's a really enjoyable, well written, quick and fluffy read, and that is, after all, what I want and expect from my romance novels.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the arc!
m2b2's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
opheliabedilia's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.5
cletusjenn's review against another edition
4.0
cute and sweet but had a hard time finishing this one. i had the tendency to temporarily stop mid chapter and get back on it a few hrs after huhu
3.75 ☆
3.75 ☆
afoolsingenuity's review against another edition
DNF @ 39%
I expected an enjoyable lighter read of two people meeting again and falling in love. Broadly these things are true but the whole enemies over him wanting to renovate and lease an apartment out for short term rentals didn’t work. He didn’t know his uncle so why are people expecting sentimentality? Obviously they don’t know the circumstances of their only meeting but it was bizarre. You can’t choose your neighbours and things happen. I just couldn’t understand how it was becoming a plot point when there was no plot point to have. Nora was a bad neighbour.
I read reviews saying be too judgmental of Will as he comes across cold at first. I disagree I understood him. Nora comes across as a crazy neighbour I would avoid. I know she grieving so it’s understandable but I just didn’t like her.
I was avoiding reading at 39% so took it as a sign to DNF. We’re nearly at the halfway point and I’m still not invested that’s not good.
I expected an enjoyable lighter read of two people meeting again and falling in love. Broadly these things are true but the whole enemies over him wanting to renovate and lease an apartment out for short term rentals didn’t work. He didn’t know his uncle so why are people expecting sentimentality? Obviously they don’t know the circumstances of their only meeting but it was bizarre. You can’t choose your neighbours and things happen. I just couldn’t understand how it was becoming a plot point when there was no plot point to have. Nora was a bad neighbour.
I read reviews saying be too judgmental of Will as he comes across cold at first. I disagree I understood him. Nora comes across as a crazy neighbour I would avoid. I know she grieving so it’s understandable but I just didn’t like her.
I was avoiding reading at 39% so took it as a sign to DNF. We’re nearly at the halfway point and I’m still not invested that’s not good.
trudyd's review against another edition
3.0
A good book that shows that anyone can find love. Will never knew love, never knew what it was liked to be cared for by parents. Will's reality came to light when his mom took him to an uncle's in Chicago. He listened. He learned. He changed.
Nora visited her Nonna every summer and for the holidays. She was the one who taught her to love with the help of her neighbors. Her Nonna and the apartment complex was her every thing. She will do anything to make sure the complex remains her happy place.
Will inherits an apartment he doesn't want. Nora inherits a problem--how to deal with Will. They both have to deal with all the busybodies in the complex wanting to play matchmaker. Enjoyed the laughs.
Nora visited her Nonna every summer and for the holidays. She was the one who taught her to love with the help of her neighbors. Her Nonna and the apartment complex was her every thing. She will do anything to make sure the complex remains her happy place.
Will inherits an apartment he doesn't want. Nora inherits a problem--how to deal with Will. They both have to deal with all the busybodies in the complex wanting to play matchmaker. Enjoyed the laughs.
w_eronika's review
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? It's complicated
3.5
zigzag11's review
2.0
Unbelievable group of people far too involved in each other’s business, with a lackluster and emotionally stunted leading male love interest. I loved Clayborn’s other book, Love Lettering, so this was a disappointment.
flybookworm2004's review
4.0
Kate Clayborn’s Love Lettering was the first of hers that I have read and I loved it, so I thought, of course I’m also going to love her next one. Again, Kate Clayborn...........I love you!! This book gave me all the feels. And being of Italian heritage myself, I found myself relating to Nora in so many ways. Kate's books give your heart, soul and entire being happiness as you keep reading. I was so very lucky to receive an ARC of one of my most anticipated 2021 romances.
I fell in love with Nora and Will a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
I fell in love with Nora and Will a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!