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abookwormwithwine's review
4.0
[b:A Girl Like You|55766229|A Girl Like You|Cari Scribner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1603391055l/55766229._SX50_.jpg|86800611] by [a:Cari Scribner|15236295|Cari Scribner|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] was such a fun book, and I completely agree with the blurb on the cover saying it is like a more explicit version of Sex and the City. I have a copy of both the book and audiobook which is narrated by Scribner herself and ended up listening to it while taking a peek at the book afterward. At first, I wasn't sure how to feel about the book OR audio, but it quickly grew on me and I ended up really enjoying both! I had to get used to the author's narration but loved it by the time I was done which is always a great thing. I loved the fact that the main character is a 57-year-old woman, and I don't get to read enough books that feature these older viewpoints. Some parts are totally cringe-worthy but in the best possible ways, and it had so many funny moments associated with online dating. Having Jessica's son and daughter also online dating at the same time threw in some great moments and I loved the parts where they are teaching Jessica different things. Even though Jessica is technically a lot older than me, I didn't find it hard to relate to her and could totally understand many of the things she was going through.
It always somewhat breaks my heart when a book centers on a lonely person that has a hard time finding love, but A Girl Like You ends up being really hopeful and it has some great messages that I really appreciated. In between Jessica's kids and job, there are so many lighthearted moments, and I was really satisfied by the way the whole book ended. This is definitely a steamy read which can sometimes make me uncomfortable, but I didn't have any issues even listening to it in audiobook form. There is a lot about sex and other sexual-related things, but the way it was done had me intrigued instead of uncomfortable. I loved that Jessica was exploring her sexuality and could not get over how great some of those scenes were. She learns what she does and doesn't want when it comes to the bedroom and I can completely stand behind that. This is Scribner's first novel and I thought she did a wonderful job with it. I will definitely want to read or listen to anything she writes next and recommend A Girl Like You to romance and women's fiction fans who aren't scared of a little sex in their books.
Thank you to the author for my free digital and audio copies. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It always somewhat breaks my heart when a book centers on a lonely person that has a hard time finding love, but A Girl Like You ends up being really hopeful and it has some great messages that I really appreciated. In between Jessica's kids and job, there are so many lighthearted moments, and I was really satisfied by the way the whole book ended. This is definitely a steamy read which can sometimes make me uncomfortable, but I didn't have any issues even listening to it in audiobook form. There is a lot about sex and other sexual-related things, but the way it was done had me intrigued instead of uncomfortable. I loved that Jessica was exploring her sexuality and could not get over how great some of those scenes were. She learns what she does and doesn't want when it comes to the bedroom and I can completely stand behind that. This is Scribner's first novel and I thought she did a wonderful job with it. I will definitely want to read or listen to anything she writes next and recommend A Girl Like You to romance and women's fiction fans who aren't scared of a little sex in their books.
Thank you to the author for my free digital and audio copies. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
readresa's review
3.0
Jess- her life and this story were so relatable. She is coming from a second divorce and is afraid of ending up alone. It was a fun ride to read along on her online dating journey. She had quite a variety of men on her dates! The book takes you through many emotions- it was happy and funny yet sad as well. I liked how this wasn’t just another story about a 20 something woman trying to find her ideal match. Jess is an adult with kids and real life problems to navigate while dating. I loved the relationship she had with her children too. This book is pretty steamy so if that is your thing you’ll enjoy this one. Overall this one will make you laugh but also tug at your heart
marishareadsalot's review
4.0
Jessica Gabriel and her second husband decide to call it quits when their marriage just isn't working anymore. Heartbroken and embarrassed at having two failed marriages, Jessica dives into the world of online dating with the help of her adult children. Equipped with a new dating profile, she also snags herself a new job at the town hall. Slowly but surely she begins to put the pieces of her life back together.
I really loved Jessica, Cari Scribner wrote her so well that it felt like I was experiencing her life right along with her. There were several instances where I laughed out loud at situations Jessica had gotten herself into. Additionally, I could not be more thankful to not be dating. It's a jungle out there!
A Girl Like You is a wonderfully told story of love lost, the grief that goes with it, and the empowerment that comes with being who you really are. It was so fun to tag along as 57-year-old Jessica started to truly discover who she is.
ENDLESS thank you to Cari for the gifted copy of her wonderful book along with all the goodies that came with it! (The clothespin now makes sense, and it's hilarious)
I really loved Jessica, Cari Scribner wrote her so well that it felt like I was experiencing her life right along with her. There were several instances where I laughed out loud at situations Jessica had gotten herself into. Additionally, I could not be more thankful to not be dating. It's a jungle out there!
A Girl Like You is a wonderfully told story of love lost, the grief that goes with it, and the empowerment that comes with being who you really are. It was so fun to tag along as 57-year-old Jessica started to truly discover who she is.
ENDLESS thank you to Cari for the gifted copy of her wonderful book along with all the goodies that came with it! (The clothespin now makes sense, and it's hilarious)
thatbookmom's review
4.0
3.5⭐ Mini Review: This book follows 57 year old Jessica as she navigates the strange world of online dating. This book was steamier than I thought it'd be, with some surprising/sad parts, but it definitely had me laughing at all of the crazy stuff she went through. It was interesting to have an older main character since the books I normally read have much younger characters! I loved how supportive the other characters were, and the overall theme of the book: love yourself & be happy. Thank you to the author for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
joannasbookshelf's review
4.0
The blurb about this book is dead on accurate! It's Sex and the City esque with a touch of self discovery in the process. I loved that Jessica was in the 50s and explored dating as an "older" woman because the representation of online dating in books is usually with the younger generation. There was a bit of steam but not too much that it took over the book. I loved living through Jessica's chats and dates even though some of them were downright horrible. This was a cute, fun read that fans of Sex and the City would love!
sarahsbookstack's review
2.0
This wasn't really the type of book for me. I couldn't relate to the situation of dating apps (I met my husband, while on the internet, way before dating apps came around). But I am very glad to say that I didn't have to go through trying them.... It sounds just awful.
I kind of enjoyed the awkward dates Jessica found. It made me laugh when the date was way more interested in her then she was in them. I mostly enjoyed the relationship she had with her kids and it was funny that they all tried dating apps together. How awkward would that be?
I think this would be perfect for someone going through the same thing or close to it.
I kind of enjoyed the awkward dates Jessica found. It made me laugh when the date was way more interested in her then she was in them. I mostly enjoyed the relationship she had with her kids and it was funny that they all tried dating apps together. How awkward would that be?
I think this would be perfect for someone going through the same thing or close to it.
christinasreadingadventure's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
a_lovesbooks's review
4.0
A woman in her 50s trying to get back into dating? Yes, please! As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read this novel and I have no regrets. While not myself that age, I enjoy reading about heroines in their middle age. We will all get there one day! And sometimes I like to read about someone who has life experience and not a young adult who... does not. That aside, the book is a lot of fun. The men Jessica dates range from disgusting to funny to wtf and I think many of us have been there, no matter what age we are. Another thing I loved is the way her children are supportive and also still trying to find The One (or The One For Right Now). Dating might seem easier at one age or another but you can struggle at any age!
The reason Jessica and her second husband break up are not some cheating scandal or anything that's stereotypical. It feels real and something people, I feel, can relate to. There were points when the dating adventures seemed to get boring. Very enduring, albeit a bit exhausting, is Jessica's tendency to get attached way too soon. But in the end this works out so perfectly. I foresaw the ending for a while and to be honest, was waiting for it to happen, and kept wondering why it didn't, but when it did, it was like, yes. This is why. Sometimes you have to go through all that shit to get to that one moment, as small as it may seem.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reason Jessica and her second husband break up are not some cheating scandal or anything that's stereotypical. It feels real and something people, I feel, can relate to. There were points when the dating adventures seemed to get boring. Very enduring, albeit a bit exhausting, is Jessica's tendency to get attached way too soon. But in the end this works out so perfectly. I foresaw the ending for a while and to be honest, was waiting for it to happen, and kept wondering why it didn't, but when it did, it was like, yes. This is why. Sometimes you have to go through all that shit to get to that one moment, as small as it may seem.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
literallybookedsolid's review
4.0
When your second marriage has failed and you're thrown back into the dating pool in your late 50's, how do you cope? If you're Jessica, then you handle it by simply doing the best you can. After a mourning period, Jessica picks herself up, armed with a new job, new hair, new wardrobe, and a gym membership. She sets out to reinvent herself and potentially find new love in the process.
This debut novel is fast-paced. The short chapters provide quick snippets highlighting the hilarious antics Jessica faces in her new dating life. Whether its navigating the hip lingo or kissing a few frogs, this book had me laughing out loud. It's also very rare that you find a heroine in a romance in her late 50s.
I adored the refreshing relationship Jessica had with her two adult children. They swapped dating stories and gave each other tips on the dating app scene. Her bestie Eddie was a character. We all need an Eddie in our lives.
I really loved how Jessica was so vulnerable and really put herself out there and gave it her all, despite the odds. Divorce is a loss and she was going through the grief process. It wasn't easy and was often times messy and I liked that this was highlighted, because that's real life. Jessica had a lot to give and she had to muddle through how to balance that in her new reality.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
This debut novel is fast-paced. The short chapters provide quick snippets highlighting the hilarious antics Jessica faces in her new dating life. Whether its navigating the hip lingo or kissing a few frogs, this book had me laughing out loud. It's also very rare that you find a heroine in a romance in her late 50s.
I adored the refreshing relationship Jessica had with her two adult children. They swapped dating stories and gave each other tips on the dating app scene. Her bestie Eddie was a character. We all need an Eddie in our lives.
I really loved how Jessica was so vulnerable and really put herself out there and gave it her all, despite the odds. Divorce is a loss and she was going through the grief process. It wasn't easy and was often times messy and I liked that this was highlighted, because that's real life. Jessica had a lot to give and she had to muddle through how to balance that in her new reality.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
randi_reads's review
4.0
Jessica Gabriel is 57 years old and twice divorced. She thought she had "The One" with her first husband, in which she has two adult children from. When he suddenly wanted different things then their marriage, he left and they divorced. She met her next "The One" shortly after. That only lasted a few years and she is alone once again.
Thus begins the main part of this book--Jessica's dating trials through an app. We get to see the good, the bad and the worse. There were some pretty interesting men. I kept waiting to see what Jessica would find next as her reactions to the men were pretty funny. While she is dating, she is also working on herself. She gets a new job (to help support her Amazon addiction), a makeover, and a membership to the local YMCA.
Jessica's journey is funny, sad, and emotional. I loved her relationship with her two children, Maddy and Ian, and that she was so honest and open with them. I enjoyed that they were all in the dating world together and could relate to one another. I did feel like that Jessica needed to know how to be alone as she never really lived her life by herself. She spent a lot of time focusing on being happy with a man. The ending was sweet and hinted at a promising future for her.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thus begins the main part of this book--Jessica's dating trials through an app. We get to see the good, the bad and the worse. There were some pretty interesting men. I kept waiting to see what Jessica would find next as her reactions to the men were pretty funny. While she is dating, she is also working on herself. She gets a new job (to help support her Amazon addiction), a makeover, and a membership to the local YMCA.
Jessica's journey is funny, sad, and emotional. I loved her relationship with her two children, Maddy and Ian, and that she was so honest and open with them. I enjoyed that they were all in the dating world together and could relate to one another. I did feel like that Jessica needed to know how to be alone as she never really lived her life by herself. She spent a lot of time focusing on being happy with a man. The ending was sweet and hinted at a promising future for her.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.