Scan barcode
novella42's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A fun read. I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed relationship communication and conflict styles, and that the male lead wasn't shy or embarrassed about having been to a therapist.
An excellent book for readers who struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, and anxious attachment styles. I feel confident the protagonist is an Enneagram 2, if that matters to you.
An excellent book for readers who struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, and anxious attachment styles. I feel confident the protagonist is an Enneagram 2, if that matters to you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, and Vomit
Minor: Racism, Bullying, Cancer, Classism, and Excrement
krisalexcole's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit, Excrement, Biphobia, Cancer, and Racism
catsandbookstacks's review
3.75
Samantha Young delivers a romantic comedy filled with likeable characters, toxic family relationships and an adorable setup. The novel is funny, emotional and has dual POV that allows for good character development. There is an instant connection between Hallie and Chris when they see each other on video but the relationship blooms from friends to lovers genuinely.
I loved Hallie's spunky attitude, pink hair and her growth. She moves from people pleaser to awesome badass who can stand up for her needs (even if she still feels a little guilty - I know this feeling well). Hallie adores her career as an event planner with one of the biggest NY companies, even when those she loves demeans it by labeling her as simply "party planner." Feeling like a ping-pong ball caught between her divorced parents, Hallie finally feels supported enough to step back and not try to fix everything.
Christopher, a Mexican American, who suffered the losses of both his mother and brother also feels the loss of culture and connection. He and his father have never seen eye to eye and the expectations placed on Chris are exponential. Though a greatly ambitious person (making Captain after four years and just completing a space mission), Chris finds himself unsure about his direction. The time Young spent diving into the characters allowed their growth and decisions to feel natural.
There is some withheld information throughout the novel which worked for me in the first instance but later in the novel, I found myself shaking my head a bit. The final scene was a little cheesy for my tastes but it is a rom-com. The novel follows the characters up to and after they officially begin dating, so we see their ups and downs making the relationship feel authentic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Hallie's spunky attitude, pink hair and her growth. She moves from people pleaser to awesome badass who can stand up for her needs (even if she still feels a little guilty - I know this feeling well). Hallie adores her career as an event planner with one of the biggest NY companies, even when those she loves demeans it by labeling her as simply "party planner." Feeling like a ping-pong ball caught between her divorced parents, Hallie finally feels supported enough to step back and not try to fix everything.
Christopher, a Mexican American, who suffered the losses of both his mother and brother also feels the loss of culture and connection. He and his father have never seen eye to eye and the expectations placed on Chris are exponential. Though a greatly ambitious person (making Captain after four years and just completing a space mission), Chris finds himself unsure about his direction. The time Young spent diving into the characters allowed their growth and decisions to feel natural.
There is some withheld information throughout the novel which worked for me in the first instance but later in the novel, I found myself shaking my head a bit. The final scene was a little cheesy for my tastes but it is a rom-com. The novel follows the characters up to and after they officially begin dating, so we see their ups and downs making the relationship feel authentic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Grief, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
More...