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emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book struck the perfect balance between the romance and the other plot elements which is something I find happens relatively rarely. I loved how comforting the book was, the message that love doesn't have to be perfect to be worth it really shone through in a beautiful way! I also have to mention that the narrative style was really endearing, I related so much to January as a narrator and I feel that that really served the story. Of course it should also be noted that the flirty (and sex) scenes were top tier.
I thought Gus proposing at the end was really well done. It absolutely could have been corny but the way it actually turned out felt very genuine. The ending was a happily ever after, but it was more realistic than the ones Gus likes to complain about in romance novels
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Suicide
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
So…this is a (purposefully) misleading title, and I couldn’t be happier that it drew me in. By the end, I was ugly-crying and smiling through it. Sweet, romantic, steamy, heartbreaking, and so, so much more than I expected. It deeply resonated with me in many ways, and I fell in love with the characters and the writing, after going through the same thing with People We Meet On Vacation. Definitely one of my favourite books now!
I’d recommend going in without knowing much about the plot, and let it take you away. You won’t regret it, even through the ugly-crying at the end.
I’d recommend going in without knowing much about the plot, and let it take you away. You won’t regret it, even through the ugly-crying at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Physical abuse, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Torture, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a writer I loved this book, it’s too accurate when it comes to writers block. It’s funny and easy to read and the moving scenes sneak up on you and make you want to hug a loved one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The message of “happy-for-now” was beautiful and meaningful and overall the story made me want take up writing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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:
Complicated
This is a slightly more serious take on a summer rom-com as the main protagonist, January, is working through the sudden death of her father and the family secrets that death has revealed whilst also attempting to overcome writer's block. However, among the more serious themes is a cast of very likable characters including her grouchy next-door neighbour, the local bookshop owner and her college best friend. I enjoyed how the turns of the story were not based on bad or missed communication but on actions believable within the world Henry created in North Bear Shores on Lake Michigan.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse