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myblackbookish_life's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Extensive HP references, so possible readers be mindful. As another reviewer put it best, there was nothing wrong with this book and it was super cute, but it didn't wow me nor do I see myself rereading this book. Also, this story just hammered into my head exactly why I'm not a love-triangle fan.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
perpetualpages's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
CWs: Instances of ableism and ableist language (from supporting characters), some allusions to infidelity, incurred racism, extensive HP references, and the (presumably accidental) deadnaming of a famous trans person
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Racism, and Infidelity
booksinthemountains's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to love this book but it fell short for me. Yet there were really important components. Here's our set up: Tessa has just moved to Long Branch and away from her best friend Caroline. She's struggling to adjust to her new location and taking on a lot of responsibilities with her older brother who is disabled. The one thing that seems exciting is her new school for those kids talented in the arts. Unfortunately when she arrives she is overwhelmed with imposter syndrome and as a result she suffers from writer block. Desperate to get her voice back and also to connect with her long distance best friend, Caroline and Tessa come up with a plan: to use romance tropes to get Tessa's new crush Nico to fall in love with her. But what about nerdy adorable neighbor Sam?
Here's the positive portions, I think this story about imposter syndrome and feeling isolated as a BIPOC is an important theme, as well as there being mirrors for Black girls struggling with feeling out of place. Tessa's fierce love and protective nature for her brother touched me (especially the section "my brother is my brother and I don't want him to change. I love him for him"). Also Sam is swoon worthy. Unfortunately these positives get lost in the mess, lies, and high school drama. You will get frustrated with the main character (but remember she's a teenager growing up). For me the hunt to be popular and get the generic boy's attention no matter what was too much. I really felt like I went back to high school and not in a positive way. Ultimately, it didn't work for me, but at the same time I think flipping through for the positive parts would be a really good read? Anyway, it's a neutral for me.
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Here's the positive portions, I think this story about imposter syndrome and feeling isolated as a BIPOC is an important theme, as well as there being mirrors for Black girls struggling with feeling out of place. Tessa's fierce love and protective nature for her brother touched me (especially the section "my brother is my brother and I don't want him to change. I love him for him"). Also Sam is swoon worthy. Unfortunately these positives get lost in the mess, lies, and high school drama. You will get frustrated with the main character (but remember she's a teenager growing up). For me the hunt to be popular and get the generic boy's attention no matter what was too much. I really felt like I went back to high school and not in a positive way. Ultimately, it didn't work for me, but at the same time I think flipping through for the positive parts would be a really good read? Anyway, it's a neutral for me.
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Racism
ellenreading_theend's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I had been looking forward to this book since I read the description months ago, and I’m happy to report that it’s just as dreamy as I imagined it would be! I’m not an author, so when Tessa lost her ability to write, I didn’t expect it to affect me, but the feeling she has of being lost and overwhelmed is something I think so many of us have been through and struggled with. Tessa’s growth as a character is wonderfully explored, and the YA romantic issues are are painfully perfect. I literally facepalmed at one point, which is how I know I am reading a good YA book. It also touches on microaggressions that Tessa experiences, and the emotional impact they have on her. I finished this one with a big contented sigh. I’m pretty sure @beingabookwyrm put this on my radar way back when, so thanks to Bezi for that!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Ableism
annettewolf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
leahjanespeare's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Tessa is such an endearing character, her awkwardness spoke to me almost as much as her avoidance strategies and social anxiety. She grows so much throughout the story, I loved seeing her make mistakes and learn from them. Her family is supportive and kind (and still annoying sometimes). It was just so freaking cute I read almost the whole thing in one day. It took the best tropes and turned them into something special, heart-fluttery, inclusive; my heart felt full of freshly baked goods from that boy next door.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
mfieldshalva's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, and Racism
natrosette's review
DNF at 63%. I really like the MC and her family, but neither of the love interests hold my attention and the plot is a bit too much for me. I keep cringing in secondhand embarrassment and find myself impatient for the end when I know Tessa will figure out that what she thinks she wants isn't what she actually wants. It's a good story, but just not for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Ableism
There are a looot of Harry Potter references, though the MC acknowledges that Rowlings is a terrible person. All racism and ableism is confronted and condemned by the MC.lklitup's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I sighed and clutched my kindle to my chest when I finished. Happily Ever Afters is THAT type of book in all the best ways!!!
Elise Bryant wrote this YA contemporary romance in such a beautiful balance. The sweet, gooey romantic moments aren’t so off-putting as to be childish or saccharine. The “real life” tough moments aren’t just filler for conflict motivation; they’re handled tactfully while still holding true and realistic for a young adult’s perspective.
I grew to love each character, and I felt as if each were developed fully over their respective arcs. If only all high schoolers were as lucky to have Caroline, or Sam, or Lenore, or Theodore! Also, Elise Bryant, can we have a Lenore spin-off?! If only for more OOTD descriptions!
If you’ve somehow stumbled across this book in your search for your next read, add it to your list!
Elise Bryant wrote this YA contemporary romance in such a beautiful balance. The sweet, gooey romantic moments aren’t so off-putting as to be childish or saccharine. The “real life” tough moments aren’t just filler for conflict motivation; they’re handled tactfully while still holding true and realistic for a young adult’s perspective.
I grew to love each character, and I felt as if each were developed fully over their respective arcs. If only all high schoolers were as lucky to have Caroline, or Sam, or Lenore, or Theodore! Also, Elise Bryant, can we have a Lenore spin-off?! If only for more OOTD descriptions!
If you’ve somehow stumbled across this book in your search for your next read, add it to your list!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Bullying
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