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chaos_carrie's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Until the last year or so I wasn’t much for romance novels and I finally figured out why- they’re almost never written about people like me. Well, I’d like you to meet my new friend, Emmy. She’s anxious af, she’s fights tooth and nail to create a place for herself in the world, she’s not swayed by typical charms. When her perfectly curated work life gets an anxiety inducing shake up, Emmy is sure disaster is to come. I related so much to every minute of her emotional rollercoaster. I won’t get into spoilers but my goodness, I loved every bit of the intentional relationship building here, the 🌶️🌶️🌶️ is pretty stellar also. The world needs more highly relatable romance from Nellie Wilson ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Ableism
juliana_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this. As a museum worker, it was so fun to read a book in such a familiar setting. The funding issues, the grant writing, the musty historic house- very relatable. I also liked how Emmy and Ryan tussled and bickered with each other, professionally and intimately. They were cute.
I do have two main criticisms. First, I have a pet peeve with books that mention COVID and take place “post-pandemic” but don’t actually present the long-term implications. Yes, the two museums faced challenges, both MCs had to pivot during closures, but you’re telling me anxious Emmy went on a plane without a mask? They hosted a gala in peak flu/COVID season and didn’t have a vaccine requirement? If authors want to incorporate the pandemic, that’s fine, but it does nothing for the story if you just mention it in past tense and don’t factor in the way the world has changed since 2020.
The second is that I wanted Ryan to hold Emmy accountable for her outbursts! Them going back and forth was fun most of the time, but her storming off, especially during the big fight, was really unhealthy and counterproductive. I understand she has anxiety, but that doesn’t absolve you from being cruel to your partner. When Ryan confessed his love in Boston, I wanted him to say “I love you, I’m sorry for making assumptions about your career, but I also need you to talk with me instead of walking away in anger.” If he is a people pleaser, he also should work on that by speaking up for himself, ya know?
I received an ARC, I do look forward to the book being published and future interconnected books.
I do have two main criticisms. First, I have a pet peeve with books that mention COVID and take place “post-pandemic” but don’t actually present the long-term implications. Yes, the two museums faced challenges, both MCs had to pivot during closures, but you’re telling me anxious Emmy went on a plane without a mask? They hosted a gala in peak flu/COVID season and didn’t have a vaccine requirement? If authors want to incorporate the pandemic, that’s fine, but it does nothing for the story if you just mention it in past tense and don’t factor in the way the world has changed since 2020.
The second is that I wanted Ryan to hold Emmy accountable for her outbursts! Them going back and forth was fun most of the time, but
I received an ARC, I do look forward to the book being published and future interconnected books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Minor: Ableism
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