Scan barcode
julesjules_jules's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
lolalu's review
emotional
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
3.75
cait_margaret's review
I told myself I was done with Rebecca Serle after reading her prior two books and having big issues with both of them, but then this one sounded interesting, and my library had the audiobook, and it was short… Turns out, I should’ve just stuck with my previous conviction. This book falls into all of the same habits that made me weary of Serle’s writing in the first place.
And maybe I would’ve stuck it out and given this 2 or 3 stars, but not after Serle decided that the POV character having a chronic medical condition would be a good midpoint plot twist. It’d be one thing if the twist were the character herself learning about her condition, but it is so, so gross that the twist is merely its (already known) existence finally being told to the reader. Granted, my read on this is absolutely colored by the extremely gross way that Serle previously used a character’s illness in the plot of <i>In Five Years</i>, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.
Additionally, it feels pretty clear already what’s going to happen in the romance plot, so even that leaves nothing to compel me to finish this book. Also, I used to follow Morgan Matson on social media, so I know she and Serle are friends and I know about her dog, Murphy, and it was very weird to see that dog essentially replicated on page here, name and everything. That didn’t stop me from finishing the book at all, but it’s too weird not to mention.
(I looked up a spoiler review and, yes, I was right about the romance plot. And also, yes, the chronic condition is absolutely used in further weird and off putting ways. At least I can feel justified, I guess.)
And maybe I would’ve stuck it out and given this 2 or 3 stars, but not after Serle decided that the POV character having a chronic medical condition would be a good midpoint plot twist. It’d be one thing if the twist were the character herself learning about her condition, but it is so, so gross that the twist is merely its (already known) existence finally being told to the reader. Granted, my read on this is absolutely colored by the extremely gross way that Serle previously used a character’s illness in the plot of <i>In Five Years</i>, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.
Additionally, it feels pretty clear already what’s going to happen in the romance plot, so even that leaves nothing to compel me to finish this book. Also, I used to follow Morgan Matson on social media, so I know she and Serle are friends and I know about her dog, Murphy, and it was very weird to see that dog essentially replicated on page here, name and everything. That didn’t stop me from finishing the book at all, but it’s too weird not to mention.
(I looked up a spoiler review and, yes, I was right about the romance plot. And also, yes, the chronic condition is absolutely used in further weird and off putting ways. At least I can feel justified, I guess.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
lsloan84's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
vivimik's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
kmizzzle's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mkhudson86's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
4.75
sesanzone's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
An easy read but a predictable ending. Love Hugo though.
jessicafeese's review
3.25
“Learning to be broken is learning to be whole.”
An extra .25 stars because that twist at the end was totally unexpected and I love it! The magical realism was an interesting plot point. Otherwise I felt like this book was kinda boring for me. I could see how others would enjoy this book more, but I really like character development and lots of character depth and a lot of this book was focused on people from Daphne’s past relationships. I would have loved a more in-depth dive into her relationship and how it really developed over time with the guy that she ends up with.
An extra .25 stars because that twist at the end was totally unexpected and I love it! The magical realism was an interesting plot point. Otherwise I felt like this book was kinda boring for me. I could see how others would enjoy this book more, but I really like character development and lots of character depth and a lot of this book was focused on people from Daphne’s past relationships. I would have loved a more in-depth dive into her relationship and how it really developed over time with the guy that she ends up with.