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fernanddas's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
margot_psd's review against another edition
5.0
Exactly the kind of juicy and touching gay drama I needed! I could relate to all characters and found them extremely endearing and fun. Perhaps some themes could have been explored further but regardless, what a joy!
gemrox's review against another edition
3.0
A good light read romcom that leaves you wanting more. I liked the ending but still wanted ‘just another chapter!’ As it leaves much to be desired.
katiedyer80's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
catherinecoen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.75
novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
oddmara's review against another edition
2.0
Meh book!
Didn't really get invested in any of the characters or the romance or anything besides the setting and general concept which was nice I guess :/
Didn't really get invested in any of the characters or the romance or anything besides the setting and general concept which was nice I guess :/
ruthnessly's review against another edition
2.0
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This is an easy book to read, with a fresh voice that carries you along. One of the its highest points of recommendation is how warm it is: despite the main character splitting up with her girlfriend, the book is primarily gentle and affectionate to all of its characters throughout it (including the ex-girlfriend). The main part of this book, honestly, that I enjoyed were the scenes between Ally and Jeremy, as they become friends again, start running, and compete in the half marathon. Honestly, I felt a little proud of them. Also, there are many bits where this is funny and light-hearted and some bits that felt very familiar to me: I liked that they send each other voice notes, that they're often ridiculous and dramatic, etc.
All that said...this book is not for me! It's fine. There's nothing to be like 'that is a bad book' other than I didn't really connect with it and I found it flimsy. It's a quick read, so I finished it, though. I found I wanted more than what was there, though, and while there were plenty of lighter, breezier moments I just didn't feel like there was any real depth of connection there. Other people may do, but for the most part these characters were flimsily sketched. Not so much the mains -- I understand Ally, I got Jeremy -- but the rest of them felt like they were half a character. Jo, the sort of romantic interest, is just not really a fully realised character imo. The other supporting characters don't feel vibrant to me.
genuinely this is one of those cases were again I feel a bit bad not liking it, because I think it's clearly feel good froth but it's not froth that worked for me. I guess I felt fine when I finished it, so I wouldn't tell people not to read but it's not memorable. It's a way to pass an evening.
This is an easy book to read, with a fresh voice that carries you along. One of the its highest points of recommendation is how warm it is: despite the main character splitting up with her girlfriend, the book is primarily gentle and affectionate to all of its characters throughout it (including the ex-girlfriend). The main part of this book, honestly, that I enjoyed were the scenes between Ally and Jeremy, as they become friends again, start running, and compete in the half marathon. Honestly, I felt a little proud of them. Also, there are many bits where this is funny and light-hearted and some bits that felt very familiar to me: I liked that they send each other voice notes, that they're often ridiculous and dramatic, etc.
All that said...this book is not for me! It's fine. There's nothing to be like 'that is a bad book' other than I didn't really connect with it and I found it flimsy. It's a quick read, so I finished it, though. I found I wanted more than what was there, though, and while there were plenty of lighter, breezier moments I just didn't feel like there was any real depth of connection there. Other people may do, but for the most part these characters were flimsily sketched. Not so much the mains -- I understand Ally, I got Jeremy -- but the rest of them felt like they were half a character. Jo, the sort of romantic interest, is just not really a fully realised character imo. The other supporting characters don't feel vibrant to me.
genuinely this is one of those cases were again I feel a bit bad not liking it, because I think it's clearly feel good froth but it's not froth that worked for me. I guess I felt fine when I finished it, so I wouldn't tell people not to read but it's not memorable. It's a way to pass an evening.
poppyjessica's review against another edition
4.0
'The Split' by Laura Kay is a charming exploration of finding yourself after a break-up. It is almost a 'coming of age' despite the protagonist being almost thirty. Ally's girlfriend unceremoniously dumps her (for Sara with no H), causing Ally to land back in her father's house in Sheffield, complete with grumpy Malcom, Emily's cat. Ally is not only broken due to the end of a relationship she has been in since university, but she is jobless, penniless and in a rut. Once in Sheffield, she is reunited with her childhood friend Jeremy, who suggests they start training for a half-marathon. Her first run ever to 13 miles in just a couple of months sound simple right?
Ally makes some suspect choices in this novel, particularly in her exploitation of Jo from the local running shop. Jo is used for her running expertise and as a tool to make Emily jealous, a rebound fling, but Ally does not seem conflicted enough about this manipulation until it is too late. There were some hilarious moments in the novel (Disco for Syria anyone?) but Ally needed to face more of a comeuppance for her awful behaviour.
The main highlight of the novel was the amazing friendship between Jeremy and Ally. I loved what a hilarious pair they are, bringing out the good in each other. Overall, a charming comedy with a flawed protagonist at its core, peppered with hilarious yet satisfying moments as we see Ally navigate her heartache and out the other side. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ally makes some suspect choices in this novel, particularly in her exploitation of Jo from the local running shop. Jo is used for her running expertise and as a tool to make Emily jealous, a rebound fling, but Ally does not seem conflicted enough about this manipulation until it is too late. There were some hilarious moments in the novel (Disco for Syria anyone?) but Ally needed to face more of a comeuppance for her awful behaviour.
The main highlight of the novel was the amazing friendship between Jeremy and Ally. I loved what a hilarious pair they are, bringing out the good in each other. Overall, a charming comedy with a flawed protagonist at its core, peppered with hilarious yet satisfying moments as we see Ally navigate her heartache and out the other side. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
redheadreading's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Incredibly readable! The romance element was fairly mediocre, neither love interest nor ex-girlfriend felt particularly developed and Ally makes questionable decisions throughout (or rather, has questionable thought patterns? The length of time she believes her ex might get back with her is frankly delusional). However, I just raced through this and really enjoyed a lot of the side characters, Ally's dad in particular has my whole heart and I would like to adopt him, pls. It was nice to read a lesbian rom-com with adults who do not have angst about coming out.