Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams

2 reviews

martachbc's review

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Annie is ready to take the next step with long-term boyfriend Alexander. She doesn’t have much self-confidence and she’s not really fulfilled by her career, but she’s got this going for her, right? So when Alexander doesn’t show up, Annie is thrown for a loop, throwing herself into Barry’s Bootcamp classes where she runs into an old camp friend, Patrick. Alexander’s contrite parents offer to send her on the planned honeymoon anyway, and she accepts - and drunkenly hatches a plan to bring Patrick. Of course, when you’re on a *honeymoon* with a cute guy… well, something’s bound to happen, right? But can their relationship survive in the real world? 

I liked this book fine, but didn’t love it. I find it a little implausible Annie would bring this guy she just reconnected with on this trip just out of manners (and if I was one of Annie’s best friends, I’d be a little pissed?). But getting over that, the pacing was a little jerky - slow then rushed, slow then rushed. I didn’t get the most remarkable vacay vibes either. 

There were a few meaningful problems that Annie and Patrick encountered - with each other and the other people in their lives - but they were either ignored or dispensed with quickly (like, Patrick said early on he was never getting married again? And then got insta-serious with Annie? Weird).

It all just felt very *nice.* I do want to read Our Last Stop by this author still - I enjoyed her writing, if not the plotting. This was fun for the beach, but I might not have kept at it at home. It has gone back into a Little Free Library, where I found it, and hopefully someone else can enjoy it on their next vacation!
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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC!

I Loved this book! It’s so lighthearted and cute 🥰 the characters are complex and have some great developments along the way. The writing and plot are perfect for a summer beach read! The story is a Slow burn romance with a combo jilted bride and friends to lovers trope (maybe a splash of reunion?). It has some spice which I don’t always like but the spicier scenes were really well done and didn’t make me cringe!! It was the perfect balance of spice without getting super graphic.

I was blushing, smiling, laughing, and crying through this book! I see a lot of myself in our MC Annie, so I really connected with and loved her developments. The romance and character arcs felt very natural and I loved the ending. I Definitely want to read more from this author and It’s one of those books I already know I want to reread! 💖


Spice level: 🌶🌶 (maybe a 1.5-2)

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