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azileotulp's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Wow. I don't even know where to start with this. There are so many incredible things about this book that I'm finding it difficult to sort everything out.
I guess I should start with the fact that this just might be the perfect rom-com. I tend to be pretty hard on other books of this genre. I love reading them, but there's always something in the back of my mind that tells me they could be better. This is the rom-com I've been waiting for. None of the minor details that have caused me to rate other rom-coms below 5 stars are present in this book. Really the only thing I can say I "disliked" was Libby, but I don't even think that's entirely accurate. Even if she bothered me at times, there was something about Nora's intense love for her that made me want to see her happy too.
I have to say, one place where I think this book really shines, especially compared to other rom-coms, is its protagonist. It is absolutely wonderful to read from Nora's POV, and honestly quite refreshing. One of my biggest qualms with other romances is that the protagonist seems to always deny that the MMC has a thing for her even if it has been made abundantly obvious. Nora isn't like that. She knows she has feelings for Charlie, and she knows he has feelings for her. Instead of the conflict stemming from an issue of that nature, it's actually much more mature and realistic, revolving around her feeling such devotion to the other people in her life that she is unable to choose what she wants.It makes it even more satisfying when she chooses to take the editing job that she has always dreamed of and goes back to New York.
I've got a say, I was a wreck nearing the end of the book with all the talk of Charlie staying in Sunshine Falls while Nora went back to New York. Even though I knew it was an Emily Henry book and would have a happy ending, there was just something in the back of my mind telling me the ending would be bittersweet or sad. I'm so delighted I was wrong. That ending was everything I could ever ask for and more.
I really cannot speak higher of this novel. All rom-com fans can see parts of themselves in the characters and find something to enjoy. I fear this may set my standards too high regarding other rom-coms, but I don't even mind. I feel like I can be happy no matter what knowing that I have read such a wonderful story.
I guess I should start with the fact that this just might be the perfect rom-com. I tend to be pretty hard on other books of this genre. I love reading them, but there's always something in the back of my mind that tells me they could be better. This is the rom-com I've been waiting for. None of the minor details that have caused me to rate other rom-coms below 5 stars are present in this book. Really the only thing I can say I "disliked" was Libby, but I don't even think that's entirely accurate. Even if she bothered me at times, there was something about Nora's intense love for her that made me want to see her happy too.
I have to say, one place where I think this book really shines, especially compared to other rom-coms, is its protagonist. It is absolutely wonderful to read from Nora's POV, and honestly quite refreshing. One of my biggest qualms with other romances is that the protagonist seems to always deny that the MMC has a thing for her even if it has been made abundantly obvious. Nora isn't like that. She knows she has feelings for Charlie, and she knows he has feelings for her. Instead of the conflict stemming from an issue of that nature, it's actually much more mature and realistic, revolving around her feeling such devotion to the other people in her life that she is unable to choose what she wants.
I really cannot speak higher of this novel. All rom-com fans can see parts of themselves in the characters and find something to enjoy. I fear this may set my standards too high regarding other rom-coms, but I don't even mind. I feel like I can be happy no matter what knowing that I have read such a wonderful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Pregnancy, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: Medical content, Vomit, and Bullying
In regards to pregnancy tag - This is referring to the main character's sister, who is pregnant throughout the story, not the main character.tnemelce's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
cesca_natalia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Vomit
kashrae99's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content and Medical content
Minor: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Alcohol, and Mental illness
gabiboyle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Vomit and Abandonment
andie_1504's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical content, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Alcohol, Car accident, Vomit, Bullying, and Cursing
meremeth's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Ummmm... So I didn't know I needed a book about an unlikeable sexy workaholic til now.
Thank you Emily Henry
Thank you Emily Henry
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
taelorfiller's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit
bookraeding's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Vomit
strawb3rrysugar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Although I've heard of Emily Henry all over the internet (BookTok, BookTube, etc etc), I borrowed this from the library because I had an upsetting day and needed something lighthearted to take my mind off my worries.
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I don't typically like books only described by loosely-strung tropes and insert-template-here characters. However, beneath a story described as an enemies-to-lovers romance about a cold-hearted literary agent is an earnest, humorous, and emotional story about how grief and fear shapes a person, and learning to accept change and challenges as they come.
The characters of the book were the highlight for me. They felt fleshed out, real, and I could resonate with their desires and understand their actions. I actually liked Charlie! Usually, "dark and brooding" translates into most books as "abusive, boring jerk with no personality," but Charlie is a genuinely solid character with wishes and conflicts of his own, and god I appreciated that. I'm also very biased towards emotional storylines about sisterhood, and Nora and Libby's arc throughout the book made me laugh and pulled a few heartstrings.
My only cons are as follows:
1) I do not understand the trope of signing someone up for a dating app and setting them up on a date without their prior knowledge. It will always be an ick of mine, as it just kind of seems irresponsible and rude. (I guess it's the modern equivalent of a blind date? Maybe.)
2), there's a subplot of Nora having to read one of her client's books that's basically based off her, and she describes it like her client has written Infinite Jest. I found those passages to be very uninteresting and bland, but they were thankfully brief.
And 2.5) because it wasn't that big of an issue, but seriously Nora? Getting hot and heavy with a coworker in an office? That felt like such a "right in my salad?" moment, but that's very much a nitpick.
Do I think Emily Henry is reinventing the wheel of romantic literature? Not really. Is it cheesy and kind of corny sometimes? Very much so. But it's well written, with characters I could root for, and it's not afraid to just be a romance novel. It goes by quickly for almost 400 pages. If you're a big fan of romance novels, this would be a nice addition.
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I don't typically like books only described by loosely-strung tropes and insert-template-here characters. However, beneath a story described as an enemies-to-lovers romance about a cold-hearted literary agent is an earnest, humorous, and emotional story about how grief and fear shapes a person, and learning to accept change and challenges as they come.
The characters of the book were the highlight for me. They felt fleshed out, real, and I could resonate with their desires and understand their actions. I actually liked Charlie! Usually, "dark and brooding" translates into most books as "abusive, boring jerk with no personality," but Charlie is a genuinely solid character with wishes and conflicts of his own, and god I appreciated that. I'm also very biased towards emotional storylines about sisterhood, and Nora and Libby's arc throughout the book made me laugh and pulled a few heartstrings.
My only cons are as follows:
1) I do not understand the trope of signing someone up for a dating app and setting them up on a date without their prior knowledge. It will always be an ick of mine, as it just kind of seems irresponsible and rude. (I guess it's the modern equivalent of a blind date? Maybe.)
2), there's a subplot of Nora having to read one of her client's books that's basically based off her, and she describes it like her client has written Infinite Jest. I found those passages to be very uninteresting and bland, but they were thankfully brief.
And 2.5) because it wasn't that big of an issue, but seriously Nora? Getting hot and heavy with a coworker in an office? That felt like such a "right in my salad?" moment, but that's very much a nitpick.
Do I think Emily Henry is reinventing the wheel of romantic literature? Not really. Is it cheesy and kind of corny sometimes? Very much so. But it's well written, with characters I could root for, and it's not afraid to just be a romance novel. It goes by quickly for almost 400 pages. If you're a big fan of romance novels, this would be a nice addition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Medical content and Vomit
There's a brief scene where Nora throws up during a run after a night of drinking.