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nclausel25'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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
now_booking's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
The truth is that I knew from the prologue this was going to be a 5-star read. The way the premise of the cold-hearted city villain partner from the small town romance trope is so perfectly described in Nora and that first meeting with Charlie… that prologue like the entire novel had me kicking my feet and squealing, snickering on my commute, laughing out loud at home. This has banter, emotional depth, a boatload of humour and wonderful love story of familial and romantic love and grief and healing. I can’t share enough superlatives about this book.
Nora and Charlie are the unapologetic antithesis to small town romance protagonists even though most of this book and the development of their relationship happens in a small town. The character development was stellar of both main and supporting characters, the plot was well-paced with minimal/palatable holes, the dialogue was smart and snappy and the sort to make you smile foolishly as you read. I loved how the main characters loved each other and their families in a way that was inconveniently supportive and in a way that truly wanted the best for the other person. The message hear wasn’t necessarily that love heals or that love sacrifices but that love wants the other person to thrive. This was an absolute delight to read- I kept reaching for it and even though it dealt with a few heavy themes around grief, trauma and mental health, these were all handled responsibly and with a momentum that was real but also wasn’t triggering as it kind of replicated the coping mechanisms many people have for dealing with grief and trauma when they have real life responsibilities. I highly recommend checking this out- I’ve read 3 books so far from this author and they have all been stellar!
Nora and Charlie are the unapologetic antithesis to small town romance protagonists even though most of this book and the development of their relationship happens in a small town. The character development was stellar of both main and supporting characters, the plot was well-paced with minimal/palatable holes, the dialogue was smart and snappy and the sort to make you smile foolishly as you read. I loved how the main characters loved each other and their families in a way that was inconveniently supportive and in a way that truly wanted the best for the other person. The message hear wasn’t necessarily that love heals or that love sacrifices but that love wants the other person to thrive. This was an absolute delight to read- I kept reaching for it and even though it dealt with a few heavy themes around grief, trauma and mental health, these were all handled responsibly and with a momentum that was real but also wasn’t triggering as it kind of replicated the coping mechanisms many people have for dealing with grief and trauma when they have real life responsibilities. I highly recommend checking this out- I’ve read 3 books so far from this author and they have all been stellar!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, and Vomit
kyrstin_p1989's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
My favorite of Henry’s books so far. I loved the witty banter between Charlie and Nora. I saw myself and my sister in Nora and Libby’s relationship. The plot is a predictable Hallmark romance but it’s so sweet it doesn’t even matter. I found myself laughing out loud and by the end, crying my eyes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
honeybunchesofoats06's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
iamnita's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
2.0
Soooooo the book overall has a really happy vibe. I loved delving into both character's personalities, and found the writing of the characters overall consistent. The banter was over-the-top for how people generally speak which certainly took away from the book.
However, the bigger issue I have is that I hate reading about terrible mental health rep. All the characters disregard how unwell they are as "the way it is" which it doesn't need to be. Further, the main relationships were just absolutely toxic and I'm tired of hearing about unhealthy dynamics.
However, the bigger issue I have is that I hate reading about terrible mental health rep. All the characters disregard how unwell they are as "the way it is" which it doesn't need to be. Further, the main relationships were just absolutely toxic and I'm tired of hearing about unhealthy dynamics.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Pregnancy