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evarano's review against another edition
1.0
DNF @ 20%.
When I requested this, I didn't realize it was by the same author who wrote Dear Emma Blue. I was not a fan of that book and I was not a fan of this. I think the author isn't for me. I found this story had way too much blabbing, a lot of inner monologue that was boring and unrelated. There was no connection between the main characters/love interests and again, I was struggling to know the point. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
When I requested this, I didn't realize it was by the same author who wrote Dear Emma Blue. I was not a fan of that book and I was not a fan of this. I think the author isn't for me. I found this story had way too much blabbing, a lot of inner monologue that was boring and unrelated. There was no connection between the main characters/love interests and again, I was struggling to know the point. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
litwithleigh's review against another edition
4.0
Writing: punchy, solid | Plot: thumbs up | Ending: MY HEARTTTTTTT
SYNOPSIS
Noelle and Sam have quite the unique meet cute: they're both stranded on the highway. After they part ways, Noelle never expects to see him again, but turns out she can't stop seeing him.
MY OPINION
D'awwwwwww!!!!!!!! FYI this is NOT a full-on romance. No dongs. No puccis. Just vibes. A good chunk is spent on Noelle's family life, self-discovery, and breaking toxic patterns. The short scenes with Sam are cute, but there's no roast me on a spit banter or 'let me show you how to swing a golf club so I can essentially spoon you vertically'—the 'magic' between Noelle and Sam is largely based on their serendipitous meetings and him not being a Grade A dickhead. Tbh, if Ed the Ped wasn't in the story, I don't think I would've been so passionately #TeamSam. You needed that contrast with fuckhead Ed to make you stan for Sam.
Idk how to explain this but I liked that Noelle had a regular degular job. Most contemporary romances feature an FMC with a high-powered career; even if she just got fired, you know she's got a nice paycheque waiting for her on the other side. Noelle was a cleaner who dreamed of being a florist. I think it fit her character arc quite nicely, especially given her mom issues.
Other pluses: fantastic supporting characters with their own story arc that had me INVESTED. And can we talk about how that plot twist was better than 75% of thriller twists I've read??? I guess I wasn't checking for it because it's a rom-ish com, but there was a lil intrigue throughout. My jaw dropped when all the pieces were put together!!!!!
I always compare rom-ish coms to Lindsey Kelk because IMO, she's the blueprint. Kelk has been banging out funny books since 2009. Lia Louis' writing and humor is very Kelk-adjacent, which largely contributed to my overall enjoyment of this book. I'm looking forward to exploring more of her backlist and her upcoming 2024 release.
One quick niggle: I think this was dressed up like a winter romance, but the story spans a year and it starts in March, not January like the blurb says.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: legit funny, heartwarming, good use of ain't shit ex to prop up love interest, Noelle is easy to empathize with, fast-paced, great side characters, everything was nicely wrapped up which could be a con if you prefer a few jagged edges left, lil intrigue throughout with a great twist!!
Cons: wished there was more 'banter' between Sam and Noelle instead of just telling us how great their convos were, didn't understand why they didn't text more other than for the sake of the plot
___
Check out my YouTube
SYNOPSIS
Noelle and Sam have quite the unique meet cute: they're both stranded on the highway. After they part ways, Noelle never expects to see him again, but turns out she can't stop seeing him.
MY OPINION
D'awwwwwww!!!!!!!! FYI this is NOT a full-on romance. No dongs. No puccis. Just vibes. A good chunk is spent on Noelle's family life, self-discovery, and breaking toxic patterns. The short scenes with Sam are cute, but there's no roast me on a spit banter or 'let me show you how to swing a golf club so I can essentially spoon you vertically'—the 'magic' between Noelle and Sam is largely based on their serendipitous meetings and him not being a Grade A dickhead. Tbh, if Ed the Ped wasn't in the story, I don't think I would've been so passionately #TeamSam. You needed that contrast with fuckhead Ed to make you stan for Sam.
Idk how to explain this but I liked that Noelle had a regular degular job. Most contemporary romances feature an FMC with a high-powered career; even if she just got fired, you know she's got a nice paycheque waiting for her on the other side. Noelle was a cleaner who dreamed of being a florist. I think it fit her character arc quite nicely, especially given her mom issues.
Other pluses: fantastic supporting characters with their own story arc that had me INVESTED. And can we talk about how that plot twist was better than 75% of thriller twists I've read??? I guess I wasn't checking for it because it's a rom-ish com, but there was a lil intrigue throughout. My jaw dropped when all the pieces were put together!!!!!
I always compare rom-ish coms to Lindsey Kelk because IMO, she's the blueprint. Kelk has been banging out funny books since 2009. Lia Louis' writing and humor is very Kelk-adjacent, which largely contributed to my overall enjoyment of this book. I'm looking forward to exploring more of her backlist and her upcoming 2024 release.
One quick niggle: I think this was dressed up like a winter romance, but the story spans a year and it starts in March, not January like the blurb says.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: legit funny, heartwarming, good use of ain't shit ex to prop up love interest, Noelle is easy to empathize with, fast-paced, great side characters, everything was nicely wrapped up which could be a con if you prefer a few jagged edges left, lil intrigue throughout with a great twist!!
Cons: wished there was more 'banter' between Sam and Noelle instead of just telling us how great their convos were, didn't understand why they didn't text more other than for the sake of the plot
___
Check out my YouTube
kecho's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a sweet little gem of a book. I actually thought early on I was going to end up dnf’ing. I just couldn’t click with the characters but I held on and it was just so sweet. It’s relatable, it’s a little sad,but it’s also a lot of fun. I loved the dancing around fate and soulmates and missed chances. Noelle’s growth and arc throughout. It’s a fast sweet read that does touch on some sensitive topics and grief. Really enjoyed. :)
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
A delightful romance that is about 2 people who seemed fated to be together ....or are they? Easy reading, good story and entertaining. As is with most of these type stories, you have to stretch belief just a little, but that's what makes it fun.
hanoukx's review
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
3.0
lizthewhizz's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
christineponkey's review against another edition
3.0
reading this book made me SO tired
I love me a good red thread/soulmates story but I don't think it was done too well here and I very much couldn't really see the connection between Noelle and Sam besides a lot of coincidences happening. Ok, they have good conversations - then SHOW me pls because I am taking the narrators word for it and am not really SEEIng it
I love me a good red thread/soulmates story but I don't think it was done too well here and I very much couldn't really see the connection between Noelle and Sam besides a lot of coincidences happening. Ok, they have good conversations - then SHOW me pls because I am taking the narrators word for it and am not really SEEIng it
ruthrxo's review
funny
hopeful
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