A review by khloereads86
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

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

3.75

I’m disappointed in the end of this book. I was really enjoying it until the reveal of why they separated 11 years ago.

When they were younger, it was frustrating to me that they took so long to finally get together as a couple. Then, as adults, it was frustrating to see Macy stay in her relationship for so long when there was clearly nothing of real emotional value for her in it.

I found it weird from the beginning that they would still be so obsessed with each other having had 11 years apart.
I mean, Elliot saw her once and broke up with his girlfriend. He also said he stayed living in the same area because he had the best chance running in to her there. After 11 years apart you can’t really even say you know a person.


Maybe it’s just that I don’t typically love the whole childhood friends-to-lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers thing because it always ends up being the same reason for them splitting.
If cheating doesn’t bother you, then this would probably be great, but even though they tried to explain away Elliot’s infidelity, it still happened. Him saying he genuinely thought he was with Macy seems like a crazy stretch to me.


Honestly, it reminded me of Every Summer After (just finished reading) which had a similar plot line but this one didn’t make me smile goofily as much. The only reason I gave it the same rating is because the ending wasn’t as bad in this one, though I still didn’t love it. I did like the favourite word game and the book references though. 
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