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A review by thatswhatshanread
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It comes as a shock to absolutely not me that the contemporary romcom GOAT aka Emily Henry has done it again, folks. She’s written another 5-star novel nothing short of excellent.
With each of her last three books, she makes the romantic tropes of “coincidence” fresh and fun. I would say so especially in this one, as it touches on nearly every cliche or archetype, but in a way that feels like it’s never been done before. Idk if that makes sense but she does, so just trust me.
Nora (loved the Ephron reference here!), our very accomplished MC with a heart for others above her own. I really related to her sense of needing control and feeling lonely, but also her increased longing for fulfilling daydreams and giving in to love.
And of course, our leading man Charlie Lastra, ladies and gentleman, is everything. The thoughtful sweetness hidden behind the intimidating, often-pouty exterior.
Their quick fire, intelligent banter kept me laughing the entire story through. The carefully crafted flirtatious insults. All of the tropes, but somehow still the exact right amount of trope, the precise dash of small town magic. This book is SMART, okay.
Nora and Charlie are the type of enemies-to-lovers you don’t find yourself rolling your eyes over, like not even once—they are remarkably real, sweet and sour. They’re not so over the top in their hatred that it definitely feels like the trope is the single reason for the continuation of the story. In this book, the trope more serves as a cheeky reminder that white hot tension and true fate are excellent anecdotes to Two Adults Who Are Meticulously Stubborn and Deliciously Compatible. The story is about the characters and their interactions, not just moving from point A to the inevitable point B. Sure, that does happen, but it’s not what you focus on the entire time. You’re drawn to all of the many points between. There is such a natural softening of the bristly edges, a gradual turn from enemies into lovers; it doesn’t feel rushed or forced at all, which I find happens in a lot of novels of the genre. The pacing for this one is just right.
In simpler terms, I loved this book. To Emily Henry, I say: I love your brain.
ALSOOOOO the January Andrews (from Beach Read) shout-out!!!! Little Easter eggs like that make me so, so happy.
With each of her last three books, she makes the romantic tropes of “coincidence” fresh and fun. I would say so especially in this one, as it touches on nearly every cliche or archetype, but in a way that feels like it’s never been done before. Idk if that makes sense but she does, so just trust me.
Nora (loved the Ephron reference here!), our very accomplished MC with a heart for others above her own. I really related to her sense of needing control and feeling lonely, but also her increased longing for fulfilling daydreams and giving in to love.
And of course, our leading man Charlie Lastra, ladies and gentleman, is everything. The thoughtful sweetness hidden behind the intimidating, often-pouty exterior.
Their quick fire, intelligent banter kept me laughing the entire story through. The carefully crafted flirtatious insults. All of the tropes, but somehow still the exact right amount of trope, the precise dash of small town magic. This book is SMART, okay.
Nora and Charlie are the type of enemies-to-lovers you don’t find yourself rolling your eyes over, like not even once—they are remarkably real, sweet and sour. They’re not so over the top in their hatred that it definitely feels like the trope is the single reason for the continuation of the story. In this book, the trope more serves as a cheeky reminder that white hot tension and true fate are excellent anecdotes to Two Adults Who Are Meticulously Stubborn and Deliciously Compatible. The story is about the characters and their interactions, not just moving from point A to the inevitable point B. Sure, that does happen, but it’s not what you focus on the entire time. You’re drawn to all of the many points between. There is such a natural softening of the bristly edges, a gradual turn from enemies into lovers; it doesn’t feel rushed or forced at all, which I find happens in a lot of novels of the genre. The pacing for this one is just right.
In simpler terms, I loved this book. To Emily Henry, I say: I love your brain.
ALSOOOOO the January Andrews (from Beach Read) shout-out!!!! Little Easter eggs like that make me so, so happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, Medical content, Alcohol, and Abandonment