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A review by zaesbookshelf
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott, Alyson Derrick
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A classic enemies - friends - lovers will always be a fun read for me, especially when it’s sapphic in a very authentic way (I mean — the two female authors are married and basically wrote themselves). There were lots of moments that had me laughing, the characters were very easy to enjoy. I also enjoyed the portrayal of what toxic partners look like and how that affects the thoughts/self-value of someone, it read authentically.
That being said — I wish it dug just a bitdeeper than it did.
It’s not until almost halfway through the book that we really learn anything deep about Molly (other than that she’s extremely shy & socially anxious); but some hard information about Alex was given very early in the story. Honestly, I feel like this book would’ve been 5 stars if it were all told from Alex’s POV (and maybe a surprise chapter or two from Molly’s) because that’s pretty much how it felt like we were getting information — learning about Molly as Alex did. So it wouldn’t have felt as lopsided for me.
Also - sticking to the “this should’ve just been Alex POV - we get to see her life and the hardships she deals with more than Molly. Even after learning what Molly has dealt with, it’s pretty short, while Alex’s continue through the story.
Finally, I wish the pining started earlier. They both write each other off pretty early. I know they are both focused on their perspective partners — but I mean, come on, at least make it seem like they are initially physically attracted to one another??Their first big “wow she’s attractive” staring at each other moment is in the dressing room while they’re getting changed in chapter 20. Twenty!!!! Which is why I cannot classify this as a slow burn, because there simply just isn’t a lot of burning.
All in all - this was a cute, fun book. I get why people really enjoy it - and I did - I just wanted a bit more detail to enjoy.
That being said — I wish it dug just a bitdeeper than it did.
It’s not until almost halfway through the book that we really learn anything deep about Molly (other than that she’s extremely shy & socially anxious); but some hard information about Alex was given very early in the story. Honestly, I feel like this book would’ve been 5 stars if it were all told from Alex’s POV (and maybe a surprise chapter or two from Molly’s) because that’s pretty much how it felt like we were getting information — learning about Molly as Alex did. So it wouldn’t have felt as lopsided for me.
Also - sticking to the “this should’ve just been Alex POV - we get to see her life and the hardships she deals with more than Molly. Even after learning what Molly has dealt with, it’s pretty short, while Alex’s continue through the story.
Finally, I wish the pining started earlier. They both write each other off pretty early. I know they are both focused on their perspective partners — but I mean, come on, at least make it seem like they are initially physically attracted to one another??
All in all - this was a cute, fun book. I get why people really enjoy it - and I did - I just wanted a bit more detail to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Addiction
Minor: Car accident and Racism