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A review by theamyleblanc
Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5
I didn't actually click on any stars because I'm not the right audience for this book. From the cover and synopsis, I thought this would be a cute and lighthearted read.
And it is, but not in the way you'd expect.
In actuality, it's full of massive Hallmark/Lifetime movie cliches. And I don't go for that kind of romance story. I find it too hard to relate to and that holds true for these characters, as well. The readers are practically force-fed reminders that Luke is a "manly man" and allergic to feelings. I'm over that idea. And Ellie is your classic not-like-the-other-girls girl. They came across as caricatures and it was exhausting.
The texting doesn't really add anything to the story. Sure, sometimes it's a nice addition like Luke asking Izzy to come have dinner with him so she can help him work through everything. Or Ellie and Maeve, though I found that those exchanges didn't mesh as well. But the ones involving Penelope? They're pointless fluff that should've been cut. Penelope herself is VERY annoying.
There are also some serious religious undertones (presumably Christian) and I don't go in for that in my romances. I don't hold it against the book, but I wasn't expecting it so I feel like the note is fair.
If a closed door (I'm assuming) romance with MAJOR Hallmark vibes is your thing, you'll probably adore this!
2.5
I didn't actually click on any stars because I'm not the right audience for this book. From the cover and synopsis, I thought this would be a cute and lighthearted read.
And it is, but not in the way you'd expect.
In actuality, it's full of massive Hallmark/Lifetime movie cliches. And I don't go for that kind of romance story. I find it too hard to relate to and that holds true for these characters, as well. The readers are practically force-fed reminders that Luke is a "manly man" and allergic to feelings. I'm over that idea. And Ellie is your classic not-like-the-other-girls girl. They came across as caricatures and it was exhausting.
The texting doesn't really add anything to the story. Sure, sometimes it's a nice addition like Luke asking Izzy to come have dinner with him so she can help him work through everything. Or Ellie and Maeve, though I found that those exchanges didn't mesh as well. But the ones involving Penelope? They're pointless fluff that should've been cut. Penelope herself is VERY annoying.
There are also some serious religious undertones (presumably Christian) and I don't go in for that in my romances. I don't hold it against the book, but I wasn't expecting it so I feel like the note is fair.
If a closed door (I'm assuming) romance with MAJOR Hallmark vibes is your thing, you'll probably adore this!