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A review by abbypeekreads
Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
When I saw this book was advertised as having You've Got Mail vibes, I knew I had to pick it up. I mean, a book about bookish things and bookish people? Sign me up! The premise really delivered on that promise, and I loved the rivalry between Jasper and Madeline unfold throughout the novel.
But while the premise was cute and fun, there were a few elements to this book that kept me from falling head over heels in love with it. My main issues revolve around the characters. I totally get that this is a book for teens (and I am definitely not a teen), but sometimes I felt like the author tried too hard to make her characters sound like teens. Madeline, despite being an older YA protagonist at eighteen, was pretty disrespectful and whined a lot, making it tough to root for her at times. And the adults just felt like your stereotypical YA novel adults--out of touch and corny.
The story didn't really start picking up for me until about fifty percent of the way through, when the subplots and the romance really started to come into focus. Though I wish we'd gotten more depth to Jasper and Madeline before their rivalry started, I really enjoyed their arc. And I did enjoy seeing how things with her mom played out, even if her reaction to her was a bit much at times.
Overall, this book is definitely a cheesy YA romance with a cute premise. I wish some elements of the book would've been tightened up a bit, but I appreciated the bookish and You've Got Mail vibes.
But while the premise was cute and fun, there were a few elements to this book that kept me from falling head over heels in love with it. My main issues revolve around the characters. I totally get that this is a book for teens (and I am definitely not a teen), but sometimes I felt like the author tried too hard to make her characters sound like teens. Madeline, despite being an older YA protagonist at eighteen, was pretty disrespectful and whined a lot, making it tough to root for her at times. And the adults just felt like your stereotypical YA novel adults--out of touch and corny.
The story didn't really start picking up for me until about fifty percent of the way through, when the subplots and the romance really started to come into focus. Though I wish we'd gotten more depth to Jasper and Madeline before their rivalry started, I really enjoyed their arc. And I did enjoy seeing how things with her mom played out, even if her reaction to her was a bit much at times.
Overall, this book is definitely a cheesy YA romance with a cute premise. I wish some elements of the book would've been tightened up a bit, but I appreciated the bookish and You've Got Mail vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Cursing