A review by ggbookrecclub
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

One-Star Review is anything but one-star. After hearing the synopsis of this book I knew I had to read it: A struggling writer is forced to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with the man who gave her book a very public one-star rating. Oof, are you kidding me?

This book could have followed the first life event, initiated by the engagement and wedding of her roommate/best friend and been a complete story that was fully rewarding and well written. But this book couldn’t be stopped. By jumping forward in time it made pit stops at so many pivotal life moments following the evolution of friendship. Having long term friends is great, but keeping those relationships strong when your lives are changing(or staying the same) in dramatically different ways proves to be incredibly challenging. 

This book had me crying. The honest and sometimes gut wrenching moments, feelings, and conversations were so real. The FMC, Natalie, is a fully formed(and flawed) individual. Sometimes she just can’t get out of her own way even when she sees the wreckage ahead. But I get it. Even if your friends have something you don’t necessarily want, it's hard when their life appears to be moving forward without you. Add in Rob, the buttoned up best man, who she’s destined to run into many more times in the coming years and we’ve got that perfect push and pull tension.

But I promise, this book really is a romantic comedy. I’ve shared all the serious bits but there's some levity in there too. The antics are there. We’re talking ziplines, close quarters, and verbal sparring. This book isn’t your typical rom-com. It’s written in third person as opposed to a dual perspective. I would have loved to hear both Natalie and Rob’s inside thoughts and reactions opposed to being told about them. In the way of romance, this book gave tension and chemistry. It was at a full simmer until it had to boil over. This book isn’t necessarily a closed door, but it’s not a full fledged open door either. I would say the door is cracked-it’s ajar. It was tasteful, supported the plot, and had the “omg finally!” to the question of “will they or won't they?”

If this book doesn’t get a TV/movie deal, I’ll be SHOCKED.