sims_reads 's review for:

Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

5.0

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4.5/5 - I’m a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but it makes me question how that would look in reality. Everything’s Fine truly explores a form of that, in my perspective. Most times when I read an interracial relationship (especially with a POC and a white person) in romance books, a lot of concerns I feel like are important get glossed over. This book definitely addressed that exact thought in my head and felt more like how it can actually play out. (That’s not saying every relationship ends up like how it does in the book or that’s the experience, but it demonstrates some complications and how it continues if not discussed.) However I didn’t want something like Purple Hearts, this captures a more complicated image. Every time you’re lulled in by the romance, the small sweet stuff, reality begins creeping out. The build up is slow and changes with new experiences, so I really enjoyed how the novel takes place over a good chunk of time. It allows for moments of “maybe now?” when something pivotal is edging closer and closer without seeming unrealistic. I loved this for what it was, which was definitely not a traditional romance, especially with the ominous closing line and who it’s said by. There were so many things I enjoyed (even when I was pissed off), but especially Jess’ growth into a person she is more sure about. Josh is…something else despite how much love he does have for her. That conversation and scene with the hat will rattle around my mind for a long time…it’s definitely not just a hat.