Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Laura Wood for a copy of this ARC. This is my own, honest, review.
This was a really great story showing the different and complicated ways relationships can exist in the entertainment industry. I thought the plot was very well-developed with elements of humour and raw sadness sprinkled throughout the romance. The sisterhood was so beautiful between the three women and I loved how close they were despite having different moms, as well as how they maintained their youth even as 30-somethings. It’s a perfect second chance, forced proximity rockstar romance.
This was a spectacularly written opposites attract love story. I loved the juxtaposition of faith versus choice when it came onto Rooney and Jack, because in the beginning they defended their own stance but they both saw the value in the other person’s belief at the end of the novel. The pacing was great and I found myself kicking my feet like a schoolgirl and giggling whenever something romantic happened between them.
All the supporting characters were likeable and they were so funny which helped with the overall story. Also getting to learn a little bit more about Chinese culture was so fun and I can tell that Lauren did her research when it came onto the NASA and space facts and those kept the novel interesting without being boring. It’s really just a feel good romance that I think anybody would enjoy.
I’m very disappointed in the way this story played out. The plot line felt very underdeveloped and got more confusing as the chapters went on. I hated the portrayal of Cress as a love-sick FMC left to the whim of Ivo.
I also was so offended by the portrayal of disability in the novel. Thinking that ADHD is just for children or the person is on drugs, and assuming that someone with mental health disorders is violent was not only hurtful to the disabled community, but also upsetting in its ignorance. I think for the future the author needs to be mindful of the way that they tell disabled stories.
“'It's rubbish, by the way. And I have ADHD. I thought you knew.'
'I thought that was for kids, I said, feeling my brain expanding with the possibilities.“ like…
Saying “ I really did not want to have to come face to face with someone who might start swinging at us with any work equipment he had to hand.” about someone implied to have Bipolar Disorder is just nasty.
I really liked that this was a story about diverse relationships because we don’t often see that in novels. The characters were all unique individuals that found harmony with each other and also provided humour along the way. However, where this fell short for me was the fact that Mel kept using her insecurity and lack of knowledge to get in the way of her agreement. It didn’t make sense to me that she kept asking questions that seemed unnecessary to me since everything was outlined and agreed upon by all three of them. I found myself wanting Mel to act more confident and assured in her decision, instead of constantly seeing herself as encroaching on Bebe and Kade’s relationship.
This was such a funny, sweet, well-executed book. I knew from the first couple of pages that I would love it. Jolene was an unlikeable FMC but I really enjoyed that and found myself being so amused by her personality and actions.
Cliff being the sunshine to her grumpy was also enjoyable to read. Their relationship had good pacing from beginning to end. It felt realistic and I supported all the decisions that were made by them both towards their futures.
I cackled throughout the story but I also liked the tender moments that arose as more was revealed about each character. The novel showed that people are really dynamic beings and we never really know what goes on behind the scenes.
This was my first time ever reading Alice in Wonderland after hearing little snippets and summaries about it over the years. I really liked the narration that Audrey provided and the guides were definitely informative and cool.
However as a story I thought it was just ok. The fantasy didn’t appeal to me much and Alice was a little too clueless for me (as an adult).