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marimaria's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I went into reading this book expecting it to be loaded with the stereotypical romantic tropes and clichés. I just wanted a light read, where I could turn my mind off for a few hours. Just harmless stuff. I've heard people talk about Emily Henry's writing (and how somewhat overhyped her books are), so I thought of giving this one a shot since the premise appealed to me more than her other books. But I ended up becoming a lot more invested in the story, far more than I anticipated. I rated this a lot higher than most books I've read that are more my type solely because I really enjoyed reading this book.
Sure, there were some clichés here and there (which the book is so self-aware of, I might add), and it was predictable sometimes. Still, I couldn't put the book down.
The Banter between Nora (the protagonist) and Charlie is adorable and funny. They've already grown on me as a couple, just 3 chapters in. They have a lot of chemistry that isn't also cringey.
But I love Nora and Libby's sisterly bond more, and the book explores that a lot as well, not just the romance. I liked reading the many nuances and flaws each character has; they're not just filler, one-dimensional characters. I could actually empathise with each and root for them.
Some tropes I found in the book are enemies to lovers (pretty lowkey), found family, and it's a book about books.
Some tropes I found in the book are enemies to lovers (pretty lowkey), found family, and it's a book about books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death
azileotulp's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. I don't even know where to start with this. There are so many incredible things about this book that I'm finding it difficult to sort everything out.
I guess I should start with the fact that this just might be the perfect rom-com. I tend to be pretty hard on other books of this genre. I love reading them, but there's always something in the back of my mind that tells me they could be better. This is the rom-com I've been waiting for. None of the minor details that have caused me to rate other rom-coms below 5 stars are present in this book. Really the only thing I can say I "disliked" was Libby, but I don't even think that's entirely accurate. Even if she bothered me at times, there was something about Nora's intense love for her that made me want to see her happy too.
I have to say, one place where I think this book really shines, especially compared to other rom-coms, is its protagonist. It is absolutely wonderful to read from Nora's POV, and honestly quite refreshing. One of my biggest qualms with other romances is that the protagonist seems to always deny that the MMC has a thing for her even if it has been made abundantly obvious. Nora isn't like that. She knows she has feelings for Charlie, and she knows he has feelings for her. Instead of the conflict stemming from an issue of that nature, it's actually much more mature and realistic, revolving around her feeling such devotion to the other people in her life that she is unable to choose what she wants.It makes it even more satisfying when she chooses to take the editing job that she has always dreamed of and goes back to New York.
I've got a say, I was a wreck nearing the end of the book with all the talk of Charlie staying in Sunshine Falls while Nora went back to New York. Even though I knew it was an Emily Henry book and would have a happy ending, there was just something in the back of my mind telling me the ending would be bittersweet or sad. I'm so delighted I was wrong. That ending was everything I could ever ask for and more.
I really cannot speak higher of this novel. All rom-com fans can see parts of themselves in the characters and find something to enjoy. I fear this may set my standards too high regarding other rom-coms, but I don't even mind. I feel like I can be happy no matter what knowing that I have read such a wonderful story.
I guess I should start with the fact that this just might be the perfect rom-com. I tend to be pretty hard on other books of this genre. I love reading them, but there's always something in the back of my mind that tells me they could be better. This is the rom-com I've been waiting for. None of the minor details that have caused me to rate other rom-coms below 5 stars are present in this book. Really the only thing I can say I "disliked" was Libby, but I don't even think that's entirely accurate. Even if she bothered me at times, there was something about Nora's intense love for her that made me want to see her happy too.
I have to say, one place where I think this book really shines, especially compared to other rom-coms, is its protagonist. It is absolutely wonderful to read from Nora's POV, and honestly quite refreshing. One of my biggest qualms with other romances is that the protagonist seems to always deny that the MMC has a thing for her even if it has been made abundantly obvious. Nora isn't like that. She knows she has feelings for Charlie, and she knows he has feelings for her. Instead of the conflict stemming from an issue of that nature, it's actually much more mature and realistic, revolving around her feeling such devotion to the other people in her life that she is unable to choose what she wants.
I really cannot speak higher of this novel. All rom-com fans can see parts of themselves in the characters and find something to enjoy. I fear this may set my standards too high regarding other rom-coms, but I don't even mind. I feel like I can be happy no matter what knowing that I have read such a wonderful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Pregnancy, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: Medical content, Vomit, and Bullying
In regards to pregnancy tag - This is referring to the main character's sister, who is pregnant throughout the story, not the main character.bookthief7's review
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
sophiestone's review
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
After reading this I can really understand how this is a fan favourite in the booktok community. With plenty of bookish references and centered around lead characters who live deep within the publishing world as an agent and an author, it’s a bit cheesy and full of tropes but still a great romance nonetheless.
It has some classic tropes such as enemies to lovers (this is a label the author assigns but I’d argue they’re more acquaintance to lovers) as well as small town and big city romancing.
I really connected with Nora , as someone who is a complete workaholic but always feels the need to protect others first such as their sibling , but I’m glad that despite these things she still got her happy ending.
Overall it’s a great book, incredibly well written and I really have no complaints about it - the only reason it wasn’t rated higher was because it simply wasn’t a fave, as much as I love romance I prefer a little more world building and a little more magic/fantasy or academia.
It has some classic tropes such as enemies to lovers (this is a label the author assigns but I’d argue they’re more acquaintance to lovers) as well as small town and big city romancing.
I really connected with Nora , as someone who is a complete workaholic but always feels the need to protect others first such as their sibling , but I’m glad that despite these things she still got her happy ending.
Overall it’s a great book, incredibly well written and I really have no complaints about it - the only reason it wasn’t rated higher was because it simply wasn’t a fave, as much as I love romance I prefer a little more world building and a little more magic/fantasy or academia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Medical content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death and Death of parent
libraryofdoe's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Cried my eyes out. Emily Henry has managed to bottle up the feeling that home brings and use it as ink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Death
lifeofawannabee's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Death
sestout's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Death, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Abandonment
marippe's review against another edition
4.0
its a fun read, it kept me entertained. i think the characters are all decently layered. charlie and nora had good chemistry, had me gaspin a few times
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
rat_girly's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
📚📝👩🏼💻👨🏻💻👠🌲🌄❤️
Didn’t expect to like this book so much given its “Hallmark Christmas movie” type plot, but I loved the characters, their backstories, the familial and romantic love, and the ending
Didn’t expect to like this book so much given its “Hallmark Christmas movie” type plot, but I loved the characters, their backstories, the familial and romantic love, and the ending
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Grief
Minor: Vomit, Medical content, Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, Bullying, and Drug use