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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.amandab0514's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
gabriellesimpson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy and Sexual content
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
sadie_g's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Loved this book. I completely missed it when it first came out and I'm so glad I read it now. It's such a cute and interesting take on the stereotypical small-town romance. It took me a second to get into it but once I was into it, I didn't want to put it down. I wasn't expecting this book to get me, make me cry and for me to relate to Nora but it did and that made the experience of reading it so much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Medical content
cartomancer888's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
daniofthewood's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Moderate: Medical content, Mental illness, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity
hazel_oat's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
i’m really a miserable pos so there are not many books that can touch my cold dead heart - but this was alright
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Death of parent
ohtoasty's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
I am consistently a sucker for enemies to lovers, so I knew I was going to like this book from the jump because that is it's entire premise. I don't usually read heterosexual enemies to lovers though, so this book had a higher bar than most to keep my interest and wow me. It didn't disappoint, there are things that could have been better, but the writing was an upgrade for what I normally read. I like Henry's use of one point of view, I think that adds a lot more uncertainity because we only know how one character is feeling for the entire time. I found the ending satifsying, although a little bit slow to a really obvious solution.
Nora is our main character here, and you read everything from her perspective. She is smart, driven, witty and we get it, she likes the city. I was very convinced of that early on, and mentioning it as a plot point to ensure she would never leave the city occasionally is fine, but it was definitely shoved down the readers throat more than it needed to be. I am glad it did not end with Nora wanting to leave the city and completely abandon her values, that would have been frustrating, so we avoided that one nicely done. I like that overall Nora doesn't change too much about her personality. She grows quite a bit in terms of letting room for others around her to care about her, instead of trying to be a one woman show for everyone she cares about. She finally goes for her dream job and doesn't do the safe thing once in her life, this was very good growth I really enjoyed reading. Her as a main character was satisfying enough. She tries not to mess with Libby's life and choices too much, letting her find her way, even though she is incredibly worried. She still tries to make things happen for Libby more than she needs to though, which at times is frustrating, she figures it out though.
Libby as a sister was an important character, I wish we got more conversations from her overall. The reveal at the end of the book was really surprising about her move. I did not catch on to that at all and everything clicking in and making sense at the end was nice. I like being surprised in the book. I was convinced alongside Nora that maybe she was divorcing her husband, I was really confused about all the personal time she demanded, and happy to have everything make sense in the end. I understood her frustrating about Nora worrying all the time, so not wanting to tell Nora everything for her to worry. But a big health issue for someone who is pregnant that then needs to be on a specific diet is an absolutely wild and unbelievable thing for Libby to do. I understand all characters have flaws, but that one felt too far. We didn't really hear enough from Libby consistently for me to be convinced of that. I liked Libby's ending overall, choosing something different for her family and having to make that tough choice.
Charlie was interesting enough. I'm glad we didn't get his perspective throughout the book, it was really clear how he felt for Nora and I don't think I could have taken more pages of him pining for her but not being able to have her in that kind of way. It was sweet that he was trying to step in for his parents, struggling that he wasn't the kind of son they needed but still trying to be there for them. He was very patience with Nora in the will they won't they situations, but I think should have been more clear from the jump as to why he was interested but from a mental distance almost. I loved his banter, he was funny and I really saw the chemistry between the two of them and what they were both all about.
Overall very satisfied with the book, sans a few decisions here and there. Surprised overall how much I liked it.
Libby as a sister was an important character, I wish we got more conversations from her overall. The reveal at the end of the book was really surprising about her move. I did not catch on to that at all and everything clicking in and making sense at the end was nice. I like being surprised in the book. I was convinced alongside Nora that maybe she was divorcing her husband, I was really confused about all the personal time she demanded, and happy to have everything make sense in the end. I understood her frustrating about Nora worrying all the time, so not wanting to tell Nora everything for her to worry. But a big health issue for someone who is pregnant that then needs to be on a specific diet is an absolutely wild and unbelievable thing for Libby to do. I understand all characters have flaws, but that one felt too far. We didn't really hear enough from Libby consistently for me to be convinced of that. I liked Libby's ending overall, choosing something different for her family and having to make that tough choice.
Charlie was interesting enough. I'm glad we didn't get his perspective throughout the book, it was really clear how he felt for Nora and I don't think I could have taken more pages of him pining for her but not being able to have her in that kind of way. It was sweet that he was trying to step in for his parents, struggling that he wasn't the kind of son they needed but still trying to be there for them. He was very patience with Nora in the will they won't they situations, but I think should have been more clear from the jump as to why he was interested but from a mental distance almost. I loved his banter, he was funny and I really saw the chemistry between the two of them and what they were both all about.
Overall very satisfied with the book, sans a few decisions here and there. Surprised overall how much I liked it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent