Scan barcode
hollidayreadswithme's review against another edition
4.0
For more of my reviews, check out my book blog at www.readingreckless.wordpress.com.
Please explain to me why the only things that spur female characters in books to change their lives are men cheating on them or a sudden job change. Can someone tell me why they always have absolutely nothing going on?
Well Met by Jen DeLuca is a complex, witty romantic comedy set in a small town during a Renaissance fair. Emily Parker is a down on her luck sister who comes into town to help her sister April out with caring for her teenage daughter after April has suffered injuries when she got into a car accident. April’s daughter wants to be apart of the Renaissance fair and in order for her to participate, she needs a chaperone. Emily is suckered into being that chaperone.
Simon is the antagonist in this story, which means of course we are getting an enemies-to-lovers trope. I’m usually not okay with that because there is always something that I find utterly unforgivable in the actions of the man during the “Enemies phase” (ex. Unhoneymooners, The Hating Game), but this just felt like an unveiling of emotion. He was wound up so tight that he needed more than anything to see that there was another way to live and that the people around him liked him for who he was, not his brother’s shadow.
I’m noticing in a lot of the books that I have been reading lately, that sibling drama plays a large role, the distance or the closeness does something to the younger sibling that mars them in some way. Familial dynamics, in general, are being explored with more depth and purpose.
With romance being the main story arc, I fully expected Emily to be fully ensnared with the romance. However, I would say that her personality didn’t change; she started to find her own love for the town that she developed for herself. Making friends, though being terrified due to long-standing trust issues. Her character was developed well and Simon was a well fleshed out character. I found myself squealing with delight when they finally got together. And it’s not a spoiler because duh. I did appreciate that she didn’t directly move in with him, he suggested it and she held her ground about taking things slow. The last two romances I read ended with engagements, and in those cases, it didn’t really feel like they were warranted just yet.
The writing was a bit flowery, but I did appreciate the descriptions of the fair, the dresses, the queen. It did really make me want to find a renaissance fair and go. The book takes place over a 6 week period and instead of isolating the narrative to those weekends when Simon and Emily were sure to see each other, DeLuca used that time to develop Emily so that every weekend she grew. It was almost like a progress report. She would talk to someone during the week and then see them at the fair and the closeness was established.
The one reason I’m not going to give this a five star is because of the bookstore conflict. It seemed like she was getting along really well with Chris, but when she started having doubts about whether or not she would still have her job at the bookstore, she didn’t really do anything to talk about the situation. Her communication skills are so poor. But there is nothing in her past that would indicate that she has this lack. Perhaps from feeling unwanted from her ex-boyfriend. But even then, that was something outside the realm of rational thought.
In any case, was this a good book? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Should you read it? Hell yes.
Please explain to me why the only things that spur female characters in books to change their lives are men cheating on them or a sudden job change. Can someone tell me why they always have absolutely nothing going on?
Well Met by Jen DeLuca is a complex, witty romantic comedy set in a small town during a Renaissance fair. Emily Parker is a down on her luck sister who comes into town to help her sister April out with caring for her teenage daughter after April has suffered injuries when she got into a car accident. April’s daughter wants to be apart of the Renaissance fair and in order for her to participate, she needs a chaperone. Emily is suckered into being that chaperone.
Simon is the antagonist in this story, which means of course we are getting an enemies-to-lovers trope. I’m usually not okay with that because there is always something that I find utterly unforgivable in the actions of the man during the “Enemies phase” (ex. Unhoneymooners, The Hating Game), but this just felt like an unveiling of emotion. He was wound up so tight that he needed more than anything to see that there was another way to live and that the people around him liked him for who he was, not his brother’s shadow.
I’m noticing in a lot of the books that I have been reading lately, that sibling drama plays a large role, the distance or the closeness does something to the younger sibling that mars them in some way. Familial dynamics, in general, are being explored with more depth and purpose.
With romance being the main story arc, I fully expected Emily to be fully ensnared with the romance. However, I would say that her personality didn’t change; she started to find her own love for the town that she developed for herself. Making friends, though being terrified due to long-standing trust issues. Her character was developed well and Simon was a well fleshed out character. I found myself squealing with delight when they finally got together. And it’s not a spoiler because duh. I did appreciate that she didn’t directly move in with him, he suggested it and she held her ground about taking things slow. The last two romances I read ended with engagements, and in those cases, it didn’t really feel like they were warranted just yet.
The writing was a bit flowery, but I did appreciate the descriptions of the fair, the dresses, the queen. It did really make me want to find a renaissance fair and go. The book takes place over a 6 week period and instead of isolating the narrative to those weekends when Simon and Emily were sure to see each other, DeLuca used that time to develop Emily so that every weekend she grew. It was almost like a progress report. She would talk to someone during the week and then see them at the fair and the closeness was established.
The one reason I’m not going to give this a five star is because of the bookstore conflict. It seemed like she was getting along really well with Chris, but when she started having doubts about whether or not she would still have her job at the bookstore, she didn’t really do anything to talk about the situation. Her communication skills are so poor. But there is nothing in her past that would indicate that she has this lack. Perhaps from feeling unwanted from her ex-boyfriend. But even then, that was something outside the realm of rational thought.
In any case, was this a good book? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Should you read it? Hell yes.
katsventures's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sarsarsarsarsar's review against another edition
5.0
Is this a true 5star? Idk… it gives you EVERYTHING you could possibly want in a romcom; jokes, anxious thoughts, sexy costumes, spicy scenes, a convenient ending, and interesting (enough) characters - but still something is missing (and it’s not the writing or the story telling). I cant put my finger on what is lacking so I can’t ethically remove a star.
Overall great read! I squealed and laughed a few times, I also snapped “shut up” and “no.” Out loud several times -> any emotion invoked is good!
Super creative premise, huge appreciation for the beginning of the book. I think it was exemplary how the author opened the story and shed background without it feeling like information overload and boring.
I really liked this book, of course some parts were really annoying. But I think these kind of books are annoying! That’s why I love reading them :)
Would recommend when you want an easy read with a little bit of camp.
Overall great read! I squealed and laughed a few times, I also snapped “shut up” and “no.” Out loud several times -> any emotion invoked is good!
Super creative premise, huge appreciation for the beginning of the book. I think it was exemplary how the author opened the story and shed background without it feeling like information overload and boring.
I really liked this book, of course some parts were really annoying. But I think these kind of books are annoying! That’s why I love reading them :)
Would recommend when you want an easy read with a little bit of camp.
robynk16's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Such a fun and cute enemies to lovers rom-com! Quick read, that will make you laugh out loud and want to visit your local ren faire!
happyjackiep's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
kiwi_shortcake's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
bettielovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I have never wanted to go or been part of a Renaissance Faire but now I want to go and find one, what a charming book. Although I wish Emily and Simon didn’t have so many miscommunication issues.
jourdanicus's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Ugh... I wish I had DNFed this, unfortunately. I love the Renaissance fair I've been to so I thought it would be a cute setting for a romance novel. Sadly the story and characters just lacked depth. Sometimes that can make for a fun, light read, but I struggled to suspend disbelief enough to enjoy. And then the icing on the cake (derogatory) was when Emily, a gal Simon had known for what, 6 weeks? Told him he basically needed to get over his dead brother and put her first.
Grief is complex and this book didn't have the depth to handle that topic.
Edit: if I find out the lasagna + milk for dinner mentioned at the end is a Twilight reference, I'm adding half a star to my rating for that Easter egg 🤣
Grief is complex and this book didn't have the depth to handle that topic.
Edit: if I find out the lasagna + milk for dinner mentioned at the end is a Twilight reference, I'm adding half a star to my rating for that Easter egg 🤣
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Car accident, and Grief
lolarose1234's review against another edition
4.0
4.5* really relatable I want to review more but I finished listening to the audiobook at work and don’t have time right now.
kbuckler's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0