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cmd2010's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.5
katy10's review
3.0
3.5 stars to be exact. The story was nice. I wished the writer had mentioned more about the ambience and the weather. Coz one of the primary reasons I chose to read this book was the chilly weather… was hoping to see more of it. Like Credence ? The pace is fine.. not thattt much angst as the fmc and mc resolve their issues not too late… dnf’ed at 43% . Maybe it was my mood or I just didn’t feel like continuing…
nadine_booklover's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I haven't read Penelope in a while and it was about time that I picked up one of her books again.
I dove in totally blind and what I found was a beautiful story about a kind of forced proximity, found family and finding comfort in each other while dealing with grief and hence dealing with guilt because of it.
ICN brings you all the feels as Carly and Josh struggle to coexist whilst taking care of a nonverbal autistic adult, connected through their shared loss of Carly's husband who was also Josh's best friend.
Both Carly and Josh are strong, kind and loyal. And even though there are hard feelings toward each other at the beginning, deeply rooted by a - let's say - misunderstanding in the past, both find a way to deal with the situation they find themselves in. Their shared love for the person they both lost and the sense of responsibility, the need and want to take care of Brad's brother, is the common ground that helps them to set aside their enmity for each other and start building a solid friendship by giving each other benefit of doubt and therefore a chance.
Carly and Josh's story is a dance of emotions and personal growth. Full of angst and tenderness, heartfelt conversations and lighthearted laughter. It's raw, emotional and deep.
I haven't read Penelope in a while and it was about time that I picked up one of her books again.
I dove in totally blind and what I found was a beautiful story about a kind of forced proximity, found family and finding comfort in each other while dealing with grief and hence dealing with guilt because of it.
ICN brings you all the feels as Carly and Josh struggle to coexist whilst taking care of a nonverbal autistic adult, connected through their shared loss of Carly's husband who was also Josh's best friend.
Both Carly and Josh are strong, kind and loyal. And even though there are hard feelings toward each other at the beginning, deeply rooted by a - let's say - misunderstanding in the past, both find a way to deal with the situation they find themselves in. Their shared love for the person they both lost and the sense of responsibility, the need and want to take care of Brad's brother, is the common ground that helps them to set aside their enmity for each other and start building a solid friendship by giving each other benefit of doubt and therefore a chance.
Carly and Josh's story is a dance of emotions and personal growth. Full of angst and tenderness, heartfelt conversations and lighthearted laughter. It's raw, emotional and deep.
lostinfictionaluniverse's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a sweet and lighthearted read. I loved Scottie so much and ofc the premise of the story. 😊
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Wow! I'm feeling ALL the emotions with this book!
First, can we talk about the selfless love that Carly and Josh both had for Stevie? I mean to have not one, but two people uproot their lives to take care of another person. Right there I should have known to grab the tissues.
I Could Never is heartfelt, that almost seems like a given, but it’s also witty, and sarcastic, and lump in your throat sad, but also lift you up happy. The same chapter, the same page can contain most of those emotions. It's the best kind of emotional therapy that leaves you feeling rejuvenated by human kind.
Josh and Carly began as enemies but end with so much more than they ever bargained for.
If there is one book to read this year, pick up this one.
First, can we talk about the selfless love that Carly and Josh both had for Stevie? I mean to have not one, but two people uproot their lives to take care of another person. Right there I should have known to grab the tissues.
I Could Never is heartfelt, that almost seems like a given, but it’s also witty, and sarcastic, and lump in your throat sad, but also lift you up happy. The same chapter, the same page can contain most of those emotions. It's the best kind of emotional therapy that leaves you feeling rejuvenated by human kind.
Josh and Carly began as enemies but end with so much more than they ever bargained for.
If there is one book to read this year, pick up this one.
bookphenomena_micky's review
Rather boring but some elements really gave me the ick and felt inappropriate. The showering was...IYKYK.
kayeliegh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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
4.0
beckyrendon's review
4.0
Never say never
Penelope Ward does it again. I COULD NEVER not love this story. Enemies to lovers, traumatic loss, and uncontrolled lust- I was all in. I could absolutely.
Penelope Ward does it again. I COULD NEVER not love this story. Enemies to lovers, traumatic loss, and uncontrolled lust- I was all in. I could absolutely.
rachelsreadsandreviews1's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The story is predictable, but in exactly the way you want a romance to be.
I’ve always found Ward’s writing to be chill and engaging while also tackling some harder subject with grace.
There were some behaviors surrounding the treatment and interaction with a special needs character while he was bathing that I felt could have been left out. That said, they were probably realistic.
The spice was the perfect level for the story.
Plot - 4
I’ve always found Ward’s writing to be chill and engaging while also tackling some harder subject with grace.
There were some behaviors surrounding the treatment and interaction with a special needs character while he was bathing that I felt could have been left out. That said, they were probably realistic.
The spice was the perfect level for the story.
Plot - 4
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 3
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 3
Final Score - 3.8