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justkeyreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.25
This was such a sweet friends to lovers book that spanned through college and now given them both a second chance when Nina & Sebastian are put forced to confront their pining feelings for each other. After their favorite show that brought them together canceled it also somehow abruptly finished their friendship, so when the show gets a reboot; they’re bothe surprised to see the other working for their fav show ANS to geek out. That also means that Sebastian has to finally tell Nina how he feels about her.
I loved how it explored Sebastian’s need for friendship that he thought he needed to give so much of his self of his relationships & friendships that it would make people like him. I really connected with his growth as he stood up for his self. Nina also grew in not realizing that her relationship with Sebastian is not like her parents and needs to allow herself to stop comparing.
I loved how it explored Sebastian’s need for friendship that he thought he needed to give so much of his self of his relationships & friendships that it would make people like him. I really connected with his growth as he stood up for his self. Nina also grew in not realizing that her relationship with Sebastian is not like her parents and needs to allow herself to stop comparing.
carlaah1984's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
A fun read, that uses fandom and the connections we make with pop culture as a central point of how people connect and build relationships. It was fun to picture areas of LA as they talked about going around town.
lchambers394's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
This book got so many things right. The characters were perfect, with both Nina and Sebastian feeling like real, authentic, messy, well-rounded human beings. They had believable backstories that crept into their present selves, genuine emotions and realistic reactions. Even better, it wasn’t just the main characters that the authors fleshed out so completely. The sisters, Millie and Sayeh, were highlights of their own, each a complex source of light and reflection for Nina and Sebastian, as well as the reader. The relationships between characters were, too, authentic and human. The characters lived, grew, made mistakes, got hurt, struggled with work and times changing, grew some more. I really cared for the couple and loved the misunderstandings, Tash and Skilton perfected the ‘I like them but there’s no way they like me’ x2 trope and I was so invested in their relationship. This book was a sure 4 stars, creeping up perhaps to 4.5!
However, when they finally got together, I strangely realised that… I didn’t care that much about it!! It was inevitable and it was at face value the climax I was waiting for. But something didn’t quite feel as exciting and satisfying as I had expected. There was still a decent section of the book left and I felt it was okay. I liked how the characters continued to grow and develop. I enjoyed their individual story arcs. But, ultimately, I felt my earlier emotions dim somewhat and it never entirely claimed back my interest in the couple. This last section let this book down, but it did not take away completely from the complex characters or the plot with layers and humanity. 3.5-4/5.
However, when they finally got together, I strangely realised that… I didn’t care that much about it!! It was inevitable and it was at face value the climax I was waiting for. But something didn’t quite feel as exciting and satisfying as I had expected. There was still a decent section of the book left and I felt it was okay. I liked how the characters continued to grow and develop. I enjoyed their individual story arcs. But, ultimately, I felt my earlier emotions dim somewhat and it never entirely claimed back my interest in the couple. This last section let this book down, but it did not take away completely from the complex characters or the plot with layers and humanity. 3.5-4/5.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
sonia_reading's review against another edition
2.5
I really liked Ghosting, but this book didn’t have as unique as a plot. The writing was only alright and I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I love Iranian representation.
thelittlegreycatreads's review against another edition
4.0
Nina and Sebastian met in college over their shared love of their favorite fantasy television show (CoRaB). By graduation, they're both hiding romantic feelings towards one another on the grounds that they're preserving their friendship--until something else entirely separates them for five years. Now they both find themselves living in LA and working on the reboot of CoRaB.
Nina and Sebastian are characters that instantly click on page. The author's did an incredible job describing the minutia of their reactions. Small gestures that built this world entirely made up of them.
I don't even need to say it--but I will--there was so much tension. I liked that this book took an unconventional path with their friendship and relationship. I believed the drama and the character development. I might have liked to see Nina work through her issues a little bit more but I still felt there was a satisfying conclusion.
What sets this book apart for me is that the side characters are just as memorable--the meddling sisters, horrible bosses and roommates, and lets not forget the fandom. I think its safe to say I won't be forgetting this book anytime soon.
Thank you to @Netgalley and @Kensingtonbooks for this eARC. Hollywood Ending is out on August 31 and you can pre-order your copy now!
Nina and Sebastian are characters that instantly click on page. The author's did an incredible job describing the minutia of their reactions. Small gestures that built this world entirely made up of them.
I don't even need to say it--but I will--there was so much tension. I liked that this book took an unconventional path with their friendship and relationship. I believed the drama and the character development. I might have liked to see Nina work through her issues a little bit more but I still felt there was a satisfying conclusion.
What sets this book apart for me is that the side characters are just as memorable--the meddling sisters, horrible bosses and roommates, and lets not forget the fandom. I think its safe to say I won't be forgetting this book anytime soon.
Thank you to @Netgalley and @Kensingtonbooks for this eARC. Hollywood Ending is out on August 31 and you can pre-order your copy now!
thelittlegreycatreads's review
4.0
Nina and Sebastian met in college over their shared love of their favorite fantasy television show (CoRaB). By graduation, they're both hiding romantic feelings towards one another on the grounds that they're preserving their friendship--until something else entirely separates them for five years. Now they both find themselves living in LA and working on the reboot of CoRaB.
Nina and Sebastian are characters that instantly click on page. The author's did an incredible job describing the minutia of their reactions. Small gestures that built this world entirely made up of them.
I don't even need to say it--but I will--there was so much tension. I liked that this book took an unconventional path with their friendship and relationship. I believed the drama and the character development. I might have liked to see Nina work through her issues a little bit more but I still felt there was a satisfying conclusion.
What sets this book apart for me is that the side characters are just as memorable--the meddling sisters, horrible bosses and roommates, and lets not forget the fandom. I think its safe to say I won't be forgetting this book anytime soon.
✨Thank you to @Netgalley and @Kensingtonbooks for this eARC. Hollywood Ending is out on August 31 and you can pre-order your copy now!
Nina and Sebastian are characters that instantly click on page. The author's did an incredible job describing the minutia of their reactions. Small gestures that built this world entirely made up of them.
I don't even need to say it--but I will--there was so much tension. I liked that this book took an unconventional path with their friendship and relationship. I believed the drama and the character development. I might have liked to see Nina work through her issues a little bit more but I still felt there was a satisfying conclusion.
What sets this book apart for me is that the side characters are just as memorable--the meddling sisters, horrible bosses and roommates, and lets not forget the fandom. I think its safe to say I won't be forgetting this book anytime soon.
✨Thank you to @Netgalley and @Kensingtonbooks for this eARC. Hollywood Ending is out on August 31 and you can pre-order your copy now!
andiabcs's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I wanted to like this one more than I did. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it enough, but i just didn't 100% connect with the story or the characters. Both Nina and Sebastian were killing me by not talking about what was going on. They were infuriating so connecting with them was hard. But I did like the secondary characters. Sebastian's friends were amazing and I wish there was more of a story for them. I also liked Nina's sister a lot. She had a sort of charm to her that Nina was missing at times. All in all it was a fast read and a good book. Just not my favorite written by these two together on on their own.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it enough, but i just didn't 100% connect with the story or the characters. Both Nina and Sebastian were killing me by not talking about what was going on. They were infuriating so connecting with them was hard. But I did like the secondary characters. Sebastian's friends were amazing and I wish there was more of a story for them. I also liked Nina's sister a lot. She had a sort of charm to her that Nina was missing at times. All in all it was a fast read and a good book. Just not my favorite written by these two together on on their own.
theoceanrose's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Sebastian and Nina were best friends throughout college, connected by their mutual love of the show "Castles of Rust and Bone." They went their separate ways at the end of senior year, but 5 years later, the show brings them back together as both of them have jobs connected to the reboot. Will they finally become more than friends?
Though there were some predictable moments, there were also a few surprises. This book was cute and fun!
Sebastian and Nina were best friends throughout college, connected by their mutual love of the show "Castles of Rust and Bone." They went their separate ways at the end of senior year, but 5 years later, the show brings them back together as both of them have jobs connected to the reboot. Will they finally become more than friends?
Though there were some predictable moments, there were also a few surprises. This book was cute and fun!