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lifefullofwords's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
LOVED this one. One of my fav Jackie Lau books. Charlotte and Mike were both darling. We need more childhood best friend to lovers contemporaries. Loved the pretend dating trope. They started real dating at just the right time. Mike’s trauma was so real and yet not too hard to read. Also loved how Charlotte’s backstory of her nightmare proposal at a baseball game was kind of funny but also awful. Just as close to perfect as Lau gets. Which is very close. Also loved that there was no 3rd act breakup and just Mike like dealing with his issues. Ugh so good!!
worthleyv's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
triftwizened's review
lighthearted
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
3.75
ohladysamantha's review
emotional
funny
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
4.0
this was really lovely and i will continue to read from Jackie Lau! I really appreciated the dynamic here and the representation of someone who has cut off their family due to abuse and the repercussions they still have mental health wise and in relationships because of that HEALTHY choice they made.
0ri's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
regencyfan93's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Mike was emotionally abused in the past. I don't usually see this in m/f romances. The author is impressive for making both Mike and Charlotte like real people with flaws and history. Charlotte's parents seem smothering at times, yet it is clear that they love her. it was satisfying to see the relationship grow from practice dating to love.
carla_is_reading'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
3.75
I haven’t finished a book in a day in a gazillion years.
This was fast paced, super cute romance, with great steam. Childhood besties reunited years later they start up a fake dating plan which soon becomes real dating. They both deal with individual traumas very realistically but with just enough of a positive flair to not ensue anxiety. So it’s low angst, low stakes, and adorable romance!
This was fast paced, super cute romance, with great steam. Childhood besties reunited years later they start up a fake dating plan which soon becomes real dating. They both deal with individual traumas very realistically but with just enough of a positive flair to not ensue anxiety. So it’s low angst, low stakes, and adorable romance!
heydebigale's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
5.0
I’m loving this series! These books just make me grin nearly the entire time. I love how Jackie Lau really leans into some of these fun tropes. I also love how much food are in Jackie Lau’s books! All of her characters love to eat and go to all of these amazing restaurants in Toronto.
Charlotte and Mike were childhood friends & reconnect after 20 years. This one is a kind of second chance/dating lessons book.
CW: Mike has experienced pretty severe verbal abuse from his parents as a kid. He has been in extensive therapy before the book takes place.
Notes: set in Toronto, Canada. Charlotte and Mike are both East Asian Canadians.
Charlotte and Mike were childhood friends & reconnect after 20 years. This one is a kind of second chance/dating lessons book.
CW: Mike has experienced pretty severe verbal abuse from his parents as a kid. He has been in extensive therapy before the book takes place.
Notes: set in Toronto, Canada. Charlotte and Mike are both East Asian Canadians.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.75