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hgoravec's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
So this seemed to get a ton of rave reviews, but it was only available in Australia, but THEN it was on sale, so I bought the lot. It came up again on the SBTB website recently, so figured it was a good time to give it a go.
I am glad I read that review, even though there were some spoilers, but I think it helped going into the book to know the three stories overlap on the same season, not just continuations of a franchise. The book is relatively short, and it does feel like Cece and Dylan’s story is left unfinished.
The book definitely captures that 2020 pandemic feel - so much uncertainty, and situations that would never have happened otherwise. At the same time, because it’s a bottle episode, it can also ignore the pandemic in broad strokes.
I’ve never been a huge reality show fan, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever watched a full episode of the Bachelor or similar, but I do enjoy these more “behind the scenes” versions. But one of the drawbacks is that our couple never really spends that much time together, and especially since all the other women hate Cece, you get a lot of imagined conversations in her head, and not a lot of interactions. Even at the end, it seemed like Dylan was more her idea of him, than actually him. We don’t get his POV, and I’m sorry but he led Cece on for too long. There’s dramatic tension, and then there’s being an overly cautious dick with anxiety.
The book does a decent job at showcasing Dylan’s anxiety without centering it, and Cece’s background in foster care comes through very strongly.
I get the sense that the other two books are better and help to round out the overall story, so I will definitely be reading them.
I am glad I read that review, even though there were some spoilers, but I think it helped going into the book to know the three stories overlap on the same season, not just continuations of a franchise. The book is relatively short, and it does feel like Cece and Dylan’s story is left unfinished.
The book definitely captures that 2020 pandemic feel - so much uncertainty, and situations that would never have happened otherwise. At the same time, because it’s a bottle episode, it can also ignore the pandemic in broad strokes.
I’ve never been a huge reality show fan, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever watched a full episode of the Bachelor or similar, but I do enjoy these more “behind the scenes” versions. But one of the drawbacks is that our couple never really spends that much time together, and especially since all the other women hate Cece, you get a lot of imagined conversations in her head, and not a lot of interactions. Even at the end, it seemed like Dylan was more her idea of him, than actually him. We don’t get his POV, and I’m sorry but he led Cece on for too long. There’s dramatic tension, and then there’s being an overly cautious dick with anxiety.
The book does a decent job at showcasing Dylan’s anxiety without centering it, and Cece’s background in foster care comes through very strongly.
I get the sense that the other two books are better and help to round out the overall story, so I will definitely be reading them.
bookshelvesandtealeaves's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I’m so glad I’ve finally read this after reading this trilogy out of order! It was so nice to finally get to read Dylan and Cece’s romance from the inside.
I adored both of these characters. Cece’s entire personality made so much more sense with her backstory and being inside her head. I loved all the details about her life and her past and the inclusion of her two best friends, the way they kept popping up in her thoughts and decision making process.
And Dylan. Dylan was just so sweet, so genuine, so earnest. I absolutely adored watching their romance blossom and unfold. All their soft moments, their teasing moments, being there for each other through all of it. It all made me feel so warm and fuzzy.
If you’re looking for a romance read this season, I can’t recommend this enough!
bookswithbryleigh's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
archimedesfudge's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
dillydallydesigns's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
roseygirl203's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
baekho_888's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
3.25
lilybellreader's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sungmemoonstruck's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
A very, fun smart friends-to-lovers romance set during the filming of a Bachelor-esque show that I think would make a perfect beach read. You can tell that the author is a Bachelor scholar and she pairs a loving send-up of the show with a heartfelt romance. I was charmed by Cece and Dylan's connection, especially their banter as they first fall for each other, and really felt for Cece. I did want Cece to take a bit more of an active role in forging her own happy ending but had such a fun time reading this that it only bothered me a little. Recommended for fans of reality TV romance.