Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - It Only Happens in the Movies

i have been waiting a long ass time for a romance that is real and doesn't have either a happily ever after ending or the world is ending bc of something super traumatic type ending. this book delivered. audrey grew up and learned to choose herself. i loved the commentary on romcoms especially that one fault in our stars scene and the rant about the 'not like other girls' comment. there's something great about the fact that we never found out what harry's problems really were, that the author didn't try to use those to excuse his behaviour and instead focussed solely on audrey's life.

that being said, this book was on the line between funny/adorable and cringe. i did adjust to the writing style later on so maybe it's aimed towards younger readers. the plot moved a little slow at times and the characters felt underdeveloped bc i wasn't really connected to any of them except audrey. its been a long while since i've read a book set in england and i don't think i've ever read a book about a girl in sixth form so parts of it were extra relatable but also too close to reality and so not as interesting to read about.

overall though, definitely worth a read.

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brielleborgia's review

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emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Definitely not a good read for me

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shanno_h0's review

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dark emotional lighthearted sad 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? No

2.5

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xlaurareads's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

5.0

this really was one of the best books i read this year. i adore harry and audrey and i love them together. the kind of lovestory as displayed in the book is one of the most realistic ones i've ever read and i loved it so so much! there were so many ups and downs and love and frustration and jealousy and just everything. it was just an incredibly amazing book which made me laugh a lot and cry even more in the end. i'm not a 100% sure how i feel about the ending yet although i totally love audrey for

Spoiler

walking away like a badass bitch and choosing herself over the guy.

we need more of this in romance books and movies! now on my list of books i'll never stop recommending.

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lizaxwin's review

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was hands down one of the best books I‘ve read in a while (maybe ever?!). It was just so refreshing to get a love story that felt so real and tangible. I adore Harry and Audrey together, they really have a lot of chemistry going on. If I had to criticise anything, it‘d probably be Audrey

Spoiler

calling Jessie a „whore“.

But that‘s really just a minor thing. Of course, some of the twists were rather predictable, but I guess some of the predictability was actually there to enhance the message of the book even further. And I loved loved loved the end. Most realistic (and only tolerable) ending I‘ve read in quite a while. Solid five stars! Absolute recommendation.

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totallynotanerd's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.5

Gave my view on love a reality-check

Content Warnings

aliceloyallaleon's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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nirellis's review

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emotional funny medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This wasn’t at all what I had expected, in fact it was so much better. Deconstructed rom-com is the perfect way to describe this. I just finished it a few seconds ago and my heart is sad but also content ?? So glad I read this

I am going to need 4-5 business days to recover

(That scene with Audrey exiting the movie theatre and music playing was EVERYTHING)

+ don’t forget to google tw’s :)

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