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scentedcandle's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This is going to be a long review because I have a love-hate feeling (that is veering more on hate) about this book.
Upon seeing this at the bookstore, I was really inclined to buy it. I thought he cover was cute and the premise interesting: Two book editors of different genres working at the same publishing company has to work together and end up falling in love. Also, they are kind of rivals-to-lovers and there's a lot of book-related banter involved. Having read Emily Henry's Book Lovers, I really thought I was going to love this.
Before I details the parts I didn't like, here are the things that I did like about this book:
Upon seeing this at the bookstore, I was really inclined to buy it. I thought he cover was cute and the premise interesting: Two book editors of different genres working at the same publishing company has to work together and end up falling in love. Also, they are kind of rivals-to-lovers and there's a lot of book-related banter involved. Having read Emily Henry's Book Lovers, I really thought I was going to love this.
Before I details the parts I didn't like, here are the things that I did like about this book:
- The office scenes. I found it interesting to discover through the story the behind-the-scenes of the publishing industry.
- Janey.
Now, for the things I did not like so much:
- I'm not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me, but I'm pretty sure I've read "platitudes," "literary smackdowns," "literary banter," "powder keg waiting to explode," and "two nerds standing in the middle of a nerdy joke" enough times to be considered repetitive. I mean, they are repeated to the point where I can enumerate them.
- The pet names. Kip calls Emma "[Princess] Buttercup" and she calls him "Hobbit." It was cute at first. Then they used it one too many times. As in: every conversation. I'm already not a fan of pet names, but this book really just took its use up to Level 100.
- Felt a bit like insta-love. I mean, it was only around 200 pages, yes, but why does she remember so many specific details about him so early in the book? Forty two pages in and she starts imagining her ideal man as someone in an LOTR shirt (which is Kip). Like???
- When Kip said that Emma was too emotionally attached to her job, I had to agree. Girl was crying because their boss recommended to pass the book over to Kip. Also, they fought in front of their client and boss. Please, have some sense of self-awareness.
- When Nick was being a pest and Kip said, "Everything good here, bro?" I had to stop reading because cringe. Also, I believe that was the start of my dislike for this book.
- There was a scene in page 58. Kip was explaining about magic and bending pens, and Emma was like 'You don't need magic for that' and proceeds to proving it by literally breaking a pen in half with her bare hands. Like, girl. Please think about something before you do it.
- Big guy, small girl. Okay, Ali Hazelwood.
- "Touch her again and I'll kill you." Sir, this is a Wendy's. The stakes in this book aren't that high for you to be saying that. Too dramatic for contemporary romance. I think that only works for romantasy where characters with superhuman abilities can, like, actually kill you.
- Kip gave me insecure vibes at one point of the book which gives me the ick.
- There was a sex scene in this books which, for someone who enjoys trashy erotica, romance, and smut, I thought was unnecessary. I wish their chemistry and the banter and their vibes in generall was just explored more. I did not need to read about him fingering her. I have Archive of Our Own for those kinds of things.
It just felt like too much, too many romance tropes squeezed in too few pages. Most of it felt forced or cringe to me to the point that I was starting to dislike the characters. And to think that I was really excited to read this book. I ended up being so frustrated because I wanted to like it, but I wasn't liiking t.
bookbosomedklauds's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dxdnelion's review
3.0
Love on the Second Read is one of my anticipated romance to read this year and it was disappointing. I'm excited to read this because its written by Filipino author. Growing up watching Philippine romance drama and movies make me looking forward to read the book. Who wouldn't like to read romance book with a rivalry workplace where book editors being competitive to be better than the so-called nemesis but forced to work together?
The story is set in a publishing house that is on the verge of shutting down due to aftereffect of pandemic. Emma (romance editor) and Kip (sci-fi fantasy editor) are forced to team up on an important project that could save the company, which is editing popular author’s latest manuscript, a sci-fi romance. Emma and Kip have no choice but to work together on this project.
This book has a lot of reference to popular books and movies (especially rom-coms and fantasy). Its funny and relatable. I also love how this book depicts the working in publishing industry. The publishing process were detailed, you can see the enormous effort and work the editor poured out to prepare for the book publication. Emma and Kip love toward book is so heartwarming to read. I love how it realistically say the truth about the struggle working in book industry but despite that, you just happy to do what you love.
My problem with this book is the overused romance troupe. It feels like I read a compilations of rom-coms movies scene in one book. The overused of the pet name calling is giving me the ick. Honestly I don't really see their chemistry, like the relationship develop too quickly and when they get together it doesn't make me feel excited? Also why is the ex keeps showing up like he's the real main character here? AND I wish I could get more of Filipino culture in this book.
Overall, it was an okay read. While I didn't hate the book, it is so easy to get into and took me less than a day to finish it. If you love book editor romance, this one might be for you.
Thank you to @timesreads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 ⭐️
The story is set in a publishing house that is on the verge of shutting down due to aftereffect of pandemic. Emma (romance editor) and Kip (sci-fi fantasy editor) are forced to team up on an important project that could save the company, which is editing popular author’s latest manuscript, a sci-fi romance. Emma and Kip have no choice but to work together on this project.
This book has a lot of reference to popular books and movies (especially rom-coms and fantasy). Its funny and relatable. I also love how this book depicts the working in publishing industry. The publishing process were detailed, you can see the enormous effort and work the editor poured out to prepare for the book publication. Emma and Kip love toward book is so heartwarming to read. I love how it realistically say the truth about the struggle working in book industry but despite that, you just happy to do what you love.
My problem with this book is the overused romance troupe. It feels like I read a compilations of rom-coms movies scene in one book. The overused of the pet name calling is giving me the ick. Honestly I don't really see their chemistry, like the relationship develop too quickly and when they get together it doesn't make me feel excited? Also why is the ex keeps showing up like he's the real main character here? AND I wish I could get more of Filipino culture in this book.
Overall, it was an okay read. While I didn't hate the book, it is so easy to get into and took me less than a day to finish it. If you love book editor romance, this one might be for you.
Thank you to @timesreads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 ⭐️
mari_epub's review
4.0
it's been a long time since i speed-read through a book and i'm glad it's by a filipino author. i finished reading love on the second read in two days and i can't stop giggling because it's everything i love and more.
it might be another book about books but there's also—star wars, intensely cute literary banter, references from my favorite films and books, and did i say it was set in the pandemic era in the philippines? mica de leon embodied a classic 2000s filipino romcom movie with emma and kip as your rivals-turned-lovers couple, plus the hyperactive supportive best friend and the annoyingly desperate ex-boyfriend. though the development of their relationship was a bit fast for my liking, i think the last few chapters balanced it out as you realize why one had to do this and that. i definitely enjoyed the deep dive chapters as they worked on the manuscript because i get to learn about publishing and, at the same time, appreciate the hard work that goes into publishing a book. i just wish it had more cultural elements in the story, or at least more of the vibes of working in the metro, traffic and all. as a corporate girlie myself, i think i would've related more.
honestly didn't expect much as i started reading as soon as i bought it, but the story was delivered nicely and will most definitely bring comfort to anyone who enjoy their little marathons of nora ephron movies. except for those parts where i just want to smack both characters in the head just so they'd stop making bad decisions in life. hated how the ex-boyfriend was in the picture 'til the very end. anyway, if you enjoyed book lovers (emily henry) and/or the hating game (sally thorne), this book is for you.
it might be another book about books but there's also—star wars, intensely cute literary banter, references from my favorite films and books, and did i say it was set in the pandemic era in the philippines? mica de leon embodied a classic 2000s filipino romcom movie with emma and kip as your rivals-turned-lovers couple, plus the hyperactive supportive best friend and the annoyingly desperate ex-boyfriend. though the development of their relationship was a bit fast for my liking, i think the last few chapters balanced it out as you realize why one had to do this and that. i definitely enjoyed the deep dive chapters as they worked on the manuscript because i get to learn about publishing and, at the same time, appreciate the hard work that goes into publishing a book. i just wish it had more cultural elements in the story, or at least more of the vibes of working in the metro, traffic and all. as a corporate girlie myself, i think i would've related more.
honestly didn't expect much as i started reading as soon as i bought it, but the story was delivered nicely and will most definitely bring comfort to anyone who enjoy their little marathons of nora ephron movies. except for those parts where i just want to smack both characters in the head just so they'd stop making bad decisions in life. hated how the ex-boyfriend was in the picture 'til the very end. anyway, if you enjoyed book lovers (emily henry) and/or the hating game (sally thorne), this book is for you.
curlyelizabeth's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
readwitharyaaa's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
“A book set in the publishing house” should be enough to convince you to pick this up but a review might be a bonus point so here we go!
Emma Morales, a romance book editor, gets a career changing sci-fi romance manuscript which she will have to work with Kip Alegre, the sci fi and fantasy editor. It’s simple until the ex boyfriend and a beautiful ex fiancee come into the picture. Amidst the literary smackdowns, Kip and Emma’s world turned out to be a topsy turvy land and as they begin to like each other, they wonder if they can go beyond. What starts out as a friendly - flirty - literary battleground between them grows into something deeper but will they be willing to let go of their past and accept the history to embrace the present is what you need to read this book to know.
“We’re just two book nerds standing in the middle of a nerdy joke”
Who wouldn’t like a book about book nerds and literary references and that too set in a publishing house! As a bookworm myself, I found myself falling in love with the job Emma had and relating to the world of book nerds. Secondly, I loved Kip and Emma’s friendly and flirty literary smackdowns and one you wouldn’t regret and shouldn’t miss a chance to read. The writing is amazing and keeps you hooked. Poetic and witty. However, the chemistry between them once they started dating was a little off for me and their relationship seemed a little rushed. But there were A Lot of cute moments which I found myself blushing to.
This book is all about second chances and letting go of past to be able to embrace the present. I loved the underlying message the author wanted to give about second chances in love and when Kip said,
“I don’t care if I am your second, your third, your fourth, as long as I am your last, Emma.”
I couldn’t help falling for him. Kip’s characterization was something out of the box and realistic which made the story even more engaging and fun.
Why should you read this book
🎀 Enemies to lovers trope
🎀 Literary references
🎀 Publishing house setting
🎀 Story about book nerds
🎀 Workplace romance
If you’re a fan of any of the above, this book is for you!!!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫂
Emma Morales, a romance book editor, gets a career changing sci-fi romance manuscript which she will have to work with Kip Alegre, the sci fi and fantasy editor. It’s simple until the ex boyfriend and a beautiful ex fiancee come into the picture. Amidst the literary smackdowns, Kip and Emma’s world turned out to be a topsy turvy land and as they begin to like each other, they wonder if they can go beyond. What starts out as a friendly - flirty - literary battleground between them grows into something deeper but will they be willing to let go of their past and accept the history to embrace the present is what you need to read this book to know.
“We’re just two book nerds standing in the middle of a nerdy joke”
Who wouldn’t like a book about book nerds and literary references and that too set in a publishing house! As a bookworm myself, I found myself falling in love with the job Emma had and relating to the world of book nerds. Secondly, I loved Kip and Emma’s friendly and flirty literary smackdowns and one you wouldn’t regret and shouldn’t miss a chance to read. The writing is amazing and keeps you hooked. Poetic and witty. However, the chemistry between them once they started dating was a little off for me and their relationship seemed a little rushed. But there were A Lot of cute moments which I found myself blushing to.
This book is all about second chances and letting go of past to be able to embrace the present. I loved the underlying message the author wanted to give about second chances in love and when Kip said,
“I don’t care if I am your second, your third, your fourth, as long as I am your last, Emma.”
I couldn’t help falling for him. Kip’s characterization was something out of the box and realistic which made the story even more engaging and fun.
Why should you read this book
🎀 Enemies to lovers trope
🎀 Literary references
🎀 Publishing house setting
🎀 Story about book nerds
🎀 Workplace romance
If you’re a fan of any of the above, this book is for you!!!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫂
booquinist's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rheinalee's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
mezzythedragon's review
3.0
I was more into the workplace scenes than the romance.
If anything, I wanted to read The Menagerie of Lost Things.
If anything, I wanted to read The Menagerie of Lost Things.