Reviews

Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher

toebean5's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was a fairly good romance, with steamy scenes and lots of communication. Although... when the communication falls apart, it does so in a very romance-novel-y way, but overall it was fine.

ivannab's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Cute, funny, spicy & a little cringey. Very cut read, last 2 chapters felt a little rushed.

jen_nej's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I have SUPER mixed feelings about this book and I do feel like I'm rounding up with a 3 star here. There were a few sticking points across the book for me but one of the primary ones was the FMC. I always see people talking about unlikable FMCs and I usually think that just translates to "she wasn't perfect and I hate that" which is not something I agree with. HOWEVER, while I still wouldn't use the word "unlikeable," I do feel like the FMC was frustrating and somewhat grating. It was also strange that she was in this super unhealthy relationship for so long and had no time at all for reflection afterwards? Maybe that's a small sticking point but it took me out of the story a bit. I enjoyed the characters communicating to the best of their ability, especially because they're older/in their late 30s but I did find it tough to root for them sometimes. The resolution also felt so rushed. I found myself wanting to skip the last 30% of the book. Sidenote: The audiobook narrator can do no wrong in my eyes, she's a star. 

lindseydomokur's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Jessica has a how to book out for single men, and wouldn't you know it, her boyfriend of 15 years walks out on her right as it releases. Apparently she isn't an expert in how to keep a man. She thought things were going along just fine, but what if fine isn't what she really needs?
Galvin Baker has been publicly shamed by his ex, to the point no one will sleep with him let alone date him. He has always been a casual dater, not wanting anyone to see deep inside and leave him because of what they find. When he sees Jessica out at a bar and she instantly recognizes him from college, he is pulled in by everything about her. He finds himself on a journey to prove that he might be everything she needs.
I don't love books about players, or reformed ones, but I really enjoyed Galvin's journey to self realization because it was not because of the heroine. She didn't change his ways, he already wanted to change and had a catastrophic event in his life that made him think that the way he was living wasn't all he thought it was.
I loved how protective Galvin was of Jessica and how he tried to be all the things she needed him to be. They both had flaws though, and in the h eat of the moment it only made sense that sometimes people stumble. As long as they prove themselves in the end that is what matters. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to Berkley, Andie and Netgalley for an early copy.

hales22's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

legalplanner's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a quick read for me and honestly it was one of those books that I had been anticipating since I had seen the cover. As soon as my library got a copy this was in my hands. I liked that this was kind of a reformed playboy, second chances when really it was all fake dating. 

Luke was fun, and so was Jessica. However, I wasn't so sure how I felt regarding her falling for someone so quick when she had been with her ex for years and never committed to him. But this felt like a very reflective take on working through your feelings since we so often go the inner thoughts of our main characters.

latetotheparty's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.75

My first Andie J Christopher romance. I liked the older characters (mid to late 30s) and that she exposes the modern problem of the seemingly innocuous "good guy" who seems safe, boring even, but is actually a real jerk.  I love that Jess didn't shy away from confrontation at the reunion. My one gripe: what's with the name Galvin for the MMC? Not Gavin or Calvin - it looked like a typo to me the whole book. 

nkhensani_m's review against another edition

Go to review page

  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This ended on a shrug emoji for me.

bhelen30's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

caitlinemccann's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings