jelavision's review
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I can see why some would DNF this book. Its a bit of an uncomfortable read, seeing the main characters be so toxic and disrespectful towards each other. I stuck with the book cause it’s a fast read. I did enjoy the second half of the book more - watching them rebuild their relationship. I can see there being a variety of differing opinions about this book from readers
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abandonment
kristyndcruz's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
I did really enjoy this book. I read it because it was recommended as similar to CoHo’s ‘All Your Perfects’, one of my favourite books. I read it because I hoped it would be similar to that book but ended up loving it for a completely different reason. It started off as completely different and lighthearted, which I didn’t particularly like. It annoyed me at first because I thought the reason they were fighting in the first place was just stupid, and they should have just split the payment in half. Things ot so out of control and silly when there were such easier options that they just never thought of. It was because of this that I didn’t like their characters at first. They seemed rude and selfish, especially Nicholas. When he was introduced at first, I hated him.He seemed like such an ass and I really did not see myself ever liking him. That changed really fast. I love him. He can marry me instead. He was so adorable and I thought he was such a beautiful person and sweet boyfriend. I do really wish there was his POV included in the book. Although the start started off really disheartening with them acting rude to each other, I absolutely loved the development of their characters, especially when they started doing cute things for each other. That was the cutest thing ever and definitely my favourite part of the book. Their character development especially with Nicholas’ parents was the highlight of their relationship. I loved Hogle’s writing and the way this book was written. From the little quirks to the banter between them, I loved it all. They seem so perfect together and am so happy it ended the way it did. I think this book was so cute and I am so excited to read it again. It definitely wasn’t ‘All Your Perfects’, but I love it regardless.
“Relearning you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I love these things about the man. But I do not love the man.”
“I don’t have to love every little thing about the man, but I love the man.”
“I inadvertently let him in to see the ugly parts but instead of running away like I’d counted on him to do, he wrapped his arms around all that ugliness and didn’t let go.”
“I’m a miserable cynic (a newer development) and a dreamy romantic (always have been), and it’s such a terrible combination that I don’t know how to tolerate myself”
“But you still haven’t said you love me.’ ‘That’s not true.’ ‘You haven’t.’ ‘I say it all the time. I just say it very, very quietly. I tell you when you’re in another room, or right after we hang up the phone. I tell you when you’ve got headphones on. I say it after you shut the door behind you. I say it in my head every time you look at me.’”
“Give yourself permission to put yourself first.”
“It’s the little things.”
“He could be anywhere, with anyone, but he’s here with me. That’s got to mean something.”
“Relearning you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I love these things about the man. But I do not love the man.”
“I don’t have to love every little thing about the man, but I love the man.”
“I inadvertently let him in to see the ugly parts but instead of running away like I’d counted on him to do, he wrapped his arms around all that ugliness and didn’t let go.”
“I’m a miserable cynic (a newer development) and a dreamy romantic (always have been), and it’s such a terrible combination that I don’t know how to tolerate myself”
“But you still haven’t said you love me.’ ‘That’s not true.’ ‘You haven’t.’ ‘I say it all the time. I just say it very, very quietly. I tell you when you’re in another room, or right after we hang up the phone. I tell you when you’ve got headphones on. I say it after you shut the door behind you. I say it in my head every time you look at me.’”
“Give yourself permission to put yourself first.”
“It’s the little things.”
“He could be anywhere, with anyone, but he’s here with me. That’s got to mean something.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Abandonment and Body shaming
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