maireadingnook's review against another edition
5.0
In this book we follow Jenna (sister of Jake, MC of book 1 in the series) and Marcus. They both get accepted into the Yellowstone Research Fellowship for the summer. Both have big feelings for the other, both have never said anything in fear of risking their friendship. Mutual pining?! Forced proximity?! Yes, please!!
The thing I love the most about Megan's books is that they really take you on a journey. I've never been to Yellowstone but do I now have this vivid picture of what it's like in my head? Totally. I love that. I love how she gets you so wholly immersed- in the story, in the characters, in the settings. She has this amazing ability to tug at your heartstrings, and weaving her stories and characters through them and you're left with no choice but to love them.
I love the Hutchinson family and cannot wait for what Megan has in store for the rest.
The thing I love the most about Megan's books is that they really take you on a journey. I've never been to Yellowstone but do I now have this vivid picture of what it's like in my head? Totally. I love that. I love how she gets you so wholly immersed- in the story, in the characters, in the settings. She has this amazing ability to tug at your heartstrings, and weaving her stories and characters through them and you're left with no choice but to love them.
I love the Hutchinson family and cannot wait for what Megan has in store for the rest.
mysticforestcrafts's review against another edition
5.0
I have been so incredibly lucky to meet the author twice at signings at my local independent bookstore. The kindness shown in her characters come directly from her and the love of family truly is a representation of her own family who are as kind and sweet as she is.
I’ve had people ask me if they’ll like the books if they aren’t into sports or science and I can say with certainty you will. Nothing is done in a dry technical way and everything always relates back to the characters and the plot. You can go in knowing nothing about either and come out with some info but most importantly feeling happier because these books, while handling real world issues always come to a close with the happiest of endings.
What can you expect?
STEM representation without man bashing
Grumpy/ Sunshine dynamics
Friends to lovers
Disability rep done with respect without making it the only quality of the character
Strong family ties
Clean romance so you can read with you child or grandmother without blushing
Pros:
The characters are beautifully real with strengths and weaknesses they have to work with. I love that you see characters handle chronic pain in this book and the first but in different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone handles pain differently and I love that the author has captured two different styles and personally I was thankful this one involved less crying. I agree there is nothing wrong with crying it out but I know many pain sufferers who find it increases their pain so they fight it with everything they have.
The family dynamics in this book are amazing. You get to experience strong family ties as well as broken ones in need of repair.
I struggled with other STEM stories always focusing on men being evil and the women man bashing. I really appreciate that while it is discussed and the issue of misogyny in the field is addressed that Jenna never puts blame on issues with work on her gender and she never once holds Marcus’ success against him because he is male. I love seeing him stand up for her and seeing her stand up for herself even more. This was much more successful in showing how such things should be handled than major releases aimed at STEM lovers.
Cons:
I have very few to no complaints with this story. If anything I almost wanted to see Jenna break a trail rule when she sees her first bears but that would break character terribly so it is best it didn’t happen.
I’ve had people ask me if they’ll like the books if they aren’t into sports or science and I can say with certainty you will. Nothing is done in a dry technical way and everything always relates back to the characters and the plot. You can go in knowing nothing about either and come out with some info but most importantly feeling happier because these books, while handling real world issues always come to a close with the happiest of endings.
What can you expect?
STEM representation without man bashing
Grumpy/ Sunshine dynamics
Friends to lovers
Disability rep done with respect without making it the only quality of the character
Strong family ties
Clean romance so you can read with you child or grandmother without blushing
Pros:
The characters are beautifully real with strengths and weaknesses they have to work with. I love that you see characters handle chronic pain in this book and the first but in different ways. It’s important to remember that everyone handles pain differently and I love that the author has captured two different styles and personally I was thankful this one involved less crying. I agree there is nothing wrong with crying it out but I know many pain sufferers who find it increases their pain so they fight it with everything they have.
The family dynamics in this book are amazing. You get to experience strong family ties as well as broken ones in need of repair.
I struggled with other STEM stories always focusing on men being evil and the women man bashing. I really appreciate that while it is discussed and the issue of misogyny in the field is addressed that Jenna never puts blame on issues with work on her gender and she never once holds Marcus’ success against him because he is male. I love seeing him stand up for her and seeing her stand up for herself even more. This was much more successful in showing how such things should be handled than major releases aimed at STEM lovers.
Cons:
I have very few to no complaints with this story. If anything I almost wanted to see Jenna break a trail rule when she sees her first bears but that would break character terribly so it is best it didn’t happen.
theanachronismreads's review against another edition
5.0
love letter to friends who become loves and Yellowstone
Jenna and Marcus knew and liked each other from their first early morning lab and this book takes place almost half their lives later- and we find them on an adventure.
There’s a road trip. There are snacks. There’s chronic pain and it’s handled beautifully. There are insecurities and differences in upbringing. It’s not all smooth sailing but these two manage to love one another out loud, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Yellowstone and that makes me want to explore this place even more than I already did.
Love this book, can’t wait for more Hutchinsons!!
Jenna and Marcus knew and liked each other from their first early morning lab and this book takes place almost half their lives later- and we find them on an adventure.
There’s a road trip. There are snacks. There’s chronic pain and it’s handled beautifully. There are insecurities and differences in upbringing. It’s not all smooth sailing but these two manage to love one another out loud, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Yellowstone and that makes me want to explore this place even more than I already did.
Love this book, can’t wait for more Hutchinsons!!
dearbookboyfriend's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
erinrachelsmith's review
4.0
The Changeup is such a sweet friends to lovers story. Jenna and Marcus are our classic nerdy idiots and I loved them. Jenna’s fear of being a burden and being wary of being vulnerable around people was relatable, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and obviously made me sob. Marcus is such a wonderful guy who shows his love openly through caring for others and protecting them - this obviously causes a few issues for the two as they try to figure out how to be best be there for each other. I can’t wait for James’s story next.
readswithkae's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
thereadinghammock's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another wonderful Hutchinson family romance! Jenna and long time best friend Marcus set out on the road trip they've always dreamed of doing together to work at Yellowstone National Park in hopes of securing a dream research position for scientists like them. Oh, and they both have had feeling for each other FOR EVER but the fear of changing the status quo of their rock solid friendship has kept them both scared to take that next step.
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
I was FURIOUS with Jenna's lab supervisor, Aiden, for all the bullshit he kept pulling. Not only harping on "you could be replaced" vibes, but then asking her to stay behind for more samples ALONE???? SIR?!? ARE YOU DAFT?!!? When she laid into him after everything she and Monica went through after his asinine request, I was nearly shouting with "YES! YOU TELL THAT DUCK SNORT WHAT FOR!!"
I don't think I realized how much I could love a friends-to-lovers story as much as I loved The Changeup. Everything about the dynamic between Jenna and Marcus just made so much sense. Her fear of telling him about her arthritis and not wanting it to change how he saw her. His fear of his relationship turning into that of his parents and turning sour. The dread of possibly losing a friendship if the romantic relationship doesn't work out. And there were a few times I just wanted to shake them both for being so oblivious to the other's signals and ask them "How could you not know???"
I can't wait to get to James's book next, but I'm definitely going to need to be in the right headspace for that one, as I can already tell it's going to a heavier read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Ableism
gem_reads_too's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
britanielanea's review
4.0
What a sweet natured,light read. The characters are very charming and likeable. I loved the arthritis representation in this book. The story is way more than a love story. The reader gets to see Jenna adjust with her arthritis and using mobility aids to help her enjoy every aspect of her job,hobbies,and relationships. Everything was so relatable to me (a woman with a disability.) Kudos to Megan Cousins for highlighting the struggles and achievements of a disability so efficiently.
A must read for wonderful disability representation. You are never alone.
A must read for wonderful disability representation. You are never alone.
theanachronismreads's review
5.0
love letter to friends who become loves and Yellowstone
Jenna and Marcus knew and liked each other from their first early morning lab and this book takes place almost half their lives later- and we find them on an adventure.
There’s a road trip. There are snacks. There’s chronic pain and it’s handled beautifully. There are insecurities and differences in upbringing. It’s not all smooth sailing but these two manage to love one another out loud, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Yellowstone and that makes me want to explore this place even more than I already did.
Love this book, can’t wait for more Hutchinsons!!
Jenna and Marcus knew and liked each other from their first early morning lab and this book takes place almost half their lives later- and we find them on an adventure.
There’s a road trip. There are snacks. There’s chronic pain and it’s handled beautifully. There are insecurities and differences in upbringing. It’s not all smooth sailing but these two manage to love one another out loud, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Yellowstone and that makes me want to explore this place even more than I already did.
Love this book, can’t wait for more Hutchinsons!!