Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Book Lovers

Wow. I don't even know where to start with this. There are so many incredible things about this book that I'm finding it difficult to sort everything out.

I guess I should start with the fact that this just might be the perfect rom-com. I tend to be pretty hard on other books of this genre. I love reading them, but there's always something in the back of my mind that tells me they could be better. This is the rom-com I've been waiting for. None of the minor details that have caused me to rate other rom-coms below 5 stars are present in this book. Really the only thing I can say I "disliked" was Libby, but I don't even think that's entirely accurate. Even if she bothered me at times, there was something about Nora's intense love for her that made me want to see her happy too.

I have to say, one place where I think this book really shines, especially compared to other rom-coms, is its protagonist. It is absolutely wonderful to read from Nora's POV, and honestly quite refreshing. One of my biggest qualms with other romances is that the protagonist seems to always deny that the MMC has a thing for her even if it has been made abundantly obvious. Nora isn't like that. She knows she has feelings for Charlie, and she knows he has feelings for her. Instead of the conflict stemming from an issue of that nature, it's actually much more mature and realistic, revolving around her feeling such devotion to the other people in her life that she is unable to choose what she wants.

It makes it even more satisfying when she chooses to take the editing job that she has always dreamed of and goes back to New York.

I've got a say, I was a wreck nearing the end of the book with all the talk of Charlie staying in Sunshine Falls while Nora went back to New York. Even though I knew it was an Emily Henry book and would have a happy ending, there was just something in the back of my mind telling me the ending would be bittersweet or sad. I'm so delighted I was wrong. That ending was everything I could ever ask for and more.

I really cannot speak higher of this novel. All rom-com fans can see parts of themselves in the characters and find something to enjoy. I fear this may set my standards too high regarding other rom-coms, but I don't even mind. I feel like I can be happy no matter what knowing that I have read such a wonderful story.

Content Warnings