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slightlysaltymermaid's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book that I was not expecting to be so well written. I enjoyed it to the point I caught myself laughing out loud almost every page and then having to explain what I just read to the person next to me. It was a thoughtless book with characters that didn’t need your full attention to read and remember. This is an easy beach read filled with classic feminists who want to be independent in London but end up in Scotland looking for men.
adammm's review against another edition
2.0
There were aspects of this that were good, but there were even more that were bad. A few of my biggest complaints:
1. Almost none of the characters were likable. I mean, it's realistic - nobody is 100% likable. But it's difficult to read about people who are likable, then do something appalling, then likable again, then appalling...
2. The unprofessionalism was FAR too much. If anyone acted like these characters did in the real world, they'd be fired within a day.
3. This is a little nitpicky, and a bit (a lot?) controversial, but I think it's worth critiquing: a good portion of the romantic tension arose because the protagonist expected her love interest to call her. Meanwhile, she... did absolutely nothing to indicate her interest. I realize this book is a bit old, and I try to make allowances for older romance novels (feminism has made a LOT of gains over the last few decades, and nowhere is that more evident than in romances) - but girl, take some initiative! This book really leaned into the "lack of communication is the root of all romantic problems" trope, but how about instead of placing all the blame on your love interest you admit that you played a role, too?
This book is a solid 2.5 stars, but I'll give it 2 because I'm cranky.
1. Almost none of the characters were likable. I mean, it's realistic - nobody is 100% likable. But it's difficult to read about people who are likable, then do something appalling, then likable again, then appalling...
2. The unprofessionalism was FAR too much. If anyone acted like these characters did in the real world, they'd be fired within a day.
3. This is a little nitpicky, and a bit (a lot?) controversial, but I think it's worth critiquing: a good portion of the romantic tension arose because the protagonist expected her love interest to call her. Meanwhile, she... did absolutely nothing to indicate her interest. I realize this book is a bit old, and I try to make allowances for older romance novels (feminism has made a LOT of gains over the last few decades, and nowhere is that more evident than in romances) - but girl, take some initiative! This book really leaned into the "lack of communication is the root of all romantic problems" trope, but how about instead of placing all the blame on your love interest you admit that you played a role, too?
This book is a solid 2.5 stars, but I'll give it 2 because I'm cranky.
beckee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ladyreading365's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
syndi3's review against another edition
DnF
I really want to like this book so badly. I thought the idea of a woman goes into the extream to find that perfect man, is intresting enougj for weekend read. Somehow it does not work.
The flow of the story is too dragging and boring for my taste.
I give up.
I really want to like this book so badly. I thought the idea of a woman goes into the extream to find that perfect man, is intresting enougj for weekend read. Somehow it does not work.
The flow of the story is too dragging and boring for my taste.
I give up.
murphybl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mostlyromancereading's review against another edition
4.0
Standard Jenny Colgan before her most recent series: entertaining, heartwarming, and so much fat-shaming.
teacupsandfirereads's review against another edition
For being published 18 years ago, I did not feel this book aged well.
samhend101's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe I never read this JC book before. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it on audiobook and for all it being 15 yrs old, it is still relevant.