bobachel's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I wanted to like this book. The premise was interesting and epistolary novels are a favorite genre of mine. However, the two main characters were insufferable. Contrary to the protestations of the characters, epic love shouldn’t be this difficult. It was enraging that Adin and Lilly didn’t just *communicate,* as they probably could have headed off many of their problems by simply expressing themselves with words.
As is discussed at a certain point in the book, Adin IS pathetic. Meanwhile, Lilly is fickle and standoffish.
It was uncomfortable and unenjoyable to experience this particular love story as a reader. While I can appreciate the care, time, and effort that went into this book, ultimately it was not for me.
Nonetheless, thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
As is discussed at a certain point in the book, Adin IS pathetic. Meanwhile, Lilly is fickle and standoffish.
It was uncomfortable and unenjoyable to experience this particular love story as a reader. While I can appreciate the care, time, and effort that went into this book, ultimately it was not for me.
Nonetheless, thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
cmoore4194's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book but there were times when I feel like it was just dragging on and on. I get some situations need second chances but didnt feel like either one of them was willing to take the plunge to see big their love was for each other. I did like how this book gave both point of views from each character and included the conversations between text,email, and letters! Thank you for NetGalley and Shadelandhouse Modern Press for picking to give this book honest review!
xosarahirene's review
4.0
As the text begins, it seems that Adin and Lilly are star-crossed college meant-to-be-togethers, but Adin's lack of speaking up and Lilly's pursuit of settling down and establishing her children's book career made the two become a bit disconnected. The goal of this novel is to have the two find their way back to one another, amidst obstacles of doubt, divorce, job instability, family pressures, and the nagging voice inside their heads.
I did begin by rooting for Adin, but over time, I became a bit...concerned? with his obsession for Lilly. I am all for the lovesick turned to fairytale romantic ending, but for some reason, I was hoping for Lilly's independence amidst all the drama. However, the switching point of views, mixture of email, narrative, and texts, made this text structure interesting. Thank you for the ARC, #NetGalley.
I did begin by rooting for Adin, but over time, I became a bit...concerned? with his obsession for Lilly. I am all for the lovesick turned to fairytale romantic ending, but for some reason, I was hoping for Lilly's independence amidst all the drama. However, the switching point of views, mixture of email, narrative, and texts, made this text structure interesting. Thank you for the ARC, #NetGalley.
slbeckmann's review
3.0
Thank you to the authors, Shadelandhouse Modern Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I do love epistolary novels, and this one is well done, with a flawless mix of face-to-face dialogue, texts and e-mails. This is especially notable because it's co-written by two persons, one known more for their poetry, and the other more known for their parenting books.
But oh, did I get fed up with the two main characters. So immature, insecure, indecisive and prone to thinking the worst and believing it - rather than just speaking openly and honestly with each other, and getting on with life either together or separately. It felt like forever to get to a kind of happy end.
I do love epistolary novels, and this one is well done, with a flawless mix of face-to-face dialogue, texts and e-mails. This is especially notable because it's co-written by two persons, one known more for their poetry, and the other more known for their parenting books.
But oh, did I get fed up with the two main characters. So immature, insecure, indecisive and prone to thinking the worst and believing it - rather than just speaking openly and honestly with each other, and getting on with life either together or separately. It felt like forever to get to a kind of happy end.
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