ruby22_469's review
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nytxia's review
3.0
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew this would be the perfect read for an evening with me, myself and ice cream. And I was right! If You Could See Me Now can be your typical romantic comedy: predictable and easy to digest. But the supernatural element adds all sorts of meanings to it. So meet Izzy, the invisible woman.
This is the story about a girl who has always felt invisible and one day, well, she becomes invisible in fact. It’s simple, straightforward and the romance is predictable. But does it matter? No, because the journey of Izzy as she overcomes her insecurities and works through her self-esteem is an empowering one. Even though the supernatural element (becoming invisible) is used mainly to develop Izzy’s character and inner journey, it does contribute to some funny moments (I wish there were more of those though). Reading through this book through Izzy’s struggles and growth has kept me smiling. It has a beautiful message underneath. Overall, an entertaining plot, even if you suspect you know how it all is going to end.
I really liked the dynamics of the relationship between Izzy and her best friend Tash. Those two, apparently opposites, kept bringing the best of each other. I wasn’t too impressed with Alex (there I said it) and I wish there was more development of Max’s character – all we know is told us from Izzy’s point of view, there are no specific interactions that help us to judge him more by ourselves. I also thought he could’ve been explored more during the time Izzy was invisible.
The writing style is pretty straightforward since it’s from Izzy’s POV and I thought it made us warm pretty easily to her character. I can say I liked everything except the sexy scenes – I also thought there could be less of that, but that’s just me.
Overall, If You Could See Me Now is a fun classic romantic comedy with a supernatural element. Apart from the ending feeling a bit rushed, and the fact there should be more fun scenes (for me, at least), it delivers a beautiful message in the end with the analogy involved in metaphorically invisible vs physically invisible. It’s easy to read and pretty engaging, so it will surely keep you busy during the weekend. Despite only getting 3 stars from me, I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to read something light, fun, romantic and full of positive vibes.
This is the story about a girl who has always felt invisible and one day, well, she becomes invisible in fact. It’s simple, straightforward and the romance is predictable. But does it matter? No, because the journey of Izzy as she overcomes her insecurities and works through her self-esteem is an empowering one. Even though the supernatural element (becoming invisible) is used mainly to develop Izzy’s character and inner journey, it does contribute to some funny moments (I wish there were more of those though). Reading through this book through Izzy’s struggles and growth has kept me smiling. It has a beautiful message underneath. Overall, an entertaining plot, even if you suspect you know how it all is going to end.
I really liked the dynamics of the relationship between Izzy and her best friend Tash. Those two, apparently opposites, kept bringing the best of each other. I wasn’t too impressed with Alex (there I said it) and I wish there was more development of Max’s character – all we know is told us from Izzy’s point of view, there are no specific interactions that help us to judge him more by ourselves. I also thought he could’ve been explored more during the time Izzy was invisible.
The writing style is pretty straightforward since it’s from Izzy’s POV and I thought it made us warm pretty easily to her character. I can say I liked everything except the sexy scenes – I also thought there could be less of that, but that’s just me.
Overall, If You Could See Me Now is a fun classic romantic comedy with a supernatural element. Apart from the ending feeling a bit rushed, and the fact there should be more fun scenes (for me, at least), it delivers a beautiful message in the end with the analogy involved in metaphorically invisible vs physically invisible. It’s easy to read and pretty engaging, so it will surely keep you busy during the weekend. Despite only getting 3 stars from me, I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to read something light, fun, romantic and full of positive vibes.
amanda1620's review
3.0
Find the story a bit weird and very insta, but loving the message in this book.
wordnerdy's review
4.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-book-139.html
Rainbow Rowell was recommending this on Twitter the other day, which makes a book like must-read for me. And this was super cute and very silly and just what I needed. It centers on a woman in England with a crappy boyfriend and job stress and an awesome best friend--and then something totally unexpected happens. And I won't tell you what bc I was awesomely surprised. Anyway, this has a cute romance, some really great woman empowerment (seriously, this book echoes a lot of conversations I have had and seen other women having about like cat-callers and other indignities suffered upon us by jackass men), and is generally just a lot of fun. An honestly feel-good read. A-.
Rainbow Rowell was recommending this on Twitter the other day, which makes a book like must-read for me. And this was super cute and very silly and just what I needed. It centers on a woman in England with a crappy boyfriend and job stress and an awesome best friend--and then something totally unexpected happens. And I won't tell you what bc I was awesomely surprised. Anyway, this has a cute romance, some really great woman empowerment (seriously, this book echoes a lot of conversations I have had and seen other women having about like cat-callers and other indignities suffered upon us by jackass men), and is generally just a lot of fun. An honestly feel-good read. A-.
cheryl59's review
5.0
This was a great book and it did make me laugh out loud. Great characters and an unusual story, a definite must read.
zaineylaney's review
BOOK REVIEW⠀
BOOK: If You Could See Me Now
AUTHOR: Keris Stainton
@kerisstainton
I actually read this book a few years ago, but for some reason the review never posted. So I am redoing it now.
This book… should have been a lot more. I requested to read it because it sounded so interesting! I felt I would relate to the character and her situation, because let’s face it, we all feel that way sometimes. But honestly...she becomes invisible. Like literally invisible. And then the story kind of breaks apart. I feel so sad but I feel like I would have honestly loved this story so much.
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Izzy Harris should have it all – but her boyfriend has been ignoring her for months, she’s been overlooked for a promotion, and the owner of her local coffee shop pervs on her every time she has a craving for a salted caramel muffin.
Then her life is unexpectedly turned upside down.
Izzy dumps her oblivious boyfriend, and leaps on the chance to win a big pitch at work. Needing to work closely with gorgeous colleague Alex is an added perk…
But then her best friend has her heart broken, the pitch is way more complicated than expected, and Alex is keeping secrets. Does Izzy have what it takes to help her friend, save her career and get the guy?
I received this book for review purposes from NetGalley. ⠀
BOOK: If You Could See Me Now
AUTHOR: Keris Stainton
@kerisstainton
I actually read this book a few years ago, but for some reason the review never posted. So I am redoing it now.
This book… should have been a lot more. I requested to read it because it sounded so interesting! I felt I would relate to the character and her situation, because let’s face it, we all feel that way sometimes. But honestly...she becomes invisible. Like literally invisible. And then the story kind of breaks apart. I feel so sad but I feel like I would have honestly loved this story so much.
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Izzy Harris should have it all – but her boyfriend has been ignoring her for months, she’s been overlooked for a promotion, and the owner of her local coffee shop pervs on her every time she has a craving for a salted caramel muffin.
Then her life is unexpectedly turned upside down.
Izzy dumps her oblivious boyfriend, and leaps on the chance to win a big pitch at work. Needing to work closely with gorgeous colleague Alex is an added perk…
But then her best friend has her heart broken, the pitch is way more complicated than expected, and Alex is keeping secrets. Does Izzy have what it takes to help her friend, save her career and get the guy?
I received this book for review purposes from NetGalley. ⠀
chellj's review
2.0
So this fucker - I don’t even remember her name — Izzy!! Is in a relationship that sucks, basically. She feels invisible to everyone, excepting her best friend -who’s name I also can’t remember. And what happens?? After a night of heavy drinking, this girl becomes f***ing invisible. Pg 33, to be exact (on my digital version of the book). No explanation, no reason. Just, you know, cause. W. T. F?? The people (two) that Izzy reveals this to accept it a little too readily for my taste. I mean, they freak out, but not for you, know, days. More like minutes. Which it should have been days. Holy f***. And I will say, she and her nameless best friend come up with a solution so she can work on the big advertising pitch for work from home, which - ok. Cool, logical thought and actual acknowledgment of the fact that this happened. But then Alex, the love interest, is WAAAAAAY too ok with it. Kudos for the acknowledgement of the kink here by the BFF. But of COURSE it’s reversed just in time for her to give the big presentation and win the day. I saw a bunch of comments about the conversations between the BFFs as being graphic for the sake of graphic, but I actually didn’t think they were that bad. To me, they spoke about sex as two women who have an extremely close relationship and have had for years, would. Also, the pseudo sex was meh. Fade to black. The story focused more on her own self-acceptance and putting herself first, not fading to the background. Yay, for personal growth? 2/5 stars (I finished it and I didn’t actively hate the MC)
casacostello's review
5.0
This is a really clever book. From the start I was hooked. I was fooled into thinking it would be a light, easy read and it is, but so much more. There are hugely funny moments but it doesn't feel slapstick. The premise of suddenly becoming invisible is carried out so well - as is how friends in the know react. I loved how feminism is the underlying message throughout a really good story. What was a really lovely thread is that the characters are mainly nice people, kind to each other, girls supporting each other & people saying nice things behind each other's backs.
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
felfiramoon's review
4.0
Such a brilliant, fast paced sexy book. I loved all of it. Izzy is such a relatable character and it was brilliant to see her blossom, find courage to stand out and not care what others think anymore. I greatly enjoyed this book.
(I had to stop reading it on the plane because it was getting a bit steamy otherwise I would have read it in 1 sitting)
(I had to stop reading it on the plane because it was getting a bit steamy otherwise I would have read it in 1 sitting)