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jessfindsjoy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Injury/Injury detail
abbypeekreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
When I saw this book was advertised as having You've Got Mail vibes, I knew I had to pick it up. I mean, a book about bookish things and bookish people? Sign me up! The premise really delivered on that promise, and I loved the rivalry between Jasper and Madeline unfold throughout the novel.
But while the premise was cute and fun, there were a few elements to this book that kept me from falling head over heels in love with it. My main issues revolve around the characters. I totally get that this is a book for teens (and I am definitely not a teen), but sometimes I felt like the author tried too hard to make her characters sound like teens. Madeline, despite being an older YA protagonist at eighteen, was pretty disrespectful and whined a lot, making it tough to root for her at times. And the adults just felt like your stereotypical YA novel adults--out of touch and corny.
The story didn't really start picking up for me until about fifty percent of the way through, when the subplots and the romance really started to come into focus. Though I wish we'd gotten more depth to Jasper and Madeline before their rivalry started, I really enjoyed their arc. And I did enjoy seeing how things with her mom played out, even if her reaction to her was a bit much at times.
Overall, this book is definitely a cheesy YA romance with a cute premise. I wish some elements of the book would've been tightened up a bit, but I appreciated the bookish and You've Got Mail vibes.
But while the premise was cute and fun, there were a few elements to this book that kept me from falling head over heels in love with it. My main issues revolve around the characters. I totally get that this is a book for teens (and I am definitely not a teen), but sometimes I felt like the author tried too hard to make her characters sound like teens. Madeline, despite being an older YA protagonist at eighteen, was pretty disrespectful and whined a lot, making it tough to root for her at times. And the adults just felt like your stereotypical YA novel adults--out of touch and corny.
The story didn't really start picking up for me until about fifty percent of the way through, when the subplots and the romance really started to come into focus. Though I wish we'd gotten more depth to Jasper and Madeline before their rivalry started, I really enjoyed their arc. And I did enjoy seeing how things with her mom played out, even if her reaction to her was a bit much at times.
Overall, this book is definitely a cheesy YA romance with a cute premise. I wish some elements of the book would've been tightened up a bit, but I appreciated the bookish and You've Got Mail vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
bujo_bellel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
I really enjoyed reading this book, I liked that once they're together then something happens to weaken/destroy the relationship until the very end, and I think I say a few song references(maybe) in the book and I really liked the concept of the book and learning about how much effort is put into managing a bookstore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Car accident, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence and Alcohol
jjstallone's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Car accident, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
atamano's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Alcohol