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ceena's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize the Kasie West has written many books -- or even many well-known books until after I read this. I found it randomly while looking for library books and put it on hold. So, I was surprised to actually kinda like it. Well, I really liked it.
Are the characters a bit... stereotypical? Well, yeah. At the same time though, no. Because Abby has actually confessed her feelings before (WOW) and they actually have other friends besides each other. In fact, Abby makes more friends during the summer -- healthy not only about boys friendships! This was nice to see. Abby herself though, is kinda bland? I don't know, I just didn't get much from her. Cooper... I'm on the fence about him. For the most part, I think he is a great character, but how the romance works out and how he is oblivious to Abby's feelings the whole book are kind of lame. Actually, too easy and gave me that "Seriously?" feeling.
But, I still also found it to be cute!
As for side characters, Abby's family is a huge hit for me. I loved the grandpa and his repertoire with Abby. Her mother is agoraphobic, so get some rep there and I think it was handled well. Her father is in the military, which gave it an interesting angle. The other friends aren't really brought up, but either they are out of town or are new, so what we are given I think is the right amount.
As for the romance, I liked the chemistry. It isn't over the top or crazy, but when Cooper is oblivious to things... it gets annoying. There are super cute moments though, that make it all worth it.
I think the ending is almost too much of an unrealistic HEA for me. For all the conflict and fighting through the book, the ending seemed too simple for me, but for people who like tidy and perfect HEAs they will like this one.
I think this is a great summer book, especially with the list aspect. I didn't understand fully what was being marked off all the time, but this definitely something I hope other readers try to accomplish to! Trying new things and getting outside your comfort zone once in a while can give you great memories. Now, am I saying the while aspect was well done here? Nah. There were moments that just flew by with not enough emotion (IMO), but some were done VERY WELL! Reading this has actually made me want to make a list of new things nearby to try ^_^
Are the characters a bit... stereotypical? Well, yeah. At the same time though, no. Because Abby has actually confessed her feelings before (WOW) and they actually have other friends besides each other. In fact, Abby makes more friends during the summer -- healthy not only about boys friendships! This was nice to see. Abby herself though, is kinda bland? I don't know, I just didn't get much from her. Cooper... I'm on the fence about him. For the most part, I think he is a great character, but how the romance works out and how he is oblivious to Abby's feelings the whole book are kind of lame. Actually, too easy and gave me that "Seriously?" feeling.
But, I still also found it to be cute!
As for side characters, Abby's family is a huge hit for me. I loved the grandpa and his repertoire with Abby. Her mother is agoraphobic, so get some rep there and I think it was handled well. Her father is in the military, which gave it an interesting angle. The other friends aren't really brought up, but either they are out of town or are new, so what we are given I think is the right amount.
As for the romance, I liked the chemistry. It isn't over the top or crazy, but when Cooper is oblivious to things... it gets annoying. There are super cute moments though, that make it all worth it.
I think the ending is almost too much of an unrealistic HEA for me. For all the conflict and fighting through the book, the ending seemed too simple for me, but for people who like tidy and perfect HEAs they will like this one.
I think this is a great summer book, especially with the list aspect. I didn't understand fully what was being marked off all the time, but this definitely something I hope other readers try to accomplish to! Trying new things and getting outside your comfort zone once in a while can give you great memories. Now, am I saying the while aspect was well done here? Nah. There were moments that just flew by with not enough emotion (IMO), but some were done VERY WELL! Reading this has actually made me want to make a list of new things nearby to try ^_^
mxysxm's review against another edition
3.0
This started off very interesting. I loved the idea of 'The Heart List' and how it was inspired by various people in Abby Turner's life. Abby's relationship with her Grandpa was my, they were very cute.
The fact that Kasie wrote about a father in the army and the mother have 'issues' because of that made me respect her in a whole different level. She wrote about real life problems and spread awareness to it and that is something all books need.
I hated how the book ended though. It was very disappointing. I wanted it to be a sad ending and for the book to be more realistic. It was upsetting how Kasie West's books seem to start off GREAT but end poorly.
Since the moment Cooper confessed that he loved her back, the book was boring. I get it was the last 30 pages or so but still, quite disappointing.
The entire book it was hinted that he doesn't love her that way. So I obviously thought that maybe, FINALLY, someone wrote a romance book with a not-so-happy ending and I was excited. I wanted her to end up with Elliot and just stay friends with Cooper, but noooo.
The writing was, of course, beautiful and pulls you in. Makes you feel like you're one and the same with the characters. It was a very fast pace and easy but fun read and I absolutely loved this - ignoring the ending. I would definitely recommend it to any adventurous/romantic person out there.
A 3 stars
The fact that Kasie wrote about a father in the army and the mother have 'issues' because of that made me respect her in a whole different level. She wrote about real life problems and spread awareness to it and that is something all books need.
I hated how the book ended though. It was very disappointing. I wanted it to be a sad ending and for the book to be more realistic. It was upsetting how Kasie West's books seem to start off GREAT but end poorly.
Spoiler
Since the moment Cooper confessed that he loved her back, the book was boring. I get it was the last 30 pages or so but still, quite disappointing.
The entire book it was hinted that he doesn't love her that way. So I obviously thought that maybe, FINALLY, someone wrote a romance book with a not-so-happy ending and I was excited. I wanted her to end up with Elliot and just stay friends with Cooper, but noooo.
The writing was, of course, beautiful and pulls you in. Makes you feel like you're one and the same with the characters. It was a very fast pace and easy but fun read and I absolutely loved this - ignoring the ending. I would definitely recommend it to any adventurous/romantic person out there.
A 3 stars
s_panfil's review
hopeful
lighthearted
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
emp15's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0