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_persephone_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Funny Feelings is an amazing novel with many different- but all, for the most part, equally well done- topics.
We have two main characters, Farley and Meyer. Farley is a somewhat new, up-and-coming, comedian, and Meyer is her manager. DeWitt uses a lot of pretty common tropes like Grumpy/Sunshine and Age Gap but she twists it different ways to make it her own. Thankfully, Farley and Meyer don't fall into the worse side of those two tropes, Farley in no way acts childish or immature, and Meyer isn't some nearly unredeemable asshole who ends up being sexist to everyone but the WMC like we're supposed to find that hot. Instead, it's pretty much the opposite. Farley acts like the twenty-something year old woman that she is, Meyer, while sometimes can come off a bit asshole-ish, is completely redeemable (painfully sweet, really), and is definitely not sexist.
Which is not surprising considering another main theme of this books is feminism, one that is done very well. Farley talks about how misogynist people in her field can be, widely uplifting male comedians while putting female comedians down. One of my favorite parts of this book is the female friendships, Farley has a wonderful, mother-ish relationship with Meyers daughter, Hazel, one that is obviously very well thought-out and very adorable. Then you have Farley's friendship with her best friend, Marissa, and with two fellow female comedians, they all support and uplift each other repeatedly, and have very hilarious but heartfelt conversations between them.
Additionally, Hazel is deaf, a topic, which isn't even a topic in the best way. It is integrated very naturally into the story. As someone who is not deaf, I will not speak too much on whether it is well done, as I do not know, but I do know that from a writing standpoint, it was very smooth and consistent. The characters facetimed Hazel whenever they wanted to talk on the phone, the author remembered to have them set the phone down somewhere so they could sign, and the writing wasn't redundant, in the way that it didn't make you feel like you were stupid by reminding you everytime that Hazel was there that they were signing ASL as they were talking, they mentioned it when it was needed or relevant but not any more or less than that.
Now, for the reasons this was a 4 star read and not a 5 star. Firstly, the representation. Like I previously mentioned, Hazel is deaf, and, from my knowledge, I believe it was pretty well done, but sadly, that's all there is. The two main characters are obviously white, with the cover showing them as such (and with Farley being a natural red-head). From there you can also assume that Hazel is white, unless she is mixed, which is never mentioned. Then there's the side characters, all of which you can assume are POC if you would so choose but, once again it's never mentioned either way. Then the vague sense of heteronormativity you get when you realize that every non-single person is either dating or married to someone the opposite sex then them, with no mention or hint of queerness from anyone. Even in the characters internal dialogue, sometimes I got the feeling that even they just assume that everyone in the room is straight. It's not like it's a big thing, or even a thing at all in the book, no one is homophobic or, bringing it back to the lack of people of color, racist, but I guess that's the point, it just goes unnoticed, forgotten. Next there's the pacing and timing. The characters would often be at one place, the suddenly, with no real explanation be at the next, and the author wouldn't even say where they were until you were already thoroughly confused. Lastly I feel like certain topics never really got a satisfying conclusion, or at least one topic specifically. I feel like with how much Farley talked about her dad, or her own 'daddy issues', that her dad would've shown up more then in that one flashback near the beginning, instead they barley talked about him. I mean, where was she when she Farley was growing up? Where was he after her mother died? Did Farley even know? Was him and Farley's mother ever together? Did they get a divorce? So many questions and no answers except them talking about how he's disappointed in her. And the only conclusion we got for any of it was one sentence talking about him at the end .
In all though, Farley and Meyer were adorable, and very fluffy, which I suppose is the main thing you want when you read a romance novel. My only complain about them was that, like most romance novels, there was indeed a third act breakup. For the most part, I've gotten used to these and the don't bother me anymore, but this one in particular really bugged me. Through the entire book, Farley and Meyer had amazing communication, they talked through and about everything together. So, imagine my surprise when the TAB was caused by one of them keeping something from the other. It came out of nowhere and didn't even make sense. Not to mention that it added nothing to the plot, and I mean nothing. It didn't develop Farley and Meyers relationship whatsoever and it was too short and nonsensical to actually cause conflict.
Even so, I did truly enjoy this book and will definitely be rereading it.
Rep: Deaf side character
Tropes: Age Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Dad, Workplace Romance(kind of), Dual POV, Friends to Lovers
We have two main characters, Farley and Meyer. Farley is a somewhat new, up-and-coming, comedian, and Meyer is her manager. DeWitt uses a lot of pretty common tropes like Grumpy/Sunshine and Age Gap but she twists it different ways to make it her own. Thankfully, Farley and Meyer don't fall into the worse side of those two tropes, Farley in no way acts childish or immature, and Meyer isn't some nearly unredeemable asshole who ends up being sexist to everyone but the WMC like we're supposed to find that hot. Instead, it's pretty much the opposite. Farley acts like the twenty-something year old woman that she is, Meyer, while sometimes can come off a bit asshole-ish, is completely redeemable (painfully sweet, really), and is definitely not sexist.
Which is not surprising considering another main theme of this books is feminism, one that is done very well. Farley talks about how misogynist people in her field can be, widely uplifting male comedians while putting female comedians down. One of my favorite parts of this book is the female friendships, Farley has a wonderful, mother-ish relationship with Meyers daughter, Hazel, one that is obviously very well thought-out and very adorable. Then you have Farley's friendship with her best friend, Marissa, and with two fellow female comedians, they all support and uplift each other repeatedly, and have very hilarious but heartfelt conversations between them.
Additionally, Hazel is deaf, a topic, which isn't even a topic in the best way. It is integrated very naturally into the story. As someone who is not deaf, I will not speak too much on whether it is well done, as I do not know, but I do know that from a writing standpoint, it was very smooth and consistent. The characters facetimed Hazel whenever they wanted to talk on the phone, the author remembered to have them set the phone down somewhere so they could sign, and the writing wasn't redundant, in the way that it didn't make you feel like you were stupid by reminding you everytime that Hazel was there that they were signing ASL as they were talking, they mentioned it when it was needed or relevant but not any more or less than that.
Now, for the reasons this was a 4 star read and not a 5 star. Firstly, the representation. Like I previously mentioned, Hazel is deaf, and, from my knowledge, I believe it was pretty well done, but sadly, that's all there is. The two main characters are obviously white, with the cover showing them as such (and with Farley being a natural red-head). From there you can also assume that Hazel is white, unless she is mixed, which is never mentioned. Then there's the side characters, all of which you can assume are POC if you would so choose but, once again it's never mentioned either way. Then the vague sense of heteronormativity you get when you realize that every non-single person is either dating or married to someone the opposite sex then them, with no mention or hint of queerness from anyone. Even in the characters internal dialogue, sometimes I got the feeling that even they just assume that everyone in the room is straight. It's not like it's a big thing, or even a thing at all in the book, no one is homophobic or, bringing it back to the lack of people of color, racist, but I guess that's the point, it just goes unnoticed, forgotten. Next there's the pacing and timing. The characters would often be at one place, the suddenly, with no real explanation be at the next, and the author wouldn't even say where they were until you were already thoroughly confused. Lastly I feel like certain topics never really got a satisfying conclusion, or at least one topic specifically.
In all though, Farley and Meyer were adorable, and very fluffy, which I suppose is the main thing you want when you read a romance novel. My only complain about them was that, like most romance novels, there was indeed a third act breakup. For the most part, I've gotten used to these and the don't bother me anymore, but this one in particular really bugged me. Through the entire book, Farley and Meyer had amazing communication, they talked through and about everything together. So, imagine my surprise when the TAB was caused by one of them keeping something from the other. It came out of nowhere and didn't even make sense. Not to mention that it added nothing to the plot, and I mean nothing. It didn't develop Farley and Meyers relationship whatsoever and it was too short and nonsensical to actually cause conflict.
Even so, I did truly enjoy this book and will definitely be rereading it.
Rep: Deaf side character
Tropes: Age Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Dad, Workplace Romance(kind of), Dual POV, Friends to Lovers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
audlittlebookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
meganpbell's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
Foul-mouthed up-and-coming comedian Farley Jones gets her big break with one catch—she has to fake date her manager, the perpetually frowning Meyer, good friend, former star comic, and hot, older single dad, for publicity. The dating may (or may not) be fake but the mutual pining is all too real in this steamy friends-to-lovers story! I loved the stand-up show biz setting, the Deaf representation, and ALLLL the feels, funny and otherwise, this smart, sexy romance puts in the spotlight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Violence, and Pregnancy
ashley_1206's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐️
honestly such a cute book i adore these characters and how open they are with eachother. they are realistic in a good way because me and farley i just UNDERSTAND her.
i love hazel she has my heart.
wish i didn’t have school because i was in a slump when reading this and didn’t have time to pick it up!! but really good i recommend i was able to pick it up after months
honestly such a cute book i adore these characters and how open they are with eachother. they are realistic in a good way because me and farley i just UNDERSTAND her.
i love hazel she has my heart.
wish i didn’t have school because i was in a slump when reading this and didn’t have time to pick it up!! but really good i recommend i was able to pick it up after months
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
samone2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Sexism
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, and Pregnancy
pipeloluwa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Funny Feelings is a sweet romance between Farley a stand up comedian and Meyer her best friend/manager who is a single dad (and former stand up comedian). I decided to give this book a chance after seeing it pop up all over the place as one of the most underrated romances of 2022. While this book wasn’t quite the smash hit for me as it was for others- it left me wanting more out of the story. That being said I enjoyed this book it was a solid read. This book hit lots of tropes- single dad, workplace, friends to lovers, and fake dating but I think it could’ve been stronger focusing in on two of those. I still would recommend this book for anyone looking for some sweetness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Sexism, Medical content, and Pregnancy
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A fellow book club member has been campaigning to get everyone to read this for so long and I’m glad I finally did!
- Friends to lovers
- Workplace romance (but they work in comedy so not an office setting)
- Deaf representation
- Dad with a kid love interest
- Fake dating setup kind of? they clearly love each other from the start so it didn’t feel very fake date-y to me, which is good cause it’s not my fav trope
- So freaking funny- like yes it’s a book about comedians but it’s actually really laugh out loud funny
- Has the taking care of when sick trope
The authors note says she wrote this book for anyone who had ever felt “too much” and there were parts of this book that just hit so hard. Just please read it. It will make you squeal with joy, and give you all the feels.
4/5🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Death, and Pregnancy
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
dancing_on_ur_muml0l's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Not really a climax in this book and the fake dating thing fades away pretty quickly into the book. But it's very good and has good spice lol
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Sexism, Death of parent, and Pregnancy