anxietyprime's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
content warning: heterosexual intercourse.
sparked my newfound love for stupid rom-coms. hands down one of the best books i've ever read.
sparked my newfound love for stupid rom-coms. hands down one of the best books i've ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment and Animal cruelty
ecobookworm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
Ah, what a delightful book. I'd heard SO much about this one so I was really looking forward to it - and sometimes that makes for a disappointing read - but this lived up to the hype. The audiobook is also well done, I would recommend it. I alternated between audio and ebook, but mostly read it as an ebook. The premise is just genius - an engaged couple want to break up but neither wants the repercussions of calling off the wedding, so they try to terrorize each other into doing so. But in the process they realize they may not want to after all...
I have to admit that the first half or so of the book had me cringing a bit. Their relationship starts off so toxic, with a huge lack of communication and being downright awful to each other. It is kind of hilarious at times as the prank wars escalate, but it was also a bit sad - I skipped ahead to the end to reassure myself it would be fine at one point. However, once they start to soften up to each other it more than makes up for it.
I really appreciated how this book explored the realities of long-term relationships, how we tend to hide our inner self and vulnerabilities and the parts we dislike or are ashamed of. Seeing Nicholas and Naomi slowly start to trust each other again, support and validate and do nice things for each other, was truly a joy to see unfold. This is a medium-low steam book (one explicit scene), but the tension and physical aspect of their relationship is incorporated so well. You really get their tenderness for each other, and their relationship comes out even stronger for choosing each other all over again. I also appreciated how the book explores the stresses of an (unnecessary and unwanted) big wedding, the pressures toxic family members can put on a relationship, and the importance of prioritizing and standing up for your partner. Nicholas' mother is an absolute terror. That being said, the side characters are lovely, and I enjoyed Naomi's workplace dynamics and the subplot of her employment troubles. The ending was absolutely satisfying, and so well done. Go check out the illustrated epilogue on the author's insta!
I have to admit that the first half or so of the book had me cringing a bit. Their relationship starts off so toxic, with a huge lack of communication and being downright awful to each other. It is kind of hilarious at times as the prank wars escalate, but it was also a bit sad - I skipped ahead to the end to reassure myself it would be fine at one point. However, once they start to soften up to each other it more than makes up for it.
I really appreciated how this book explored the realities of long-term relationships, how we tend to hide our inner self and vulnerabilities and the parts we dislike or are ashamed of. Seeing Nicholas and Naomi slowly start to trust each other again, support and validate and do nice things for each other, was truly a joy to see unfold. This is a medium-low steam book (one explicit scene), but the tension and physical aspect of their relationship is incorporated so well. You really get their tenderness for each other, and their relationship comes out even stronger for choosing each other all over again. I also appreciated how the book explores the stresses of an (unnecessary and unwanted) big wedding, the pressures toxic family members can put on a relationship, and the importance of prioritizing and standing up for your partner. Nicholas' mother is an absolute terror. That being said, the side characters are lovely, and I enjoyed Naomi's workplace dynamics and the subplot of her employment troubles. The ending was absolutely satisfying, and so well done. Go check out the illustrated epilogue on the author's insta!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Bullying
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Body shaming
Minor: Sexual harassment and Infertility
Heat level: medium-low
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