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imlaurenshelton's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I can’t lie here - I got swept up in this one. Totally, 100% into the Fiona mindset of cheering on Olivia throughout the book. As I listened to the audiobook, I was squealing with glee at pivotal moments and jumping excitedly like a dork during the last chapter. There were moments where I fought myself not to cry though it would have been completely valid to - there’s some raw emotions hidden throughout the pages of this cynical rom com. My only “complaint” was the quality of the audiobook as it seemed to be fuzzy and that was mildly irritating but I was so engrossed in the story that I decided not to let it bother me enough to turn away. I think Talon did a great job performing this book, which may have been why the emotional moments felt so raw to me.
Further, I loved the references to the film industry, guessing throughout the book which movie they were referring to based solely on the actors mentioned. It took me a while to realize one of the characters was based on Gerard Butler - even though there is a blurb thanking him at the beginning of the book *big facepalm*. Before that realization, I pictured Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You era) as that character and I have to say - I decided to keep him in that role even after knowing it was supposed to be Butler and Ledger isn’t Scottish.
I will add that initially I did not like that the characters were beginning the story in their 30s. I would have preferred 25 maybe BUT after the entire story played out, I don’t think it could have been anything but a 30s love story set in LA. At 25, I want everything to be happening right now because that’s what society has told me I should want, but the story grounds the younger (& older) readers in displaying that getting to where we are supposed to be takes time for most of us. The main character goes through various internal conflicts and external struggles before deciding to take charge over her life - and still it’s not perfect. She gets her happily ever after, but it wasn’t just magic or irony because she worked for it.
As for content warnings, here’s what I can recall:
There is infidelity in the form of a kiss, twice in two separate chapters but is mentioned in a few other chapters. There’s also mention of adultery in two chapters. To my knowledge that was the only content that really warrants a warning.
Overall, I obviously enjoyed this book and may purchase a paperback or digital copy, as much fun as the audiobook was. I’m giving it 5 stars and I think those are well deserved.
Further, I loved the references to the film industry, guessing throughout the book which movie they were referring to based solely on the actors mentioned. It took me a while to realize one of the characters was based on Gerard Butler - even though there is a blurb thanking him at the beginning of the book *big facepalm*. Before that realization, I pictured Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You era) as that character and I have to say - I decided to keep him in that role even after knowing it was supposed to be Butler and Ledger isn’t Scottish.
I will add that initially I did not like that the characters were beginning the story in their 30s. I would have preferred 25 maybe BUT after the entire story played out, I don’t think it could have been anything but a 30s love story set in LA. At 25, I want everything to be happening right now because that’s what society has told me I should want, but the story grounds the younger (& older) readers in displaying that getting to where we are supposed to be takes time for most of us. The main character goes through various internal conflicts and external struggles before deciding to take charge over her life - and still it’s not perfect. She gets her happily ever after, but it wasn’t just magic or irony because she worked for it.
As for content warnings, here’s what I can recall:
There is infidelity in the form of a kiss, twice in two separate chapters but is mentioned in a few other chapters. There’s also mention of adultery in two chapters. To my knowledge that was the only content that really warrants a warning.
Overall, I obviously enjoyed this book and may purchase a paperback or digital copy, as much fun as the audiobook was. I’m giving it 5 stars and I think those are well deserved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content