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tk9595's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jennyfer's review against another edition
4.0
Josie Larkin is a journalist for Channel One News in Sydney. She also battles with crippling, undiagnosed anxiety. When an interview triggers her anxiety during a live report, she is given leave from her job and banished to the newsroom of regional city of Newcastle, instead.
Zac is Josie's best friend, since their school days, but they have been estranged since his fiancee died in a car accident and he shut Josie out of his life. But her arrival in Newcastle gives then the chance to repair their relationship - if only Life would stop getting in the way.
There is a LOT going on in Love, Just In:
* We have the tale of Zac and Josie told through interleaving chapters of 'Now' and flashbacks to 'Then'. The flashbacks are not in any chronological order, but they make sense with the present-day plot.
* We have the tale of Josie's health anxiety and physical health concerns
* We have the tale of Zac and his fiancee
* We have the tale of the newsroom and the off-camera politics
* We have the dramas of the side characters: Meghan, Christina, Lindsay, and "Dahvid"
So there's a lot to unpack. With all of these different storylines woven together, this is a rollercoaster of a book. From the nudist housemate to the delivery of a baby, this book does not let you come up for air. There is one chapter with a couple of sex scenes, but most of the book is about relationships first and foremost.
I loved that it is set in Australia, and the characters are relatable. I LOVED how honest this is when talking about mental health challenges and anxiety, but its not an earnest, serious book on the topic: one can be a functional person and still battle mental illness.
Its a rollercoaster of a story, that elicits laughs, tears, WTF moments and much more.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
Zac is Josie's best friend, since their school days, but they have been estranged since his fiancee died in a car accident and he shut Josie out of his life. But her arrival in Newcastle gives then the chance to repair their relationship - if only Life would stop getting in the way.
There is a LOT going on in Love, Just In:
* We have the tale of Zac and Josie told through interleaving chapters of 'Now' and flashbacks to 'Then'. The flashbacks are not in any chronological order, but they make sense with the present-day plot.
* We have the tale of Josie's health anxiety and physical health concerns
* We have the tale of Zac and his fiancee
* We have the tale of the newsroom and the off-camera politics
* We have the dramas of the side characters: Meghan, Christina, Lindsay, and "Dahvid"
So there's a lot to unpack. With all of these different storylines woven together, this is a rollercoaster of a book. From the nudist housemate to the delivery of a baby, this book does not let you come up for air. There is one chapter with a couple of sex scenes, but most of the book is about relationships first and foremost.
I loved that it is set in Australia, and the characters are relatable. I LOVED how honest this is when talking about mental health challenges and anxiety, but its not an earnest, serious book on the topic: one can be a functional person and still battle mental illness.
Its a rollercoaster of a story, that elicits laughs, tears, WTF moments and much more.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
thebookishbrewnette's review against another edition
4.0
I have not read a book that surrounds a character with health anxiety before, but I feel that the author did a fantastic job allowing that to be a focus of the book while not allowing it to be the only thing we see in Josie. The balance her having a career that puts her front and center and forces her to face those fears and sometimes not be able to push pass the anxiety made her feel real. The quick wit, humor, and banter we get to see from her also makes her a lovable character, but one that isn't without flaws (and we get to see those).
Seeing her and Zac come together and rekindle their friendship and allow it to potentially grow into something more was a fun ride, but it didn't come without stress or tension. NM also did a great job showing how 14+ years of friendship between Zac and Josie could evolve while remaining the same and highlighting the fears that can come along with the possibility of seeing your best friend as more.
Seeing her and Zac come together and rekindle their friendship and allow it to potentially grow into something more was a fun ride, but it didn't come without stress or tension. NM also did a great job showing how 14+ years of friendship between Zac and Josie could evolve while remaining the same and highlighting the fears that can come along with the possibility of seeing your best friend as more.
syl_val15's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 out of 5 stars!
Did I hear that this book has 'childhood-friends-to-lovers' trope?
*smashes that to-read button*
Did I hear that this book has 'childhood-friends-to-lovers' trope?
*smashes that to-read button*
kaedla's review
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
bookreviewsbyjules's review against another edition
4.0
I requested this book because the cover reminded me of Emily Henry's books, and this book did not dissapoint. I thought it was super romantic and funny. I will be sure to look for more books by Natalie Murray in the future. It was super cute and just what the doctor prescribed to a diehard romantic such as myself. I loved it.
If you like Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey you are sure to enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review!
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44083250-julia
Instagram/bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreviewsbyjules/
Thank you!
If you like Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey you are sure to enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review!
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44083250-julia
Instagram/bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreviewsbyjules/
Thank you!
annie_reads848's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
There was a review on the back of this “Australia’s answer to Emily Henry” which is why I picked it up, and sadly it falls short. Whilst an enjoyable story, it took me a long time to get into and at times I found the dialogue stilted and unrealistic (it just felt way too surface level for people that had known each other 14 years). The ending also felt quite rushed.
kimocean76's review
5.0
So today I have just sat & listened to to the remainder of Love, Just In. Nothing else needed my undivided attention like Josie & Zac. This was really eye opening to learn about health anxiety & how it can effect you. I see you. Xx