Scan barcode
A review by mbroussard
Time to Rise by Heléne Holmström
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of Time to Rise by Heléne Holmström; translated by Marlaine Delargy in exchange for my true thoughts.
This book gave everything that I enjoy about a romance story. It gave reality tv, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and flashbacks with a purpose! I was surprised by the dual timeframe, but it fit perfectly within the story and characters. Although, I did enjoy the characters of the flashback more than the present day characters. I loved that both women in the story had great friendships and support systems, I enjoyed the scenes that involved Nora's friends. She seemed more herself with those women than she did in other scenes.
This book left me wanting more from the present day characters, Nora and Eklund. Some things felt off for these two characters (bookstore scene). I wish we just got a little bit more before that scene occurred to make it more "in character" for them. It left me wondering if it would have been easier to avoid the enemies to lovers trope and use the fake dating trope instead, it felt like that was set up, but wasn't followed through on.
Overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy the cooking channel, books set in reality tv, and bread! If you're looking for an easy read and hungry for some cinnamon rolls.
This book gave everything that I enjoy about a romance story. It gave reality tv, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and flashbacks with a purpose! I was surprised by the dual timeframe, but it fit perfectly within the story and characters. Although, I did enjoy the characters of the flashback more than the present day characters. I loved that both women in the story had great friendships and support systems, I enjoyed the scenes that involved Nora's friends. She seemed more herself with those women than she did in other scenes.
This book left me wanting more from the present day characters, Nora and Eklund. Some things felt off for these two characters (bookstore scene). I wish we just got a little bit more before that scene occurred to make it more "in character" for them. It left me wondering if it would have been easier to avoid the enemies to lovers trope and use the fake dating trope instead, it felt like that was set up, but wasn't followed through on.
Overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy the cooking channel, books set in reality tv, and bread! If you're looking for an easy read and hungry for some cinnamon rolls.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Xenophobia