A review by amanda_reads13
Next To You by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
Lane has isolated herself from the world and her anxiety and guilt keeps her from living her life. On a whim, she purchases a school bus to renovate into a home. She enlists her friend Matt to help her.
This was a cute book. I liked this one a bit more than the first. There were still some super cheesy moments, but also some very heartwarming ones too. The push and pull between Matt and Lane was filled with so much tension.
I appreciate that Lane recognized that in order to be fully present in their relationship she needed to start the process of healing her own trauma. I think that without going through that process she never could have been in a place where she truly felt safe and happy.
Matt was just the sweetest, most thoughtful, and compassionate man. He was incredibly selfless and so patient with Lane. I liked that he never pushed her to be who she wasn't or to be in a place she wasn't ready for. The letters... so adorable!
I wish the bus had played more of a role in the story. It's so built up that she bought this bus and all we get is a bit of reno scenes and a little peak into their road trip. The ending felt quite rushed, I wished we would have spent more time with them on their drive home. Could have made for some very interesting and emotional conversations.
Tropes: friends to friends with benefits to lovers, opposites attract, cinnamon role MC, road trip
This was a cute book. I liked this one a bit more than the first. There were still some super cheesy moments, but also some very heartwarming ones too. The push and pull between Matt and Lane was filled with so much tension.
I appreciate that Lane recognized that in order to be fully present in their relationship she needed to start the process of healing her own trauma. I think that without going through that process she never could have been in a place where she truly felt safe and happy.
Matt was just the sweetest, most thoughtful, and compassionate man. He was incredibly selfless and so patient with Lane. I liked that he never pushed her to be who she wasn't or to be in a place she wasn't ready for. The letters... so adorable!
I wish the bus had played more of a role in the story. It's so built up that she bought this bus and all we get is a bit of reno scenes and a little peak into their road trip. The ending felt quite rushed, I wished we would have spent more time with them on their drive home. Could have made for some very interesting and emotional conversations.
Tropes: friends to friends with benefits to lovers, opposites attract, cinnamon role MC, road trip
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content