3/5 I ended up liking this book much more than I thought I would. I think that has something to do with reading Choi's acknowledgments section. But I also love Sam and Penny. They're hot messes but I love them. I just wish there had been more of THEM! More of them together, more of their exchanges. Because I didn't really believe their connection until we finally got into their texts. At first, I was like, "Ok, so I'm just supposed to buy into the fact that these two are texting soulmates?" but once we FINALLY got into their real-time exchanges (it takes a WHILE), it started to make more sense.

I also wish there has been less fodder. I don't care about Sam's ex or his feelings about her (which didn't read as wholly real anyway). I didn't care about his documentary stuff or Penny's writing (mainly because OH MY GOD, it was BAD) because neither ended up being consequential in the long-run. If it doesn't elevate the story, why is it there? I felt like Andy was a disturbance and I'm so glad there wasn't a love triangle on that end (Choi could have easily given Penny a love triangle and THANK YOU FOR NOT!). Also, more YA baking (sneer). Maybe it's a me thing, too, but I HATE when stories end right at the beginning. Why is a couple getting together the endgame? I want to see their relationship at least a LITTLE bit. You don't have to give me seven years down the road when the cute texts and emojis aren't constantly part of the rapport, but I don't know, a couple weeks in would be nice.

BUT I loved when Sam and Penny finally had sparks flying. I loved the female relationships that weren't perfect but made sense. I liked how we finally got why Penny feels broken. I liked that Sam didn't necessarily get a perfect ending with his family. Overall, not a bad first novel. I'd like to see more of what Choi has up her sleeve.