Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

THIS PAINS ME.

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I am a mega fan of Lord’s YA books. I have loved them all. And this first adult romance really missed some marks for me. I went in with respectable hopes and am sitting in a middle ground of feelings.

The idea was clever, but the execution seemed like it was trying too hard. Or maybe that the focus was in the wrong direction? Often there was a lot of grief depiction and discussion and that kind of took over from the romance. I did like some of the soft moments between Levi and June. Yet, I’m not sure that I believe they make it after the book, ya know?

The social media/Tiktok focus also didn’t have my attention. I struggle to connect with books with such a media centered ideal and attempt to be relevant. I did like June’s best friend a lot. And all of the scone content was great. You’ll probably find me baking some first thing tomorrow.

All of the ex drama took away the focus from the romance too. I could not fathom Levi’s thinking with his previous relationship. And with June, her ex just showing up at random times to stir chaos got old.

I’ll still read Emma Lord’s books because I’m hopeful there will be more gems again.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 1 open door
- Content Warnings: loss of a sister (aneurism), grief depiction, cheating (June and Levi’s exes)