Sped through this. Started delightfully. Characters were funny and smart, and of course, typically fitting into the Henry stereotypes we’ve come to expect (and love, even in all their predictability), but then… about three-quarters in, I got disappointed.

Not saying I didn’t like the novel. I liked it. It had many redeeming qualities and a cute, predictably satisfying ending. But I didn’t love it the same as I loved Henry’s other works in the genre. I feel (maybe I’m wrong) that she gave in to the pressure to slip into the smutty gutter—even if it was only a dip and dive and not a complete roll around in the muck. Not entirely. But still... It was an excessive bit too much and pillaged the story of some of its romantic charm.

Though darker themed than her previous works, this one is all the whiplash comedic banter and idealistic romance of an Emily Henry that you ordered, with an additional side of cheap trash you get for free (whether you want it or not). I mean, some love that trash, and sure, why not? I mean, she even references Bridgerton—and that’s a huge hit. And I read Gabaldon, so I’m hardly criticising the inclusion of the hot-and-heavy. I just wasn’t expecting this amount of sleazy smut in a feel-good Henry romcom.

Kept me laughing and reading till I finished, even if some of it also made me cringe and roll my eyes. I didn’t expect Henry to get so sexplicit. Of course, the banter and dialogue are witty, as always—and laugh-out-loud in many parts—but this one fell into the dirty ditch where several cheaper novels of the genre have stacked their pillows.

I will still read everything Emily Henry writes. Just because I didn’t give this one a five (as with her other two in this genre—and my review feels so negative!—but that has more to do with my own expectations than anything else) it doesn’t mean this was not good. This was so good. I just wanted it to be romcom-defining  <i>perfection</i> like everything else she’s written. I’ve become accustomed to that kind of nonchalant perfection from her…

I bought it. I’ll read it again.

***

I think I was more disappointed with this one because of my expectations. I don’t know. I feel like it just fell short. I just read people we meet on vacation, though. Still fresh in mind. I loved the sister and the nieces dynamic. There were a lot of things I loved about it sure—and still love her writing style. I can’t criticise a sex scene. Frig I love outlander and there’s plenty—but I don’t know …there was something… missing… from this one. I added a paragraph to my review. May still change it after a think…