The narrator was the best part of this book. (I read audio and physical from the library.)

I was really excited for this because it’s a rom-com about writing and incorporates art school life. As a writer, a rom-com addict, and a graduate of an art school, I was seriously excited for Happily Ever Afters.

It’s not like it was a waste of time, though—I didn’t DNF it. My favorite aspect of this book was Sam. He’s the main character’s friend-to-maybe-lover and I was rooting for him the whole time. He’s this sweet kid who bakes. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and unapologetically himself.

Then we have Tessa. She’s a romance writer who lost her spark to Imposter Syndrome when she was admitted to this prestigious art school. She spends the entire book trying to get her spark back by creating her own happily ever after with a boy who is... well, a douche bag.

A douche bag who is also taken by another douche bag. She went after someone else’s boyfriend. This is the type of thing that I hate in romance novels. Cheating or encouraging someone to cheat. I don’t care how horrible the other person is—don’t fucking cheat.

She makes some really poor decisions, which left me gaping and shaking my head. Romance books are supposed to make you feel swoony and happy. I was angry and irritated throughout most of it because of the choices she was making.

The worst part was the ending. I figured that the ending was going to work out the way it did, but it lacked the romance spark I was craving. It ends with a mic-drop instead of a romantic scene. It didn’t make me feel giddy at all. It left my mouth dry and I was very unimpressed.

Again, there were some solid parts that I loved. Tessa’s best friend, for example. Tessa moves to this new town, leaving her old life behind... including her best friend. They maintain a solid long distance friendship, with the bumps that any novel demands. I loved the relationship she has with Caroline because it shows teens that it’s possible to keep up a friendship after moving.

Okay. I’m done ranting. I was not impressed by this one, but it is full of food and has a few characters that are just... *chef’s kiss*.