Even worse than the first one. 

This is my first Backman that I have successfully finished. I tried A Man Called Ove years ago and only got halfway through because I just couldn’t handle the subject matter. Turns out, my little empath heart couldn’t really handle this one either, but the audiobook was so good, I got through it. The complicated layers of this story and the dynamic nature of these characters are what I love the most. Couple that with the banter between the older Ted and the younger Louisa, those moments provided such a breath of fresh air against the heavy themes and topics of the book. This one will definitely sit with me for awhile.

This was a good read. I know it’s fiction, but I simply can’t imagine being trapped on a boat and swept away with my one night stand. They weren’t even on a regular boat, but one of those ones that are on the canals in Amsterdam and Camden. 😩

Gave it an extra half star for the unexpected plot twist. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review. 

Admittedly, I had not read the other books in the series and I don’t know that it’s necessary to read this one. This book provided many opportunities for laughter. I think it’s safe to say that a MMC falling first and yearning after the FMC proves to be a definite page turner, and in that respect, this book definitely demonstrates those tropes. The added trope of forced proximity contributed to the plot as well.

I found the overall story to be lacking though. Robbie trying to prove that he wasn’t a womanizing party boy when literally the evidence was stacked against him and Skylar being a people pleasing daughter/sister didn’t really contribute to the story. I also think the premise was unrealistic.

Every once in a while, I will read a random indie authored book on Kindle Unlimited to show support. Sometimes, I’m pleasantly surprised and others, I’m left wondering what the hell I just read. 

This is one of those times where the latter is the outcome. The writing was so horrible and the plot was severely lacking. 

My reader toxic trait is once I read a book in a series, I need to find out how the series ends, especially if it’s a duology, so let me start the next one. 😒😒😒