esthermich4's Reviews (232)

Cannot commit to the book the way it deserves, I will come back to it later

This was not it for me and I actually skimmed the last ~20% because I wanted this book to be over quickly. 

I strongly disliked both Chloe and Red. I apparently do not share their humor since I did not enjoy their interactions. I don't know what this book was marketed as but it was way too insta lovey for me. They instantly lusted over each other and for the first part of the books, Red's internal monologue was basically just lust based on I don't even know what? I did not find his character realistic whatsoever. I also didn't like Chloe, her character really rubbed me the wrong way. I just didn't feel for them and did not care for their interactions. I found their dialogue often cringe worthy and definitely did not share their sense of humor. 

Additionally, I found the writing style to be chunky and trying too hard to be funny. It was actually painful to read sometimes. Luckily it improved in the second part of the book where it turned to somewhat more serious topics. 

The reason why it's 2 stars instead of 1 star is because how certain topics were handled such as Chloe's fibromyalgia, emotional abuse (especially on men), and interracial couples. I basically knew nothing about fibromyalgia so that aspect to me was very interesting, especially since the author herself has it. 

I'm really disappointed that I didn't like this book at all since I loved Dani's book and absolutely adored Eve's book. So even if you didn't like this book, you might like the other books :) 

This is my first romcom where I did not like the characters and their relationship. I also realised they were only 21 and 22 halfway though the book which may have contributed to that fact. I liked them in the beginning during their first summer although it was very much insta love which I don't always like

(who says I love you after 10 days??)

. After that I found them both very toxic and I did not feel the chemistry or love between them, I was getting very annoyed by their childish behaviour. I don't know if that's because I have never been in such a relationship where you have this push and pull so I cannot relate to them or because this is my first second chance novel but this just didn't do it for me. Being young and not having your life together is not a valid reason to be (almost) controlling, whiny, and irrational. 

One thing I did like from the flashback story is how the author handled the

post break up. With the alternating super short chapters of spiralling thoughts and falling into a post break up depression, I found that well done and I felt a bit more for them.

I also did like their growth from the years apart so maybe if I had seen the romance unravel as they are now maybe I would have liked it more. Nevertheless, I don't believe they will hold up for long and healthy relationship. 

However, this will not stop me reading her work as I really loved the flat share and I am looking forward to her new releases.