The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

 

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Let's premise this review with this little fact: I have loved most, if not all, of Emma Lord's YA novels I've picked up. I was beyond excited for this Adult fiction when I heard about it.

It's possible I just wasn't in the right mood for this book when I listened, or maybe I'd psyched myself up too much? but I loved the narrator, Natalie Naudus. She did a fantastic job. 

I had a really hard time connecting with the main characters and understanding their hang-ups and choices. (Third Act confusion to nth degree)

[Spoiler] Who goes back to live with their Ex while figuring out their future life logistics and dating someone else!? I'd be so angry if I was dating that guy.[/spoiler]

I also felt like a lot of the book was written with cliche plot points and not a lot of originality and I was actually excited when ...

[spoiler]... she lost her tea shop because FINALLY something was different ... until it wasn't because she literally got it back in the same spot and everything ... [/spoiler]

I wanted to root for them but I found myself just not caring enough about what happened and wishing the book would hurry up and end because it felt like each chapter was just the same thing/emotions happening over and over but with different words. 

I did enjoy the small-town, beach setting and the back story of the main characters. It was a cute romcom, I just wish a few key elements had been handled differently, or in a way that made more sense to me.

The side characters in this book were all phenomenal and I would love to read more about them!

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my own opinion.  

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Love, Holly by Emma Stone

 

Love, Holly by Emily Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First and foremost, while this book does have a few scenes set around Christmas time, I don't really consider this a Christmas book. Unless you want it to be. Then it definitely is.

All three of the main characters face a good deal throughout the book. I wouldn't call this book "fluffy" by any means. There is a lot of grief and mourning and growth that takes place in these pages. It might be painful to read, or comforting, depending on your own life experiences.

Holly is such an intricate character. She has her flaws and her strengths and getting to watch her grow throughout the book was heartbreaking (because often times growth proceeds hardship).

Emma was probably my favorite character. I suppose older people in books are probably pretty fun to write. They can go through life at that point not caring how blunt or grouchy they are because they've lived long enough and have earned that right. Emma is just the right amount of grouchy old woman, wise friend, and flawed individual. Once you get to know Emma, I think you'll love her too.

And finally, Jack. He was living life a bit flat until Holly showed up and kind of imploded everything he knew. The thing I love most about Jack is that he is eventually willing to admit his mistakes and try to change his view once someone suggested it might be a wise idea.

The pacing was a bit off in a few places for me but overall this was a quick read and one that I think I'll think about beyond today.

Synopsis: Sometimes it takes a stranger to bring you back to yourself.

Ever since a car accident tore her family apart, Holly has been part of a lonely-hearts holiday letter–writing club. Each December, she writes to a stranger who is also spending Christmas alone, and receives a letter from another lonely person in return.

Usually, the letters go unanswered. That’s the point—the letters are anonymous, and the senders write whatever is in their heart. But this year, the letter Holly receives is different; not only is the letter full of a grief she knows all too well, but its writer, Emma, mentions a place that Holly has visited. When she realizes that she might actually be able to find the letter’s author, Holly becomes determined to reunite Emma with the estranged grandson, Jack, with whom Emma is desperate to reconnect.

When Holly finally tracks him down, she remembers that she’s met Jack once before . . . and the connection was electric. The spark between the two of them is still there—until a misunderstanding risks their burgeoning romance and his strained relationship with Emma, too. But Holly is determined; if she can fix Emma’s family, she might also be able to fix her own. Though as it turns out, Holly might have less time to put things right than she thought.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the review copy.

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The Neighbor Renovation by Grace Worthington

 

The Neighbor Renovation by Grace Worthington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"I can't believe I just used the word naked and groped in the same sentence. If there's a sure way to scare off a woman, I've nailed it." - Grant 

This books summery beach vibes were a well needed dose of vitamin SEA ...  Especially in this eternal winter I feel like I'm currently living through. 

If you like emotionally unavailable grumpy men, Grant may just be your next great book boyfriend. 

And Ella is the dose of sunshine he REALLY doesn't want in his life right now. 

When their lives collide after years apart, you can bet just about everything that can go wrong, will go wrong ... and I was there for the whole fantastic ride. It did not disappoint. 

Ella is ready to make her interior design dreams come true by fixing up her Aunt's beach house and entering in a reality TV design show. Unfortunately, her aunt backs out last minute and leaves her in a bit of lurch to find a new space.

Grant is in town for the summer to fix up his granny's beach home. The place with all his childhood summer memories. Too bad change is hard and he knows next to nothing about how to make this place great. He'd ask Ella for help but he's committed to making this summer one of quiet introspection, i.e. alone time. Lots of alone time. And Ella is anything but quiet.

Do you see where this is going?
 
Ella is a bubbly, outgoing in your face kind of person while grant is your classic grump. The problem is, he hasn't always been that way and Ella is determined to find "fun Grant" again. The banter these two share is great and their ability to hide behind pizza store shrubbery is noteworthy. I loved reading about Ella pulling Grant from his shell and watching him open himself up to friendship and feeling anything again.

The rest of the story is full of rivaling family drama, hurricanes, target shopping trips, fantastic friend groups, and lots of remodeling.

In case you're wondering: This is a sweet and swoony romance. (i.e. no spice/closed door romance)

Happy reading!

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Forget Me Twice by Carina Taylor

Forget Me Twice by Carina Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dedication: To Power Nappers around the world. You truly are amazing. Please teach me your ways.

Ah, the classic divorced couple story where one person completely forgets they're divorced and the other one has to fake that they're in a loving marriage until ...

Oh wait. Not something I've actually read before but it was certainly an entertaining premise!

Meyer and her ex, Archie, were in love and then after that they were maybe not as much in love but they were still married. And then Archie left her. And their cat. And their cute little house. And then they were nothing. A year later and Meyer is still trying to move on when she gets a phone call out of the blue letting her know that her husband is in the hospital.

Only problem, she doesn't have a husband anymore. After rushing to the hospital she discovers that Archie is back. Not only is he back but he's lost two years of memories. In other words, he no longer remembers the year of fights and the year he spent in a completely different state moving on.

Review: This book was certainly a fast-paced and enjoyable read. I actually love stories about couples who were in love and then life happens and maybe they aren't anymore but the rest of the book is about trying to get that love back. It's just not done very often and if it's done well, it is so enjoyable to read. Meyer and Archie have some great, friendly banter and I can definitely see why they fell for each other in the first place.

While I absolutely enjoyed Forget Me Twice, I do wish there had been more focus on the character's growth. I was told a lot about how they grew but it did fall a little short since I don't think we, as readers, get to witness that growth within the story. I also wanted a little more angst or pining. I think that Meyer finds out Archie's secret a little too soon. I think there was a lot of missed opportunities with that timing but it was still a great read overall.

Thank you Net Galley for the e-arc! It was a pleasure reading.

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