By Tessa Bailey
Book is rated 3 / 5.
This was definitely a quick, easy book that you can binge over the weekend. The storyline is straightforward with nothing convoluted; there are no hidden detours or anything of that sort. And, the characters are lovable and interesting. The concept was very cute, and it played like an adorable rom-com movie in my head. No regrets on this one! There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine. Second Chance Romance. Opposites Attract.
Spice Level: Surprisingly, a 3 / 5.
The Quick Read
The summary of the book really does tell you everything you need to know about this book; there is very obvious, often over-utilized characterizations of the all-too-clumsy girl and the too-organized-cares-about-nothing-but-work guy. Yet, it is well done for something you take to the poolside to read. If I had put it down, there was a chance it would have stayed there. At the same time, I did want to find out how it all resolved itself.
The premise of the storyline begins, really, with a drunk love letter to an old crush. Based on how this storyline progress, I'm not entirely sure what really attracted Hallie to Julian besides his looks. It felt very one-note. Julian seemed more calculated and cold-hearted than closed off in the beginning, but he seemed to grow (every so slightly) by the end of the novel. His reasons for Hallie seemed to make sense, even if it seemed rushed all at the same time.
With Hallie, he'd operated on blind instinct, his body in total control, not his mind.
Hallie's character seemed to carry every trope that most blonde women in movies do - whirlwind, chaotic, a mess, almost as if they are portrayed to need a man in their life to keep them grounded. It's not one of my favorites, but I understand the appeal. Julian, on the other hand, is the EXACT opposite. Almost as if there was a list of all of Hallie's characterizations, and then Julian was created by listing out the drastic opposite of those. I did relate a little too well to his OCD behaviors - sticking to the schedule, giving himself rewards, panicking when not in control. I slightly understood the parallel to his past with the fire, too.
"Don't be each other's one who got away. You can fix it."
One of my favorite things is how Hallie is portrayed as a curvy and voluptuous woman rather than a skinny woman who can do it all. I did enjoy getting into her head with insecurities, because that is relatable. And, I loved that it came into play with Julian who eased her mind and comforted her when she needed it. All in all, this book was good. I'd recommend it for a quick little pick-me up; not a book to get 100% lost into or obsessed with (like I tend to do), but a good fluff piece in between longer books, if that makes sense.
Will I read more?
Yeah! I will definitely read more Tessa Bailey because I'm curious to see if maybe this book was the exception to the wonderful things I've heard. By no means was this book bad. It was just - it was good. I wouldn't read it again and it would come with a warning label when I recommend it, but still one I would recommend. It's a really good quick read which you really can't have enough of! Especially as a comfort book to rely on when you're overwhelmed.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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