A review by theblushbookworm
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I would have DNFed this book if I weren’t reading it to discuss with friends. The main character, Sadie, is my biggest problem with the book. I didn’t like her - maybe some self-loathing there since we share a name. She was meant to be flawed not unlikable, but her flaws and morals pushed me over the edge. Her me PR from the rest of her small town combined with her martyr tendencies really irked me. The pacing also didn’t flow right for me. It felt a little bit rushed and staccato in the way we jumped from one thing to the next. I wasn’t a fan of the folksy writing style either. I do think the small town setting was interesting, and the book does have nice atmospheric vibes for fall or any cozy time. I liked the recipes being included throughout and would love to know if anyone tested them. I can see why this may be a hit for some, but it was a miss for me.