romancedispatch's reviews
284 reviews

3.5 stars

I started this book with big expectations. After all, the plot seemed to have all elements that interest me in a rom-com: a strong female lead; a struggling job at a historical magazine; an old sweetheart returning; a new love interest; a Greek wedding; MUSIC.

Instead I must say that the book left me with a feeling that too much was being “crammed in” and nothing was explored properly. The family issues and the wedding only appear at the side of the story. Yes, there is a lovely bonding happening with the bride to be, but the wedding was set to be the focus of the book, according to the blurb, and in my opinion it absolutely is not.
The whole job thing is also a bit confusing, at times distracting even. So much happens and so many characters intertwine, I was a bit lost with the thread there.

Most of all, the love-triangle Zoe-Simon-Nick left me unsatisfied. I mean, this is a rom-com, so I expected a bit more of action on the Nick-front. Instead it was just disappointing that it was resolved in the last twenty or so pages of the book. I understand fully that the main character needed to overcome her idolised obsession with Simon in order to be able to engage in a new relationship, but it all seemed so rushed at the end. It could have been played way earlier (I mean, how long do you need to realise that Simon is as fickle as they come?!)

Also, poor Nick! He was absolutely lovely and sexy and funny -from the start!- and Zoe only at the very end realises what she was missing? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, ZOE.
And he comes back from PARIS on account of a very weird voicemail, in which she cannot even acknowledge we feelings? And when he appears before her, she doesn’t even say I love you to him. Nick told her he loves her weeks before, and she never even once says it back.

So that left me quite disappointed. If it’s a romance novel, then I expect to see some romance, not just the building up. It’s a shame, because the bits where Nick and Zoe interact are really good. It’s sad that we couldn’t “see” their love blossoming.

If I could give ten stars to this book, I would.

I think this is my favourite book of this year. Read it in one day. I’m SO in love with everything and everyone in it!

The lovely little town of Willow Creek (Stars Hollow vibes!); The whole cast of characters animating the story; The most amazing bookstore ever, with the best name ever; Chris; Caitlin; April; Mitch. Stacey. And, of course, Emily. Emma. Simon. The Captain. The Faire. Shakespeare.

Reading this book has made me so happy. That’s such a rare gift nowadays, even in the world of romance novels. So I want to scream it from the rooftops and tell anyone with a broken heart to go read this one, because maybe, maybe, there’s still hope.


P. S.
I never understood the concept of ‘book boyfriend’ before, but having met Simon, I can say I get it now. I want a Simon in my life.

Ahhh, what a fun read! Honestly, Christina (&) Lauren, I love you! Every book from you I read makes my heart jump, and makes me happier.

I laughed myself silly through the first half of this book, because Oliie is genuinely *hilarious* and the chemistry between her and Ethan is off the charts!

Granted, the second part of the book was no laughter-eliciting for me (hits a little bit too close to home) but in the end, I enjoyed the book so massively and it put a giant smile on my face (like any other book of them I’ve read so far... and I’ve read almost all of them!)

I can’t wait for the Soulmate Equation to come out! Big Love for Christina Lauren!!

THIS BOOK.

My god.

It’s pure BLISS.

I think this may have become my favourite book ever.
I don’t want to spoiler, so I’ll just go ahead and say that this book is pure Rom-Com perfection and it’s a delight to read for every person who has grown up with a love for romantic movies and wondered why something so magical like any rom-com meet-cute never happens in real life.

Well, Sometimes life is far better than movies. And sometimes, you need to go out and make your own meet-cute happen. Sometimes you need to go and take a chance on love.

“Would love to meet” is PERFECT. I loved everything about it - every single scene, every character: NOB, JEMS, Anette, Ben. And I loved Evie, most of all. Her strength, her passion, her determination, her softness and grace, her sense of humour, her wild, curly red hair. She is a main character that will stay with me for a long time, as I suspect will this book.

In fact, “Would love to meet” has probably ruined me for any other romantic comedy that may be published afterwards. But you know what, I feel so happy and bursting with joy after reading it, that it’s worth every second of it.

And now I’m going to have to read this book all over again. *Merde*.



And, P.S.: How cute is it, that Evie’s surname is Summers, whilst the writer’s name is Winters? Love this!

HOW. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THIS BOOK IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST. Just HOW.

I’m sorry, I just finished this and I shouldn’t probably write this review because I’m too excited, but - IT’S SO GOOD.

The passion, the banter, the utter SPARKS between Poppy and Casteel. Their whole story, all they have to overcome. I felt every moment, every second of their struggle. And when they finally confessed... I felt that I could breathe again. How does JLA does it ? How is it so perfect?

I love Poppy so much.
Her strength, her courage, being unapologetically herself, even when everyone is against her. I don’t think I have ever loved a main character more. I am, like Casteel, so in awe of her, and I‘m so excited to see what awaits her in the third book.

Casteel. Oh my god. Can I have one in my life please?
How can anyone NOT fall in love with him.
I have too much to say about him so I will have to come back to this review later.

BUT. The last pages of the book worry me.
What’s with Casteel drawing his swords at the sight of Poppy in the Temple? That hurt. Come on. He has to know now that Poppy wouldn’t harm anyone, other than in self defence. They JUST said to each other that they‘re real.
Don’t do this to me JLA. Don’t make Casteel distance himself from his wife over this. I couldn’t bear it.

Here’s to hoping that book 3 brings many more adorable, sweet, steamy Poppycas moments and that they will face this mess together rather than apart.


P.S. Am I the only one who kinda a little fell in love with Kieran?
I kinda have the impression that he is not entirely oblivious to Poppy - and neither is she to him. What will happen with the two -well, three- of them? Is a Joining in sight?
And what about Emil? I have a feeling that will bring additional drama to the story, and I don’t know how I will survive until April 20th at this point.

I am a bit disappointed because I loved Eloise most of all the Bridgerton clan, and I found this story a bit... lukewarm. But nevertheless I’m glad I read it. Actually, the part I liked most was Amanda’s epilogue!