Member Review
Review by
Sara B, Reviewer
Truly Wanted by J.J. Hale
Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an arc for an unbiased review.
This is what I would consider the wlw version of a chick-lit book, and I felt it doesn't hurt it at all. It is afterall pretty much what the synopsis surmises.
However, it was a book that was charming in its own way, for me personally it fell flat in a couple of areas.
The most notably was how Brooke and Sam couldn't communicate! For two best friends, they seemed more content simply having a fun aspect of communication, but when it came to communication about each other in any way other than superficial friendship, it felt completely lacking. I understood the fear of not wanting to rock the boat, to upset the friendship they had. Particularly under the circumstances of their upbringing. That was written well and underscored some of their vulnerability. This was definitely a plus point for the book.
Yet, for all this, physically they get together. But still emotionally it is a block wall of not talking about it. It was just frustrating to read for as long as it was.
Finley also seemed older and less realistic as a 3 year old to my experiences around many children of that age. Of course, they can be great communicators then, but it all seemed just too convenient for the story.
Perhaps I'm doing the book as a whole an injustice. It wasn't bad per se, but it didn't stand out for me. Probably for others it will be enjoyed more. It was a story that was cute enough, but didn't quite fall into the bracket of great or exceptional. It was solid. I certainly wouldn't discourage others from trying to read this, and if I know this is a favourite genre of someone's I'd consider gifting the book to them.
A solid 3/5 stars 🌟
Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an arc for an unbiased review.
This is what I would consider the wlw version of a chick-lit book, and I felt it doesn't hurt it at all. It is afterall pretty much what the synopsis surmises.
However, it was a book that was charming in its own way, for me personally it fell flat in a couple of areas.
The most notably was how Brooke and Sam couldn't communicate! For two best friends, they seemed more content simply having a fun aspect of communication, but when it came to communication about each other in any way other than superficial friendship, it felt completely lacking. I understood the fear of not wanting to rock the boat, to upset the friendship they had. Particularly under the circumstances of their upbringing. That was written well and underscored some of their vulnerability. This was definitely a plus point for the book.
Yet, for all this, physically they get together. But still emotionally it is a block wall of not talking about it. It was just frustrating to read for as long as it was.
Finley also seemed older and less realistic as a 3 year old to my experiences around many children of that age. Of course, they can be great communicators then, but it all seemed just too convenient for the story.
Perhaps I'm doing the book as a whole an injustice. It wasn't bad per se, but it didn't stand out for me. Probably for others it will be enjoyed more. It was a story that was cute enough, but didn't quite fall into the bracket of great or exceptional. It was solid. I certainly wouldn't discourage others from trying to read this, and if I know this is a favourite genre of someone's I'd consider gifting the book to them.
A solid 3/5 stars 🌟
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