DNF @ 30% —> skim the rest.

In the beginning, I thought this was a unique story with lots of potential. However, as I read on, this book felt like a crossover between The Princess Diaries 2 and Bridgerton without having any of its own independent development.

The characters felt very flat to me. The writing did not grip or hook me.

The text messages/town gossip column at the beginning of each chapter we are the only locations in which any palpable personality was felt. I read some other reviews that said “the other two books in the series support the epistolary format being similar to You’ve Got Mail.” However, this book is being marketed as an interconnected standalone therefore, I disagree with that sentiment. Additionally, there was no development or personality outside of these parts. Finally, all of the on page comparisons to the story “being like a movie” in every other chapter were too cliché for me.

I would definitely give this author another chance if there were enough reviews from sources that I trust saying the writing is vibrant, developed, and unique.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.