Book Lovers | Review

Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

Up to this point, I’ve thought Emily Henry’s books have been good or very mediocre. This book changed that for me. This book was phenomenal and turned the Hallmark movie idea on its head.

Nora was really freaking cool. She excelled at her job, loved her sister with unparalleled support, and did whatever she could to take care of the people she loved. I found so much of her character relatable and loved that she didn’t have to change all that much to gain her happily ever after. She didn’t have to become the small-town loving, business-saving, kind-hearted lady. She was still vicious in business, sharp in speech, and a lover of the city, but she came to understand her flaws a little better. And more importantly, how to work on them to better help those around her.

Charlie was everything. I was obsessed with his bouts of grumpy mixed with his quiet moments of sincerity and love. It was amazing how he and Nora leaned on each other without even realizing it. I loved how he came alive with her after so much time in silent discontent.

This book was also very smart in a few ways. One is that the banter and sarcasm were unique and so funny! It’s difficult to write well-flowing banter that stays true to each character, but is also entertaining for the reader. The big foot erotica bit was particularly clever and funny. Also, I loved how she took common rom-com themes and tropes and turned them on their heads. It was ironic when we’d see familiar tropes, and funny when they were acknowledged and completely stomped on.

Overall, this book was an absolute win. I can see why so many people love it. I’m already considering reading it again.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Emily Henry, go to her GoodReads profile or her website.