A very sweet and light friends to lovers. No angst, just feel good.

I connected with this debut author’s book from the first page! Between the Mel’s sadness at comparing herself to everyone on social media being successful or in a relationship, to the banter with Cameron devolving into “your mom is…” for a comeback, this was me and my friends, or past friends anyway. The story had so much that was just true and realistic for this day and age. About how we might want to meet someone the “old-fashioned” way of being set up by a friend, or through work or accidental meet up somewhere, it doesn’t seem to happen that way for some of us, Melanie, or me it seems.

Even with all that Melanie wanted, and all that she and Cameron kept misreading or waiting on the other one for, it really again was something I connected with when Cameron called her selfish about being so involved in her own project. Because I know I get that way. And I have to step back and make sure that I’m always asking others what is going on. Even though I know I’m thinking about others all the time, I don’t always do the best at asking them the things I should.

But all the characters were able to move on, and work past those issues, overcome them and be there for their friends. This was a major slow-burn in that our two keep denying themselves the chance until the very end. And while that may be a bit stressful as the reader, again, it is so realistic! I personally would love to have a friend where we had a chat or something that was only sending memes or gifs back and forth. I do have a friend that we share memes constantly, well two if you count one of my cousins. The comic book store guy would totally have won me over with his Lois and Clark bit too. lol

A sweet, fun, perfect romance addition to the SmartyPants Universe World. I read the author’s note on Goodreads that she is working on a book that goes with this one, with two of the side characters, and my fingers are crossed for Ivy and Toby!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

Rtc

This book was okay, it was better than street smart but heart smart still takes the no.1 currently.

This book was just way too long. I know the author is trying to convey the fact that these ‘mancounters’ are a pointless for Mel but if this was a film most of these scenes would be condensed to a five minute montage. 200 pages is just too much!

Also, if I have to read about Cameron’s cowlick one more time I’m going to scream.

I really wanted to like this book. But I didn't. It was super slow burn. I almost quit reading at many parts. I wanted to like the book, as I liked the other books in the series. The writing was good, but the plot moved on too slowly.

LOVED IT!!

I need to start this review off by saying this was Amanda Pennington’s debut novel and it totally didn’t feel like it. Her characters were funny, snarky, unique, and interesting. I’m now looking forward to reading any future books she writes.

I had a lot of fun reading this.

I liked the characters. Mel was a little dense when it came to recognising Cameron’s feelings for her, but overall she was very likeable.
Cameron was a goodguy ™ character and fiercely protective of Mel. I loved how head over heels he was for her. I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for the guy falls first trope.

Another thing I liked was that the book didn’t solely focus on the romance, but that there was also a good amount of focus on friendships, too.

Now to my (very minor) criticism: there were a few too many mom jokes in the beginning and there was an HP reference, and I can’t stand those in books.

Overall a very good read!


[I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]