This was such a feel-good read. I laughed. I giggled. I blushed. I beamed. I got angry. I came back around to be delighted once again.

When there have been so many iterations of self-centered, irresponsible, superficial, blonde, and rich, fame-seeking characters, I was afraid Piper would come across as just another one of them. However, despite her initial behavior, she also had a strong heart from the beginning. I didn't feel distant from her; she charmed me just like she did the people of Westport.

I felt proud of her growth, learning to love herself and accept that her high-maintenance is part of her identity but not all of it. It’s also not bad or wrong. Her inner monologue showed someone who kept questioning herself and her life decisions, gaining a taste of independence and becoming more resourceful as the story progressed. Welcoming newfound skills and continuing to acquire new ones.

”They’d been kind to Piper this afternoon, but more important, she was learning to be kind to herself. Learning to love herself, just as she was.”

Brendan, the grumpiest, most loving book boyfriend (we girlies can now add to our never-ending list) is a big teddy bear with a filthy mouth (just how we like ‘em). Thinking he had to build something for Piper to demonstrate his feelings in order to ask her out for the first time. *swoon*
Poor guy, guilting himself till the end, thinking he was demanding too much of Piper and not worthy of her love.
He became her rock, her charging station, helping her learn to love herself, affirming it repeatedly, until she could believe it. And in return she brought him back to life.

”I don’t know who decided my perfect, kind, sweet, incredible girlfriend needed to fit some goddamn mold, but you don't. You just be Piper, okay? She's who I'm in love with. She's the only woman who was made for me. Cry if you want to cry. Dance if you want to dance. Hell, scream at me, if you need to. No one gets to tell you how to act or feel when I leave. No one.”

This book had the potential to be a five-star, and I'm mad it fell short. Firstly, we came to know next to nothing about Piper and Hannah's mom. Their stepdad was mentioned more times than her, which I guess, only shows how alone the girls ended up feeling while growing up and why they’re so close. I would have loved to see Piper and her mom talk about their past and forge a stronger relationship, maybe even reconcile with the grandma. Is it too much to ask for?
I felt incredibly sad we didn't even get a closing scene between the family before Piper and Brendan left LA. Throughout the story, Piper only wanted to show how she had changed and prove herself. Denying us of that was low Tessa Bailey.

The foreshadowing that Piper would end up going back to LA and instantly regret it was present throughout the book, nevertheless, I started to feel giddy that this cliché wouldn't come about as the chapters kept going. I hoped for some other obstacle to be the climax of the story, how disappointing when it unfolded as anticipated.
The final chapters felt rushed, and I wish they had been more developed.
What also felt incredibly rushed was the very short timeline in which the events of the book unfolded. Was it even two full months?

I almost gave this book a 3-star rating when Hannah, who had been headstrong and solid throughout the book, influenced Piper to attend the LA party. I understand she was afraid and panicked seeing her sister without her spark, but it felt so out of character, I was really disappointed in her. I'm very curious to learn more about her in the second book since she was quite reserved in this one. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride?

I can't not mention how heartwarming it was to read about Piper helping Abe, so this sweet old man could read again in his favorite spot. My heart felt so full reading those scenes.
I also loved the developing relationship with their grandma— how Piper's affectionate presence helped her leave her house, regain her sense of self, and start living again, not just surviving.

Finally, thank god the epilogue didn't end with Piper pregnant and/or having more babies! I am so tired of that narrative. Let Piper continue to discover herself, continue to gain independence, and grow in her relationship until both partners are ready for that next step.