Review: A Novel Love Story

Title: A Novel Love Story

Author: Ashley Poston

Publisher: 3rd July 2023 by HQ Fiction

Pages: 357 pages

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Romantic Comedy

Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Have you ever found yourself lost in a good book … literally? 

Eileen Merriweather loves a good love story. The fictional kind, anyway. After all, imaginary men don’t break your heart.

That’s why she’s so excited for her annual book club retreat – instead, when her car breaks down en route, Eileen finds herself in Eloraton. A town where every meet is cute, the rain always comes in the afternoon, and the bookshop is always curated with impeccable taste.

It feels too good to be true … because Eloraton is the setting of her favourite romance series. And Eileen is sure she must be here to bring the town its storybook ending.

But there’s one character she can’t place. The grumpy bookshop owner with mint-green eyes, and an irritatingly sexy mouth. He does not want Eileen to finish this story, but how else can she find her happily-ever-after?

My Thoughts

‘These books were like arms I fell into, armour that protected me from the world when life got too hard.’

Ashley Poston is back with her third magical realism, modern romance story and I could not be happier! This book has been highly anticipated and her followers are sure to enjoy this one.I believe it is the pure creativity that Ashley brings to her romance writing that makes it such a unique and engaging reading experience. The writing is heartfelt and I was thoroughly invested with the storyline from the outset. I loved the short, sharp chapters and even the good old fashion chapter headings that give you clues as to what will be upcoming. I would flick back and give that knowing nod upon completion. Brilliant. Not to mention, the wonderful love of all things literature scattered throughout. Equally heartwarming and heartbreaking with the use of the magical realism being so ‘magical’ and ‘real’ that Ashley makes it look so easy. 

This story is a love letter to book lovers everywhere as it is filled with so many beautiful quotes highlighting the great passion we all have towards literature. A heartbroken girl finds herself stranded in her favourite fictional town (think Brigadoon). Elsy will meet all her favourite characters and a certain bookshop owner who must be a forthcoming character. Or is he?

Books by Ashley Poston get me so excited because I know it will be infused with so much magic that her writing is bound to sweep you away. So allow yourself to get swept away in this witty, whimsical tale filled with pure refreshing escapism. 

’I think that’s why I love these books so much … to show me that there were still happy endings to be found … even if they weren’t mine.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

Title: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

Author: Christina Lauren

Publisher: 30 August 2018 by Hachette Australia/Piatkus

Pages: 320 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, contemporary, romantic comedy

My Rating: 2.5 cups

Synopsis:

Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Roomies, Beautiful Bastard) tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

My Thoughts

When I read Christina Lauren’s ‘Love and Other Words’, I was hooked! There was just so much to love about that book. So therefore I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this current release, described as a romantic comedy. Well .... sadly, I seem to be in the minority (at Goodreads especially) with my opinion, which I can only deduce is on account of my prudishness (which I would beg to differ). I just found this story was not in the same league as ‘Love and Other Words’, which was disappointing.

“She thinks you’re a pretty funny girl.” Pretty funny? Or pretty, funny? Is that a half compliment, or two solid ones? Either way, my eyes widen and I grin. “Your mom is pretty comma smart.”

Firstly to the positives. I like the family and friendship themes that run throughout the book, supportive and encouraging. I totally loved the way Hazel embraced her eccentricities and was determined to remain true to herself. Also, how true friends supported that (friendship theme) and highlighted how people or society in general often frown on those who think outside the box as being too kooky. There are some fun moments here and memorable moments to make the reader smile.

“You know how many guys like to date the cute wild girl for a few weeks before expecting me to chill a little and become more Regular Girlfriend ....  but at the end of the day ... being myself is enough. I’m enough.”

The problems I have occur when the funny blind dates stop becoming so funny. You know where this story is going and frustrating as it might be, it just didn’t continue to appeal to me stretched out over time. The ending itself was disappointing from the perspective of the easy way out was taken, or even the HEA inspite/despite it all. I also quickly got over the many steamy scenes and the lewd language; for me, they were detrimental to the overall package.

“A pipe burst, and normally I’d be making lots of terrible sex jokes about that but really, it just sucks.”

All up this is a funny romance read. You know the formula and where it’s going, Hazel makes an interesting, if somewhat over the top lead and Josh makes a great leading man. As I stated at the outset, I am in the minority, so if you are a Christina Lauren fan, you are sure to love this venture into romantic comedy.

“One more check of my outfit. I swear it’s not a vanity thing; more often than not, something is unbuttoned, a hem is tucked into underwear, or I’ve got an important garment on inside out.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.