I wouldn't consider this a book to pick up if you are seeking out traveling books but I did really enjoy that aspect of the book. This book is great for those who went to college not looking to drink or party (like me, I never wanted to do those.things, I would rather stay home with a friend or a good book). It deals with anxiety and fear that comes with doing a new thing. I was always asking what is going to happen next? I generally didn't know and that was wonderful. I absolutely LOVED all of the Lost references that were in this book!! Lost is my favorite Tv show of all time, so seeing someone else love it as much as I do made this reading experiences so much better! Overall I really enjoyed this book and will most likely be rereading it again in the future.

Again, But Better is a book about second chances and discovering who you truly are meant to be. Shane wants a do-over on her current life. She is going to school for a major she doesn't feel passionate about and questioning whether or not she truly has any friends. Shane decides to study abroad where she meets Pilot, and he temporarily changes how she feels about everything...until his girlfriend shows up. Years later, Shane and Pilot are granted the opportunity to rekindle what they felt years before and make different choices than they did the first time. Again, But Better was a sweet romance that had me believing in second chances and never giving up on finding your one and only.

I enjoyed this cute college romance story.

It defines reads like a first novel. There is room for growth but that is to be expected.

The self insert is very high with this book so I always pictured Christine as Shane. The references to geek culture were very frequent. I’m certain scenes they were amusing and brought a smile but they often were snuck into dialogue that didn’t need it.

The couple is super cute in this book. The first half has an element of a cheating element although full length m cheating never occurs it is still not my favorite plot point in romance books. However, in the second half of the book featuring time travel the romance was adorable and I was shipping them so hard.

I’m excited to read whatever Christine writes next.

I was sent an e ave from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m not 100% sure on this one. I’m a sucker for these instalove plots. However, I don’t like the way certain aspects were handled. Over all though I must admit that I really enjoyed it. Was it the best thing I’ve ever read.. no. However, it was really entertaining and surprised me at points.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reading copy of Again, but Better by Christine Riccio. I can't wait to start this book.

This story takes place over two periods of time. The main character Shane in 2011 (at 20 years old) and Shane in 2017 (at 26 years old).

This novel begins in 2011 with Shane traveling abroad. Shane’s parents have determined many of the decisions in her life up to this point including wanting her to study medicine to become a doctor. Shane has a passion for literature and is wanting to come into her own person. Some how she has found herself taking a trip abroad to study in the United Kingdom, where she is able to intern for a travel magazine. While there Shane wants to change from the meek girl with few college friends to becoming an outgoing socialite who makes new friends easily.

Shane’s character very much feels like the author Christine. Babe’s character very much feels like Christine’s real life best friend Natasha. I get that this is Christine’s first book and authors generally pull from real life experiences but with Christine being a public YouTube figure and having much of her life exposed it made this very clear. There were many references to Lost, Harry Potter, and Cassandra Clare/Shadowhunters.

However, with all that said I still really enjoyed the writing style and its ability to keep you into the story. It was very fast paced. I would definitely read the next book she publishes.

(2.5 stars)
I was very skeptical going into Again, But Better because I broke a huge rule and read some other reviews from people that really did not enjoy this book. I was just very curious what other people were saying about a book written by a very popular “BookTuber” (for those of you that don’t know what that is, it’s a person with a YouTube channel that talks about books). I found that I agreed with a lot of the more negative things that were being said, but somehow I still enjoyed the book. Once I got through the first few chapters, I really was invested and wanted to see the brook through to its end.
This book was almost 3 stars for me, but just couldn’t quite get there. Here’s why:
Absolutely cringeworthy dialogue most of the time (unrealistic, not funny, etc.)
Everything about this books screams that it’s the first book Christine has ever written. Helpful hint: the first book you ever write probably shouldn’t get published. You need a lot more practice.
Unsatisfying ending. Way too happily ever after for me and unrealistic/wishful thinking.
This books seems like it’s supposed to be realistic, but then some magical elements are incorporated that just seem out of place and don’t make sense.
Now, I did say I enjoyed the book. And I did, despite the previous list of complaints. I found the main character to be extremely annoying in the beginning (which was a huge reason I almost put it down forever because I can’t read a book about a MC that I don’t like), but she showed a lot of growth throughout the book and by the end, I actually liked her and respected her. I also think it can be difficult to write character growth in a realistic way and I think Christine was able to do that.
I think the biggest reason I did end up enjoying it somewhat was because I just really liked the plotline. The idea of getting to do things again, but better is something we all sometimes think about. Watching Shane, the MC, make different choices and go through different challenges was really entertaining.

Shane, a quirky. self-conscious, never-been-kissed college student is spreading her wings, traveling overseas for the first time and taking a course in London. Although she has been socially awkward at home, she is looking at this as a golden opportunity to open up and enjoy new friendships while exploring her interests in publishing and creative writing.

I enjoyed aspects of this book very much. The various European settings and Shane’s reactions to being overseas for the first time are authentic and depict the excitement of traveling to new places. The developing relationship and witty exchanges between Shane and Pilot are entertaining. There are many humorous moments throughout the book, mostly the result of Shane attempting to function in the world while battling her own inner dialogue.

For me, although the writing is enjoyable, the book lacks depth overall. There is a transformational element of magical realism that falls short and although there is an attempt to more fully reveal and develop the characters, that aspect of the book fell short for me. I found it difficult to be deeply invested in the personal struggles of the main character, which seemed superficial. The book does deliver as a light-hearted, quick fun read though, with numerous moments of humor as Shane overcomes her own foibles and allows her effervescent personality free-reign.

I was excited when Christine announced that she had an upcoming book out. And when I was approved for Again, but Better, I was extremely excited.

First, I have to say that I am not always a fan of the contemporary genre. It is probably my age, but I don't always connect to it. So, having said that, I did not connect to this story. Part of it could have been the hype and me psyching myself up, but it was hard to put myself in Shane's shoes.

The other problem that I had was that while this story is marketed for determination, friendships, and love, I found myself triggered by some relationship issues. It's not a major plot point, but I have reasons why I don't connect to that thing as a subject matter.

I enjoyed the references to 2011, but sometimes it felt that it was too many. I wanted to bask in the sun of Shane as a character and let myself feel what she felt, but there were times when I felt disconnected due to the environment and the world's details taking over.

Overall, I would support Christine and her endeavors. I am looking forward to more books written by her!

There is a lot of controversy surrounding booktubers getting publishing deals. This controversy also stems from popular youtubers getting publishing deals due to their large following. My stand point in this debate is essentially that I don't necessarily care. It gets people to read and that is cool. I will be completely honest and say that I had high hopes for this book. I don't really know the specifics of my expectations but I expected something good and maybe even something that would go onto my favourites list. Unfortunately, this book let me down big time. There writing lacked flow and the dialogue was awkward and not in a good way. The plot had something going for it in the beginning but then it just stopped going. I read 200 pages of this book and I felt as if I wasted my time because the plot, for me, didn't go any where. I was intrigued to see what would happen between Shane and Pilot but when we jumped six years I lost hope. I definitely expected a lot more from this book and I was definitely let down by it. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of this book.

Okay.. I have thoughts. I finished this book in less than 24 hours, which you think would say something about it.

I definitely did enjoy the setting of studying abroad, traveling to different countries and writing while doing it. I thought it gave the story a little more push to be purposeful and outside of the mundane. I love the “Flat Family” aspect as that’s something Shane’s character needed.

However, I have more things I didn’t love that crowded my thoughts. I started off really not liking the writing style at all, but it improved enough for me to not notice it as much in the second half- more like the last quarter but ya know. The incessant need to mention it was 2011 got a little out of hand, so jumping into 2017 made me feel a bit better in terms of what was being dropped for purposes of establishing the timeline and setting.

Shane as a character is so annoying, I’m sorry. Bless her heart but her and her family were just so intense EVERY time and I really did not like that at all. I understand that there’s definitely families out there like that, and that the conflict exists, but I wish this was written better. And seeing how Shane and Amy interact, and the cheating and whatnot that happens in the timelines really irked me.

The second half of the book is something I definitelllllllly should have seen coming considering the title of the book. I’m still not sure how much I liked that as part of the resolution. It just cleaned up toooooo nicely. I wish we saw more growth from her as an individual instead of the two aspects of her life - work and Pilot. Like what happened to your other friends from London???

I’m definitely disappointed by this book and wouldn’t have picked it up if it wasn’t for the hype surrounding it.

I really really really liked this one. In the span of it's pages if made me so somber and reflective but also, as Shane says, glittery. Kudos to Riccio. Get this one, readers.

I received my book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

First of all thank you to netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review! This will not affect my review and all of the thoughts are my own!

Again, But Better is a contemporary novel about a pre-med student named Shane who makes the bold decision to study abroad in London as a part of a creative writing program. This book has got it all: witty humor, young love (both unrequited and reciprocated), Taylor Swift references, and a totally relatable main character.

Shane is honestly one of the most real characters I have ever had the chance to read about. She is quirky, weird, hilarious, and wrestles with self doubt. I loved watching her character develop and seeing the internal struggles she faced on a daily basis. She has spent her entire life trying to please her parents rather than chasing after her dreams, and I feel like this is such a common theme in today's society. Her study abroad trip is the first time she truly goes against everything shes worked for in order to find herself. Even though it takes getting a second chance at happiness to really stick up for herself, I feel like that made her even more real for me. I loved the subtle nods to Christine's personality in this character: her blog title and love for Taylor Swift- that was so fun to read.

Pilot. Phew. This guy took me on a rollercoaster of emotions: I loved him, hated him, wanted to choke him, loved him again, missed him, and then wanted to put him on my keychain. Just know that if you have similar feelings while reading PLEASE DON'T STOP READING. The frustrating parts are so necessary and extremely short lived and it is 100% worth it to push through until the end.

The flat 3 crew was so much fun and the group dynamic was perfect. I wish we could've gotten to know them better right from the start but I feel like everything came full circle in the end and the characters really grew on me. I loved how they were all so unique but built amazing friendships over the semester.

The whole meaning behind the title was a jaw dropping moment for me and I thought it was GENIUS. This is such a unique and creative story and I have never read anything like it. Christine's writing style had me binge reading and dying to know what would happen next. This book made me stay up until almost 4am reading one night, it's been a long time since that has happened for me.

Overall this was one of my favorite contemporaries ever! It had all of the components of a great coming of age novel: self discovery, heart break, friendships lost and gained, wanderlust, and choosing whats best for you even when it's hard. BRAVO to Christine on her debut novel, it was such a fun read! Anyone who is looking for a quick and heartwarming novel then please pick this up ASAP!

I was over the moon to score an advance copy of Again, but Better. I’m new to book tubers but a friend recommended Christine Ricco’s Channel to me and I fell in love with booktubers all over.

I have seen mixed reviews about this one so although excited to devour this one I was a little apprehensive but wanted to read without any biases. And My feelings on rating this book fall somewhere in the middle. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Definitely think you should give it a try. I think it’s awesome to see her passion for reading books come kind of full circle to her writing a book herself.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.

I really wanted to love this book because it was written by a fellow book reviewer. Plus I love Wednesday books. It is one of my favorite publishers. This book wasn't executed well at all. The characters were boring. I literally felt like I was reading an exaggerated form of Christine's life. That just isn't a book I want to read. I ended up DNFing this book around the half way point.

This book was a breath of fresh air. I found it to be definitely a fun read, I really liked the main character Shane. The story really gained momentum, and I just really enjoyed the character growth as it progressed. I feel like this was a great self-discovery story for the character and it was very fun to follow along.

Wow, so many not so great reviews of this book! I have to say that I loved it! It was just the change in pace that I needed - something light and fun but with real meaning behind it. I am not a bit romance, YA reader but this one grabbed my attention and kept it all the way til the end. I was not expecting the twist and I am not going to spoil that for anybody - but it was fun!

Shane has been doing college - and life for that matter - all wrong. She is studying pre med because that it what her parents want. She is unhappy and has no friends. She decides to go to London for a semester abroad and study writing and journalism - her real love. She sees it as a fresh start, a second chance to be happy. She wants to make friends, find love and write. But can it really be that easy?

This is a fun story about doing what you want to do and being the real you. Life is too short. If you get a second chance at something you need to make the most of every moment.

Thanks to St Martins Press and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

Prior to picking up this book I have been an avid follower of Christine's YouTube channel and watched her writing journey videos along the way and was excited to get to read her first full novel. Before reading this work the only thing by Christine that I had read was her short essay that was included in the Because You Love to Hate Me anthology and didn't find myself overly impressed with that. However one of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was the way the writing flowed and made me want to continue reading. Although there were a few high points they don't overpower the things that I didn't find myself enjoying about the plot of the story itself. I couldn't get past the personality of Shane and how her character read, but having watched numerous amounts of Christine's videos I could really see that she was basing the main character around herself and don't see Christine coming off as bad a person as Shane was to me. I liked that being a book reviewer herself she included things that people want to see more often in books and nods towards common troupes. Overall I would give this book a 2.5/5 rating but plan to read future works by her because her writing style is amazing.

I admit I was pretty intrigued by this title, because everyone was raving about it and it sounded like a nice new adult contemporary, so I had such high expectations that unfortunately, weren’t met entirely. This was such a personal experience, because I had a lot of issues with some of the topics this was based on, and that made my reading experience lower quite much.

My main problem with the book was how it dealt with cheating. I don’t typically enjoy books where the love interest cheats with the main character, and this one had that trope not only once, but twice with the same person, and it made me quite frustrated how it was handled. You could see how Pilot in various occasions told Shane that he was happy with his girlfriend and didn’t want to leave her, but still Shane had that I’m-so-much-better-than-her mentality that made me want to throw something at a wall, and that happened quite a few times throughout the book.

My other issue was that I didn’t click so well with the writing or the humor. Though it wasn’t bad by any means, there were certain parts that were supposed to be funny and dialogues between the characters that were quirky and smart, but I didn’t find those funny or wanted to laugh. There were certain times where there were some pretty serious things happening, and then out of a sudden the tone changed, and that made those conversations less dramatic.

When it comes to the characters, I wasn’t blown away, sadly. I feel they didn’t have much of an evolution and our protagonist’s voice and inner monologues were exactly the same, when she was supposed to be four or five years older. The dialogue at times was a bit chunky, and I guess I would have enjoyed more to see an evolution in the arcs.

The plot was fun to follow, though quite repetitive, but I didn’t really mind that. It was such a fast paced novel and I practically read it in two sittings, which was great.

I think overall, that Again but Better had such an interesting concept but needed a bit more editing for it to be top notch, because there were some parts that felt a bit lacking, but overall, it had some redeemable qualities that didn’t make me hate it

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this novel!

2.5 stars, spoilery review

This book was a resounding disappointment. Christine Riccio is one of my favorite Booktubers and I had been looking forward to this debut for months. Unfortunately, the amateur writing style really shines through. The characters are one-dimensional and boring, the pacing is way off, and so many wonderful opportunities are missed when describing the settings (what kind of coming-of-age travel story doesn't provide detailed descriptions of renowned European cities like Paris, Rome and London?). The "twist" is also poorly executed and there just wasn't enough substance to the story for it to make much sense or to pull off the quirky-ness I think it was going for. I did enjoy Shane's character for the first half, since I found her to be quite relatable and funny. However, the latter half just didn't do it for me. I found the addition of Melvin (I think that's his name) to be in poor taste because he simply serves as a foil to Pilot. We know nothing about his personality or how he and Shane came to be in a serious committed relationship for 5 years or why they've even stayed together up until this point. I just felt many subjects were glossed over instead of explored in-depth. I did enjoy the pop culture references, though! And I appreciate the college setting, as many YA books only feature characters at the high school age. I definitely see a lot of ten readers appreciate this but it just didn't live up to my expectations.

This one was so cute - a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ for me. This was fun story about 20 year-old Shane & her trip abroad, hoping to finally fit in somewhere. At first, I found Shane a little immature, but I tried to remember this was a YA novel & I definitely wasn’t perfect when I was 20. Shane grew on me as the novel went on- finding a group in college that you fit into, deciding how you might want to spend the rest of your life, figuring out where your niche is and who you want to be as a person - all things that I could relate to and I empathized with Shane’s journey. There was a surprise element that I didn’t see coming, and I thought this book was a refreshing change of pace. At one point, you find out the Shane loves Taylor Swift & her favorite song is “All Too Well’ (OMG SAME), so I loved Shane regardless at that point. The story was a little long, but I really enjoyed it overall. If you’re not a YA fan, I’d skip it, but I think even some chick-lit/new adult fans will find this one endearing.