I've tried this book a few times and I just can't get into it. Not sure if it is the story or me. Perhaps it is just not meant for me.

2.5 stars.

This was a decent debut novel and the concept was pretty interesting. He's also a Canadian author which I love to support. This book sort of had it all, a love triangle, So much complexitiy with emotions and sexual orientation. At times I just could tell it was a first novel. Was it enjoyable? yes. Was there issues with some plot/pacing? Yes. But overall it was decent.

The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .

DNF @20%
2019; Simon & Schuster Canada

I was looking forward to this book, but I went in thinking it was going to be more of a rom-com. I can't put my finger on it but I just found it felt superficial.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Well, this story is...??? Going Dutch is deliberately infuriating on an epic level. Richard is the main character, and he's just a dolt. He's a grad student in NYC with a paper due so he can get paid, but he's got writer's block. Plus, his love life is in the toilet. He's gay and can't find a good man. Meanwhile, everyone else around him are happily dating, working, succeeding, etc. Money is no problem for them, yet Richard is broke. He's not as pitiful as he seems, though. The woe is me yarn he's spinning is starting to unravel. He's not moving forward in life because that's the choice he has made. Richard feeds off of pity and sympathy and whining. Not making a choice is what he's chosen. A woman enters his life and saves him, theoretically speaking. She has money and spends on him. She helps him with writers block by writing it herself. She desperately needs his attention. Then a man enters Richard's life via a dating app. He's successful and interested. Basically, Richard uses these two people in any way he can to get as much as possible from them. It's a love triangle kind of thing, and it's not clear if Richard is gay or bisexual. I despise this character. He's a self centered millennial with no morals. The writing is eloquent and lyrical. It's so nicely done. I just wish it were in a different story. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I had a very hard time trying to finish this book. Richard comes off as a selfish, pretentious, ungrateful, whiny, needy person who has no problem using people to his own benefits. This can be a very good premise for an interesting novel. However, Going Dutch just feels as shallow and pretentious as Richard is.