This ended up being super sweet and adorable. The characters, especially Naomi, annoyed me a lot at first. The over the top childish retaliations and intentionally hurtful actions were frustrating. But it slowly transformed into lots of smiles, and just enjoying the sweet moments. It was fun watching them find each other again, in a new, more honest way.

I really hated this book when I first started it. I hated how she was going along with marrying someone who she hates now. He's a total asshole. He forced her to make cookies for him because he had to shower that moment. When the cookies are for his work and he signed up for it. He was only showering to force her to make them. His mom is paying for the wedding and is forcing her to not make any decisions. She can't pick anything. Her dress or her bridesmaid. It just made me super mad and I feel like it wasn't a good look.

This. Was. It. This book is highly recommended for fans of The Hating Game, but I've seen that recommendation so many times and the books have never lived up to the hype. This one is worthy of the comparison though! I LOVED this. I honestly left this on the shelf for a bit because I dreaded being let down, but once I read it I finished it in two sittings. (I don't usually binge but quarantine, am I right?) The base of growing apart from your chosen partner is a great fear of mine, but made for a really interesting jumping off point. I'm also a big fan of romcoms as I believe they give us an opportunity to show humanity at our most vulnerable positions, and these folks...were shitty. They were so petty, and so rude, but then we watch them grow closer, change, and (most importantly) have fun together. I look forward to Sarah Hogle's next work.

The main thing I need you to know about this book is how goddamn funny it is. There's few books that will make me stop reading to literally laugh out loud, but this is one of them, and that's due to the hilarious internal monologue of the main character, Naomi. I don't normally enjoy first-person, but it worked so well here, because Naomi is such an interesting character: witty, deadpan, somewhat self-centered and yet oddly self-aware, and vaguely contradictory. For example:

“I’m a miserable cynic (a newer development) and a dreamy romantic (always have been), and it’s such a terrible combination that I don’t know how to tolerate myself.”

It all really is the stuff a great rom-com, and while I would absolutely love to see this made into a film (and it would be amazing), knowing we'd lose out on Naomi's incredible internal monologue makes me wilt a little bit.

Naomi's fiance, Nicholas, is such an interesting character, especially for a romance novel! He's flawed, but that doesn't mean he's some brooding alpha male. He's much more human and realistic in his flaws: he doesn't stand up to his bizarrely domineering mother because it's easier to give in to what she wants, he comes up with comebacks hours after the actual confrontation, he doesn't communicate as well as he thinks he does.

The relationship between Nicholas and Naomi starts out fraught, and we get to witness them slowly becoming friends again, and falling in love again. And it's just so...pure and wholesome? What I loved was that the problems between them felt so realistic; even the miscommunications between them felt understandable. For example, when Nicholas the successful dentist tells Naomi, who doesn't have a college degree and works a minimum wage job, that she doesn't need to work, Naomi thinks that he is devaluing her and her skills, when Nicholas is in fact showing his love by telling her that she doesn't have to work if she doesn't want to, that he will take care her.

The way these two fall back in love with each other and learn to navigate each others' feelings is so!!! damn!!! sweet!!! What I especially loved was that there was so little focus on the physical aspect of their relationship; there's maybe one or two sex scenes in the entire book. The focus was more on the emotional core of their relationship, and I think I love romances that focus heavily on the love and friendship between two people rather than how hot they are for each other (this book makes Bringing Down the Duke look like absolute trash tbh) because it made me truly believe in the relationship. I could feel how these two cared for one another, and I could clearly see how they were compatible.

It was just. So wholesome. So compulsively readable. So hilarious. So uplifting and hopeful. I loved this so much.

Naomi Westfield is Instagram-perfect. She has a job she loves and her perfect fiancé Nicholas Rose dotes on her. However, life behind the lens is far from perfect. As her wedding day draws closer and closer, she realizes she only truly wants one thing: out of her engagement. Naomi simply cannot call off her wedding and be forced to reimburse her overbearing future mother-in-law. Plan B? Make Nicholas walk away. She will look sympathetic AND keep her meager savings intact. It shouldn’t be a problem. After all, Nicholas wants out to, but he’s determined not to bend first. What ensues is an outright hilarious war of pranks and sabotage where Naomi and Nicholas may drop their resentments in favor of falling in love.

You Deserve Each Other is the debut novel from Sarah Hogle and, I’ll be honest, I did have some reservations, mainly due to our main character, Naomi. When I first started reading, I thought who on earth will want to read about this terrible woman and her white toast fiancé? Not I! Well, my friends, that quickly changed the first time Sarah made me laugh. And let me tell you, I laughed out loud consistently throughout this book. And then came my great epiphany. I realized that Naomi’s inner monologue was what I wish I could be saying to people 98% of the time. As the book progresses and she begins to wake up and speak her mind, I fall in love! It was truly a magical moment. This was a great debut novel and such a fun read! You can pick up your copy of You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle now.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgallety for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

You Deserve Each Other is entertaining and a nice retreat into sarcasm and practical jokes between 2 people who are engaged. As the novel begins you are introduced to a good time in Naomi Westfield and Nicholas Rose's relationship, shortly all you know is the relationship has devolved. They don't seem to want to be married. They are pretending for social media. Naomi is even actively trying to get dumped, so she doesn't get stuck with the exorbitant wedding bill. Family dysfunction and lack of communication are the main issues for these two, but when grievances are finally aired the tide slowly changes. You root for them to find their way back to each other. You Deserve Each Other is a comedic romance, reminding me of the movie You Got Mail. This book is not steamy but still provides tender and sweet moments to fawn over.

I did not get the chance to read this ARC prior to the book's publication, but we did end up buying it for our library collection.

3.5/5

Any book that has the lovers-to-haters-to-lovers trope has my name written on it. It's not a trope that I have seen a lot around but if done well, it can be so much fun. You Deserve Each Other was a good take on the trope and I was tickled pink watching Naomi and Nicholas attempt to outwit each other.

I think if you go into this book expecting both of these characters to be extremely bullheaded and, at times childish, you'll warm to the characters faster than I did. I initially thought both of them were quite cruel to each other and I couldn't particularly see how I would be able to believe in their inevitable happily-ever-after. In all honesty, the relationship felt toxic beyond repair. Somewhere around the middle of the book though, that changed and we began to see the softer side to their relationship albeit it was in the middle of what felt like a relationship war zone. I was much more invested in Naomi and Nicholas' love story once I began to see those emotional threads in their relationship. Underneath all of Naomi's anger at feeling invisible and disconnected from her fiance, were layers and layers of vulnerability and love for the guy. The moment they began opening up to each other was the moment I felt like I could 100% root for them. Sure, all of their antics were entertaining but I was a much bigger fan of the real and honest conversations they had and their sweeter gestures towards each other.

I found myself liking Naomi's character slightly more than I did Nicholas' because I felt like we were privy to more of Naomi's thoughts. Don't get me wrong we did learn a lot about Nicholas - the man could be very sweet when he put the effort - but I had softer spot for Naomi. I think part of it is because I feel this gravitational pull towards characters that aren't always likable, particularly heroines, and Naomi ticked the boxes for a frustrating character. She could be self-absorbed, but there was a kind and vulnerable woman underneath the heavy layers of sarcasm she donned. Nicholas' parents, particularly his meddling mother, also featured heavily in You Deserve Each Other. The woman was irritating as hell, but I thought she was an important character since she showed why Nicholas behaved the way he did sometimes. Plus, she eventually serves as the catalyst that truly reunites Naomi and Nicholas.

I enjoyed my time with You Deserve Each Other. It'll have you giggling, swooning, and sighing in happiness when Nicholas and Naomi finally do get their HEA.

THIS BOOK IS SO MUCH FUN!!! If you're looking for a quick and laugh-out-loud romance to keep you occupied THIS is the one for you. Our main characters had a whirlwind meet cute and quickly got engaged and moved in together... then realize they actually don't like each other. At all. Nicolas' mom is a cross between Emily Gilmore and a sociopath, causing most of the conflict between Nick and Naomi at the start of their engagement. With the clock ticking on their ever-increasingly expensive wedding, they decide to sabotage the other into breaking up first-- whoever succumbs has to foot the wedding bill. But no one can know what they're up to!

It's basically fake dating and enemies to lovers and also second chance romance all combined into one crazy fest of pranks (including a gem of one of them stapling the others' underwear to the ceiling), banter, and spontaneous decision making that leaves your stomach muscles sore from laughing. I loved the tender moments of Nick and Naomi falling back in love with each other and the absolutely hysterical moments between Naomi and her in-laws. Writing this makes me want to reread it so bad!

If anyone needs something funny and fast-paced to devour in one cozy sitting, allow me to shove this book in your face.

At the start of this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. In fact, there were parts I found cringey but I more than enjoyed this book by the end. Naomi and Nicholas are locked in a battle of the wills to force the other to call off engagement. In their all out battle of the wills, Naomi and Nicholas realize that the crux of their issues has been a lack of communication and dishonesty, but their relationship is worth fighting for.

This is easily one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. It gets funnier as it goes on, even as the two parties became more ridiculous. I think the first half of the book can possibly off some readers, but this book is worth reading to the end.

Summary
Naomi and Nicholas have the perfect relationship. He's a gentleman, she's understanding, and they never fight. And Naomi is miserably and utterly sick of him.
With their lavish wedding only three months out, neither of them wants to the be one to call it off and be left with the blame. So they go head to head trying to get the other one to break. But maybe being honest is what they needed all along.

Overview
➸ POV: 1st Person, Naomi's POV

➸ Naomi: 28, Works at a small eclectic store, Not close with her family, Hates her fiancé

➸ Nicholas: 32, Dentist, Doting son, Overbearing parents, Wealthy upbringing

➸ Content Warnings: Divorce, Toxic relationships

My Thoughts
This is one of my new favorite rom-coms!! This book was honestly so near perfect and everything I needed right now.

This book is a true hate to love story. So if you don't like your characters straight up hating each other and going out of their way to hurt each other, skip this one. But I personally loved every second of this. I laughed out loud constantly while reading this! I probably looked like a crazy person while reading this because I was cackling so hard.

The things these characters do to each other are so outrageous and hilarious. Their relationship has devolved because of a lack of communication, but the chemistry between them is still very apparent. I was living for the tension and banter between these two.

These characters are so dynamic and flawed and somehow insanely relatable. I think any person who has been in long term relationship and lived with that person, can relate to some of the things these characters experience. While this depiction was obviously exaggerated for entertainment, the things they go through are definitely real. They have to learn to communicate and ask for what they need. They have to relearn to appreciate each other and not hold them to unrealistic standards.

And Nicholas. I am completely obsessed and in love with his character. The way he fought tooth and nail for their relationship just did something to me. Watching these to come back together warmed my heart and had me swooning. The message, characters, humor, it all just worked for me. The only thing I thought this was missing, was Nicholas's POV. While I loved Naomi's commentary and humor, there were definitely times I wish the reader got to see what Nicholas was feeling/thinking. Especially since it was obvious from the beginning that he was in love with Naomi still.

Overall I highly, highly recommend checking out this rom-com! It's laugh out loud funny with amazing characters and an ultra swoony romance. Plus I give this extra points for being set in Wisconsin 🙌 I can't wait to see what Sarah Hogle writes next!!

This review is live on Goodreads and will be posted to my blog on May 15.

DNF at 7%. I can’t connect with the main character - I don’t like her AT ALL and while I’ve been trying to keep going and anticipating some growth and change, I just can’t. I don’t want to spend another second with this character. I’m out. Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

You Deserve Each Other is one of my most anticipated romances of 2020. The blurb seems promising and right up my alley (enemies to lovers gives me life). I was ecstatic when I received an e-arc and as soon as I've finished it, I ended up disappointed.

Truthfully speaking, Nicholas and Naomi have a toxic relationship. Couples have imperfect relationships but these two are petty and immature. I can't stand their arguments over little things when it could've been resolved easily if there's no miscommunication. Nicholas is a self-entitled douchebag. I dislike insulting his future wife and just because he grew up in a wealthy household, it's an excuse for him to belittle Naomi.

While Naomi, she didn't graduated in a university but she's smart in her own way. I find her resourceful but her insecurities gives her an unhealthy mindset. She becomes prideful, arrogant and selfish. She bottles up everything inside her and she gets impulsive.

The first half of the book tested my patience. While the ending gave me hope for them and somewhat redeemed themselves, I was too consumed with annoyance. I prefer they broke up and get back together when they're ready for marriage. There's a lot to figure out for both of them.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle was a nice surprise. It was a fun and witty read. Naomi and Nicholas are set to have a wedding made of dreams. The wedding that is lavish and costly. She wants out, but whoever calls off the wedding will have to pay for all of it. She needs Nicholas to be the one to call it off, but what happens when she realizes he wants out too?

What follows is a story that had me laughing out loud because at the end of the day only two [people who care about each other could drive each other as nuts as these two did. They did everything they could to get the other to call off the wedding, but at the same time they began to see each other in a different light. Definitely a fun read and an author to keep an eye on.

Happy reading!

Naomi Westfield and Nicholas Rose are the “perfect couple.” Nicholas is a dentist and comes from a wealthy family. Their wedding is in 3 months. The only problem: Naomi wants out. However, whoever calls off the wedding has to pay for all the nonrefundable wedding costs. Naomi quickly learns that she isn’t the only unhappy person in their relationship. Both refuse to take the financial hit, so they engage in a series of pranks to urge the other person to call off the wedding first. Along the way, their defenses come down and they are the realest they’ve ever been with each other.

Overall, I really liked this book! I’ve been all about the light reads lately after not reading for almost 2 weeks. I’m still struggling to find books that hold my attention. I would definitely classify this as an enemies to lovers book. Both Naomi and Nicholas had things to work on, but I absolutely detested Naomi for half the book. She was a horrible communicator who would rather snipe at him than actually share her issues. I found the pranks hilarious and was eager to see what each person came up with next.

Perfect for fans of:
-The Unhoneymooners
-Red, White, and Royal Blue
-Get a Life, Chloe Brown

Rating: 3.75/5

Overall, this was a funny and cute book and I think a lot of people will (and already do) love it, but I just couldn't fully get into it. The title kind of explains why... the main characters aren't exactly loveable people, but they do kind of fit with each other? And the pranks were funny but, and maybe I'm lame for saying this, a lot of stuff could have been prevented if they would have just talked to each other 😂

But yeah it's definitely a solid romance, which a lot of people would love! It just wasn't exactly for me 🙈

You Deserve Each Other starring Nicholas and Naomi, two of the most detestable characters I’ve read about in a long time. But are they really detestable? Are they just misunderstood? Underappreciated? Or maybe they've never opened up to each other and have never developed any trust? No matter what, their wedding is just a few months away and they both are the unhappiest they've ever been. So instead of one of them calling off the wedding and taking the high road, they both attempt to not so gracefully get out of their engagement with pranks, jabs and a vindictiveness that become comical. Nicholas and Naomi with the help of "Nicky's" mother, slowly unravel their relationship until all that is left is a minuscule thread to hold onto. Will their relationship end in a pile of destruction and furry or can they come together and rediscover what they first loved about each other?

Don't miss this binge-worthy book. It was funny, emotional and absolutely sweet!

It was an ok read. There were moments that I was entertained. I wish it was dual POV. It could have made the whole book.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

This was a good book and a quick read. It basically comes down to how you get so caught up with wedding planning and trying to please others that you forget about the most important thing. The couple that is getting married! Throw in a meddling, soon-to-be, mother-in -law and you have a recipe for disaster. The writing was clever and sometimes lough out loud. The characters were very likable, you'll find yourself rooting for them. Glad that I took the time to read this book.

This book is what Romcoms are all about!!! Its witty, insightful and entertaining.

After reading the blurb, I was thinking him how is this going to work out. The writing was incredible. The story captures you from the very first scene all the to the ending.

Naomi and Nicholas made an interesting pair. The way they battled against each other, man was it funny. It's a sweet love story that will stick with you.