I was looking forward to a rom com in Cancun with young women, one pursuing an exboyfriend, the others thinking they were on a post-break up vacation for their friend.

I was interested when the subject of being mixed race came up. The part white and part Asian girl Grace compares herself with her all Asian friend Tiff and how Grace is seen and received in society. This was one small attempt at a serious topic that was not fully developed in the plot.

Overall, I was disappointed and appalled that the supposed seniors in college were shown to act, speak, dress. and behave like very young teenagers with adult priveleges. They were not believable and barely likeable because of this.

This book contains some pretty racist language right off the bat within the first chapter.

When our narrator finds her nemesis, Caity, in her ex’s house, she makes fun of her heritage by mocking her for “speaking the languages of her ancestors.” And then a few sentences later, she asks “what kind of Asian parent would name their kid Caity.”

Based on these issues, I won’t be finishing this book and my hope is they don’t get published in the final version.

I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Unfortunately, I could relate to Grace from the very beginning because I have been in a relationship so much like her relationship with Josh. I immediately picked up on where things were headed. I got so frustrated seeing Grace try so hard to win Josh back when he so clearly didn’t deserve her, but I have been in Grace’s shoes and for me, that was very relatable. Of course, she redeems herself toward the very end of the book, even when she was chasing Josh she was still incredibly likable.
Daniel was perfect and such a fun character to read about. I wish we could’ve had more time with him and his friends.

I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am that this book focused so heavily on how important it is for a sexual relationship to be consensual and not something people should be pressured into. So many women, especially young women, are made to feel like they’re possessions and that the only pleasure that matters is a man’s pleasure so it was a breath of fresh air to have a character who realizes, over the course of the story, how her own happiness in the bedroom and out of the bedroom should be as much of a priority as a mans happiness.

But seriously, how old were Daniel and his friends? I’ve been curious since the beginning.

The story felt so melodramatic, and I wasn't here for it. I found myself annoyed, and I gave up at 4%. Grace isn't a character I want to hang with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC.

Honestly, I enjoyed the book way more than anticipated! I think this take on a rom-com was so fresh, and also really focused on the importance of sisterhood and close friendships. The author did an AMAZING job of making you root for the characters, (even when they do something unhinged like go on vacation where their ex has a summer job), but I felt like a part of the friend group and was rooting for them. I do not re-read books often, but this will for sure be added to my "re-read" list!

ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Really cute plot and characters were rootable. The description was apt and reminded me of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This book comes out March 2024, more details closet to pub date.