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This Won't End Well
An ingeniously witty novel about the risks—and rewards—of opening your life to new people by Amazon Charts bestselling author Camille Pagán.
No new people: that’s Annie Mercer’s vow. It’s bad enough that her boss sabotaged her chemistry career and her best friend tried to cure her with crystals. But after her fiancé, Jon, asks for space while he’s gallivanting around Paris, Annie decides she needs space too—from everyone.
Yet when Harper moves in next door, Annie can’t help but train a watchful eye on the glamorous but fragile young woman. And if keeping Harper safe requires teaming up with Mo, a maddeningly optimistic amateur detective, who is she to mind her own business?
Soon Annie has let not one but two new people into her life. Then Jon reappears—and he wants her to join him in France. She’s pretty sure letting anyone get close won’t end well. So she must decide: Is another shot at happiness worth the risk?
No new people: that’s Annie Mercer’s vow. It’s bad enough that her boss sabotaged her chemistry career and her best friend tried to cure her with crystals. But after her fiancé, Jon, asks for space while he’s gallivanting around Paris, Annie decides she needs space too—from everyone.
Yet when Harper moves in next door, Annie can’t help but train a watchful eye on the glamorous but fragile young woman. And if keeping Harper safe requires teaming up with Mo, a maddeningly optimistic amateur detective, who is she to mind her own business?
Soon Annie has let not one but two new people into her life. Then Jon reappears—and he wants her to join him in France. She’s pretty sure letting anyone get close won’t end well. So she must decide: Is another shot at happiness worth the risk?
290 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
2145 people are currently reading
12719 people want to read
About the author
Camille Pagán
15 books1,774 followersI’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 895 reviews
September 12, 2020
Oh thanks to my reading stars! This great author didn't disappoint me! It's not wow, I'm over the moon reading but it's more than okay! At least it gave me so much fun and made me smile.
Yes, it was funny, it was fast paced and enjoyable and finished soooo quickly!
Poor Annie Mercer is dumped by her fiancée who travels to Paris to find himself like young Amy March (I prayed for Annie that he wouldn’t find his own Laurie and engaged with him!)
But this is just the beginning of her problems. She is also sagged from her job. The reason is: sexual harassment. Wow Annie, it seems like so many things won’t end well for you. And wait a minute! Why your new neighbor Harper is black eyed and why a private investigator lurking around your apartment? It’s getting more interesting at each page. So let’s jump in and read more to learn about where Annie’s new life direction is headed to!
This is witty, entertaining, sarcastic reading, captured my interest at the first email part written to the sooner runaway fiancée. In addition to Annie’ s narration, there are journal parts and lots of emails help us catch Annie’s new and complicated life story. This is not only romance or love triangle story. There are so many grifted relationships of Annie are told in this story including mom-daughter, friendships, interaction with colleagues. It’s a great combination of tragedy, humor, realism, life choices. You may not want to stop reading and keep smiling.
So this is one of quickest readings. I loved the sarcastic, intelligent tone and I perfectly connected with heroine. The thing I didn’t like mostly is the romance parts of the book. I couldn’t find it believable and real. I don’t think they had any chemistry or intense feelings and I also had some troubles about ending and the choice Annie made. So I cut my points to 3.5 stars but I still round them up to 4 stars because I loved the author’s word choices and creative, original way of story-telling. So I’m choosing to evaluate this as adult fiction novel, instead of romance.
Overall I had so much fun.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sharing this book’s ARC COPY (made me smile a lot) in exchange my honest review.
Yes, it was funny, it was fast paced and enjoyable and finished soooo quickly!
Poor Annie Mercer is dumped by her fiancée who travels to Paris to find himself like young Amy March (I prayed for Annie that he wouldn’t find his own Laurie and engaged with him!)
But this is just the beginning of her problems. She is also sagged from her job. The reason is: sexual harassment. Wow Annie, it seems like so many things won’t end well for you. And wait a minute! Why your new neighbor Harper is black eyed and why a private investigator lurking around your apartment? It’s getting more interesting at each page. So let’s jump in and read more to learn about where Annie’s new life direction is headed to!
This is witty, entertaining, sarcastic reading, captured my interest at the first email part written to the sooner runaway fiancée. In addition to Annie’ s narration, there are journal parts and lots of emails help us catch Annie’s new and complicated life story. This is not only romance or love triangle story. There are so many grifted relationships of Annie are told in this story including mom-daughter, friendships, interaction with colleagues. It’s a great combination of tragedy, humor, realism, life choices. You may not want to stop reading and keep smiling.
So this is one of quickest readings. I loved the sarcastic, intelligent tone and I perfectly connected with heroine. The thing I didn’t like mostly is the romance parts of the book. I couldn’t find it believable and real. I don’t think they had any chemistry or intense feelings and I also had some troubles about ending and the choice Annie made. So I cut my points to 3.5 stars but I still round them up to 4 stars because I loved the author’s word choices and creative, original way of story-telling. So I’m choosing to evaluate this as adult fiction novel, instead of romance.
Overall I had so much fun.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sharing this book’s ARC COPY (made me smile a lot) in exchange my honest review.
March 14, 2020
Audiobook, read by
Amy Mc Fadden, synced with kindle unlimited ebook.
Sassy, snappy, sarcastic,.....
a few laughs, and a little eye rolling.
Beguiling and cagey dialogue between characters.
Camille’s plot has us examining Annie Mercer’s choices - (her fiancé bolts to Paris, and she loses her job as a chemist, and takes a housecleaning job),
while....
we consider what we might have done if we were in Annie’s situation.
The obvious question you might ask:
“Does this book end well?”
“Yes, good enough”!
note.... this book was written before the coronavirus safety
travel concerns.
It’s amazing to me how ‘noticeable’ it is....( a new contemporary fiction book that already feels outdated), is scary!
.... this is my 5th Camille Pagán book.
I’ve rated them all differently. This is not my favorite - nor my least favorite.
Somewhere in the middle of her other books.
Amy Mc Fadden, synced with kindle unlimited ebook.
Sassy, snappy, sarcastic,.....
a few laughs, and a little eye rolling.
Beguiling and cagey dialogue between characters.
Camille’s plot has us examining Annie Mercer’s choices - (her fiancé bolts to Paris, and she loses her job as a chemist, and takes a housecleaning job),
while....
we consider what we might have done if we were in Annie’s situation.
The obvious question you might ask:
“Does this book end well?”
“Yes, good enough”!
note.... this book was written before the coronavirus safety
travel concerns.
It’s amazing to me how ‘noticeable’ it is....( a new contemporary fiction book that already feels outdated), is scary!
.... this is my 5th Camille Pagán book.
I’ve rated them all differently. This is not my favorite - nor my least favorite.
Somewhere in the middle of her other books.
October 30, 2020
I've had the pleasure of reading several of Camille's books, and they have a few important things in common: they're all about love, loss, navigating life's curve balls. They go down like light-hearted, escapist reads, but they address issues that matter to us all. They get into heavy territory, but Camille's books are FUN.
In her latest, a chemist named Annie who got forced out of the job she loved has her life turned upside down. Her fiancé wants to go find himself—alone—in Paris, her new neighbor needs her help, and a new friend/detective has her sneaking around minding other people's business. I loved watching Annie come into her own. (Also: this is one of my favorite covers this year!)
In her latest, a chemist named Annie who got forced out of the job she loved has her life turned upside down. Her fiancé wants to go find himself—alone—in Paris, her new neighbor needs her help, and a new friend/detective has her sneaking around minding other people's business. I loved watching Annie come into her own. (Also: this is one of my favorite covers this year!)
April 14, 2020
A witty and authentic story about a woman discovering who she really is. This was my first book by Camille Pagan and I really loved her easy down to earth storytelling. This was a touching and humorous tale about real people doing real things. Annie has recently lost her job and her fiancé has decided he needs to go off to Paris to “find himself“. *Rolls eyes* On A sidenote, why is it that women in stories always need to lose their job and their man before they can figure out what they really want out of life? Just saying it would be nice if for once a character had some major growth while she was in the middle of a healthy relationship and a successful career, just some food for thought. But I digress... SO Annie has pretty much decided all people are scum and that she no longer wants to associate with any of them. That is until Harper moves in next-door and any notices that there is something strange going on with the girl and decides to befriend her. Befriending Harper also leads her to crossing paths with Mo a PI who is investigating Harper. What follows is an entertaining story filled with some laughs, some growth, and some hard choices.
Annie was definitely a sympathetic character that I found myself rooting for.I loved watching the unlikely friendships between Annie and Harper form. Harper was an interesting character who really grew on me throughout the course of the book. Moe was a great character as well, I really liked him and thought he was a very good friend to Annie. A definite eclectic cast of characters in this book. Because of course we had ex fiancé John wanting to come back into the picture as well. I enjoyed watching Annie grow and learn, and there were parts of the story where I was holding my breath that she would make the right decision. A book that really made me think about the people we let into our lives, and why.
*** Big thank you to Lake Union for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Annie was definitely a sympathetic character that I found myself rooting for.I loved watching the unlikely friendships between Annie and Harper form. Harper was an interesting character who really grew on me throughout the course of the book. Moe was a great character as well, I really liked him and thought he was a very good friend to Annie. A definite eclectic cast of characters in this book. Because of course we had ex fiancé John wanting to come back into the picture as well. I enjoyed watching Annie grow and learn, and there were parts of the story where I was holding my breath that she would make the right decision. A book that really made me think about the people we let into our lives, and why.
*** Big thank you to Lake Union for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
March 21, 2020
Do you ever wish you could just shut out the world and stop adding new people/new relationships to your life? Because people are (sometimes) drama? For the record, I don’t feel that way, but Annie does. Her boss recently sabotaged her career (yikes!), and her fiancé is off to soul search in France. People...stink. At least in Annie’s world.
As with any good story, new people come along who make Annie think twice about her resolution, and something has to give.
This Won’t End Well is clever and witty. There were moments I laughed out loud and could completely relate. There’s also poignancy, and I just loved Annie. She’s not perfect, but she definitely felt authentic. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with this one.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
As with any good story, new people come along who make Annie think twice about her resolution, and something has to give.
This Won’t End Well is clever and witty. There were moments I laughed out loud and could completely relate. There’s also poignancy, and I just loved Annie. She’s not perfect, but she definitely felt authentic. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with this one.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 15, 2020
This Won’t End Well Camille Pagán
I enjoyed this cute story about Annie Mercer whose life was quickly spiraling down the drain. Annie went from enjoying her rewarding career as a chemist and looking forward to a fabulous engagement with her fiancée Jon to losing her job, banned from any chemist job for the next few years, to working as a housekeeper, with a fiancée that has gone MIA in France for some soul searching.
This is truly a feel good story about a woman who finds her voice and learns to follow her heart and find strength in the decisions she would make to improve her life for the better. I found Pagán’s writing to be witty, funny, relatable and hopeful. I find her words easy to read, story well paced, characters lovable and a feel good story with a feel good conclusion.
I recommend this fun women’s literature for a touching story with fun and lovable characters!!
I enjoyed this cute story about Annie Mercer whose life was quickly spiraling down the drain. Annie went from enjoying her rewarding career as a chemist and looking forward to a fabulous engagement with her fiancée Jon to losing her job, banned from any chemist job for the next few years, to working as a housekeeper, with a fiancée that has gone MIA in France for some soul searching.
This is truly a feel good story about a woman who finds her voice and learns to follow her heart and find strength in the decisions she would make to improve her life for the better. I found Pagán’s writing to be witty, funny, relatable and hopeful. I find her words easy to read, story well paced, characters lovable and a feel good story with a feel good conclusion.
I recommend this fun women’s literature for a touching story with fun and lovable characters!!
January 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this story and its message.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
March 27, 2020
I was looking for a little comic relief and some lightness, this fit the bill. It was an entertaining bit of fluff, the main character’s inner thoughts and outward remarks were smart and just the right level of snarky. The plot and characters were a little light as is typical of this genre, but if you’re not expecting a deep literary dive, then why not give yourself a little break?
September 2, 2021
2.5 stars. Didn't enjoy this quite as much as my first read from this author, but it was still an enjoyable story and I'm excited to keep diving into her backlist!
CW: sexual harassment, domestic abuse, hoarding, depression, death of a loved one, mass shootings, ptsd
CW: sexual harassment, domestic abuse, hoarding, depression, death of a loved one, mass shootings, ptsd
July 24, 2020
Maybe 'careful' is overrated, and I'm just now seeing that for the first time. -- Annie Mercer, page 217
I'll mention right up front that I read This Won't End Well in less than two days. Yes, I liked it that much, completely caught up (and caught off-guard) in its delightful charm and involving story.
Annie Mercer is a twenty-seven year-old Michigan suburbanite who walked away from a research chemist position due to on-going sexual harassment from a supervisor. At about the same time her fiancee Jon decides he wants to 'take some time' away from their relationship, and jets to Paris for a trip that he alarmingly keeps extending. Adding insult to injury, Annie is also experiencing a possibly unrepairable rift with her BFF Leesa. To now make ends meet - and originating from the constant cleaning up after her widowed mother, who has some hoarding tendencies - loner Annie becomes a cleaning lady for hire to several of the friendly older residents in her neighborhood. It's during this new gig that she meets two people that will, much to her surprise, help get her life back on track.
The first is new neighbor Harper, a fashionable and friendly 'social media influencer' who has just moved into the house on the adjoining property. Although Harper appears to be endlessly upbeat and chipper (but definitely not vapid at all) she and Annie become unlikely friends and confidants.
The second is Mo, a private investigator working on an unspecified case in the neighborhood. Annie first observes him suspiciously lurking about the backyard borders of hers and Harper's properties. While Mo can't discuss the specifics of this investigation (plausibly citing client confidentiality) he and Annie also become friends, and soon she is accompanying him to assist on other low-key cases.
I was completely taken by this quirky little book - in fact, I absolutely loved it! Without being too sugary, it had an appealing cast of characters who were - except for the one obvious antagonist . . . and it's not the fiancee - basically good and decent people trying to help each other. (When Annie decides to take some shrewd action at the conclusion her friends are pleasingly there to assist her.) Did you ever read a story where you wanted damn near everyone involved in it to have that 'happily ever after' conclusion? This Won't End Well - with all of its humor and heart - was a joy to read.
I'll mention right up front that I read This Won't End Well in less than two days. Yes, I liked it that much, completely caught up (and caught off-guard) in its delightful charm and involving story.
Annie Mercer is a twenty-seven year-old Michigan suburbanite who walked away from a research chemist position due to on-going sexual harassment from a supervisor. At about the same time her fiancee Jon decides he wants to 'take some time' away from their relationship, and jets to Paris for a trip that he alarmingly keeps extending. Adding insult to injury, Annie is also experiencing a possibly unrepairable rift with her BFF Leesa. To now make ends meet - and originating from the constant cleaning up after her widowed mother, who has some hoarding tendencies - loner Annie becomes a cleaning lady for hire to several of the friendly older residents in her neighborhood. It's during this new gig that she meets two people that will, much to her surprise, help get her life back on track.
The first is new neighbor Harper, a fashionable and friendly 'social media influencer' who has just moved into the house on the adjoining property. Although Harper appears to be endlessly upbeat and chipper (but definitely not vapid at all) she and Annie become unlikely friends and confidants.
The second is Mo, a private investigator working on an unspecified case in the neighborhood. Annie first observes him suspiciously lurking about the backyard borders of hers and Harper's properties. While Mo can't discuss the specifics of this investigation (plausibly citing client confidentiality) he and Annie also become friends, and soon she is accompanying him to assist on other low-key cases.
I was completely taken by this quirky little book - in fact, I absolutely loved it! Without being too sugary, it had an appealing cast of characters who were - except for the one obvious antagonist . . . and it's not the fiancee - basically good and decent people trying to help each other. (When Annie decides to take some shrewd action at the conclusion her friends are pleasingly there to assist her.) Did you ever read a story where you wanted damn near everyone involved in it to have that 'happily ever after' conclusion? This Won't End Well - with all of its humor and heart - was a joy to read.
February 27, 2020
Having loved Camille Pagan’s last book, I could not wait to read this one. It did not disappoint. Do you ever wish you could just shut out the world and stop adding new people/new relationships to your life? Because people are drama?
Like Annie- her boss recently sabotaged her career (yikes!) and her fiancé is off to soul search in France. People...stink. At least in Annie’s world.
As with any good story, some new people come along who make Annie think twice about her resolution, and something has to give.
This Won’t End Well is clever and witty. There were moments I laughed out loud and could completely relate. There’s also poignancy, and I just loved Annie. She’s not perfect, but she definitely felt authentic. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with this one.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Like Annie- her boss recently sabotaged her career (yikes!) and her fiancé is off to soul search in France. People...stink. At least in Annie’s world.
As with any good story, some new people come along who make Annie think twice about her resolution, and something has to give.
This Won’t End Well is clever and witty. There were moments I laughed out loud and could completely relate. There’s also poignancy, and I just loved Annie. She’s not perfect, but she definitely felt authentic. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with this one.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 21, 2020
I love a fun fast paced read so much and this one was both fun and a fast read.
Good fences make good neighbors, or do they? You have to read this fun read.
I am excited to read more from Pagan soon.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Good fences make good neighbors, or do they? You have to read this fun read.
I am excited to read more from Pagan soon.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
February 4, 2020
I love Camille Pagán
She's a brilliant, pithy writer whose books are always quirky and deeply relatable. Such is true for This Won't End Well. Told from various diary entries, e-mails, neighborhood newsletters (which are hysterical), and an occasional newspaper article, this story is a quick, fun read.
Scientifically-minded Annie is a beautifully fleshed-out character. I truly loved her spectrum-like thinking...reminded me very much of my son. But she's just one of many lovable characters in this novel.
Touching on topics such as PTSD, sexual harassment, depression, hoarding, and growing apart...this is ultimately a story about how sad endings can so often lead to happy beginnings.
I recommend Ms. Pagán's books to one and all!
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
She's a brilliant, pithy writer whose books are always quirky and deeply relatable. Such is true for This Won't End Well. Told from various diary entries, e-mails, neighborhood newsletters (which are hysterical), and an occasional newspaper article, this story is a quick, fun read.
Scientifically-minded Annie is a beautifully fleshed-out character. I truly loved her spectrum-like thinking...reminded me very much of my son. But she's just one of many lovable characters in this novel.
Touching on topics such as PTSD, sexual harassment, depression, hoarding, and growing apart...this is ultimately a story about how sad endings can so often lead to happy beginnings.
I recommend Ms. Pagán's books to one and all!
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
March 22, 2020
Annie Mercer recently lost her job as a chemist because she was not getting along with her boss who repeatedly made unwanted advances. He had a great reputation and Annie feared to disclose his behavior to his superiors. Also, due to a non compete clause in her contract, she cannot work in a chemical-related field. With her career in shambles, Annie tries to find solace with her fiance, Jon.
Jon begins to act strangely and decides to take an impromptu trip to Paris. While away, he notifies her that he is figuring out his life and does not want her to contact him for a month. Annie is hurt and confused by her fiance’s actions and gets no replies from her emails. She begins to wonder how her life might have been if she was more resilient and took different actions in her past.
Annie decides she needs to move forward by starting a house cleaning company where she can slowly begin to repair her career and social life.
”This Won’t End Well” by Camille Pagan is about perseverance and not letting short term failures dictate your future. There is always time to reinvent yourself if you take the time to learn from your mistakes. I enjoyed the unique format of the story which included texts, emails, and diary entries.
Jon begins to act strangely and decides to take an impromptu trip to Paris. While away, he notifies her that he is figuring out his life and does not want her to contact him for a month. Annie is hurt and confused by her fiance’s actions and gets no replies from her emails. She begins to wonder how her life might have been if she was more resilient and took different actions in her past.
Annie decides she needs to move forward by starting a house cleaning company where she can slowly begin to repair her career and social life.
”This Won’t End Well” by Camille Pagan is about perseverance and not letting short term failures dictate your future. There is always time to reinvent yourself if you take the time to learn from your mistakes. I enjoyed the unique format of the story which included texts, emails, and diary entries.
February 27, 2020
4.5 Stars.
Charming, laugh out loud funny and emotional all in one package. This has been my favorite of Camille's books so far - the multi level marketing snark literally had me cackling at times and I absolutely loved our protagonist, Annie. This book is filled with so much heart in a tiny package, I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Charming, laugh out loud funny and emotional all in one package. This has been my favorite of Camille's books so far - the multi level marketing snark literally had me cackling at times and I absolutely loved our protagonist, Annie. This book is filled with so much heart in a tiny package, I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2020
4.5/5
This one was a breath of fresh air, I’ve had a super weird reading month, I’m a little all over the place and this was one of the handful of books I read in February that I truly enjoyed. It was fun, fresh and heartfelt and full of so many hilarious moments that it was just such an amusing read.
CP never disappoints when it comes to relatable characters and while I’m not quite as done with other people as Annie is, I’m pretty close 🤣 Seriously though, I’m not a fan of change either and when life throws Annie a curveball I could relate to how she handles herself. She’s a quirky woman and I loved her dry wit and humor and then in the authors true fashion there was a delightful cast of supporting characters who all brought something unique to the story. This book was just so much fun and such a fast, breezy read, I loved it!
This one was a breath of fresh air, I’ve had a super weird reading month, I’m a little all over the place and this was one of the handful of books I read in February that I truly enjoyed. It was fun, fresh and heartfelt and full of so many hilarious moments that it was just such an amusing read.
CP never disappoints when it comes to relatable characters and while I’m not quite as done with other people as Annie is, I’m pretty close 🤣 Seriously though, I’m not a fan of change either and when life throws Annie a curveball I could relate to how she handles herself. She’s a quirky woman and I loved her dry wit and humor and then in the authors true fashion there was a delightful cast of supporting characters who all brought something unique to the story. This book was just so much fun and such a fast, breezy read, I loved it!
February 27, 2020
My third book by Pagan! I'll be honest, when I started this one, I wasn't sure I was going to finish. Annie very quickly got on my nerves and I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle an entire book dedicated to her thoughts.... which are plentiful. But as I continued to read, she quickly grew on me and I fell in like with her. Her quirkiness and view on life are pretty funny at times but also very relatable on that human level... and this is what Pagan excels at - giving us relatable characters that we end up rooting for and that feel like our friend.
Written in journal and e-mail format - we get a full on look at Annie - who sees life in a very specific way. Then things go belly up a bit when her fiancé tells her he's going to France while he's on the plane taking off, she has to leave her job due to circumstances that are less than pleasant all while dealing with her best friend's new found interests in crystals and how they can change your life.. (Annie, girl, I feel you on this one).
This is most definitely a feel good story as we see our lovable protagonist find her way. I certainly understand the want to just lock everyone out of your life because WHAT IS THE POINT... but the point is, they're all there for a reason - sometimes you just need to see it.
Written in journal and e-mail format - we get a full on look at Annie - who sees life in a very specific way. Then things go belly up a bit when her fiancé tells her he's going to France while he's on the plane taking off, she has to leave her job due to circumstances that are less than pleasant all while dealing with her best friend's new found interests in crystals and how they can change your life.. (Annie, girl, I feel you on this one).
This is most definitely a feel good story as we see our lovable protagonist find her way. I certainly understand the want to just lock everyone out of your life because WHAT IS THE POINT... but the point is, they're all there for a reason - sometimes you just need to see it.
April 13, 2020
Song/s the book brought to mind: All You Had To Do Was Stay by Taylor Swift
Told completely in emails and journal entries, This Won't End Well by Camille Pagán was a nice change of pace from the traditional novel and I loved Pagán's humor and wit.
It took a bit to get me hooked, but once I was into it I was IN. I mean, what's not to love about spying on your new neighbor, and an over enthusiastic friend that tries to sell you stuff while you're dealing with a fiancé that left you behind while he went to Paris to "find himself" before your wedding? Sorry that was probably a run on, but it is so true! Add to that a mom that hoards and having to quit a job due to sexual harassment, and you have yourself a lot of drama. There were a lot of things going on in This Won't End Well and I loved every minute of it.
This Won't End Well also mentions the show Supermarket Sweep which I haven't thought about in ages, but I miss it! I love the little nuggets that I find in Pagán's books that make them relatable to me, and possibly make me feel old like with this one. Really though, I know that when I read a book by this author I will be able to find things that I can relate to even if they are about people that aren't like me. I think this makes it a huge plus for readers, and I know you will be able to find things to relate to as well!
This Won't End Well was a lot of fun, but it was also surprisingly emotional, and I definitely had tears in my eyes towards the end. I love Pagán's writing so much, and I really need to stop putting off reading her backlist because I love everything I read by her. There are a lot of strong female characters in this book which is another thing I loved about it. This is definitely a feel-good read that will make you smile through any tears you might shed, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Told completely in emails and journal entries, This Won't End Well by Camille Pagán was a nice change of pace from the traditional novel and I loved Pagán's humor and wit.
It took a bit to get me hooked, but once I was into it I was IN. I mean, what's not to love about spying on your new neighbor, and an over enthusiastic friend that tries to sell you stuff while you're dealing with a fiancé that left you behind while he went to Paris to "find himself" before your wedding? Sorry that was probably a run on, but it is so true! Add to that a mom that hoards and having to quit a job due to sexual harassment, and you have yourself a lot of drama. There were a lot of things going on in This Won't End Well and I loved every minute of it.
This Won't End Well also mentions the show Supermarket Sweep which I haven't thought about in ages, but I miss it! I love the little nuggets that I find in Pagán's books that make them relatable to me, and possibly make me feel old like with this one. Really though, I know that when I read a book by this author I will be able to find things that I can relate to even if they are about people that aren't like me. I think this makes it a huge plus for readers, and I know you will be able to find things to relate to as well!
This Won't End Well was a lot of fun, but it was also surprisingly emotional, and I definitely had tears in my eyes towards the end. I love Pagán's writing so much, and I really need to stop putting off reading her backlist because I love everything I read by her. There are a lot of strong female characters in this book which is another thing I loved about it. This is definitely a feel-good read that will make you smile through any tears you might shed, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 29, 2020
This was supposed to be a tester of a read, just to get a taste of the author Camille Pagan and her writing. But zip…zap…zoom… I was sucked into the world of Annie, a chemist whose thoughts and emails and journal entries made me an absolute fan of hers. And of course, the author’s.
Annie was not having a good day. Her fiancé had left for Paris alone to get his head screwed on tight. (I was sure he was going to screw others too) She was being charged with sexual harassment when it was the other way around. And she has moved in with mom. Her decision: no more attachments. Then came the interesting neighbor Harper, who had her own secret issues. Annie had to team up with Mo, an amateur detective. Could you see where the story was going and why I couldn’t stop reading? No? Then let me tell you more.
Author Camille has a beautiful talent of etching real characters who were fastidious, facetious, and unknowingly sarcastic. Humor was in every line of the book written in a delightful manner. The prose consisted of journal entries and emails which revealed Annie’s life brilliantly. The more I knew her, the more I loved her. Now you see where this was going?
The story became more interesting as the pages turned, thanks to the witty writing by a brilliant author. It was ironic that the woman who didn’t want to form attachments soon had many… 😂 😂 I would say she blossomed, not that Annie would agree with me. She would give me a complicated chemical formula and ask me to balance it. She was a chemist in the book who later became a cleaning lady…hmm sorry…a cleaning professional.
There were so many things in the book which caused me to break into a smile and dance a virtual jig in my mind at the antics of Annie and Mo. I am not the one for romance, so I didn’t really bother to read or feel her love. But the rest of her relationships truly made this story.
I loved, loved, loved Annie. I loved everything about her from her scientific, chemical mind to her loving, kind heart. I stood by her as she took her decisions. I supported her when she stood up for herself. The book took my heart by a storm and I JUST COULDN’T STOP SMILING.
A beautiful, funny read.
Annie was not having a good day. Her fiancé had left for Paris alone to get his head screwed on tight. (I was sure he was going to screw others too) She was being charged with sexual harassment when it was the other way around. And she has moved in with mom. Her decision: no more attachments. Then came the interesting neighbor Harper, who had her own secret issues. Annie had to team up with Mo, an amateur detective. Could you see where the story was going and why I couldn’t stop reading? No? Then let me tell you more.
Author Camille has a beautiful talent of etching real characters who were fastidious, facetious, and unknowingly sarcastic. Humor was in every line of the book written in a delightful manner. The prose consisted of journal entries and emails which revealed Annie’s life brilliantly. The more I knew her, the more I loved her. Now you see where this was going?
The story became more interesting as the pages turned, thanks to the witty writing by a brilliant author. It was ironic that the woman who didn’t want to form attachments soon had many… 😂 😂 I would say she blossomed, not that Annie would agree with me. She would give me a complicated chemical formula and ask me to balance it. She was a chemist in the book who later became a cleaning lady…hmm sorry…a cleaning professional.
There were so many things in the book which caused me to break into a smile and dance a virtual jig in my mind at the antics of Annie and Mo. I am not the one for romance, so I didn’t really bother to read or feel her love. But the rest of her relationships truly made this story.
I loved, loved, loved Annie. I loved everything about her from her scientific, chemical mind to her loving, kind heart. I stood by her as she took her decisions. I supported her when she stood up for herself. The book took my heart by a storm and I JUST COULDN’T STOP SMILING.
A beautiful, funny read.
March 5, 2020
This is a new to me author, but not entirely unfamiliar to me. I’ve seen her books popping up all over the Amazon charts, especially her release from last year, I’m Fine and Neither are You.
When this new release, This Won’t End Well, came up for review, I jumped at the chance to read it! Everything I have heard about this book and this author, make it inevitable that I will love this book!
I couldn’t wait to crack open my copy and let the good times roll so to speak! And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! What a refreshing new voice in contempo lit!
My first thought about Pagan is that she has an amazing talent for conveying humor in her writing. I found myself laughing out loud at many points during this one and frequently chuckled at different plot points and dialogues. Se really has a gift for humor and I loved that the absolute most about this one.
I loved how Annie’s life is going up in flames and her fiancé has jumped ship to Paris to ‘find himself’ leaving Annie alone and lost. What transpires is the beautiful story of Annie’s own self discovery that is heartfelt and funny. She has to navigate her friends, family, career, and love life and I couldn’t get enough of this one, I just loved it so much.
Like I said before, this is a new to me author and now I want to read all of her books. This book in particular was 100% relatable for the modern woman. Annie represents what so many millennial women are going through in their lives and I think many women will find something to like in this one and will strongly connect to Annie. I definitely want to go and read some of Pagan’s other books now because I enjoyed this one so much.
It also read really fast. I mean it took me a few days to read it but only because life got in the way. They story is told through emails and journal entries etc so it went really quick. I enjoy novels written through letters and such so I didn’t find it distracting at all and I think most readers would agree that this style reads very fast.
I am thrilled that I finally got around to reading one of her novels and can’t wait to go back and read some of her others! This is an excellent spring read, it’s a novel you could pick up on a lazy weekend and breeze through or read on the beach or maybe on the plane to your next vacation spot! It’s a novel you will find enjoyable and engaging without being overly emotional and heart wrenching.
See my full review here
When this new release, This Won’t End Well, came up for review, I jumped at the chance to read it! Everything I have heard about this book and this author, make it inevitable that I will love this book!
I couldn’t wait to crack open my copy and let the good times roll so to speak! And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! What a refreshing new voice in contempo lit!
My first thought about Pagan is that she has an amazing talent for conveying humor in her writing. I found myself laughing out loud at many points during this one and frequently chuckled at different plot points and dialogues. Se really has a gift for humor and I loved that the absolute most about this one.
I loved how Annie’s life is going up in flames and her fiancé has jumped ship to Paris to ‘find himself’ leaving Annie alone and lost. What transpires is the beautiful story of Annie’s own self discovery that is heartfelt and funny. She has to navigate her friends, family, career, and love life and I couldn’t get enough of this one, I just loved it so much.
Like I said before, this is a new to me author and now I want to read all of her books. This book in particular was 100% relatable for the modern woman. Annie represents what so many millennial women are going through in their lives and I think many women will find something to like in this one and will strongly connect to Annie. I definitely want to go and read some of Pagan’s other books now because I enjoyed this one so much.
It also read really fast. I mean it took me a few days to read it but only because life got in the way. They story is told through emails and journal entries etc so it went really quick. I enjoy novels written through letters and such so I didn’t find it distracting at all and I think most readers would agree that this style reads very fast.
I am thrilled that I finally got around to reading one of her novels and can’t wait to go back and read some of her others! This is an excellent spring read, it’s a novel you could pick up on a lazy weekend and breeze through or read on the beach or maybe on the plane to your next vacation spot! It’s a novel you will find enjoyable and engaging without being overly emotional and heart wrenching.
See my full review here
February 18, 2020
Oh but it does end well! And start well, and it's pretty darn great in the middle too. The super-introverted Annie Mercer is the sweetest straight man and her new neighbor Harper is exactly what Annie needs to get her life started up again after the all too relatable double whammy of heartache and harassment.
I love everything Camille writes, and this one won't disappoint you even if you've never had the Pagan experience. It will get you hooked, though, and be warned--she has plenty of great backlist too. Happy reading!
I love everything Camille writes, and this one won't disappoint you even if you've never had the Pagan experience. It will get you hooked, though, and be warned--she has plenty of great backlist too. Happy reading!
November 5, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! The format is fresh and unique, the characters are realistic and lovable yet charmingly flawed and the story is one that won’t let you go. Don’t miss this one!
February 3, 2020
I devoured this book! It's everything I love in fiction--clever, moving, compelling, and hilarious! Camille Pagán is a master at creating lovable, unconventional characters we relate to and cheer for--Annie Mercer is THAT character. In turns laugh-out-loud funny and deeply affecting, this book is a true gem. Part mystery, part love story, This Won't End Well is a lesson in empowerment, and a beautiful reminder that we get by with a little help from our friends. It has my highest recommendation!
November 10, 2019
I'm something of a geeky girl myself so stories featuring science-driven women are my jam. This Won't End Well explores what happens when hard-headed thinking collides matters of the heart--complicated ones. I loved the multiplicity of relationships at play here: the central romance(s), the friendships, the mother-daughter relationship, and the workplace woes. Pagan handles all these threads like the seasoned pro she is, creating a memorable main character in Annie, keeping the pacing tight (raced through this in two days!), and, most importantly, balancing humor, tragedy, and compassion to deliver a deeply satisfying read. Wonderful!
February 25, 2020
I chose this on a whim & ended up loving it. It’s a light, quick, quirky read but at the same time deeply touching. I’d say this is a feel-good book & if you’re looking for a laugh, give it a try. Any McFadden narrates & it’s available on Kindle Unlimited.
October 12, 2020
Spent a few pleasant hours last night reading this. My co-worker had read this first and she recommended it to me because she knows my taste and she thought I would enjoy it. Turns out she was right! I really liked Annie, the story was fast paced and interesting and though the romance wasn't my favorite part, I was happy with how it all worked out. All around, a solid read.
February 27, 2020
Annie's life is about to implode (which is fitting since she's a chemist) but so not fun when it's her life instead of an experiment. Her boss, Todd, has been sexually harassing her, she's living with her mom because she's worried about her health, and her fiancé, Jon, has left on an impromptu trip to Paris... without even asking her to join him! In order to cope and in turn, avoid getting hurt again, she's decided to avoid anyone new in her life. But, of course, as we all know, life doesn't always go as planned and not one, but two, new people soon enter her life.
"This is the problem with making a habit of a person: all of the neural pathways he has carved remain long after he's gone."
Ironically, since the book is written mostly in first person account journal entries, I the reader inadvertently became a new person in Annie's life! Luckily, just like her other new friend Harper, I was a positive influence and extremely supportive of her decisions. Wink wink.
I've been a fan of this author since she first started writing and love that her characters are so real and relatable. Epistolary novels are my jam, and this one was extremely effective in its delivery. I found myself rooting for Annie as she tried to decide what comes next. Even though the title implies that things won't end well for her, once Annie decides to make decisions that are right for her, it's smooth sailing ahead! If you love books with strong female leads (especially if they are raw and human and falter at times just like us), then be sure to try this one.
Location: East Haven, Michigan and Paris, France
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"This is the problem with making a habit of a person: all of the neural pathways he has carved remain long after he's gone."
Ironically, since the book is written mostly in first person account journal entries, I the reader inadvertently became a new person in Annie's life! Luckily, just like her other new friend Harper, I was a positive influence and extremely supportive of her decisions. Wink wink.
I've been a fan of this author since she first started writing and love that her characters are so real and relatable. Epistolary novels are my jam, and this one was extremely effective in its delivery. I found myself rooting for Annie as she tried to decide what comes next. Even though the title implies that things won't end well for her, once Annie decides to make decisions that are right for her, it's smooth sailing ahead! If you love books with strong female leads (especially if they are raw and human and falter at times just like us), then be sure to try this one.
Location: East Haven, Michigan and Paris, France
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2024
~This ARC has been gently provided in exchange for an honest review~
This book has touched me deeply. I’m not good at words, but I’ll try to give it the review it deserves.
Things aren’t going well for Annie, lately. She had been harassed for months by her boss. One day, he tried to go further, and started groping her, so she shoved him away and he fell onto a lab table, causing the destruction of several expensive material. She handed her resignation, because as she explained, she couldn’t stand it anymore.
No one at the company supported her, moreover, her boss claimed that she assaulted him.
Due to the agreement she signed when accepting the job, she couldn’t work as a chemist for, at lest, two years. So, she decided to start a cleaning business. Now, she has some neighbours as clients, although it doesn’t keep her as busy as she would like.
As if this wasn’t enough, her fiancé tells her that he is at the airport waiting for his plane to go to Paris. He explains her that he needs some time alone to get things clear, and he has always wanted to spend some time in Paris (he’s a French teacher). So, he asks her, as well as his family, to not contact him for a month.
Annie has come to the conclusion that people cause pain, and she can’t cope with that anymore, therefore, she decides to avoid people, especially new people. Although, this is not as simple as she thinks at first. A couple of “new people” appears in her life, and she can’t help making an exception. And here is when Annie starts to see the world in a different way.
I loved this book, because I liked Annie from the very beginning. She is quite unique. And when she opens up to people she learns to see things from a different perspective. On the one hand, she realises that people aren’t only the cause of pain, but they are also the cause of happiness. On the other hand, avoiding her emotions isn't the best option either. It's easier to deal with them when you are surrounded by the people who care for you. And as her mother says to her, “emotions can be messy, Annie, but that doesn’t mean you should run from them.”
Finally, I can only say that this book has touched me deeply, because I couldn’t help feeling related to Annie’s idea of avoiding people and trying to run away from her emotions. I’ve been there too, and it seems the perfect solution, but it turns out to be quite the contrary. People can hurt, yes, but some people can make you feel good, and make your life better. Moreover, running away from one’s emotions is tiring, and then you realise that some people can help you cope with them.
This book has touched me deeply. I’m not good at words, but I’ll try to give it the review it deserves.
Things aren’t going well for Annie, lately. She had been harassed for months by her boss. One day, he tried to go further, and started groping her, so she shoved him away and he fell onto a lab table, causing the destruction of several expensive material. She handed her resignation, because as she explained, she couldn’t stand it anymore.
No one at the company supported her, moreover, her boss claimed that she assaulted him.
Due to the agreement she signed when accepting the job, she couldn’t work as a chemist for, at lest, two years. So, she decided to start a cleaning business. Now, she has some neighbours as clients, although it doesn’t keep her as busy as she would like.
As if this wasn’t enough, her fiancé tells her that he is at the airport waiting for his plane to go to Paris. He explains her that he needs some time alone to get things clear, and he has always wanted to spend some time in Paris (he’s a French teacher). So, he asks her, as well as his family, to not contact him for a month.
Annie has come to the conclusion that people cause pain, and she can’t cope with that anymore, therefore, she decides to avoid people, especially new people. Although, this is not as simple as she thinks at first. A couple of “new people” appears in her life, and she can’t help making an exception. And here is when Annie starts to see the world in a different way.
I loved this book, because I liked Annie from the very beginning. She is quite unique. And when she opens up to people she learns to see things from a different perspective. On the one hand, she realises that people aren’t only the cause of pain, but they are also the cause of happiness. On the other hand, avoiding her emotions isn't the best option either. It's easier to deal with them when you are surrounded by the people who care for you. And as her mother says to her, “emotions can be messy, Annie, but that doesn’t mean you should run from them.”
Finally, I can only say that this book has touched me deeply, because I couldn’t help feeling related to Annie’s idea of avoiding people and trying to run away from her emotions. I’ve been there too, and it seems the perfect solution, but it turns out to be quite the contrary. People can hurt, yes, but some people can make you feel good, and make your life better. Moreover, running away from one’s emotions is tiring, and then you realise that some people can help you cope with them.
February 9, 2020
This Won’t End Well was a read I just didn’t want to set down. I loved the quirky characters, the witty writing, the strong women. I loved Annie and her journey—figuring out her friendships, family, career, and love life. I loved how every woman in this book was juggling things, figuring out life at all stages, and there were several components of mental health.
I love that Pagan manages to make books that have so many layers but are so readable. I recommend this one to every woman (and most men). Do yourself a favor and pick this one up on Feb. 26.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love that Pagan manages to make books that have so many layers but are so readable. I recommend this one to every woman (and most men). Do yourself a favor and pick this one up on Feb. 26.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2019
Camille Pagán is a HUGELY TALENTED writer and she never disappoints. Her fresh, unique, and funny style is as close to perfection as can be—she makes it look like writing is really no big deal at all. And again, she creates a set of well-drawn characters you want to hold in a tight embrace. A marvelous, smart, and quick read.
Thanks for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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