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Too Good to Be Real
She plans to prove there's a dozen reasons why life isn't like a romantic comedy, only to discover the one reason it is…
While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favorite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned.
A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind when impending layoffs threaten her job. As Julia searches for the ultimate pitch to impress her boss, she stumbles upon a resort offering guests a chance to live out their romantic comedy dreams. Real life dating is so bleak, who wouldn't want to spend a week in a fantasy rom-com world with your best friends?
At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbors a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly. But could their love be real when they haven't been honest about their true identities? Once the fantasy is over, can they have a relationship in the real world?
While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favorite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned.
A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind when impending layoffs threaten her job. As Julia searches for the ultimate pitch to impress her boss, she stumbles upon a resort offering guests a chance to live out their romantic comedy dreams. Real life dating is so bleak, who wouldn't want to spend a week in a fantasy rom-com world with your best friends?
At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbors a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly. But could their love be real when they haven't been honest about their true identities? Once the fantasy is over, can they have a relationship in the real world?
341 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
118 people are currently reading
16203 people want to read
About the author
Melonie Johnson
13 books1,259 followersA Star Wars junkie and Shakespeare groupie who quotes both Yoda and the Bard with equal aplomb, USA Today bestselling author Melonie Johnson--aka #thewritinglush--loves dark coffee, cheap wine, and expensive beer. And margaritas. And mimosas. And mules. Basically any cocktail that starts with the letter m. Declared a "writer to watch" by Kirkus and a "fizzy, engrossing new voice" by Entertainment Weekly, her smart funny contemporary romances are known for their witty banter and strong cast of female friendships; including the romantic comedies TOO WRONG TO BE RIGHT (named one of the top 10 Romances of 2023 by Booklist) and TOO GOOD TO BE REAL, as well as her award-winning Sometimes in Love debut series GETTING HOT WITH THE SCOT, SMITTEN BY THE BRIT, and ONCE UPON A BAD BOY. Her stories have been featured in Cosmopolitan and Woman’s World, selected as Amazon Best Books of the month, and appeared on many most anticipated romance lists, including BookPage, Goodreads, BuzzFeed, and BookBub. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband and their two redhead daughters. A former high school English and Theatre teacher, Melonie now spends her days in her Star Wars office, dreaming up meet cutes. Visit her at meloniejohnson.com and find her on Instagram and TikTok at @thewritinglush.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 680 reviews
August 19, 2021
Welcome to the dreamy vacation in Wisconsin to live your own rom-com story in real life: the estate team provides anything you’re looking for to help you find the real one to fall for while you enjoy the activities based on favorite romcom movie cliches!
Heartbroken writer Julia who is about lose her faith in love makes her last attempt not to get sagged from her full time job at popular website ! She’s writing entertaining Cosmogirl style quizzes, entertaining articles about modern woman’s love life. But she needs to find a brilliant idea to keep her job which means she’s due to make earth shattering pitch to her boss Chloe till Monday. Clock is ticking!
As she makes searches about how it’s impossible to find love like romcoms in the real life, she finds the advertisements about this new opening new place providing real romcom experience which gives her opportunity to convince her boss about writing her brand new article for Take that which is also popular travel section of website!
Her idea gets approval and the best part of it: she’ll have all exclusive vacation for one week to experience the romcom taste of the estate and she can also bring guests! She chooses her besties Kat and Andie to accompany her for this dreamy vacation.
After that we’re introduced to our a little control freak, geeky but cute, protective brother Luke who is the game developer of this place. His sister Pen helps him as event planner and his bestie Jay is working on marketing side. They’re just like three musketeers working together for this brand new enterprise and the best thing is Luke is promised to get a bonus if the launch turns into a success.
Luke didn’t plan to meet with Julia at the beach when he was get attacked by the seagulls which steal his notebook and poop on him! Their awkward-ish romantic encounter pushes Luke to join the game as Lance character. His plan was simple! He heard a journalist will write a review about the place so he has to do anything in his power to control everything goes as planned. He also thinks Julia’s friend Kat is the writer!
Julia also hides her identity to write an objective review. But when love is on the way, both of our MCs will be forced to get rid of their disguises and fall for each other!
I think this was creative and entertaining reading and I honestly say I loved Julia and her friends’ conversations more than the romance parts. I think if those characters have their own talk show about modern romance, I’ll be the addictive fan of them. Those conversations were witty, smart, enjoyable!
But the romantic elements of the book was a little overshadowed by the concept of romcoms. Both Julia and Luke’s characterizations are one dimensional. ( I can define both Kat and Andie with few words but I barely do that when it comes to MCs) And I couldn’t feel the real chemistry between them. Their love story is a little unreliable!
But there are still great things about my reading including the supporting characters Patrick and David ( they were amazing) ! Let’s not forget assassin seagulls! They made me laugh so hard!
Overall: even though the romance part was a little weak, I liked the clever dialogues, romcom references and supporting characters. It’s still feel good, enjoyable, creative, easy to read romcoms inside a romcom ( which is a brand new concept! )
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Heartbroken writer Julia who is about lose her faith in love makes her last attempt not to get sagged from her full time job at popular website ! She’s writing entertaining Cosmogirl style quizzes, entertaining articles about modern woman’s love life. But she needs to find a brilliant idea to keep her job which means she’s due to make earth shattering pitch to her boss Chloe till Monday. Clock is ticking!
As she makes searches about how it’s impossible to find love like romcoms in the real life, she finds the advertisements about this new opening new place providing real romcom experience which gives her opportunity to convince her boss about writing her brand new article for Take that which is also popular travel section of website!
Her idea gets approval and the best part of it: she’ll have all exclusive vacation for one week to experience the romcom taste of the estate and she can also bring guests! She chooses her besties Kat and Andie to accompany her for this dreamy vacation.
After that we’re introduced to our a little control freak, geeky but cute, protective brother Luke who is the game developer of this place. His sister Pen helps him as event planner and his bestie Jay is working on marketing side. They’re just like three musketeers working together for this brand new enterprise and the best thing is Luke is promised to get a bonus if the launch turns into a success.
Luke didn’t plan to meet with Julia at the beach when he was get attacked by the seagulls which steal his notebook and poop on him! Their awkward-ish romantic encounter pushes Luke to join the game as Lance character. His plan was simple! He heard a journalist will write a review about the place so he has to do anything in his power to control everything goes as planned. He also thinks Julia’s friend Kat is the writer!
Julia also hides her identity to write an objective review. But when love is on the way, both of our MCs will be forced to get rid of their disguises and fall for each other!
I think this was creative and entertaining reading and I honestly say I loved Julia and her friends’ conversations more than the romance parts. I think if those characters have their own talk show about modern romance, I’ll be the addictive fan of them. Those conversations were witty, smart, enjoyable!
But the romantic elements of the book was a little overshadowed by the concept of romcoms. Both Julia and Luke’s characterizations are one dimensional. ( I can define both Kat and Andie with few words but I barely do that when it comes to MCs) And I couldn’t feel the real chemistry between them. Their love story is a little unreliable!
But there are still great things about my reading including the supporting characters Patrick and David ( they were amazing) ! Let’s not forget assassin seagulls! They made me laugh so hard!
Overall: even though the romance part was a little weak, I liked the clever dialogues, romcom references and supporting characters. It’s still feel good, enjoyable, creative, easy to read romcoms inside a romcom ( which is a brand new concept! )
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 22, 2021
It has become traditional thing for me (and I believe many others) to read a cute romance on Valentine's Day.
Too Good to be Real showed up in my life unexpectedly, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it prior it's release, because it was a perfect pick.
It is a book for rom-com fans, and reading it felt like being at home. Even though it is a new story, because of all the references about popular romantic movies, I felt like I was re-reading one of my favourites.
Here I have to stress out that the story itself was not predictable.
Ok, let's go all the way in with philosophy: Do you know that feeling you get when meeting someone for the first time but feel like you know each other for centuries? Well, that's how I felt about Too Good to be Real.
The writing style was good. It is written in third person following Luke's and Julia's perspectives.
This was an enjoyable story, light and perfect summer read.
I like the idea of staying in a place with all the rom-com references, but I also appreciate how the author showed us how unhealthy it can be, if we don't know how to separate real life from the simulations (or however you call it).
In the end, I want to phrase the book cover, as it show cute little parts of the story: Bonnie and Clyde the squeals and a corgi (even though there were many in the story).
One more thing: the opening line made me laugh out loud.
Too Good to be Real showed up in my life unexpectedly, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it prior it's release, because it was a perfect pick.
It is a book for rom-com fans, and reading it felt like being at home. Even though it is a new story, because of all the references about popular romantic movies, I felt like I was re-reading one of my favourites.
Here I have to stress out that the story itself was not predictable.
Ok, let's go all the way in with philosophy: Do you know that feeling you get when meeting someone for the first time but feel like you know each other for centuries? Well, that's how I felt about Too Good to be Real.
The writing style was good. It is written in third person following Luke's and Julia's perspectives.
This was an enjoyable story, light and perfect summer read.
I like the idea of staying in a place with all the rom-com references, but I also appreciate how the author showed us how unhealthy it can be, if we don't know how to separate real life from the simulations (or however you call it).
In the end, I want to phrase the book cover, as it show cute little parts of the story: Bonnie and Clyde the squeals and a corgi (even though there were many in the story).
One more thing: the opening line made me laugh out loud.
October 30, 2022
The truth is that the older I get, the pickier I become with romance stories.
It's about the romance - obviously, it is -, but also it has to be considered aspects such as the narrative and the mood that it sets up. The feelings you get reading it is in the top five, for sure.
So if I don't enjoy a book, I don't only blame myself.
Rom-coms and romance novels are lovable because there are specific moments built to show that love exists and you can also find it. They make you giggle and laugh and cry all by laying in your bed with a pack of chips.
Cliches are enjoyable too if they’re developed in the right way. But a bunch of “romantic situations” without any true romance underneath is not falling in love, is meeting a person’s eyes while he/she just wants to look at their phone.
What I'm trying to say is that everything that happens in this story is correct from a theoretical point of view. It misses a spark called love, tho.
Skipping the redundant narrative and long descriptions, there are a lot of characters to focus on. Too many in my opinion, since I kept confusing Julia’s best friends.
The trio should be funny and involving, but it isn't. I agree on the fact that Pratt is barely a Chris, but other than that I’d have loved to shake all of them till they have opened their eyes and seen the truth.
The same thing with Luke, since it was so obvious from the beginning that his sister had a crush on someone, but he's a guy so you know: he's all clumsy and tall and dorky, but extremely good in the bedroom. Like, it's okay if you aren't, but of course you are.
A special mention has to go to all the romantic dramatic sentences at the end of every Julia’s chapter because they were the most hilarious thing in the story.
The only one, in fact.
↠ 2.5 stars
It's about the romance - obviously, it is -, but also it has to be considered aspects such as the narrative and the mood that it sets up. The feelings you get reading it is in the top five, for sure.
So if I don't enjoy a book, I don't only blame myself.
Rom-coms and romance novels are lovable because there are specific moments built to show that love exists and you can also find it. They make you giggle and laugh and cry all by laying in your bed with a pack of chips.
Cliches are enjoyable too if they’re developed in the right way. But a bunch of “romantic situations” without any true romance underneath is not falling in love, is meeting a person’s eyes while he/she just wants to look at their phone.
What I'm trying to say is that everything that happens in this story is correct from a theoretical point of view. It misses a spark called love, tho.
Skipping the redundant narrative and long descriptions, there are a lot of characters to focus on. Too many in my opinion, since I kept confusing Julia’s best friends.
The trio should be funny and involving, but it isn't. I agree on the fact that Pratt is barely a Chris, but other than that I’d have loved to shake all of them till they have opened their eyes and seen the truth.
The same thing with Luke, since it was so obvious from the beginning that his sister had a crush on someone, but he's a guy so you know: he's all clumsy and tall and dorky, but extremely good in the bedroom. Like, it's okay if you aren't, but of course you are.
A special mention has to go to all the romantic dramatic sentences at the end of every Julia’s chapter because they were the most hilarious thing in the story.
The only one, in fact.
↠ 2.5 stars
January 4, 2022
This is a cute rom-com book. There's nothing out of the ordinary or particularly compelling. Just a sweet romance --well, sweet isn't exactly the right way to describe it because there's definitely some heat, but the romance itself is light and fun.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Juliana Solo (who voices Julia) and Cody Gordon (who voices Luke). I loved having both perspectives narrated by different people because it made the listening so much more enjoyable than it would have been if there was only one narrator.
Julia is a writer for TrendList (think Buzzfeed) and is in danger of losing her job if she doesn't come up with a unique story quickly. She finds a new resort opening that provides guests with the opportunity to live out their romantic comedy dreams with an immersive experience. Julia and her two best friends head there to gather information to write the article, but also to see if their romantic dreams can come true. Luke is a programmer, and together with his sister (event planner) and best friend (marketing genius) have been working with the ultra wealthy resort owner to get the experience off the ground. From their very first meet cute, Luke and Julia are smitten with each other. So much so that Luke decides to join in rather than run things from the background. What happens when they find out what the other is hiding?
There are some fun, laugh out loud moments with some seagulls and a gaggle of Corgis. There are also more serious moments where the characters ponder relationships past and present and how those have affected their lives. Although the book is enjoyable, there's nothing groundbreaking here. It's just a straightforward rom com. If you're looking for a bit of escapist romance with some chuckles, this one will definitely appeal.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Juliana Solo (who voices Julia) and Cody Gordon (who voices Luke). I loved having both perspectives narrated by different people because it made the listening so much more enjoyable than it would have been if there was only one narrator.
Julia is a writer for TrendList (think Buzzfeed) and is in danger of losing her job if she doesn't come up with a unique story quickly. She finds a new resort opening that provides guests with the opportunity to live out their romantic comedy dreams with an immersive experience. Julia and her two best friends head there to gather information to write the article, but also to see if their romantic dreams can come true. Luke is a programmer, and together with his sister (event planner) and best friend (marketing genius) have been working with the ultra wealthy resort owner to get the experience off the ground. From their very first meet cute, Luke and Julia are smitten with each other. So much so that Luke decides to join in rather than run things from the background. What happens when they find out what the other is hiding?
There are some fun, laugh out loud moments with some seagulls and a gaggle of Corgis. There are also more serious moments where the characters ponder relationships past and present and how those have affected their lives. Although the book is enjoyable, there's nothing groundbreaking here. It's just a straightforward rom com. If you're looking for a bit of escapist romance with some chuckles, this one will definitely appeal.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 10, 2021
Too Good to Be Real by Melonie Johnson
A romcom with a romcom. Creative and adorable.
Julie and her two best friends go on a getaway vacation, where the hotel has created a movie game playing concept taken from well known romantic comedies. Events include famous scenes from movies encouraging interaction and mingling. Corgis and seagulls add their own unique skills to the mix where adult entertainment ensues.
Yes there are deeper issues going on with the characters so the tone of the story is not all fun and games. But it’s a romance so we get our HEA and there are many great secondary friends that might lead to more stories.
I loved the hotel concept and have played some similar games at Reader conferences. I’m not sure I could give up my phone/iPad for days as was required (work and photos and books!) but the freedom of unplugged is enticing.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Juliana Solo and Cody Gordon. The two did the alternating, third person POV’s of Julia and Luke. Their voices fit the character ages well and the performance was clean from any noticeable editing issues. I alternated between 1.25 and 1.4 which is the standard for me.
A romcom with a romcom. Creative and adorable.
Julie and her two best friends go on a getaway vacation, where the hotel has created a movie game playing concept taken from well known romantic comedies. Events include famous scenes from movies encouraging interaction and mingling. Corgis and seagulls add their own unique skills to the mix where adult entertainment ensues.
Yes there are deeper issues going on with the characters so the tone of the story is not all fun and games. But it’s a romance so we get our HEA and there are many great secondary friends that might lead to more stories.
I loved the hotel concept and have played some similar games at Reader conferences. I’m not sure I could give up my phone/iPad for days as was required (work and photos and books!) but the freedom of unplugged is enticing.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Juliana Solo and Cody Gordon. The two did the alternating, third person POV’s of Julia and Luke. Their voices fit the character ages well and the performance was clean from any noticeable editing issues. I alternated between 1.25 and 1.4 which is the standard for me.
January 31, 2021
fun, flirty, and utterly delightful, this one is a joyous celebration of rom-coms, a perfect escape to dive into on dreary, isolated days. The romance is sweet and plays on popular rom-com tropes while Johnson also layers in several other meaningful relationships. She gives us a trio of girlfriends whose banter feels straight out of a Sex in the City episode, a brother and sister building a stronger, more trusting bond, and a braided theme on the legacy we inherit from our parents' relationships. Which patterns do we embrace and which do we shed as we forge our own paths? It's a true genre rom-com with plenty of romance (Elevator make out session! Passionate kisses in the rain! Grand gestures!), and plenty of comedy (Bonnie and Clyde seagulls! A pack of adorable corgis! A When Harry Met Sally inspired fake orgasm contest!). A smile-inducing tribute to the love stories we love.
July 6, 2021
Julia writes for a famous online magazine in Chicago. But so many people are getting fired! She needs the perfect idea for an article to convince her boss to keep her!
Enter: Notting Hill Resort.
A resort for fans of Rom-Coms to star in their own little romantic comedy for a week.
Perfect!
Luke, together with his buddy and his sister, have been working their behinds off to create the resort for their boss. And suddenly opening week is here and instead of making sure that everything in running smoothly he accidentally got caught in the middle of a rom-com meet-cute with Julia - and now he's pretending to be a guest too! LOL!
Let the fun times begin ...
══════════════════
ADORABLE!
I really enjoyed reading this story.
It was so very funny and sparky and sexy and Rom-Com-y.
I adored all the people!
I loved the location and the activities and the dogs and the colorful resort owner. It was all so cute and a bit over the top - but really adorable!
What I didn't love was the third person POV. I prefer first person. It just makes everything so much more confusing with all the HEs and SHEs ... I don't like that.
And the whole idea of this resort ... I kinda get it. But more as a single/matchmaking destination. There were so many couples and even a wedding party. I think as an only-for-singles thingy it would make so much more sense! And without all those paid actors obviously. If you can't fall for them, they're not needed at all. BUT - it was totally okay the way it was. A place for an older couple to spice up their routine et cetera. But it would just make more sense for singles only.
End of rant. ☺
I really liked the story and the people!
Wouldn't mind seeing this on Netflix one day!
💜
💜
July 12, 2021
3.5 /5 stars
Too Good to Be Real is a romantic comedy. It is my first book by this author.
This book is an enjoyable fun, charming, quick read.
The female narrator is Julia (3rd person POV). She writes for a popular website and makes a pitch to her boss. I really liked everything about the resort where she ends up.
The story mostly takes place at a Wisconsin resort that gives visitors a romantic comedy experience. I sort of loved this premise.
Other things that I loved were the brother-sister Luke/Penelope relationship. Luke is the male narrator (3rd person POV) and I just adored all of the interactions between him and his sister.
Also the owner of the resort is hilarious and eccentric.
The book was super funny and I loved everything to do with the seagulls (Bonnie and Clyde)
But the best part of the book is the amazing friendship between Julia, Kat and Andie. I love seeing female friendships depicted this way.
The main romance was good. And I did enjoy the chemistry between the couple. But what the book lacked for me was more in terms of surprises. It was an enjoyable read. But I wanted more.
Overall, if you are looking for a fun and flirty light read that follows a traditional rom-com formula then this book is for you.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
Too Good to Be Real is a romantic comedy. It is my first book by this author.
This book is an enjoyable fun, charming, quick read.
The female narrator is Julia (3rd person POV). She writes for a popular website and makes a pitch to her boss. I really liked everything about the resort where she ends up.
The story mostly takes place at a Wisconsin resort that gives visitors a romantic comedy experience. I sort of loved this premise.
Other things that I loved were the brother-sister Luke/Penelope relationship. Luke is the male narrator (3rd person POV) and I just adored all of the interactions between him and his sister.
Also the owner of the resort is hilarious and eccentric.
The book was super funny and I loved everything to do with the seagulls (Bonnie and Clyde)
But the best part of the book is the amazing friendship between Julia, Kat and Andie. I love seeing female friendships depicted this way.
The main romance was good. And I did enjoy the chemistry between the couple. But what the book lacked for me was more in terms of surprises. It was an enjoyable read. But I wanted more.
Overall, if you are looking for a fun and flirty light read that follows a traditional rom-com formula then this book is for you.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
July 9, 2021
*ARC kindly provided by the publisher, St Martin's Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
✨I liked the concept of a rom-com resort. Guests could sign up for activities and reenact scenes: paintball from 'Ten Things I Hate About You', dancing from 'Dirty Dancing' (obviously), the cards from 'Love, Actually' and the boombox from 'Say Anything'. Made me want to rewatch these iconic movies!
Sadly, an instance where the premise was much better than the execution.
~
From the start, although their relationship started on false pretences, that wasn't the biggest issue. The romance was so very one-dimensional and surface level. Their meet-cute was pretty good, but it quickly then went into insta-love/lust territory. The chemistry and humor wasn't there and all the characters (main and side) were not fleshed out at all.
The concept was promising, but unfortunately, it just did not deliver.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️: cancer (cancer remission for hero's sister), parental neglect (off-page)
✨I liked the concept of a rom-com resort. Guests could sign up for activities and reenact scenes: paintball from 'Ten Things I Hate About You', dancing from 'Dirty Dancing' (obviously), the cards from 'Love, Actually' and the boombox from 'Say Anything'. Made me want to rewatch these iconic movies!
Sadly, an instance where the premise was much better than the execution.
~
This story starts with Julia who works at a news and pop culture company (think Buzzfeed) where there's gonna be layoffs, and to secure her position, she pitches this blog/review idea to her boss about a resort that boasts a LARP (live action role playing game) through romantic-comedy movie experiences.
Now, the main guy Luke here is a worker at this Notting Hill Resort that is hosting this rom-com LARP. His first meeting with Julia went a bit awry, and he ends up lying to her, saying that he is a participant (when he is, in fact, the tech guy/coordinator responsible for organizing this game) because he thinks that Julia's friend is the reviewer and he wants to sway her to give a glowing review. Julia, on the other hand, makes him believe one of her two friends is the reviewer so that Julia will not be given special treatment during her stay, and thus her review will be unbiased.
From the start, although their relationship started on false pretences, that wasn't the biggest issue. The romance was so very one-dimensional and surface level. Their meet-cute was pretty good, but it quickly then went into insta-love/lust territory. The chemistry and humor wasn't there and all the characters (main and side) were not fleshed out at all.
The concept was promising, but unfortunately, it just did not deliver.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️: cancer (cancer remission for hero's sister), parental neglect (off-page)
March 20, 2021
Julia writes for a famous online magazine in Chicago. But so many people are getting fired! She needs the perfect idea for an article to convince her boss to keep her!
Enter: Notting Hill Resort.
A resort for fans of Rom-Coms to star in their own little romantic comedy for a week.
Perfect!
Luke, together with his buddy and his sister, have been working their behinds off to create the resort for their boss. And suddenly opening week is here and instead of making sure that everything in running smoothly he accidentally got caught in the middle of a rom-com meet-cute with Julia - and now he's pretending to be a guest too! LOL!
Let the fun times begin ...
══════════════════
ADORABLE!
I really enjoyed reading this story.
It was so very funny and sparky and sexy and Rom-Com-y.
I adored all the people!
I loved the location and the activities and the dogs and the colorful resort owner. It was all so cute and a bit over the top - but really adorable!
What I didn't love was the third person POV. I prefer first person. It just makes everything so much more confusing with all the HEs and SHEs ... I don't like that.
And the whole idea of this resort ... I kinda get it. But more as a single/matchmaking destination. There were so many couples and even a wedding party. I think as an only-for-singles thingy it would make so much more sense! And without all those paid actors obviously. If you can't fall for them, they're not needed at all. BUT - it was totally okay the way it was. A place for an older couple to spice up their routine et cetera. But it would just make more sense for singles only.
End of rant. ☺
I really liked the story and the people!
Wouldn't mind seeing this on Netflix one day!
💜
💜
October 14, 2021
I was browsing Melonie Johnson's Instagram feed a few weeks ago and saw that she posted Sunfire Romance books. This immediately made me adore her, as I loved those books in my preteen years. I had a feeling I was in for a treat with Too Good to Be Real: A Novel because anyone who read Sunfire books as avidly as I did has to know my tastes pretty well. Of course, my prediction was proved correct!
Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with Ted Lasso. There's an episode in season two that focuses on romcom movies. (That's all I will say about the episode as to avoid spoilers.) Given the premise of this novel, Ted would definitely approve! I approve too, since I love romcoms. The concept of a romcom resort is right up my alley. How fun would that be?!? The resort itself is very creative and allows for all sorts of funny and sweet moments.
I really liked the characters and plot. The story was engaging and there were even some steamy moments that made me blush. (The best kind!) I liked the dialogue and banter between Julia and Luke. I also was amused that there was a couple that went by the names David and Patrick. Was Melonie paying homage to my other favorite TV series, Schitt's Creek? I wasn't sure where things were going to go in the story and I enjoyed the natural progression.
It took a few chapters before the story really took off for me, but once it did, I was absorbed. I was confused by how Luke's computer simulation skills were able to work at a resort where people were acting. It wasn't really anything he could control digitally. It also would have helped if the characters just stuck with either their role playing name or their actual name instead of going back and forth between the two.
Overall, it was a cute and enjoyable novel and I'm definitely interested in reading more from Melonie Johnson!
Movie casting suggestions:
Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with Ted Lasso. There's an episode in season two that focuses on romcom movies. (That's all I will say about the episode as to avoid spoilers.) Given the premise of this novel, Ted would definitely approve! I approve too, since I love romcoms. The concept of a romcom resort is right up my alley. How fun would that be?!? The resort itself is very creative and allows for all sorts of funny and sweet moments.
I really liked the characters and plot. The story was engaging and there were even some steamy moments that made me blush. (The best kind!) I liked the dialogue and banter between Julia and Luke. I also was amused that there was a couple that went by the names David and Patrick. Was Melonie paying homage to my other favorite TV series, Schitt's Creek? I wasn't sure where things were going to go in the story and I enjoyed the natural progression.
It took a few chapters before the story really took off for me, but once it did, I was absorbed. I was confused by how Luke's computer simulation skills were able to work at a resort where people were acting. It wasn't really anything he could control digitally. It also would have helped if the characters just stuck with either their role playing name or their actual name instead of going back and forth between the two.
Overall, it was a cute and enjoyable novel and I'm definitely interested in reading more from Melonie Johnson!
Movie casting suggestions:
Julia: Haley Lu Richardson
Luke: Wyatt Nash
Andie: Brianna Hildebrand
Kat: Sasha Pieterse
Penelope: Joey King
Vijay: Hasan Minhaj
Mrs. Weatherfork: Ellen Greene
Zachary: Giacomo Gianniotti
July 5, 2021
* 3.5 Stars *
This was a really fun book. It is light hearted and easy to read, perfect for a chill summer day. I love how unique the characters were and the girl-power friendship made this book amazing. Andie, Kat, and Julie have been friends since college, and you can clearly see that in the way they interact. I loved the scenes between them because i felt like i was also a part of their group. They were so realistic and felt like true 26 year olds. I could relate to a lot of the things they were talking about and their attitudes towards relationships and men had me laughing out loud. We all have that one friend who, when baking, tries to create something that looks like a phallus.
This book was also just sex-positive and romance-positive. There were so many conversations about how no romance is perfect. That there are so many ups and down, and i really appreciated the raw take. It made this book unique.
I was surprised at the two steamy scenes we got! I wasn’t expecting such detail in a traditionally published romcom and it was a welcome surprise.
While i thought the romance between Luke and Julia was really cute, the problem was they we knew from the start was the conflict was going to be — they were both lying about who they were and once that came to light, it was going to split them up. And yup, that is what happened. I don’t normally live epilogues in my romcoms, but this one NEEDED one. I felt like it left off a little unfinished and I needed it to be rounded out. This is why it is a 3.5 and not a 4 star.
And while the book was super fun and the opening scene is one i won’t be forgetting any time soon, there was something missing from this book. I just didn’t connect with it as i have other romcoms. But i will be keeping my eye out for more from Melonie Johnson.
Overall this was a really fun summer read and i would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romcom books and everyone who is a romcom movie fan. The more references you understand, the better the experience.
This was a really fun book. It is light hearted and easy to read, perfect for a chill summer day. I love how unique the characters were and the girl-power friendship made this book amazing. Andie, Kat, and Julie have been friends since college, and you can clearly see that in the way they interact. I loved the scenes between them because i felt like i was also a part of their group. They were so realistic and felt like true 26 year olds. I could relate to a lot of the things they were talking about and their attitudes towards relationships and men had me laughing out loud. We all have that one friend who, when baking, tries to create something that looks like a phallus.
This book was also just sex-positive and romance-positive. There were so many conversations about how no romance is perfect. That there are so many ups and down, and i really appreciated the raw take. It made this book unique.
I was surprised at the two steamy scenes we got! I wasn’t expecting such detail in a traditionally published romcom and it was a welcome surprise.
While i thought the romance between Luke and Julia was really cute, the problem was they we knew from the start was the conflict was going to be — they were both lying about who they were and once that came to light, it was going to split them up. And yup, that is what happened. I don’t normally live epilogues in my romcoms, but this one NEEDED one. I felt like it left off a little unfinished and I needed it to be rounded out. This is why it is a 3.5 and not a 4 star.
And while the book was super fun and the opening scene is one i won’t be forgetting any time soon, there was something missing from this book. I just didn’t connect with it as i have other romcoms. But i will be keeping my eye out for more from Melonie Johnson.
Overall this was a really fun summer read and i would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romcom books and everyone who is a romcom movie fan. The more references you understand, the better the experience.
May 15, 2021
This was such a cute, fun read. I was smiling and laughing pretty much from the first page. I found it to be very entertaining, with characters that were easy to fall in love with. While I never really felt the chemistry between the hero and heroine, the storyline was engaging and the secondary characters were just as interesting as the main characters.
With so many fun moments that included corgis and seagulls, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the world this author created. Despite the hero and heroine having some issues to work through that affected their ability to take a chance on a relationship, the angst level remained low.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
With so many fun moments that included corgis and seagulls, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the world this author created. Despite the hero and heroine having some issues to work through that affected their ability to take a chance on a relationship, the angst level remained low.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
February 25, 2021
When I think of entertaining reads, I have a checklist of sorts that I would like the story to encompass, at least, a few of. This story goes above and beyond and almost checks off each item on my “perfect reads” list. Fresh and Innovative or Intriguing Plot/Engaging Characters/Unique Concept/Relatable Interaction/Romance/Humor....it has all of this and so much more! Through the story, we travel to a place called Notting Hill...one of my favorite movies of all time...and experience a week at a romantic simulation getaway through the eyes of three fabulous friends! While there, they experience the ups and downs of the “sim” and each find their own version of romance and fun interactions along the way. From beginning to end, I was thoroughly entertained. With the romantic comedy references, there was an element of sparkle added and sprinkled throughout. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, wish-you-were-transported-into-the-story kind of book, this must be on your list! I cannot recommend it enough!!
July 13, 2021
I don't know what to say about this book aside from that it's packed full of romance movie references so if you don't know them, you're going to be super confused. Unfortunately, it was me. I only knew a handful. Aside from that, this one followed the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 days where they both have motives and don't tell each other about them until it blows up. I thought it was an enjoyable read but I just thought it lacked a lot in terms of butterfly feelings and chemistry. I wanted to know them more and not her strong bond with her two other friends who kept showing up LOL I don't care about friendship. I care about the relationship.
March 21, 2021
Have you ever wanted to experience what it's like to be in a rom-com? Have you ever wanted to live the lives of our beloved characters from When Harry met Sally, Notting Hill, 10 Things I Hate About You, Sex in the City, the list goes on and on. Well Julia and her two friends actually will have that opportunity to do just that for one entire all-inclusive week.
As soon as they arrive at the resort in Wisconsin, Julia immediately meets Luke in the most adorable meet-cute way. But Luke isn't there to play the game, he's supposed to be the Game Master. Since he wants to know more about this woman, he reluctantly hands over the reigns to his sister, Penelope. The story progresses with several rom-com style activities and some not so planned activities (like a kleptomaniac seagull!)
I really liked these main characters. Both Luke and Julia had their little quirks that made both characters very relatable. Luke was an adorable geek and Julia was a struggling writer who was skeptical about long term relationships. However, I didn't care for Kat or Andie. They barely seemed relevant to the story. However, I might be interested to see if Melonie Johnson created a 2nd and 3rd book focusing on their stories, they would definitely have potential.
This was an easy, engaging read that I would recommend to lovers of rom-coms. There were many times I was laughing or smiling right along with the characters. Even the cover of this book was adorable!
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
As soon as they arrive at the resort in Wisconsin, Julia immediately meets Luke in the most adorable meet-cute way. But Luke isn't there to play the game, he's supposed to be the Game Master. Since he wants to know more about this woman, he reluctantly hands over the reigns to his sister, Penelope. The story progresses with several rom-com style activities and some not so planned activities (like a kleptomaniac seagull!)
I really liked these main characters. Both Luke and Julia had their little quirks that made both characters very relatable. Luke was an adorable geek and Julia was a struggling writer who was skeptical about long term relationships. However, I didn't care for Kat or Andie. They barely seemed relevant to the story. However, I might be interested to see if Melonie Johnson created a 2nd and 3rd book focusing on their stories, they would definitely have potential.
This was an easy, engaging read that I would recommend to lovers of rom-coms. There were many times I was laughing or smiling right along with the characters. Even the cover of this book was adorable!
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
February 19, 2021
This novel was my first Melonie Johnson and might I say, she has such a humorous wit about her writing. Too Good to be Real is about a trio of friends (specifically, Julia whom is a magazine journalist) that venture to a newly established resort where all guests are encouraged to play a character of a well known rom-com (think Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz, etc); this resort has established this sim-like experience where a person can experience meet-cutes and other romantic notions. Some of the “guests” are paid actors, there to set the image of the game. Julia just wants to write a review of this resort for the chance to get in the good graces of her boss, but is finding it tough to sort out what’s real and what’s part of the game.
The entire time I was reading this book, it reminded me of The Bold Type tv show (it’s subject contents, conversations, and this group of 3 strong women). It was nice to see the plot of this book wasn’t something I’d ever read about before, ringing a completely new experience. Most of all, I must applaud this author for stressing that a successful relationship only comes from one person placing the other person’s joy as a priority (along with their own) and noting that lasting love requires work at times! This made this book so much more relatable and realistic than a typical rom-com!
The entire time I was reading this book, it reminded me of The Bold Type tv show (it’s subject contents, conversations, and this group of 3 strong women). It was nice to see the plot of this book wasn’t something I’d ever read about before, ringing a completely new experience. Most of all, I must applaud this author for stressing that a successful relationship only comes from one person placing the other person’s joy as a priority (along with their own) and noting that lasting love requires work at times! This made this book so much more relatable and realistic than a typical rom-com!
February 11, 2021
1st Reading: 9th-11th February 2021
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
This story is just simple yet it takes my heart and IT'S SO SO GOOD. I've never read any of the author's works but this one is AMAZING. The blurb sounds just like a normal romance between strangers but believes me this one is different. I like the characters and their development until the end of the story. I like the plot and just like other normal romance stories, this one is an insta-love story. Our MCs are attracted to each other from their first meeting on the beach.
I personally not really like the ending. It doesn't mean the ending was bad but I think it can be better than the actual ending. I hope for more thrill and angsty moments between the MCs but in the end, it's just like that. The ending is good but I WANT MORE OF THEM.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance on receiving this ARC.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
This story is just simple yet it takes my heart and IT'S SO SO GOOD. I've never read any of the author's works but this one is AMAZING. The blurb sounds just like a normal romance between strangers but believes me this one is different. I like the characters and their development until the end of the story. I like the plot and just like other normal romance stories, this one is an insta-love story. Our MCs are attracted to each other from their first meeting on the beach.
I personally not really like the ending. It doesn't mean the ending was bad but I think it can be better than the actual ending. I hope for more thrill and angsty moments between the MCs but in the end, it's just like that. The ending is good but I WANT MORE OF THEM.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance on receiving this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2021
This was such an adorable fun read. I loved every minute of it, and I couldn’t put it down! The romance between Luke and Julia was written so well! This story made me smile so many times, and laugh as well. Definitely recommended for romance readers!
Thank you Netgallery for this arc!
Thank you Netgallery for this arc!
July 4, 2021
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued... and then skeptical. I mean, how does a resort for romantic comedies work? Wouldn't it all be fake? I mean, how can you *stage* a meet cute? But after hearing how much humor and heart this story brought from friends, I ended up deciding to give it a go, and I'm glad I did!
From this very first page, Johnson brings laugh-out-loud humor, which carries through the book. Rom-com movie lovers are sure to appreciate the umpteen quotes from classic films like Notting Hill, serving of *the* pie from When Harry Met Sally, and paint ball scenes straight from 10 Things I Hate About You. While the premise of this books invariable leads to the two leads hiding major secrets from each other and basically starting a relationship under false pretenses, which likely will make some readers uncomfortable, there was at least a balance to the deception, and with dual-POV chapters we knew everyone's heart was in the right place.
I think the idea of a rom-com hotel would have been better if there weren't actors involved and it were just all singles or couples. While I understand this whole concept is fictional, the idea of an actor swooping off my feet consistently rubbed me the wrong way. But as a huge fan of murder mystery dinners and weekends, the idea of a week or weekend enthralled in the world of rom-coms is certainly something I would sign up for!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and author Melonie Johnson for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
From this very first page, Johnson brings laugh-out-loud humor, which carries through the book. Rom-com movie lovers are sure to appreciate the umpteen quotes from classic films like Notting Hill, serving of *the* pie from When Harry Met Sally, and paint ball scenes straight from 10 Things I Hate About You. While the premise of this books invariable leads to the two leads hiding major secrets from each other and basically starting a relationship under false pretenses, which likely will make some readers uncomfortable, there was at least a balance to the deception, and with dual-POV chapters we knew everyone's heart was in the right place.
I think the idea of a rom-com hotel would have been better if there weren't actors involved and it were just all singles or couples. While I understand this whole concept is fictional, the idea of an actor swooping off my feet consistently rubbed me the wrong way. But as a huge fan of murder mystery dinners and weekends, the idea of a week or weekend enthralled in the world of rom-coms is certainly something I would sign up for!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and author Melonie Johnson for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
July 5, 2021
While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favourite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned. A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind when impending layoffs threaten her job. As Julia searches for the ultimate pitch to impress her boss Cleo, she stumbles upon a resort offering guests a chance to live out their romantic comedy dreams.
At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbours a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly.
A hugely entertaining book that had me hooked from the first sentence & had me smiling all the way through. If you’re looking for a light hearted, entertaining read with great characters then settle down with this little beauty plus you may find some rom-com movies to watch. I read this book when I was feeling a bit down & it lifted my mood, I loved both Luke & Julia who fell for each other hard & fast but they were both keeping secrets so things were bound to go pear shaped. The secondary characters were delightful & the situations are different & fun. A well written, captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbours a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly.
A hugely entertaining book that had me hooked from the first sentence & had me smiling all the way through. If you’re looking for a light hearted, entertaining read with great characters then settle down with this little beauty plus you may find some rom-com movies to watch. I read this book when I was feeling a bit down & it lifted my mood, I loved both Luke & Julia who fell for each other hard & fast but they were both keeping secrets so things were bound to go pear shaped. The secondary characters were delightful & the situations are different & fun. A well written, captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 1, 2021
The premise for Too Good to Be Real is fantastic - a couple meets at a resort designed to offer a live action rom com experience. Since rom com is my favorite genre, this book was right up my alley. The main characters had great chemistry. The secondary characters were great and added interest to the story. The HEA ending is worthy of a book about Rom Coms.
July 14, 2021
Julia is a writer in her mid-20s, working a semi-gig job at Trendlist (think: Buzzfeed). When rumors of layoffs circulate, Julia knows that she has to go to her boss and tell her that she can write more than just listicles. Her boss gives her an opportunity to write for Trendlist's famous new segment that reviews fun destinations around the world, and Julia jumps at the chance. After a bit of research, she finds Notting Hill - a romcom resort on the shores of Lake Michigan - for her and her two best friends to enjoy for a week. The resort is supposed to give guests a chance to live out their romcom dreams, filled with characters stolen from the most famous romance movies (Bridget...Johnson, Meg...Bryant, etc.), meet-cutes, and romantic activities. Julia knows that she's there to give an impartial review of the place, but when she runs into Luke (literally, runs into him on the beach), she knows she's going to get a lot more than what she bargained for.
When I think about what I love in my favorite romcoms (both book and film), it's always the characters. I want two real, flawed, rounded characters that I can love and hate and laugh with and cry with. I don't want a quirky-weird character whose only flaws are just charming eccentricities, and I don't want someone who's just classically hot and boring, and I don't want a recycled, flat trope of a spinster woman exhausted with love or a nerd with no woman skills (who actually does have "woman skills"). I'll admit that these standards are really high, and I feel like they are rarely met. I couldn't even concretely tell you what I didn't like about Julia and Luke - the traits of "two real characters" are something I really only know when I read it.
In terms of plot, I feel like a lot of romcoms these days rely way too hard on the trope or the gimmick and not enough on the chemistry and the (real-life) world-building. When books do that, the plot becomes insanely predictable. There's a dash of hidden identities (Julia hiding that she's a reporter and Luke hiding that he's the game master), lots of romcom activities (paintball, getting stuck in the rain, etc.), and a convenient deus ex machina to tie it all up - the dreaded Trendlist article. Each main character has a squad of two sidekicks that fill all of the cliches, from girlfriends for Julia to drink cocktails and watch romcoms with to a best friend-sister combo to give Luke a makeover. It's just all so stereotypical and predictable that reading almost felt pointless. I can't even count the number of times that I yelled out, "Oh my god, seriously?" at something so corny it elicited a verbal response.
Also, while I'm nitpicking, I find that I rarely like romcoms where you get the perspective of both love interests. I find that it's much more realistic, enjoyable, and swoon-worthy to just get one perspective and leave you guessing as to what's going through the other person's mind. And one more thing - did anyone else find this plot very similar to Austenland? Just me?
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this romcom - I really wish I had enjoyed it more, but I found that it was a relatively shallow book that didn't give me the depth I was looking for and recycled many tired tropes that made the book entirely too predictable to enjoy. Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC via Netgalley.
When I think about what I love in my favorite romcoms (both book and film), it's always the characters. I want two real, flawed, rounded characters that I can love and hate and laugh with and cry with. I don't want a quirky-weird character whose only flaws are just charming eccentricities, and I don't want someone who's just classically hot and boring, and I don't want a recycled, flat trope of a spinster woman exhausted with love or a nerd with no woman skills (who actually does have "woman skills"). I'll admit that these standards are really high, and I feel like they are rarely met. I couldn't even concretely tell you what I didn't like about Julia and Luke - the traits of "two real characters" are something I really only know when I read it.
In terms of plot, I feel like a lot of romcoms these days rely way too hard on the trope or the gimmick and not enough on the chemistry and the (real-life) world-building. When books do that, the plot becomes insanely predictable. There's a dash of hidden identities (Julia hiding that she's a reporter and Luke hiding that he's the game master), lots of romcom activities (paintball, getting stuck in the rain, etc.), and a convenient deus ex machina to tie it all up - the dreaded Trendlist article. Each main character has a squad of two sidekicks that fill all of the cliches, from girlfriends for Julia to drink cocktails and watch romcoms with to a best friend-sister combo to give Luke a makeover. It's just all so stereotypical and predictable that reading almost felt pointless. I can't even count the number of times that I yelled out, "Oh my god, seriously?" at something so corny it elicited a verbal response.
Also, while I'm nitpicking, I find that I rarely like romcoms where you get the perspective of both love interests. I find that it's much more realistic, enjoyable, and swoon-worthy to just get one perspective and leave you guessing as to what's going through the other person's mind. And one more thing - did anyone else find this plot very similar to Austenland? Just me?
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this romcom - I really wish I had enjoyed it more, but I found that it was a relatively shallow book that didn't give me the depth I was looking for and recycled many tired tropes that made the book entirely too predictable to enjoy. Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC via Netgalley.
Read
July 25, 2021This book was cute and funny and exactly hit all the tropes any fan of classic RomCom movies will know and love. Luke, a nerdy programmer/LARP game designer is part of a team running a RomCom-themed vacation. Julia is there with her friends to write a review of the experience. The two of them have a real-life meet cute, and then spend the week falling in love. But neither of them are willing to reveal their whole truth to each other. And how do they know if what they feel is real or is it all part of the fantasy? I particularly loved that Luke wasn't your typical over-muscled, exceedingly charming leading man. And the various side characters (even the seagull) filled out this fun romp of a book.
July 8, 2021
I loved this! The Rom-com resort was the perfect setting.
July 23, 2021
ARC provided by netgalley in exchange of a honest review.
I was really looking forward to reading this book, because of the cover and the fact that the main character is called Julia (it is very difficult to find books characters with my name and I was super anxious to read).
This book is light and fun, and it has everything a perfect rom com offers. The whole theme involving old romantic comedy films is extremely fun and something I had never seen before.
I would like to talk about three things that for me were the strong point of the book.
Julia is a character that won me over and that I felt represented many times. Julia loves romantic comedies, but she doesn't believe that it really exists. Even dreaming of living a movie-worthy romance, Julia still thinks it's impossible to live that. And it touched my wound, because I have the same vision. I just love her.
I loved all the secondary characters. The whole dynamics of Julia's relationship with her best friends, Andie and Kat, is incredible. I loved it even though it wasn't the main story, we see the romance between Curt and Andie growing, how we fell in love with the relationship between Patrick and David, Sally and Harry, and Pen and Jay. It's amazing to see a book that also focuses on the secondary characters, they are not just there to be a tool for Julia and Luke's story, they are also experiencing their romantic comedy.
And for last, but not least, let me talk about Luke. Luke is incredible. He is centered and loving, but he doesn't know how to fall in love. And that's one of the things that makes "too good to be real" fun the most. Seeing Luke discover that he is in love and having to deal with an imperfection of his own feeling is something extremely important for the story. It is one of the first times in a rom com that I saw the man being afraid of falling in love and who shows it openly, without feeling exposed. And I have to talk about Luke's whole relationship with the two seagulls, Bonnie and Clyde. Simply incredible.
Bonnie and Clyde 4life.
I was really looking forward to reading this book, because of the cover and the fact that the main character is called Julia (it is very difficult to find books characters with my name and I was super anxious to read).
This book is light and fun, and it has everything a perfect rom com offers. The whole theme involving old romantic comedy films is extremely fun and something I had never seen before.
I would like to talk about three things that for me were the strong point of the book.
Julia is a character that won me over and that I felt represented many times. Julia loves romantic comedies, but she doesn't believe that it really exists. Even dreaming of living a movie-worthy romance, Julia still thinks it's impossible to live that. And it touched my wound, because I have the same vision. I just love her.
I loved all the secondary characters. The whole dynamics of Julia's relationship with her best friends, Andie and Kat, is incredible. I loved it even though it wasn't the main story, we see the romance between Curt and Andie growing, how we fell in love with the relationship between Patrick and David, Sally and Harry, and Pen and Jay. It's amazing to see a book that also focuses on the secondary characters, they are not just there to be a tool for Julia and Luke's story, they are also experiencing their romantic comedy.
And for last, but not least, let me talk about Luke. Luke is incredible. He is centered and loving, but he doesn't know how to fall in love. And that's one of the things that makes "too good to be real" fun the most. Seeing Luke discover that he is in love and having to deal with an imperfection of his own feeling is something extremely important for the story. It is one of the first times in a rom com that I saw the man being afraid of falling in love and who shows it openly, without feeling exposed. And I have to talk about Luke's whole relationship with the two seagulls, Bonnie and Clyde. Simply incredible.
Bonnie and Clyde 4life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
Main female character Julia is a writer for a popular website trying to prove her worth to the boss. She, along with her two best girlfriends, escape into the world of Romantic Comedies to cope with dating and general life in the 21st century. So of course when a chance to save her job involves the three of them packing up and heading to a RomCom Resort for a week…. they are all in!
Main male character Luke is the guy destined to star in her RomCom journey from the moment she bumps (quite literally)into him at the resort. They experience so many RomCom-staple-moments that Julia is left wondering if it is all too good to be real. In true RomCom style there is definitely more to the story….
Read Too Good To Be True by Melonie Johnson to find out and enjoy along the way….
Relatable characters - The characters are relatable, with each character dealing with their own list I of relationship dos and don’ts shaped more often than not by their parents. While they are at a RomCom Resort it is definitely still real life as the characters make their own choices and moves unlike the scripted ones made in a Romantic Comedy. They overthink everything….. and really, who doesn’t?!?!?
Fun Worldbuilding -The resort is wonderful and I want to book a stay immediately. The author pays homage to many iconic romantic comedies throughout the book from experiences offered at the resort to conversations and competitions that take place. Having finished the book, I now plan to spend the rest of my summer days going down romantic comedy memory lane whenever I am able to squeeze in movie time.
Strong and wonderful female friendships - My absolute favorite part of the book was the female friendship. I lived for the parts where the women were together and their witty banter. I’d reread it again just for those moments. They teased each other, but also supported each other to the point of pushing aside guy-time to be there for each other when it was needed.
I can’t wait to revisit the RomCom resort in future books and can’t recommend this book enough!
Main male character Luke is the guy destined to star in her RomCom journey from the moment she bumps (quite literally)into him at the resort. They experience so many RomCom-staple-moments that Julia is left wondering if it is all too good to be real. In true RomCom style there is definitely more to the story….
Read Too Good To Be True by Melonie Johnson to find out and enjoy along the way….
Relatable characters - The characters are relatable, with each character dealing with their own list I of relationship dos and don’ts shaped more often than not by their parents. While they are at a RomCom Resort it is definitely still real life as the characters make their own choices and moves unlike the scripted ones made in a Romantic Comedy. They overthink everything….. and really, who doesn’t?!?!?
Fun Worldbuilding -The resort is wonderful and I want to book a stay immediately. The author pays homage to many iconic romantic comedies throughout the book from experiences offered at the resort to conversations and competitions that take place. Having finished the book, I now plan to spend the rest of my summer days going down romantic comedy memory lane whenever I am able to squeeze in movie time.
Strong and wonderful female friendships - My absolute favorite part of the book was the female friendship. I lived for the parts where the women were together and their witty banter. I’d reread it again just for those moments. They teased each other, but also supported each other to the point of pushing aside guy-time to be there for each other when it was needed.
I can’t wait to revisit the RomCom resort in future books and can’t recommend this book enough!
March 27, 2021
3.75/5 RTC!
≫ ──── ∗ ⋅ notes ⋅ ∗ ──── ≪
why does everything mention bridgett jones’s diary…
imagine being so out of shape that you cant move your legs after running for like 2 minutes and your legs are “atrophied skin sacks” LMAOOO
YES LUKE! WE LOVE CONSENT
luke is a sweet guy, but he can be stupid sometimes and hopelessly oblivious when it comes to his *cough* sister and his best friend *cough* (im so sorry if that’s a spoiler but it was just so terribly obvious i have NO IDEA just how he didn’t see it, maybe it’s the protective big brother kicking in but still)
both trios (kat andie jules & luke pen jay) are amazing. seriously.
curt and his “oh yeah”s always come in at the right time haha
this literally has so many good quotes and paragraphs, it makes my heart melt.
rom-coms always manage to break my heart in different ways.🥺
Julia watched, desire careering through her as he nipped at her fingers with his teeth. One by one he pulled her fingers into his mouth, sucking gently. Each tug pulled at something deep inside her. Her knees wobbled.
ummmm this… i did not know this was gonna be a erotica type of book-
03/27/21
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
this is going to be my fourth rom com this month… only halfway through the month and im not even that much of a romance fan…
hopefully after a few more books, i will be :)
≫ ──── ∗ ⋅ notes ⋅ ∗ ──── ≪
why does everything mention bridgett jones’s diary…
imagine being so out of shape that you cant move your legs after running for like 2 minutes and your legs are “atrophied skin sacks” LMAOOO
YES LUKE! WE LOVE CONSENT
luke is a sweet guy, but he can be stupid sometimes and hopelessly oblivious when it comes to his *cough* sister and his best friend *cough* (im so sorry if that’s a spoiler but it was just so terribly obvious i have NO IDEA just how he didn’t see it, maybe it’s the protective big brother kicking in but still)
both trios (kat andie jules & luke pen jay) are amazing. seriously.
curt and his “oh yeah”s always come in at the right time haha
this literally has so many good quotes and paragraphs, it makes my heart melt.
rom-coms always manage to break my heart in different ways.🥺
Julia watched, desire careering through her as he nipped at her fingers with his teeth. One by one he pulled her fingers into his mouth, sucking gently. Each tug pulled at something deep inside her. Her knees wobbled.
ummmm this… i did not know this was gonna be a erotica type of book-
03/27/21
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
this is going to be my fourth rom com this month… only halfway through the month and im not even that much of a romance fan…
hopefully after a few more books, i will be :)
March 27, 2021
Too Good To Be Real by Melonie Johnson is a funny, flirty, rom-com that checks all the boxes for me.
This story is about Julia who is a writer for Trendlist. Her job is on the chopping block, Julia decided to take this opportunity to try to write for ‘Take Me’ section. The section is about traveling and adventure. Julia hears about this rom-com resort based off the movie Notting Hill. It's a LARP resort where they assign characters for the guest to act like during their stay. Luke the manager of the resort had a meet cute with Julia when they collided down at the beach near the resort.
Luke, happens to be the designer behind the experience (of course). But serendipitously, he runs into Julia before the event begins. Bam. The lines between faux immersive experience and real love get blurred.
Throw in some kleptomaniac seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and karaoke serenade and soon these two people find themselves falling in love with each other. Even though this resort is about pretend, these feelings are starting to feel a lot more real than both of them realized.
If you like to laugh out loud at dialogue, banter, and just characters refusing to confess their feelings to one another (and being super awkward about it along the way) this one is for you.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This story is about Julia who is a writer for Trendlist. Her job is on the chopping block, Julia decided to take this opportunity to try to write for ‘Take Me’ section. The section is about traveling and adventure. Julia hears about this rom-com resort based off the movie Notting Hill. It's a LARP resort where they assign characters for the guest to act like during their stay. Luke the manager of the resort had a meet cute with Julia when they collided down at the beach near the resort.
Luke, happens to be the designer behind the experience (of course). But serendipitously, he runs into Julia before the event begins. Bam. The lines between faux immersive experience and real love get blurred.
Throw in some kleptomaniac seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and karaoke serenade and soon these two people find themselves falling in love with each other. Even though this resort is about pretend, these feelings are starting to feel a lot more real than both of them realized.
If you like to laugh out loud at dialogue, banter, and just characters refusing to confess their feelings to one another (and being super awkward about it along the way) this one is for you.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
July 20, 2021
This book is very endearing ♥️ It’s such an adorable, light hearted rom com, with some laugh out loud moments. I really wish I could be transported into this book, and have my own romantic experience 😍 It’s such a charming story, with fantastic characters. I really love Julia’s group of girlfriends!! They’re the girlfriends you wish you had ♥️ I thought the concept of the dating resort was amazing, and I was very glued to this book, enjoying everyone’s romantic vacation!!!
Julia is a mess when it comes to dating. She’s had one disastrous experience after another. When there is a layoff at her job, she realizes she needs to step up her game, as a reporter. Julia ends up finding the ultimate story, via a resort that provides the perfect romantic experience. You can become a key character in your favorite romantic movie!!! Julia and her girlfriends go. She unintentionally meets Luke, who just so happens to be one of the designers of the resort. He knows there’s a reporter there, but mistakenly thinks it’s one of Julia’s friends. He gets closer to Julia, in order to get closer to her “reporter” friend. Julia doesn’t correct his mistake. As they get to know each other, Luke and Julia end up falling for each other. What happens with a case of mistaken identity, and other events that ensue along the way…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FUN READ 💙
Julia is a mess when it comes to dating. She’s had one disastrous experience after another. When there is a layoff at her job, she realizes she needs to step up her game, as a reporter. Julia ends up finding the ultimate story, via a resort that provides the perfect romantic experience. You can become a key character in your favorite romantic movie!!! Julia and her girlfriends go. She unintentionally meets Luke, who just so happens to be one of the designers of the resort. He knows there’s a reporter there, but mistakenly thinks it’s one of Julia’s friends. He gets closer to Julia, in order to get closer to her “reporter” friend. Julia doesn’t correct his mistake. As they get to know each other, Luke and Julia end up falling for each other. What happens with a case of mistaken identity, and other events that ensue along the way…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FUN READ 💙
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