YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

The New York Times bestselling author of Life's Too Short delivers a refreshingly modern fairy tale perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry.

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[I am really enjoying this so far. Love their banter. In chapter 4, the last part shocked me a little to be honest. The author was providing us friendly banter. I thought they were going to go to his house and eat and talk....but then boom! (hide spoiler)]

❄ BLUE ❄ wrote: "Chapter 4

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, done and run
🤣🤣🤣🤣 (hide spoiler)]

I started the book a couple of hours ago and I have been reading nonstop. It's so good. Abby Jimenez is one of my fav authors. And I'm loving her new book.

Currently at chapter 17

(view spoiler)[ Daniel is an absolute cinnamon roll. I love him. I feel so bad that he's being treated like that. I understand where Alexis is coming from, girl has to bear so much burden!! Still, I'm getting angry on her.

Her parents and friends are the worst. So toxic and manipulative. Hate them...She should leave them and come to live with Daniel...

Their love will have to face so many hurdles..I already feel bad for them (hide spoiler)]

Oh! You're fast. I'm just catching up. I have to admit that the writing style is really good.

(view spoiler)[Alexis's father is terrible. Neil is pissing me off. Why is these poeple so toxic? But I am loving Alexis and Daniel together. The 9 year age gap does not feel awkward. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27

(view spoiler)[ It feels like everything is standing against them and stopping them from being together. Family, friends, occupation, social status...everything. I am so frustrated. But you're right. Alexis and Daniel are wonderful together. The best... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33

(view spoiler)[Alexis is so annoying. I liked her at the beginning. But now...I hate her. I understand her reasons for not wanting to get attached to Daniel. But that doesn't excuse her behaviour. She kept stuffs from him, kept him in the dark, she was in control of their whole relationship. She did whatever she wanted. She paid no attention to how he might have felt. Selfish, Stupid and a complete pushover. (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to something a little different.

@Karen, great! excited to see how you feel.

Just finished. It was good. But Alexis needed more character development in my opinion. However I'm very exciting for Bri's story.

I have finished too. Rating it 4 stars.

(view spoiler)[I agree with you. Alexis should have received much more development. Yes she was stupid and gullible. But I also understand her behaviour considering the abuse she endured, the trauma she went through. I sympathise with her. (hide spoiler)]

❄ BLUE ❄ wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

Yeah me too. I also felt sad for her. But still wasn't a fan f the romance.

I love Abby and will join as soon as my library has a copy in. In unrelated news, I am checking approximately once per hour if the library has received this book yet--top of the hold list and I live 2 minutes away!

Up to ch7. Alexis is a character I can’t make my mind up about. Really want to see if she gets back in touch with Daniel.

Up to ch10. Clearly get on well, but date two seems rather uncomfortable.

Up to ch21. I’d be embarrassed to have friends like that. Really not impressed that Alexis doesn’t tell them who Daniel is.

Up to ch30. Really wasn’t expecting the harder-hitting focus. Some of the male characters in this really are awful!

❄ BLUE ❄ wrote: "Chapter 4

[spoilers removed]"

They seemed to move a little quicker than expected, but I think their interaction in the bar showed they are going to get on well.

Maisha wrote: "Currently at chapter 17

Daniel is an absolute cinnamon roll. I love him. I feel so bad that he's being treated like that. I understand where Alexis is coming from, girl has to bear so much burden..."

I appreciated both had things they struggled to manage, but though it is easy for us to see Alexis's family and certain relationships as toxic, she's so accustomed to it that I remember thinking I hope she got the chance to recognise this - eventually.

Maisha wrote: "Chapter 33

[spoilers removed]"

I found her frustrating, but having lived for so long with the kind of emotional abuse she has I don't think she's really able to recognise how good Daniel is for her at this stage. Rather, she does but she isn't ready to acknowledge it publicly.

Finished. Review on home page. I am keen to see what is made of Bri's story - she was just the spur Alexis needed.

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Date changed. Restarting July 1st 2022. Happy Reading ☺

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Chapter 11- (view spoiler)[ I'm already loving this! The banter and instant chemistry between Daniel and Alexis was so awesome. And I live in Iowa, so this Waukon stuff is HILARIOUS!!

I love opposites attract in books, and I'm loving that this is an age gap romance...I didn't know that going into this book.

Great start! (hide spoiler)]

Last line of chapter 11- (view spoiler)[ I love that she keeps taking his sweatshirt!! :) (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13- (view spoiler)[ Agghh...Yes!! The inside jokes about Princess Bride...this is going to be adorable! (hide spoiler)]

Chapte 14- (view spoiler)[ Girls weekend is about to become the clash of two worlds! (hide spoiler)]

"Grace costs you nothing."

I think I'm going to put that quote up somewhere in my classroom!

Chapter 20- (view spoiler)[ Yikes...what terrible friends. I know it's part of the story, but I don't know how Alexis can be "so her" and still be friends with people like that. I know she's living a lie and trying to please people, which I get, but there is no way I could fake being friendly to people like that.

I was thinking Alexis' friends would find out about her and Daniel, so I'm curious how this is going to come out. I hope he doesn't resent the fact that she is keeping him secret when he clearly wants more from her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22- (view spoiler)[ And even her parents are terrible! Playing golf with her ex? Wanting them to get back together? I can’t even…. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26- (view spoiler)[ Ooof…the pieces are clicking together with the parents. So sad. Mom went a lot with the same type of behavior for too long and can’t get out of it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29- (view spoiler)[ I wonder if there will be a spinoff with Liz. There is a lot to her story! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33- (view spoiler)[ Oh hell! He was just trying to be supportive. I love Daniel so much. I’m glad Alexis admitted in front of her friends and family that he was her boyfriend, but what an awfully messy situation.

And Bri! She’s an amazing friend! (hide spoiler)]

Ending- (view spoiler)[ I loved it! Perfect! (hide spoiler)]

I loved this!! I also loved that there was a lot of crossover from earlier books even if they didn't really mention it outright.

Seems I'm always reading romances where one set of parents need a massive attitude adjustment!! Oh, and the dog! Awwww.....