Just Friends by Holly McCulloch

I would have to say one of the main cliché's of rom-coms is the traditional friend-zone, which the book shown above falls into this category. It's familiar for the reader, it's entertaining and more often than not, it gives us something all to invest in for those few painfully silent hours at home alone.

Particularly, this book ticks all the boxes as what is described as a entertaining rom-com read. They both somehow have come to have the feels for each other, they hide it because they believe that they are not good enough for the other person and all of a sudden one decides they want a change of location (very Bridget Jones if you ask me).

But weirdly I have somehow grown attached to both characters, Bea and Peter. Bea, who is at that stage where she feels like she has to prove to society that she can go and date people and maybe end up in a well-meaning relationship (although the scenes that had boilerman Colin always made me cringe. All I can say is the word, Chicken). Peter, on the other hand, is annoyingly so entranced by Bea that it makes it look like Bea is blind from seeing what is clearly in front of her. Unfortunately, because of his reputation as being an 'oddball' it seems like Bea can't see the leading man in him.

However, not to worry for those rom-com fans if any of these clichés have somehow put you off reading this book. The end is so sweet and real and very modern. It is almost like saying why does everyone have to take the next step so suddenly? Because relationships are about the journey and compromise, which is without a doubt something which this book hints - because this is the reality of it all.

I did enjoy this book quite a lot and anyone who just wants to read to kill a few hours and still making you feel fuzzy inside, well this one is definitely one for you. Four stars today.

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The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

If you are in the mood for a sweet romance that gives Groundhog Day and Ferris Bueller vibes then this book is for you. What happens if you wake up to the same Valentine’s Day and everything always goes not to plan? What if you are someone who likes to plan and not share how you are really feeling? Emilie, our female protagonist is very much a stickler for planning and keeping to societal norms. She never really speaks her mind. But this Valentine’s Day is different. She is different. I found that the book itself is quirky and fun. It does have moments of sadness but there is a lot of heart in terms of how it is done. There could have been more time with other characters that are mentioned throughout but at the end of the day it is very much a Young Adult piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Would I read it again? Possibly if I want a Valentines themed book. It was also very quick to read for those who are not into big tomes. Rating: 4 Stars

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