(Review #389)
I rated Happy Place by Emily Henry, a clean standalone contemporary romance a 4.4/5. It has one point of view written in first person with a happily ever after.
“In every universe…”
Harriet & Wyn.
Where to begin? Well, they don’t have the traditional meet cute. The story starts months after breaking off their engagement and they’re forced to spend a vacation together faking a continued relationship. This was my least favorite of Emily Henry books so far because they struggled so much. I was wincing for a lot of it and my body was tense. Which yes, shows for great writing, but it wasn’t super enjoyable lol because there was no relaxing bit.
These are my live thoughts while reading:
I like that current time chapters are called “real life,” lol. So perfect.
I’m flying through this book because the characters all feel so real … but it doesn’t feel “comfortable” and sweet since it’s post break-up and second chance romance. It feels more realistic than typical contemporary romances.
At the halfway mark I’m just cringing the whole time because their fake dating and real feelings isn’t comfortable or pleasant. They’re both hurting so much.
After chapter 22 I’m dying to know what the hell happened between them to create the break up in the first place?
In the end I love how much emphasis is put on the trip friendship.
This is how I’ve rated her other books in past reviews:
Beach Read 5/5
Book Lovers 4.8/5
People We Meet on Vacation 4.5/5
Happy place 4.4/5