Review #539
I read this one for a bookclub I host in Raleigh. The author even sent us a packet of free bookmarks for SWAG!
It had a lot of “13 Going on 30” vibes with Jennifer Garner. I’d give this standalone romcom a solid 4.75/5 stars. I really liked all the characters. I think the climatic scene felt a little rushed after all the build up but I approve of the choices the author made overall and I’m a happy reader.
Gem is recovering from a break up of 4 years and her big sister tries to convince her to release some stress by sleeping with Gem’s best friend, Dax (who may or may not already be crushing on her).
I barely made any notes while reading because it felt so fluid but here are my comments in the moment. Beware of spoilers:
At the halfway mark, she’s choosing to go for it and I’m completely rooting for her but this will all fall to such crap later!!!!
I’m almost afraid of finishing the book because I dont want her to lose Dax in either reality.
At the end, I’m pleasantly surprised that one of my predictions was inaccurate which always makes it more fun. I’d recommend this to any reader who likes contemporary magic sprinkled into a love story.
The Book Club Kit has a letter from the author, recipe for margs, a cast of characters, the love cleanse spell, a playlist and discussion questions:
Which romance tropes did you notice? (Time lapse, kind of a second chance, friends to lovers)
Which characters resonated with you most? (Gem because I second guess myself often.)
What are the themes? How would you describe this novel to a friend?
Did you ever have an event change the course of your life? (many)
If you could cast a spell like Livi’s would you? (No)
What surprised you most about alternate timeline Gemma?
What is the book saying about success?
What does a successful life look like to you?
How do you feel about the book’s ending?
What do you think happens to Gemma & Dax after the book ends?