a refreshing twist on a seemingly common plot

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Overall, this was a fun read. It starts out like a typical rom-com with a quiet, reserved woman, Ava, getting swept off her feet by a tall, handsome, gregarious man, Mat, who suddenly appears in he life. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more nuance and depth to the story than initially expected. I found Ava to be relatable at times, and extremely annoying at other times, but I appreciated how we got to see the choices she was making in trying to cope with her traumas. The book also forces the reader to think about the subtle ways in which things like race and gender can color the way we perceive the characters.

The writing style was easy to read and I found the not so subtle jabs at corporate culture and the over-commercialization of everyday products to be both on-point and entertaining. The pacing of the plot was ok - it slowed down a little bit in the middle and then seemed a little rushed at the end. That being said, I read the second half in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, so it definitely kept my interest!