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Title: Too Good to Be Real
Author: Melonie Johnson
Sub-genre: Contemporary
Sometimes when book announcements get posted on Twitter, I make a mental note because from the description alone, I know I’m going to love the book. That definitely happened with Too Good to Be Real, and I’m happy to report it totally lived up to all my expectations.
Julia is a writer who is in danger of losing her position at the popular website where she works. In order to save her spot, she has to branch out and start writing some new pieces, and she only has a few days to craft a pitch and get it accepted. Luckily, she stumbles on the perfect pitch: a resort that offers its guests a fully immersive rom-com experience. Julia and her two besties score a free trip and then they are off to the resort. Julia’s friends are all-in on the concept of falling in love, but she has a few reservations after some bad experiences, and some bad luck. Which seems to follow her to the resort since basically the minute she arrives, she crashes into some guy who then gets pooped on by a seagull. Luke is pretty into Julia after their crash landing, but after a mistaken case of identity, he thinks she’s the friend of the reviewer coming to stay and hopefully promote the resort. Luke, his sister, and his best friend have all been working hard on the rom-com live experience and they need it to succeed. Luke decides to go undercover to make sure the reviewer (Luke thinks one of Julia’s friends is the writer, not Julia) has the best possible time. Lots of confusion and angst and tropey rom-com times ensue, and of course, everything is revealed in the end and they all live happily ever after.
If you are a fan of rom-coms, it’s hard not to love this book. It is jam packed with every trope you could think of and so many movie references I don’t even think I caught them all. First of all, I want this resort to be real because how amazing would it be to be able to spend a week living out all of your rom-com fantasies? Sign me up! The whole setting and concept was so unique I was instantly enamored. I also really loved Julia (and related to her, not gonna lie) as she was the totally clumsy sometimes clueless but always adorable classic rom-com heroine. I also loved Luke who was equally as clumsy and clueless but adorable. But honestly, even though I loved the main pair, the side characters really took this book to the next level. Julia’s friends and Luke’s best friend and sister, plus all the other guests at the resort were just beyond fun and endearing and I loved them all. Honestly, if you need a dose of happiness, this is the book for you!
Overall Rating: 5 stars