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Not Exactly What I Had in Mind
An irresistible, funny, sharply observed debut novel in which two roommates, and two sisters, will learn that sometimes family--and love--find you in the most unexpected places
Hazel and Alfie have just moved in together as roommates. They've also just slept together, which was either a catastrophic mistake or the best decision of their lives--they aren't quite sure yet. Whatever happens, they need to find a way to keep living together without too much drama or awkwardness, since neither of them can afford to move out of the apartment.
Then Hazel's sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come for a visit, and Hazel's and Alfie's feelings about each other are pushed to the side in the whirlwind of their arrival. Recently returned from abroad, Emily and Daria are excited for a new life in a new town, and ready to start a family of their own.
As the lives of Hazel, Alfie, Emily, and Daria collide, a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together, bringing joy and heartache, hope and anxiety, and reshaping their relationships in ways that no one quite predicted. Warm, clever, and devastatingly relatable, Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is by turns funny, heartbreaking, and a painfully true-to-life story about family, friends, and everything in between.
Hazel and Alfie have just moved in together as roommates. They've also just slept together, which was either a catastrophic mistake or the best decision of their lives--they aren't quite sure yet. Whatever happens, they need to find a way to keep living together without too much drama or awkwardness, since neither of them can afford to move out of the apartment.
Then Hazel's sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come for a visit, and Hazel's and Alfie's feelings about each other are pushed to the side in the whirlwind of their arrival. Recently returned from abroad, Emily and Daria are excited for a new life in a new town, and ready to start a family of their own.
As the lives of Hazel, Alfie, Emily, and Daria collide, a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together, bringing joy and heartache, hope and anxiety, and reshaping their relationships in ways that no one quite predicted. Warm, clever, and devastatingly relatable, Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is by turns funny, heartbreaking, and a painfully true-to-life story about family, friends, and everything in between.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
43 people are currently reading
5569 people want to read
About the author
Kate Brook
4 books19 followersKate Brook is an author based in London. Her first novel, Not Exactly What I Had in Mind, was published in 2022, and her short-form writing has been published in LitHub, The Fiction Pool and The Real Story. She holds a PhD in French Literature and Visual Art from King’s College London, a Masters in European Literature from the University of Cambridge, and has worked as a bookseller and in publishing. She lives with her partner and their many houseplant children.
katebrook.substack.com
katebrook.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
May 31, 2022
Not Exactly What I Expected To Read…
…and I mean that in the best possible way! My emotions are all over the land! I didn’t want it to end, and was sad when it did!
Hazel is a 20-something who just had sex with Alfie. The problem is, he’s one of her two roommates. How awkward if they start developing feelings for each other and then things don’t work out. Secretly, they both dig each other, and each of them thinks of the other even when they’re not drunk together, eating nasty food together, and frolicking together.
Alfie is ready to make the next move…but then Hazel’s sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come to visit. Emily and Daria are looking forward to starting a family.
These four lives intersect in a powerful and intense way as each of them grapple with the reactions to their thoughts and hopes.
This is being marketed as a rom-com. There are romantic parts and funny parts, but it’s also so much more! I absolutely loved the characterization that author Kate Brook brought to the table. I adored these four main characters, and couldn’t get enough of them. I also loved that it didn’t entirely focus on Hazel and Alfie. This book goes much deeper.
In fact, you’ll get hints of sexism, sex offense, feminism, racism, covid-ism (just briefly), veganism, and climate change(ism?). The climate change sections were the only ones I felt were a little overbearing, and yet honest.
The chemistry between certain characters is evident from the start, and I was frustrated that things didn’t always go as planned at the time when they should have! But this book is more realistic like that. Sometimes there are complications.
At the end of the day, I laughed a bit and cried a bit while flying through the pages, and I think this is a worthy addition to TBR shelves. There is a lot of negativity regarding the epilogue. It wasn’t my favorite either, but it is what it is. I really just wanted and needed ONE MORE CHAPTER!!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 6/28/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
…and I mean that in the best possible way! My emotions are all over the land! I didn’t want it to end, and was sad when it did!
Hazel is a 20-something who just had sex with Alfie. The problem is, he’s one of her two roommates. How awkward if they start developing feelings for each other and then things don’t work out. Secretly, they both dig each other, and each of them thinks of the other even when they’re not drunk together, eating nasty food together, and frolicking together.
Alfie is ready to make the next move…but then Hazel’s sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come to visit. Emily and Daria are looking forward to starting a family.
These four lives intersect in a powerful and intense way as each of them grapple with the reactions to their thoughts and hopes.
This is being marketed as a rom-com. There are romantic parts and funny parts, but it’s also so much more! I absolutely loved the characterization that author Kate Brook brought to the table. I adored these four main characters, and couldn’t get enough of them. I also loved that it didn’t entirely focus on Hazel and Alfie. This book goes much deeper.
In fact, you’ll get hints of sexism, sex offense, feminism, racism, covid-ism (just briefly), veganism, and climate change(ism?). The climate change sections were the only ones I felt were a little overbearing, and yet honest.
The chemistry between certain characters is evident from the start, and I was frustrated that things didn’t always go as planned at the time when they should have! But this book is more realistic like that. Sometimes there are complications.
At the end of the day, I laughed a bit and cried a bit while flying through the pages, and I think this is a worthy addition to TBR shelves. There is a lot of negativity regarding the epilogue. It wasn’t my favorite either, but it is what it is. I really just wanted and needed ONE MORE CHAPTER!!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 6/28/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
October 9, 2022
The title of this book says it all: This was Not Exactly What I Had in Mind.
Furthermore, this was Not Exactly What I Was Looking For and Not Exactly What I Wanted, either.
Oh my. This book. It left me vexed and not in a good way.
First, it the sex. Can I say ICK?! It happened early (and too often (at least for me)). I prefer romances where the sex fades to black after a kiss. Call me old fashioned, but to me, that’s romance (ha), sadly that didn’t happen here (nor does it happen in real life (bawaahaha)) and I almost quit because of it, but decided to skim my way through instead.
The roomies here, Alfie and Hazel are cute and had chemistry, and not just in the bedroom, so I thought, ok, I’ll hang in, but this book is not really a rom-com, which is what it purported itself to be. It includes some truly serious situations and issues, including, assault, climate change, cyberbullying, LGBTQIAP+, mental health, pregnancy, and tokophobia, among others. Frankly, I felt as though it tackled a few too many, and that it didn’t do all of them well. The novel became tedious, and desperate and I ended up losing interest.
While the writing here wasn’t bad and while the characters were likable, had this book not been marketed as “An irresistible, funny, sharp novel… in which roommates and two sisters will learn that sometimes family and love - find you in the most unexpected places” perhaps I would have had different expectations going in, but then again, had the synopsis been correct, I wouldn’t have read this one at all. That said, I am only one reader and was simply the wrong one for this novel.
Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for the arc via NetGalley.
Furthermore, this was Not Exactly What I Was Looking For and Not Exactly What I Wanted, either.
Oh my. This book. It left me vexed and not in a good way.
First, it the sex. Can I say ICK?! It happened early (and too often (at least for me)). I prefer romances where the sex fades to black after a kiss. Call me old fashioned, but to me, that’s romance (ha), sadly that didn’t happen here (nor does it happen in real life (bawaahaha)) and I almost quit because of it, but decided to skim my way through instead.
The roomies here, Alfie and Hazel are cute and had chemistry, and not just in the bedroom, so I thought, ok, I’ll hang in, but this book is not really a rom-com, which is what it purported itself to be. It includes some truly serious situations and issues, including, assault, climate change, cyberbullying, LGBTQIAP+, mental health, pregnancy, and tokophobia, among others. Frankly, I felt as though it tackled a few too many, and that it didn’t do all of them well. The novel became tedious, and desperate and I ended up losing interest.
While the writing here wasn’t bad and while the characters were likable, had this book not been marketed as “An irresistible, funny, sharp novel… in which roommates and two sisters will learn that sometimes family and love - find you in the most unexpected places” perhaps I would have had different expectations going in, but then again, had the synopsis been correct, I wouldn’t have read this one at all. That said, I am only one reader and was simply the wrong one for this novel.
Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for the arc via NetGalley.
May 8, 2022
For most of this book, I didn't understand why it already had such a low rating on Goodreads already. The writing was funny, I generally liked most of the characters, and I found myself cheering along most of them on their various journeys. Sure, there's a lot of angst and pining from certain POVs, and a character I greatly disliked hung around a bit too long, but there was enough for me to enjoy that I didn't really find myself minding it too much.
But then I got to the epilogue.
I'm sorry, but what the fuck was that? I don't mind these little slice of life epilogues to see where the characters ended up, especially after an open ending, but this one was just frustrating beyond belief. I understand that I have lived through a pandemic and that it was traumatic in ways I may not have fully unpacked yet, but I do NOT want it in my fiction. I do not want to feel safely lulled into a fictional world only to be slapped in the face, constantly, with miscellaneous pandemic references. This entire epilogue reads as a 'what would your characters do if they were in the pandemic' AU fanfic, and I'm honestly still angry and reeling from it all if I think about it. It's not even a slight reference, but almost like a long list of how it uprooted everyone's plans suddenly and how characters lost people to it, how nothing is the same and how they're now 'cherishing their freedoms' after the ending of a third lockdown. I'm sorry, but no, you don't just suddenly add that in after the book's basically already finished. You can't just throw in character death right at the end for pity points, just for the heck of it, for absolutely no reason! I literally cannot think of a single good reason for the existence of this epilogue, and literally just writing about it in depth makes me want to take another star off just for it.
The rest of the book was also not perfect but it was at least enjoyable, for the most part. The book attempts to tackle a lot, and not all of it is as well done as it could've been, mainly because there's just not enough space for it all. This is especially true for everything at the end, where all the character's individual sudden tragedies almost seem to fight for attention, with a clear winner. And even that winning tragedy doesn't get near enough space to be fully tied up, in a sense. But still, none of this really bothered me all that much, because while this book never would've made a 5 star for me, it was still a strong contender for a 4 star read.
I generally enjoyed my time here, but as always, the endings/epilogues always play a larger role in the final reviews of readers, including myself, just because it's the last thing we read. And if all the joy the book brought is completely overshadowed by the mess of an ending or the frustration an epilogue brought, then that's what we readers will remember. We won't remember the cute moments, the way our hearts broke. And unfortunately that's exactly what happened here, as when I think of this book, my brain will undoubtedly always remember the epilogue. So if you do decide to pick up this book still, I'd recommend just skipping it, just so you're not stuck in the same boat I'm now in with this book.
But then I got to the epilogue.
I'm sorry, but what the fuck was that? I don't mind these little slice of life epilogues to see where the characters ended up, especially after an open ending, but this one was just frustrating beyond belief. I understand that I have lived through a pandemic and that it was traumatic in ways I may not have fully unpacked yet, but I do NOT want it in my fiction. I do not want to feel safely lulled into a fictional world only to be slapped in the face, constantly, with miscellaneous pandemic references. This entire epilogue reads as a 'what would your characters do if they were in the pandemic' AU fanfic, and I'm honestly still angry and reeling from it all if I think about it. It's not even a slight reference, but almost like a long list of how it uprooted everyone's plans suddenly and how characters lost people to it, how nothing is the same and how they're now 'cherishing their freedoms' after the ending of a third lockdown. I'm sorry, but no, you don't just suddenly add that in after the book's basically already finished. You can't just throw in character death right at the end for pity points, just for the heck of it, for absolutely no reason! I literally cannot think of a single good reason for the existence of this epilogue, and literally just writing about it in depth makes me want to take another star off just for it.
The rest of the book was also not perfect but it was at least enjoyable, for the most part. The book attempts to tackle a lot, and not all of it is as well done as it could've been, mainly because there's just not enough space for it all. This is especially true for everything at the end, where all the character's individual sudden tragedies almost seem to fight for attention, with a clear winner. And even that winning tragedy doesn't get near enough space to be fully tied up, in a sense. But still, none of this really bothered me all that much, because while this book never would've made a 5 star for me, it was still a strong contender for a 4 star read.
I generally enjoyed my time here, but as always, the endings/epilogues always play a larger role in the final reviews of readers, including myself, just because it's the last thing we read. And if all the joy the book brought is completely overshadowed by the mess of an ending or the frustration an epilogue brought, then that's what we readers will remember. We won't remember the cute moments, the way our hearts broke. And unfortunately that's exactly what happened here, as when I think of this book, my brain will undoubtedly always remember the epilogue. So if you do decide to pick up this book still, I'd recommend just skipping it, just so you're not stuck in the same boat I'm now in with this book.
Read
August 14, 2023dnf @70% 🫥 this book was definitely trying to do something, it just happens that it wasn’t doing what it was trying to do, in the slightest
June 5, 2023
Creo que se tratan temas muy trascendentes sin la profundidad que me gusta. El cambio climático, la maternidad, la ciber venganza. Me parece que quedó en mitad de camino entre una obra con bajada de línea pro feminista, pro veganista y un romance moderno. Definitivamente no me convenció, entretiene, tiene personajes complejos y adorables, otros no tanto, pero le faltó la profundidad que tanto disfruto.
June 30, 2022
*Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions remain my own.*
That was something. Let me start by saying that this is NOT a rom-com in my opinion, which I think lead me to a great deal of my dislike, because I went into it expecting something different. This is contemporary fiction with a bit of wit, a TON of social commentary and about half of a mediocre romance plagued by miscommunication.
This honestly reminded me a great deal of something that could have been written by Sally Rooney. While I think that comparison may work in Kate Brook's favor, being that Rooney is incredibly popular, it did not work for me. I am one of the few who cannot stand Rooney's novels and I could not stop thinking about how much this reminded me of her books, but a tad more witty.
Overall, this was not my cup of tea.
That was something. Let me start by saying that this is NOT a rom-com in my opinion, which I think lead me to a great deal of my dislike, because I went into it expecting something different. This is contemporary fiction with a bit of wit, a TON of social commentary and about half of a mediocre romance plagued by miscommunication.
This honestly reminded me a great deal of something that could have been written by Sally Rooney. While I think that comparison may work in Kate Brook's favor, being that Rooney is incredibly popular, it did not work for me. I am one of the few who cannot stand Rooney's novels and I could not stop thinking about how much this reminded me of her books, but a tad more witty.
Overall, this was not my cup of tea.
July 20, 2022
Not Exactly What I Had In Mind
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 6/28/22
Author: Kate Brook
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 352
Goodreads Rating: 3.28
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dutton and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Hazel and Alfie have just moved in together as roommates and just slept together. Due to financial reasons, they need to find a way to keep living together. Then Hazel's sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come for a visit, and Hazel's and Alfie's feelings about each other are pushed to the side in the whirlwind of their arrival. As the lives of Hazel, Alfie, Emily, and Daria collide, a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together, bringing joy and heartache, hope and anxiety, and reshaping their relationships in ways that no one quite predicted.
My Thoughts: This is my first book from this author and I would be interested into adding others to my TBR. The characters are developed well with layers of depth, emotional, have chemistry, and the relationships are built over the course of the story. The characters were relatable and likable. The author’s writing style reminds of Sally Rooney, it is complex, creative, and unique. This story tackles various issues such as mental health, gay/lesbian relationship, genealogy, environmental concerns, and how having kids in today’s environment will impact the world. The only con was the ending for me, it was not what I expected and/or wanted. However, overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed it. This book was released last month.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 6/28/22
Author: Kate Brook
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 352
Goodreads Rating: 3.28
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dutton and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Hazel and Alfie have just moved in together as roommates and just slept together. Due to financial reasons, they need to find a way to keep living together. Then Hazel's sister, Emily, and her wife, Daria, come for a visit, and Hazel's and Alfie's feelings about each other are pushed to the side in the whirlwind of their arrival. As the lives of Hazel, Alfie, Emily, and Daria collide, a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together, bringing joy and heartache, hope and anxiety, and reshaping their relationships in ways that no one quite predicted.
My Thoughts: This is my first book from this author and I would be interested into adding others to my TBR. The characters are developed well with layers of depth, emotional, have chemistry, and the relationships are built over the course of the story. The characters were relatable and likable. The author’s writing style reminds of Sally Rooney, it is complex, creative, and unique. This story tackles various issues such as mental health, gay/lesbian relationship, genealogy, environmental concerns, and how having kids in today’s environment will impact the world. The only con was the ending for me, it was not what I expected and/or wanted. However, overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed it. This book was released last month.
May 17, 2023
Escritura 5⭐
Personajes 3⭐
Argumento 3⭐
Coherencia 4⭐
Originalidad 4⭐
Disfrute 3⭐
Personajes 3⭐
Argumento 3⭐
Coherencia 4⭐
Originalidad 4⭐
Disfrute 3⭐
December 8, 2021
I'm the first to rate and review this book. This assortment of first-world woes and cliches. Ok, here we go...
This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind selecting this book. I actively avoid women’s fiction, chicklit and the like in all shapes and forms. This book somehow squeaked by pretending to be a proper novel, but once you get into it, the contents give it away – it’s essentially a collection of genre clichés.
Cliché #1. The main couple, the will they or won’t they twosome of blubbery milquetoasts, with the female counterpart being much more tedious of the two. The book begins with sex, as either a desperate and all too obvious grab for reader’s attention or at attempt at certain authenticity. The sex is good, but the situation is somewhat unconventional, since the two of them are roommates. So, it’s convenient but challenging and thus, though the two of them are obviously, OBVIOSULY, meant for each other they proceed to convolute their way out of it, mainly talking too much and never saying the right things.
And then the girl of the pair, an instacomic artist/barista, decides it would be a baller move to date Miles, a pretentious artsy hipstery man-bunned trash pile of a man. Despite the fact that she doesn’t really like him all that much and he’s crap in bed, she proceeds with this relationship because a. he’s hot and b. she thinks he might further her art career. That should probably tell you all you need to know about what sort of person she is.
Cliché #2 - her sister and her wife are trying for a baby. Because if one must write lesbians, it has to be babies. So, they are sperm-hunting and no man is safe around them. While one of them (not the one who’s going to actually do it) had tokophobia, which is a fear of pregnancy and childbirth. So that’s their major drama.
Eventually, to no one’s surprise, Miles turns out to be a vindictive f*cker, the lesbians go through pregnancy ordeals settling (again to no one’s surprise) on the main guy from the cliché #1 for their baby daddy. Which, gasp, complicates the already laughably ludicrous would-be not-quite relationship between the original pair.
Oh my, though, let’s face it, not quite Shakespearean. Motions, motions and a profoundly unsatisfying resolution and then it’s over. Taking its time. Potential is there, specially for a debut, but the overall impression is mostly frustration and some annoyance. And the thing is, it is an eminently readable book, crap like this tends to be, and it tries, it really tries to be more – more serious, more topical, more important – but in the end it’s just too formulaic and too estrogeny for its own good.. Unless you’re into that sort of thing…then by all means. Otherwise pass. Thanks Netgalley.
This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind selecting this book. I actively avoid women’s fiction, chicklit and the like in all shapes and forms. This book somehow squeaked by pretending to be a proper novel, but once you get into it, the contents give it away – it’s essentially a collection of genre clichés.
Cliché #1. The main couple, the will they or won’t they twosome of blubbery milquetoasts, with the female counterpart being much more tedious of the two. The book begins with sex, as either a desperate and all too obvious grab for reader’s attention or at attempt at certain authenticity. The sex is good, but the situation is somewhat unconventional, since the two of them are roommates. So, it’s convenient but challenging and thus, though the two of them are obviously, OBVIOSULY, meant for each other they proceed to convolute their way out of it, mainly talking too much and never saying the right things.
And then the girl of the pair, an instacomic artist/barista, decides it would be a baller move to date Miles, a pretentious artsy hipstery man-bunned trash pile of a man. Despite the fact that she doesn’t really like him all that much and he’s crap in bed, she proceeds with this relationship because a. he’s hot and b. she thinks he might further her art career. That should probably tell you all you need to know about what sort of person she is.
Cliché #2 - her sister and her wife are trying for a baby. Because if one must write lesbians, it has to be babies. So, they are sperm-hunting and no man is safe around them. While one of them (not the one who’s going to actually do it) had tokophobia, which is a fear of pregnancy and childbirth. So that’s their major drama.
Eventually, to no one’s surprise, Miles turns out to be a vindictive f*cker, the lesbians go through pregnancy ordeals settling (again to no one’s surprise) on the main guy from the cliché #1 for their baby daddy. Which, gasp, complicates the already laughably ludicrous would-be not-quite relationship between the original pair.
Oh my, though, let’s face it, not quite Shakespearean. Motions, motions and a profoundly unsatisfying resolution and then it’s over. Taking its time. Potential is there, specially for a debut, but the overall impression is mostly frustration and some annoyance. And the thing is, it is an eminently readable book, crap like this tends to be, and it tries, it really tries to be more – more serious, more topical, more important – but in the end it’s just too formulaic and too estrogeny for its own good.. Unless you’re into that sort of thing…then by all means. Otherwise pass. Thanks Netgalley.
June 8, 2022
Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book. Unfortunately, this is the last nice thing I'll say in this review.
I absolutely hated this book. I read it hoping it would get better and it didn't. Alfie and Hazel are flatmates who end up having sex on page 1. They then spend the rest of the book in a giant miscommunication trope that wasn't even really resolved in a satisfying matter. Throughout the course of the book, Hazel ends up in a relationship with someone and it seemingly ends well until the ex finds out Hazel is posting comics based on their relationship. So what happens? Skip this if you don't want to have a spoiler that I will not put under a spoiler tag --- he apparently took pictures of her without her consent as well as videos of her during sex that he a) posts on the internet and b) sends to all her friends and family. So revenge porn. And it isn't handled well. Like...at all. I was so absolutely angry at this plot twist and it got even worse when the "resolution" came.
Throw in a subplot of Hazel's sister and her sister in law trying to get pregnant and yet one more miscommunication trope thrown in. The book is jumbled and absolutely makes no sense. Oh and it's marketed as a romance. Friends, this is not a romance. It's fiction yes but it is not a romance at all.
Trigger warnings for miscarriage, death (cancer related), cancer testing, revenge porn, lack of consent, miscommunication.
I'm going to go read an actual romance novel now.
I absolutely hated this book. I read it hoping it would get better and it didn't. Alfie and Hazel are flatmates who end up having sex on page 1. They then spend the rest of the book in a giant miscommunication trope that wasn't even really resolved in a satisfying matter. Throughout the course of the book, Hazel ends up in a relationship with someone and it seemingly ends well until the ex finds out Hazel is posting comics based on their relationship. So what happens? Skip this if you don't want to have a spoiler that I will not put under a spoiler tag --- he apparently took pictures of her without her consent as well as videos of her during sex that he a) posts on the internet and b) sends to all her friends and family. So revenge porn. And it isn't handled well. Like...at all. I was so absolutely angry at this plot twist and it got even worse when the "resolution" came.
Throw in a subplot of Hazel's sister and her sister in law trying to get pregnant and yet one more miscommunication trope thrown in. The book is jumbled and absolutely makes no sense. Oh and it's marketed as a romance. Friends, this is not a romance. It's fiction yes but it is not a romance at all.
Trigger warnings for miscarriage, death (cancer related), cancer testing, revenge porn, lack of consent, miscommunication.
I'm going to go read an actual romance novel now.
January 19, 2023
Wo sind die Triggerwarnungen? Fehlen dringend! Auch der Klappentext lässt anderes vermuten! Ein Hinweissatz zum EIGENTLICHEN Thema des Buches würde helfen.
Die erste Hälfte hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Wir lernen Alfie und Hazel kennen, welche auf der ersten Seite miteinander ins Bett gehen und danach umeinander herumtänzeln. Zusätzlich zu diesen beiden Protas lernen wir auch Emily, Hazels Schwester, und deren Frau Daria kennen, die sich sehnlichst ein Kind wünschen.
Meine Meinung
Während des Buches kriegt man Einblicke in alle vier Storys der Protas. Die erste Hälfte liest sich schnell, mit Witz, Ernsthaftigkeit und Auflockerungen.
In der zweiten Häflte wurde es jedoch sehr gesellschaftskritisch und durchweg pessimistisch. Zum Teil wurden zu viele Themen behandelt, womit die alten Themen direkt in den Hintergrund katapultiert wurden. Ich hatte den Eindruck, als wollte die Autorin es allen recht machen und kurz alles anreißen. Alle weltbewegenden aktuellen Themen verpackt in knapp 400 Seiten.
Es wird vieles beleuchtet. Als schalte man die aktuellen Nachrichten ein / liest durch ein paar aktuelle Social Media Diskussionen.
Da ich etwas anderes erwartet hatte, wurde mir schwer ums Herz. – Natürlich bewegen mich diese Themen genauso, jedoch erwartet man sowas nicht in einem (Liebes-)Roman.
Weltuntergangsstimmung mit einem getrübten Lichtblick. Sehr gesellschaftskritisch.
Es werden viele interessante Fakten aufgezählt und natürlich wichtige Themen behandelt.
Für mich war dieses Buch und der Schreibstil zum Ende hin leider nichts, ich gehe mit einem sehr bedrückten Gefühl aus dieser Geschichte.
Außerdem wirkte das Buch zum Ende hin viel zu hektisch und etwas lieblos. Man versuchte in die letzten Seiten noch mehr Themen aufzugreifen, sodass ein anderes in den Hintergrund rückte. Es kam mir zu gestopft rüber.
Ausschlaggebend für 1-2 Sterne war das hektische Ende und das ein wichtiges Thema rund um Emily keinerlei Erwähnung mehr fand. Es wurde einfach hingenommen. Für mich fehlte etwas die Geschichte aus dem Klappentext.
Fazit
Das Buch befasst sich mit jeglichen Themen, welche die Welt gerade bewegen. Hat man damit keinerlei Probleme, feel free. Möchte man aus der Realität jedoch entfliehen und in eine süße Liebesgeschichte abtauchen, sollte man lieber zu einem anderen Buch greifen.
Schreibstil empfand ich anfangs noch witzig, direkt und cool- hat sich jedoch in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches geändert und wurde sehr düster und pessimistisch.
Bewirkt gewollt-/nicht gewollt einen Denkanstoß in Richtung Klimaschutz.
Schwanke immer noch zwischen 1 - 2 Sternen.
Die erste Hälfte hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Wir lernen Alfie und Hazel kennen, welche auf der ersten Seite miteinander ins Bett gehen und danach umeinander herumtänzeln. Zusätzlich zu diesen beiden Protas lernen wir auch Emily, Hazels Schwester, und deren Frau Daria kennen, die sich sehnlichst ein Kind wünschen.
Meine Meinung
Während des Buches kriegt man Einblicke in alle vier Storys der Protas. Die erste Hälfte liest sich schnell, mit Witz, Ernsthaftigkeit und Auflockerungen.
In der zweiten Häflte wurde es jedoch sehr gesellschaftskritisch und durchweg pessimistisch. Zum Teil wurden zu viele Themen behandelt, womit die alten Themen direkt in den Hintergrund katapultiert wurden. Ich hatte den Eindruck, als wollte die Autorin es allen recht machen und kurz alles anreißen. Alle weltbewegenden aktuellen Themen verpackt in knapp 400 Seiten.
Es wird vieles beleuchtet. Als schalte man die aktuellen Nachrichten ein / liest durch ein paar aktuelle Social Media Diskussionen.
Da ich etwas anderes erwartet hatte, wurde mir schwer ums Herz. – Natürlich bewegen mich diese Themen genauso, jedoch erwartet man sowas nicht in einem (Liebes-)Roman.
Weltuntergangsstimmung mit einem getrübten Lichtblick. Sehr gesellschaftskritisch.
Es werden viele interessante Fakten aufgezählt und natürlich wichtige Themen behandelt.
Für mich war dieses Buch und der Schreibstil zum Ende hin leider nichts, ich gehe mit einem sehr bedrückten Gefühl aus dieser Geschichte.
Außerdem wirkte das Buch zum Ende hin viel zu hektisch und etwas lieblos. Man versuchte in die letzten Seiten noch mehr Themen aufzugreifen, sodass ein anderes in den Hintergrund rückte. Es kam mir zu gestopft rüber.
Ausschlaggebend für 1-2 Sterne war das hektische Ende und das ein wichtiges Thema rund um Emily keinerlei Erwähnung mehr fand. Es wurde einfach hingenommen. Für mich fehlte etwas die Geschichte aus dem Klappentext.
Fazit
Das Buch befasst sich mit jeglichen Themen, welche die Welt gerade bewegen. Hat man damit keinerlei Probleme, feel free. Möchte man aus der Realität jedoch entfliehen und in eine süße Liebesgeschichte abtauchen, sollte man lieber zu einem anderen Buch greifen.
Schreibstil empfand ich anfangs noch witzig, direkt und cool- hat sich jedoch in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches geändert und wurde sehr düster und pessimistisch.
Bewirkt gewollt-/nicht gewollt einen Denkanstoß in Richtung Klimaschutz.
Schwanke immer noch zwischen 1 - 2 Sternen.
Read
July 28, 2022Started off promising, but quickly went downhill. Just wasn't for me.
June 6, 2022
Not Exactly What I Had in Mind had an interesting start but then.... basically felt like Sally Rooney's "Normal People." Lots of frustrating scenarios that continued to occur but had the main characters just done some simple communication the conflict could have been avoided completely. I did end up really liking the main characters, but this book didn't keep me as engaged as I would have liked.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Not Exactly What I Had In Mind by Kate Brook
2022 Publication Date: June 28
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
️
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Book
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Sometimes you can't make move forward... But you can "pause" until you can...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
An Engaging and Unexpected Read
It's not often that I come across a debut romance novel that I enjoy as much as I did Kate Brook's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind. From the very first page, I was hooked by the clever writing and sharp observations.
The story follows two roommates, Hazel and Alfie (who have just slept together for the first time)... And Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife) as their lives become entangled in unexpected ways.
I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and relatable situations, but Brook also knows how to deliver a gut punch when it comes to emotional moments. This is a warm, funny, and cleverly observed novel about family, friends, and everything in between.
Kate Brook is a talented new novelist with a sharp observational eye, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
FYI: I "read" this book via audiobook... And the narrator, Charly Cave, was excellent! I could not find additional books she has narrated. So, this may be both an author debut and a narrator debut as well... Brava to you both!
Perfect for readers looking for an engaging read that will surprise you...✨😎✨
Pages: 350
Genre: Best Contemporary Romance Novels
Sub-Genre: Roommate Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: London (England)
Publisher: Penguin Random House | Penguin Group Dutton
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Haven Jacobs Saves The Plant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: A Beautiful Planet
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A funny, heartbreaking, and relatable story about family, friends, and what it means to truly be there for those you love in both the good and bad times in life.
Hazel and Alfie are roommates who have just slept together for the first time. As their lives intersect with Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife), a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together.
While Hazel and Alfie are navigating their new "relationship" as roommates with the latest event of having slept together for the first time as well... Emily and Daria are dealing with growing pains in their marriage as they navigate growing their family.
Well-written with relatable characters, the relationships between the four main characters were realistically portrayed and I found myself rooting for them all throughout the book. With each one carving out a unique perspective... yet mutually adding to the whole of making a great story.
Penguin Random House's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is a warm, clever, and devastatingly relatable novel.
I listened to the entire book via audiobook in less than two days... And would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun yet informative read.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• Life is full of unexpected and unplanned events, but with a positive outlook and the right people to support you, you can find a path to what matters most to you.
• Being honest about our emotions and intentions can lead to stronger relationships instead of creating misunderstandings or even missed opportunities.
• Family doesn't always mean by blood –– it's important to recognize and nurture the relationships that matter most to us.
BOOK QUOTE:
"That way madness lies..." — Not Exactly What I Had in Mind by Kate Brook
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
2022 Publication Date: June 28
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
️
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Book
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Sometimes you can't make move forward... But you can "pause" until you can...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
An Engaging and Unexpected Read
It's not often that I come across a debut romance novel that I enjoy as much as I did Kate Brook's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind. From the very first page, I was hooked by the clever writing and sharp observations.
The story follows two roommates, Hazel and Alfie (who have just slept together for the first time)... And Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife) as their lives become entangled in unexpected ways.
I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and relatable situations, but Brook also knows how to deliver a gut punch when it comes to emotional moments. This is a warm, funny, and cleverly observed novel about family, friends, and everything in between.
Kate Brook is a talented new novelist with a sharp observational eye, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
FYI: I "read" this book via audiobook... And the narrator, Charly Cave, was excellent! I could not find additional books she has narrated. So, this may be both an author debut and a narrator debut as well... Brava to you both!
Perfect for readers looking for an engaging read that will surprise you...✨😎✨
Pages: 350
Genre: Best Contemporary Romance Novels
Sub-Genre: Roommate Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: London (England)
Publisher: Penguin Random House | Penguin Group Dutton
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Haven Jacobs Saves The Plant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: A Beautiful Planet
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A funny, heartbreaking, and relatable story about family, friends, and what it means to truly be there for those you love in both the good and bad times in life.
Hazel and Alfie are roommates who have just slept together for the first time. As their lives intersect with Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife), a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together.
While Hazel and Alfie are navigating their new "relationship" as roommates with the latest event of having slept together for the first time as well... Emily and Daria are dealing with growing pains in their marriage as they navigate growing their family.
Well-written with relatable characters, the relationships between the four main characters were realistically portrayed and I found myself rooting for them all throughout the book. With each one carving out a unique perspective... yet mutually adding to the whole of making a great story.
Penguin Random House's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is a warm, clever, and devastatingly relatable novel.
I listened to the entire book via audiobook in less than two days... And would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun yet informative read.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• Life is full of unexpected and unplanned events, but with a positive outlook and the right people to support you, you can find a path to what matters most to you.
• Being honest about our emotions and intentions can lead to stronger relationships instead of creating misunderstandings or even missed opportunities.
• Family doesn't always mean by blood –– it's important to recognize and nurture the relationships that matter most to us.
BOOK QUOTE:
"That way madness lies..." — Not Exactly What I Had in Mind by Kate Brook
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
April 25, 2022
This book definitely lived up to its name. It kept me guessing the entire time as to how things were going to play out. There were four main characters in this book. Hazel works at a coffee shop but would rather pursue her cartoons that she draws. Since she is not getting paid a lot she shares a flat with a guy named Alfie. Alfie is a school teacher who has recently gotten out of a long term relationship. He and Hazel hook up but then are worried that things will get awkward so they both try to hide their feelings. Emily, Hazel's sister, is in a relationship with Daria. They are married and want to pursue the possibility of having kids. However this situation is complicated as Daria is not sure about how she feels about this and they will need to find a donor. The story dives into their complicated relationships and how their choices affect their lives.
I wasn't sure at first how I was going to feel about this book because I really thought I knew how things would turn out. I was completely wrong. I wanted to keep reading because the characters were so likable. I really felt for them and what they were going through. This was definitely not your typical 20 something romance. I found it very heart felt and it made me reflect on my own choices in life.
Thank you to Penguin Book Group Dutton for this advance copy.
I wasn't sure at first how I was going to feel about this book because I really thought I knew how things would turn out. I was completely wrong. I wanted to keep reading because the characters were so likable. I really felt for them and what they were going through. This was definitely not your typical 20 something romance. I found it very heart felt and it made me reflect on my own choices in life.
Thank you to Penguin Book Group Dutton for this advance copy.
June 18, 2022
This book was 100% exactly not what I had in mind. The description is vague and I went in thinking it would be about one thing. I was so surprised - and happy - to discover that I was completely wrong. I loved this! Hazel felt so real to me and the story was heartfelt and sweet.
This is a quick, fun read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for any honest review.
Available June 28, 2022
This is a quick, fun read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for any honest review.
Available June 28, 2022
July 5, 2022
I like to read about messy, awkward situations. So when this story opens with Hazel having sex with her roommate, Alfie while their other roommate turns up his game as loud as it can go - yeah I was interested -especially given that Hazel and Alfie aren’t a couple.
Their romp was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But now that the deed is done, it can’t be undone. Feelings or no feelings, they need to try to live with each other amicably.
But it gets more complicated. Hazel’s sister, Emily, and her wife come for a visit and announce they want to get pregnant; all they need is a donor. I’m going to leave it right there because if you are perceptive, you may see where this leads and how these four lives all get very intertwined.
I’m a little surprised by some of the ho-hum ratings for this one. I will admit that it is somewhat predictable. But some added depth is sprinkled into each character, such as fears of hereditary disease, anxiety, and ex-lovers posting revenge porn videos.
Overall I enjoyed this chaotic romance and family drama. Sure there were a lot of bad decisions made, but I like the support and care shown by these family members and friends.
And what do you think about the cover art? It reminds me of a painting.
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted ebook and @RRHaudio for the gifted audiobook.
Their romp was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But now that the deed is done, it can’t be undone. Feelings or no feelings, they need to try to live with each other amicably.
But it gets more complicated. Hazel’s sister, Emily, and her wife come for a visit and announce they want to get pregnant; all they need is a donor. I’m going to leave it right there because if you are perceptive, you may see where this leads and how these four lives all get very intertwined.
I’m a little surprised by some of the ho-hum ratings for this one. I will admit that it is somewhat predictable. But some added depth is sprinkled into each character, such as fears of hereditary disease, anxiety, and ex-lovers posting revenge porn videos.
Overall I enjoyed this chaotic romance and family drama. Sure there were a lot of bad decisions made, but I like the support and care shown by these family members and friends.
And what do you think about the cover art? It reminds me of a painting.
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted ebook and @RRHaudio for the gifted audiobook.
August 2, 2023
alfie 😭😭🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
August 19, 2023
Reseña completa en el Blog Letras, Libros y Más próximamente
La verdad es que no esperaba que fuera a ser una historia que cambiara mi vida, pero sí esperaba que me gustase bastante y dejara poso en mí y al final ha sido un completo fiasco que estaba deseando terminar.
No sé muy bien que contar de este libro porque se supone que es un libro de romance y comedia, pero realmente no he encontrado nada de eso, más bien es un libro costumbrista y contemporáneo que nos cuenta las vidas de cuatro personas con lo que eso conlleva. También es una novela que quiere dejar mensajes y reflexiones que cuenten cosas actuales, pero acaba siendo un batiburrillo de ideas y conceptos entremezclados y contadas de manera tan superflua y superficial que acaba en nada, abarca demasiado para lo que es y para los temas tan importantes y duros que cuenta.
Por otro lado, la trama es muy cotidiana, no tiene grandes giros, ni ningún elemento que la haga destacar, es lineal y el ritmo es lento, en ningún momento me ha mantenido enganchada y me ha costado la vida avanzar. La narración no está mal, es sencillita en cuanto a vocabulario pero en ideas un poco pretenciosas. Los personajes van alternando sus puntos de vista en los capítulos, así que se les conoce bien, pero tampoco tienen demasiada profundidad, así que a pesar de saber sus miedos, sentimientos, emociones y esperanzas no conectas con ellos y a mí me ha dado un poco igual lo que les pasaba.
Una novela que intenta abarcar demasiado y termina mal, aunque cuenta con críticas y mensajes importantes.
La verdad es que no esperaba que fuera a ser una historia que cambiara mi vida, pero sí esperaba que me gustase bastante y dejara poso en mí y al final ha sido un completo fiasco que estaba deseando terminar.
No sé muy bien que contar de este libro porque se supone que es un libro de romance y comedia, pero realmente no he encontrado nada de eso, más bien es un libro costumbrista y contemporáneo que nos cuenta las vidas de cuatro personas con lo que eso conlleva. También es una novela que quiere dejar mensajes y reflexiones que cuenten cosas actuales, pero acaba siendo un batiburrillo de ideas y conceptos entremezclados y contadas de manera tan superflua y superficial que acaba en nada, abarca demasiado para lo que es y para los temas tan importantes y duros que cuenta.
Por otro lado, la trama es muy cotidiana, no tiene grandes giros, ni ningún elemento que la haga destacar, es lineal y el ritmo es lento, en ningún momento me ha mantenido enganchada y me ha costado la vida avanzar. La narración no está mal, es sencillita en cuanto a vocabulario pero en ideas un poco pretenciosas. Los personajes van alternando sus puntos de vista en los capítulos, así que se les conoce bien, pero tampoco tienen demasiada profundidad, así que a pesar de saber sus miedos, sentimientos, emociones y esperanzas no conectas con ellos y a mí me ha dado un poco igual lo que les pasaba.
Una novela que intenta abarcar demasiado y termina mal, aunque cuenta con críticas y mensajes importantes.
May 21, 2024
I found this book in a random bookstore in London and it probably should’ve stayed there. I feel like the author was trying to compile way too many different tropes into 1 book and it just didn’t work. Only giving it 2 stars because of the juicy drama.
June 22, 2022
Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is a mixed book for me – I really enjoyed most of it and loved the characters in it: Alfie, Hazel and her sister and sister-in-law, Hazel’s friends, etc. The book starts with flatmates Alfie and Hazel having just slept together, and follows them afterwards as they deal with various personal issues, their feelings for each other (which are constantly thwarted by communication mishaps) and much more.
This book packs a lot in – perhaps a bit too much at times, but I really liked the themes it was addressing which, if I list here, will no doubt make the sound a lot heavier than it was. These include the importance of taking climate action; having kids as a gay couple; the impact of having kids on the environment; being single as you get closer to 30; trying to date in London; genetic risks of health issues; and much more that I don’t want to give away here.
I completely agreed with the messages the book was promoting and I really enjoyed reading about Hazel and Alfie’s lives as they get to know each other better, and as both of them date other people. There are some interesting dynamics between the two characters, and although I found it frustrating at times that the two of them just couldn’t seem to communicate properly, I got that this needed to be drawn out in the book to maintain the tension between them.
I also felt like there were a lot of issues or considerations that people do think about more as they reach the age of 30. The world is very different today than around 30 years ago when we were born, and I was very aware of this while reading it. It made me think!
I have seen a lot of reviews critiquing the epilogue – I also found it a bit jarring/ out of place, to be honest, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book – but I’ll say no more as I don’t want to give anything away.
Overall I think this is a solid read. It felt different to other books I’d read in this genre, and the likeable characters made up for the frustration at some parts.
3.75 stars bumped to 4/5
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest review.
This book packs a lot in – perhaps a bit too much at times, but I really liked the themes it was addressing which, if I list here, will no doubt make the sound a lot heavier than it was. These include the importance of taking climate action; having kids as a gay couple; the impact of having kids on the environment; being single as you get closer to 30; trying to date in London; genetic risks of health issues; and much more that I don’t want to give away here.
I completely agreed with the messages the book was promoting and I really enjoyed reading about Hazel and Alfie’s lives as they get to know each other better, and as both of them date other people. There are some interesting dynamics between the two characters, and although I found it frustrating at times that the two of them just couldn’t seem to communicate properly, I got that this needed to be drawn out in the book to maintain the tension between them.
I also felt like there were a lot of issues or considerations that people do think about more as they reach the age of 30. The world is very different today than around 30 years ago when we were born, and I was very aware of this while reading it. It made me think!
I have seen a lot of reviews critiquing the epilogue – I also found it a bit jarring/ out of place, to be honest, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book – but I’ll say no more as I don’t want to give anything away.
Overall I think this is a solid read. It felt different to other books I’d read in this genre, and the likeable characters made up for the frustration at some parts.
3.75 stars bumped to 4/5
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest review.
May 4, 2022
really wanted to give this 4 stars but,,, i did not need that epilogue.
anyways.. the writing is witty and refreshing, but i feel like the book really tries to cover as many topics as possible. it's overflowing with social commentary of all kinds, which is good in and on itself, but i don't think there was enough space for it all!
i loved everything vegan, i empathised with the characters which is a plus, but the last 30% was soooo dense and full of stuff, it was a bit much. also, again, didn't like the epilogue at all, would have probably still given this 4 stars if it wasn't for that final chapter.. it was so sudden and really a bit out of touch tbh. i would have been fine with the ending as it was!
anyways.. the writing is witty and refreshing, but i feel like the book really tries to cover as many topics as possible. it's overflowing with social commentary of all kinds, which is good in and on itself, but i don't think there was enough space for it all!
i loved everything vegan, i empathised with the characters which is a plus, but the last 30% was soooo dense and full of stuff, it was a bit much. also, again, didn't like the epilogue at all, would have probably still given this 4 stars if it wasn't for that final chapter.. it was so sudden and really a bit out of touch tbh. i would have been fine with the ending as it was!
May 13, 2022
I absolutely loved this book start to finish. Hooked straight away. The story is told from four perspectives Hazel, Alfie, Emily and Dari’s. Hazel just moved in with Alfie and they seem to get on to well which than becomes awkward because they both don’t tell each other how they truthful feel. Emily and Daria come to visit Emily who Hazel sister. I really liked all four characters. I did feel sorry for Emily and Hazel with what they both went through. I really wanted more from the ending and hope there could be second book.
Thank you @Kate_Straker and @indies_Alliance for letting me reading this proof copy.
Thank you @Kate_Straker and @indies_Alliance for letting me reading this proof copy.
Read
May 24, 2022I’m not quite sure how I feel about this one. I thought it was funny and enjoyed following the four characters, I’m biased to loving the name Hazel cause I named my dog this; I looked forward to seeing where the stories played out; but I didn’t feel fully invested in these characters like I normally would.
The characters were likeable and I really felt for them, but I wasn’t a fan of the epilogues. I’m also just not really ready to read much about the pandemic yet.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you for an ARC for my honest review.
The characters were likeable and I really felt for them, but I wasn’t a fan of the epilogues. I’m also just not really ready to read much about the pandemic yet.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you for an ARC for my honest review.
July 26, 2023
3.5
I think I overall enjoyed this, but wasn't blown away. I did like the whole vibe of the book though in terms of people meandering and life happening to them, but sometimes the plot felt self serving ESPECIALLY the climate change aspect. I find that's a difficult topic to write about well without sounding preachy.
The covid twist at the end made me laugh out loud.
Also Sally Rooney come collect your child at pickup!
I think I overall enjoyed this, but wasn't blown away. I did like the whole vibe of the book though in terms of people meandering and life happening to them, but sometimes the plot felt self serving ESPECIALLY the climate change aspect. I find that's a difficult topic to write about well without sounding preachy.
The covid twist at the end made me laugh out loud.
Also Sally Rooney come collect your child at pickup!
September 5, 2022
Critical Score: 3.75
Personal Score: 3.5
Total Score: 7.25
Personal Score: 3.5
Total Score: 7.25
March 30, 2022
This is an absolutely brilliant read.
So much more than Hazel and Alfie (who are great characters in their own right) but a wider cast list that is just lovely. Yay for LGBTQ+ representation- always happy to see this. But also some really topical and difficult subject matters are raised to the fore here for the right reasons. It challenges the reader, shocks, but also shines a light to injustice. I like how Hazel's creativity is used in this read.. I preferred the second half to the first, and the final third this really came into its stride.
Dazzling.
So much more than Hazel and Alfie (who are great characters in their own right) but a wider cast list that is just lovely. Yay for LGBTQ+ representation- always happy to see this. But also some really topical and difficult subject matters are raised to the fore here for the right reasons. It challenges the reader, shocks, but also shines a light to injustice. I like how Hazel's creativity is used in this read.. I preferred the second half to the first, and the final third this really came into its stride.
Dazzling.
August 20, 2023
Fácil de leer y entretenido.
March 22, 2022
I appreciate the chance to read and review Not Exactly What I had in Mind by Kate Brook. This is a book I liked a lot for it's themes and ideas and representation but liked less for execution, which is a highly personal aspect of a review (we are all different kinds of readers, if the plot sounds good I say go for it). I appreciate the copy from NetGalley and Penguin Dutton
What I liked:
1. Relationships in early adulthood are messy and I think this book honors that while also examining sexuality and different relationships. I think some won't love the messiness of the characters, which I too struggled with at times, but it is also a fair reflection of young adulthood today.
2. Pregnancy for non heterosexual couples, and for individuals not in a relationship, does require thoughts about fertility treatments. I am someone who struggled with fertility (but am not of a minority sexual identity) so I both appreciated this plot point but also struggled with how it was executed (see below). But what I liked is the attention to all people, all couples, seeking a chance to parent.
3. The book was fairly fast paced for me. I did not feel it got slow or bogged down even if I didn't love everything about the story itself.
What I struggled with
1. I had trouble relating to the characters, which is not per se a problem with the book but more a statement that these characters aren't for each person. I felt the same when I read Rooney's Normal People, I just could not relate to the lives and I felt disenaged from the story. that's me as a reader, not necessarily a problem with the book.
2. I will often struggle with themes on IVF, it is very complicated, expensive and emotional. I found this part of the book less helpful in raising this awareness aspect and a bit under developed/too humorous for me to really like. That's a personal experience connection, these themes don't often work well for me so I mention this for other readers who just might not be up for this topic, even if it's not an overly emotional portrayal.
So, this is a solid ~3.5 stars for me, it has a lot of promise and discussion worthy plot points but it was also a book that was not as strong as I hoped it would be for me.
What I liked:
1. Relationships in early adulthood are messy and I think this book honors that while also examining sexuality and different relationships. I think some won't love the messiness of the characters, which I too struggled with at times, but it is also a fair reflection of young adulthood today.
2. Pregnancy for non heterosexual couples, and for individuals not in a relationship, does require thoughts about fertility treatments. I am someone who struggled with fertility (but am not of a minority sexual identity) so I both appreciated this plot point but also struggled with how it was executed (see below). But what I liked is the attention to all people, all couples, seeking a chance to parent.
3. The book was fairly fast paced for me. I did not feel it got slow or bogged down even if I didn't love everything about the story itself.
What I struggled with
1. I had trouble relating to the characters, which is not per se a problem with the book but more a statement that these characters aren't for each person. I felt the same when I read Rooney's Normal People, I just could not relate to the lives and I felt disenaged from the story. that's me as a reader, not necessarily a problem with the book.
2. I will often struggle with themes on IVF, it is very complicated, expensive and emotional. I found this part of the book less helpful in raising this awareness aspect and a bit under developed/too humorous for me to really like. That's a personal experience connection, these themes don't often work well for me so I mention this for other readers who just might not be up for this topic, even if it's not an overly emotional portrayal.
So, this is a solid ~3.5 stars for me, it has a lot of promise and discussion worthy plot points but it was also a book that was not as strong as I hoped it would be for me.
August 16, 2024
This book was great until the epilogue had finally hit. I read a review that said it was ruined due to the epilogue and so I thought to myself, how could a book be ruined just because of the epilogue? That question was quickly answered once I finished it.
Everything, gone. If you don’t like cliffhangers or shitty endings, don’t read this book! It’s not worth your time!
To comment on the content of the story, I thought it was fun. I liked the double story in one novel. The ending felt extremely rushed so there’s also that.
What I loved about the book was how realistic it was with the emotions felt. How relationships go. How men act. How women treat each other. The importance put on friendship.
If the book ended without the epilogue or perhaps ended a little differently, I would have thought it was a great book. The ending truly ruined it.
This review was written purely out of anger. If you want to read a book that truly portrays emotion, go for it. My recommendation to you is that you skip the last page of the story or just completely skip the epilogue. Allow your mind to create its own ending.
Update:
After some thought, I’ve realized that this book is not a three star book, but a much better than that book.
Update again!
This book was good (realistic love, variety of relationships, real people) and I was just mad I didn’t get my way so I threw a tantrum on Goodreads!
Everything, gone. If you don’t like cliffhangers or shitty endings, don’t read this book! It’s not worth your time!
To comment on the content of the story, I thought it was fun. I liked the double story in one novel. The ending felt extremely rushed so there’s also that.
What I loved about the book was how realistic it was with the emotions felt. How relationships go. How men act. How women treat each other. The importance put on friendship.
If the book ended without the epilogue or perhaps ended a little differently, I would have thought it was a great book. The ending truly ruined it.
This review was written purely out of anger. If you want to read a book that truly portrays emotion, go for it. My recommendation to you is that you skip the last page of the story or just completely skip the epilogue. Allow your mind to create its own ending.
Update:
After some thought, I’ve realized that this book is not a three star book, but a much better than that book.
Update again!
This book was good (realistic love, variety of relationships, real people) and I was just mad I didn’t get my way so I threw a tantrum on Goodreads!
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