A Nerdy Comic Book Girl and A Hot Former Footballer Just Don’t Belong On The Same Shelf

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Purchased

TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Emma Adaptation

SERIES: The Austen Series #1

THE PREMISE: Cam has her dream job working as “equal parts manager, comic book dealer, bartender, and matchmaker” at an awesome store in NYC called Wasted Words. And while she professes to be a very successful and talented matchmaker, she has never attempted to find a match for her gorgeous, former footballer roommate. Maybe that’s because she  has never encountered anyone worthy of him…or maybe it is because she has feelings for him herself…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Cam’s Journey: Just like Emma Woodhouse, Cam places some superiority in her infallible opinions and likes to order the world as she sees fit. But unlike Emma, Cam has experienced heartbreak and now takes heavy precautions to protect herself from ever getting burned again. But Cam needs to fully heal from the past and open herself up to trust again. Which isn’t so easy to do. I appreciated the flaws and evolution of Cam’s character. Her control issues and insecurities felt natural and understandable. And I like that she grew and learned from her “badly done” mistake.

• Tyler Knight Is Perfect: Which means he is just like his Regency counterpart, who I cannot help swooning over. While he is certifiably gorgeous and built like a model/athlete, I love him more because he is a genuinely good guy who is just looking for his happiness. He is kind, caring, and sincere. I admire how he is such a good friend to everyone and his empathetic nature. I especially love his patience with Cam’s hang-ups and his emotional sensitivity. He might be too amazing to be real, but I don’t care – I love him.

• Friends to Lovers: This story opens with two best friend roommates – they do everything together – have breakfast, go to comic cons, and watch football games. But then they explore becoming more than friends – and the transition is a little bumpy. I loved every facet and phase of their relationship. How they had such cozy contentment and camaraderie with each other, and how they both developed a deep-seated yet terrifying love and need for each other. As you might guess, their journey is slightly different from Emma’s and Mr. Knightley’s. Which was interesting as it gave the story an unpredictable quality to it.

• Wasted Words: This place is amazing! I want to shop there, drink there, even work there! There was an authenticity about it that made it feel like it is a place with its own heartbeat. I loved the atmosphere and all we learned about the other staff members (who may be featured in other books of this series!) In addition, those Singles Nights sound like a blast!

• That One Scene That Gave 10 Things I Hate About You Vibes: It was over-the-top and adorable in the best of ways! I don’t want to say anymore and spoil anything, so I will just 👏🏼 👏🏼 🤩

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Nothing major, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more with Tyler and his emotions, since we witnessed a lot with Cam.
  

NOTE: Due to strong language and some sex scenes, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audience.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

📚  Bookish girls are the best! Wasted Words is a bookstore after my own heart!

❤️‍🩹  A story about healing from the past, letting go of control, and being brave.

🥰  A beautiful and believable friends-to-lovers relationship with such a satisfying and swoony conclusion.

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