I really like Jo Lovett’s engaging and conversational writing style. I have read 5 books so far and liked 4. Including this one. Till the 11th chapter, it was unputdownable as I stayed awake till the wee hours to read it. I liked it overall. The chemistry between the protagonists is good. I liked their conversations. From their awkwardness (of meeting after 12 years), to the friendliness to the intense attraction: it's been expressed well. Their stay at the monastery was very nice

I had a few problems though:

I understand it was an ARC but after 12-13 chapters, it gets very repetitive and meanders a bit. They say and think same things over and over.

Also, if you are agreeing to have someone for a ride, because that person urgently needs to reach somewhere, you have to tell them that you have planned a week long sightseeing. You can't expect that person who is practically a stranger to travel with you everywhere you go. This thing I found implausible. They could have planned to visit some specific place once they began to get along. It would have cut down the ‘not very entertaining situations’ while they travelled to several places and made the book crisper.

There's no real conflict in this story. Things that have been used as conflicts are not convincing enough. So, there's no tension in the second half. This could have been handled in a better way. The ending is very unimaginative, to be honest.

Nevertheless, it was an entertaining and engrossing read. I really hope it goes for another round of editing.

I loved this book. It was such a heartwarming romcom. I can’t say enough good things about it and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes romances!

ARC Feedback Review: *We Were On a Break* by Jo Lovett

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Jo Lovett’s *We Were On a Break* is a delightful and heartwarming second-chance romance that takes readers on a scenic and emotional journey through Italy and France. With its engaging characters, beautiful settings, and a plot that combines humor with heartfelt moments, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies.

Overview:
Stranded in Rome due to a volcanic ash cloud grounding all planes, Callum reluctantly accepts a lift back to London with Emma, his ex-girlfriend and the woman who broke his heart. Stuck in a campervan together, they embark on a road trip that forces them to confront their past and the unresolved feelings between them. As they travel through the stunning landscapes of Italy and France, they begin to rediscover each other and themselves.

Themes and Elements:
1. **Second-Chance Romance:** The central theme of rekindling an old romance is handled with sensitivity and realism. Callum and Emma’s journey from exes with unresolved issues to rediscovering their love is both touching and believable.
2. **Forced Proximity:** The forced proximity of a road trip in a campervan creates a perfect setup for romantic tension and comedic moments. This trope is executed well, adding depth and intensity to their interactions.
3. **Beautiful Settings:** Lovett’s vivid descriptions of the Italian and French countryside enhance the romantic atmosphere of the story. The scenic backdrop adds to the charm and allure of Callum and Emma’s journey.
4. **Emotional Healing:** Both characters must confront their past and deal with their emotional baggage. The theme of healing and personal growth is central to their story, making their reunion more meaningful.

Character Development:
- **Callum:** Callum is a relatable and endearing hero. His initial reluctance to spend time with Emma gradually gives way to vulnerability and honesty as he grapples with his lingering feelings and past hurt.
- **Emma:** Emma is a strong and independent heroine. Her journey from heartbreak to self-discovery is compelling, and her interactions with Callum reveal her depth and resilience.

Writing Style:
Jo Lovett’s writing is engaging and full of warmth. Her ability to blend humor with emotional depth makes the story both entertaining and touching. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is just right, keeping readers invested in Callum and Emma’s evolving relationship.

**Final Thoughts:**
*We Were On a Break* is a charming and uplifting romance that will leave readers with a smile. Jo Lovett has crafted a story that beautifully captures the complexities of second chances and the magic of rediscovering love. Callum and Emma’s road trip is filled with laughter, tears, and moments of profound connection.

This book is perfect for fans of romantic comedies who enjoy stories of rekindled love set against picturesque backdrops. Highly recommended for those looking for a heartwarming and satisfying read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We Were on a Break by Jo Lovett
Rating: 3/5

Stranded in Rome due to volcanic ash grounding all flights, Callum accepts a ride to London from a friend-of-a-friend returning from a European road trip in a camper van. To his dismay, the driver is Emma, his ex, whom he dreads being stuck with. Emma, equally horrified, has spent years healing from their breakup and dreads the close quarters.

As they embark on their journey, it seems fate might be giving them a second chance. However, reconciling their past and dealing with the present proves challenging.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed "We Were on A Break," even though it's a slow burn. The stunning cover, intriguing synopsis, and the second chance romance theme, which I'm a complete sucker for, initially drew me in.

While I did connect with the characters at times, they still felt a bit flat overall, and there were quite a few red flags in the story. However, we don't always read romance for realism but for an escape, so these issues didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book if you're looking for an easy read. Is it a masterpiece? No. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author, Jo Lovett, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

let me begin by saying i LOVED the idea behind this book, and the title and synopsis were so intriguing to me. this ended up being a cute romance story, but i wish it wasn't such a slow burn. i also think the characters were a little immature and lacked development which was slightly annoying. however, if you're looking for a closed door romance book with sweet moments, and you don't mind slower paced books - this is absolutely the one for you!

thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc!

I enjoyed the house swap, another time, another place, and the mistletoe pact. However we were on a break was very slow for me. It was a cute closed door romance story, but i didnt like the characters.

I didn't find this story to be particularly interesting, and it was all downhill from there. The main characters were immature and none of them felt fully developed. It felt really slow and not exciting, I wanted to love it but sadly did not.

"We Were on a Break" takes readers on a journey with Emma and Callum. Their lives are turned upside down when Emma offers a friend of a friend a ride back to London, only to discover the passenger is her ex from years ago. As they navigate this unexpected reunion, Emma and Callum must confront their past hurts and experiences to determine if they can make this trip together. The novel explores whether time truly heals all wounds.

The book features several sweet moments of banter and dives into themes such as abandonment, trust, and love. However, the story felt a bit choppy at times, requiring me to re-read sections to grasp the narrative fully. I found myself occasionally frustrated with the characters, particularly due to the repetitive struggles and their lack of open communication.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced copy in return for my honest review.

I really wanted to love this book, the premise was very intriguing to me, and one of my all-time favorite books is girl abroad, This seemed like a similar vibe, but I really could not get into the story. The main characters both annoyed me, and they seemed like pretty toxic people, making them hard to root for.

Some thing about the book overall felt a bit unpolished to me, and the descriptions of certain locations didn’t seem fully fleshed out. I also feel like for this book story line, it was needlessly long. It could’ve been more enjoyable for me if it was a shorter read.

This alone was an ok sweet love story. If you’ve been to Paris or Florence the book description is horrible of those places. I’ve been to Paris and was baffled with how the author was describing it. I was rooting for the characters but found myself getting bored with the plot. It definitely had more potential.

It has a very good start but then it went nowhere with many hard to believe turns. The famous city references can only impress someone who hasn’t been to Europe. If you have been to Florence or Paris, then the city descriptions just appear silly and without much research or thought behind it. The conversations on the road appeared very childish as if by two very young people rather than a decade older.

Emma is 33 years old and Callum is 36 and also a dad with a 10 year old but their inner thoughts and conversations are so immature!

Both break ups made no sense and the book just got worse. Doesn’t she have any self respect?

The writing style is easy to read but by the second half I could barely stand the characters. Instead of gushing about each other in your inner thoughts, I wish it had more substance on their characters and their feelings. Stop telling us how great they are. Describe them, so a reader comes to this conclusion on their own.

For young readers: I hope you realize that this is an absolute fantasy created to sell. A real life, love and happy marriage is nothing like this. If you met a guy who treats you like this, run. And definitely don’t waste 12 years of your life “crushing” on him.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

Rooting for characters, feeling their pain and angst is why I'd devoured these kinds of books. I love when other people's problems help me forget mine

This talented author has written a quick fun read…on a break…seeing each other again…love and romance…friends…a recipe for a story that is enjoyable by the pool, at the beach…the realistic characters keep the novel moving quickly. Thanks Netgalley

Very well written, with relatable characters and well-constructed dialogue resulting in a very romantic — but also satisfying — storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: We Were on a Break by Jo Lovett

Release Date: July, 29th, 2024

3.5 Stars

"We Were on a Break" by Jo Lovett is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy that takes readers on a scenic journey through Italy and France, with a dash of nostalgia and the bittersweet tang of rekindled love.

This novel is a delightful read offering a blend of humour, romance, and emotional depth that is both entertaining and touching.

Callum and Emma, exes from a relationship that ended 12 years prior, find themselves in an unexpected and awkward reunion. Stranded in Rome due to volcanic ash canceling all flights, Callum accepts a ride back to London from Emma, who is returning from a European road trip in her camper van. The situation is less than ideal for both, as they are still nursing wounds from their past and are hesitant to spend time together in such close quarters.

However, as they embark on their journey, the forced proximity and the scenic beauty of the countries they pass through begin to work their magic. The road trip becomes a metaphorical journey back in time, as Callum and Emma are forced to confront their unresolved feelings and the reasons behind their breakup.

The narrative is peppered with humorous moments, particularly those involving Emma's quirky personality and her beloved van, Miranda, which provide comic relief and keep the tone light and enjoyable.

Lovett's writing is a standout, with a perfect balance of humour and emotional depth. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both funny and poignant, making the reader root for their reconciliation. The novel explores themes of second chances, the complexities of love, and the idea that sometimes, fate has a way of bringing people back together when the time is right.

"We Were on a Break" is a short and sweet, closed-door romance that captures the essence of a summer romance. It's a story that will make you laugh out loud, tear up, and ultimately believe in the power of love to overcome the past.

For readers who are fans of second chance romances and enjoy a good dose of angst, this book is a must-read. Jo Lovett has crafted a beautiful story that reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected detours can lead us back to where we belong.

Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Jo Lovett & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

It's a super cute book that explores relationships with a bit of drama! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I liked the characters, and while I don't think I'll remember this as the best read of the summer, I did like it. Four stars.

A total delight from beginning to end! What happens when you are stuck for a few days with the one love you never forgot or got over, but they got away, and you never knew exactly why it ended. Do you want closure or to start up again? A fun ride to get those answers.

Cute for what it was. The writing style was a little weird for me… and I found both main characters annoying at times. It had some adorable moments though.

3.5 stars rounded to a 4

Callum and Emma are exes from 12 years ago who are in denial about how much they are still hung up on each other (they remind themselves of this a lot). They end up getting stuck together on a road trip around Italy back to their homes in London. Through this journey, they are reminded of their previous relationship and try to fight the feelings that are still there for each other.

Tropes:
second chance romances
Dual POV
The one that got away
Friends with benefits

This is a short and sweet, closed door romance. I really liked the characters. I thought Emma was very quirky and Callum was a good person who had the best intentions even though I thought his actions might not have come off that way. Along the way, they enter this FWB/holiday fling relationship, and I was face palming at Emma's false hope/optimism for more while Callum had been clear on his intentions from (kind of) the start but also was still giving mixed signals. The only thing I didn't like was the reasoning behind how the relationship had ended and the one hindering them from restarting their relationship now. In the end, I was like "oookay..." when this reasoning somehow gets resolved after a small realization by one of the characters. Emma tries to get "closure" on her relationship with Callum like a million times in this book for some reason, but honestly, I kind of get it because I was kind of confused myself (LOL).

I really liked Jo Lovett's writing. It was humorous with tons of laugh out loud moments (namely, Emma's driving and her beloved van, Miranda), and I also teared up at times because the emotions were written very well. I am a sucker for second chance romances and angst.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.