Too Good to Be Real: A Novel

by Melonie Johnson Narrated by Juliana Solo, Cody Gordon

Overview

"The perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and make-you-grin moments." - Lyssa Kay Adams, author of The Bromance Book Club

"An ode to everything we love about rom-coms." - Alexis Daria, author of You Had Me at Hola

In her trade paperback debut, Melonie Johnson brings her signature humor, sexy romance, and strong female friendships in this hilarious romantic comedy about finding perfectly imperfect love, Too Good to Be Real.

She plans to prove there's a dozen reasons why life isn't like a romantic comedy, only to discover the one reason it is...

While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favorite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned.

A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind wh

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Buzzfeed, "Best Books To Read July 2021"

Goodreads, "The Top Romances Burning Up Goodreads This Summer"

SheReads, "Most anticipated spring and summer romances of 2021"

"Too Good to Be Real is the stuff of rom-com fantasies come to life....The various scenarios Johnson devises are laugh-out-loud funny; her cast of characters is vibrant and engaging; and the book as a whole is the type of frothy escape readers long for." - Entertainment Weekly

"A setting that readers will undoubtedly wish to visit, a relatable hero and heroine, and a flock of feathered and furry sidekicks make this story memorable. It's sure to please fans of romantic comedies, whether of the in-print or on-screen variety." - Library Journal

"Has all the classic rom-com tropes that readers will rejoice over—an awkward yet kind of hilarious meet-cute, hidden identities, swoony kisses in the rain, and lots of puns that lead to happily ever after. ...Fierce, supportive female friendships and a good old-fashioned romance meet in Too Good To Be Real—a fun romp that’s perfect for summer!" - The Nerd Daily

"One of the best Rom-Coms of the year. This novel is smartly written, with enjoyable characters you root for, in a great setting. This book has it all and more. A perfect summer beach, pool or just staying cool read." - Red Carpet Crash

"A sizzling, laugh-out-loud saga." - Woman's World

"Melonie Johnson has written a charming, feel-good romp about all the reasons we love rom-coms! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and make-you-grin moments." - Lyssa Kay Adams, author of The Bromance Book Club

"Charming and clever, Too Good to Be Real is an ode to everything we love about rom-coms." - Alexis Daria, author of You Had Me at Hola

"Too Good to Be Real gives you the sparks and tingles you get watching your favorite rom-com. Bursting with colorful side characters and a charming whirlwind romance, you'll finish the book with a smile on your face." - Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

"A sweet, sexy, and slightly meta rom-com perfect for anyone who craves meet-cutes, serenades, long walks on the beach, and even a grand gesture or two. Too Good to Be Real is an Austenland-esque fantasy for romantic comedy obsessives!" - Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks

Kirkus Reviews

2021-05-05
A reporter falls in love at a resort designed to provide guests with the full rom-com experience.

Julia Carpenter writes listicles and pop-culture puff pieces for a Chicago-based website, but she worries about rumors of a new round of layoffs. Determined to prove she’s an integral part of the team, she pitches a story for the site’s booming travel section. A few hours north in Wisconsin, the newly opened Notting Hill Resort promises guests a full role-playing experience based on rom-com movies. Luke O’Neal is the head game developer, in charge of creating characters, activities, and experiences for guests, allowing them to choose everything from paintball to karaoke. If the resort’s opening week is a success, Luke will receive a bonus large enough to fund his own startup. After a chance meeting with Julia on the hotel grounds, Luke decides to pretend to be a guest and experience the game from the inside; meanwhile, Julia keeps her status as a reporter secret in order to avoid special treatment that might influence her review. Johnson’s homage to rom-coms focuses on developing the hallmarks of the genre—quirky secondary characters, outdoors shenanigans, and complicated misunderstandings—at the expense of the romantic relationship between Luke and Julia, which falls flat. The lack of communication between the protagonists and the rushed ending make for an emotionally unsatisfying resolution. The 20-something characters all have extensive knowledge of 1980s and '90s rom-coms but never reference pop culture from their own generation, which gives the novel the feeling of a stale time capsule.

A cute premise meant to honor the rom-com genre fails to deliver.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173122599
Publisher:	Insatiable Press
Publication date:	07/06/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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