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I’ve been in the mood for a really great contemporary lately! When I saw Again, but Better by Christine Riccio on NetGalley I knew I had to request it! I haven’t been using NetGalley as much but when I got the email that I’d received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book I actually squealed!
Again, but Better is one of my most anticipated books of 2019 (I already pre-ordered a finished copy!) and I was so excited to be able to read it early. The author, Christine, is a really popular Booktuber. I only recently started watching her videos, but I did know who she was. I know that you can never know what to expect going into a book that was written by someone who is already internet famous, but Again, but Better DID NOT disappoint.
We follow Shane who’s on a study abroad for a creative writing program. She lied to her parents and told them she was there for the pre-med program which doesn’t actually exist. She’s planning to be a doctor because that’s been her parent’s dream for her for as long as she can remember, but Shane really wants to be a writer.
She starts making friends right away and falling for Pilot who is also in the study abroad program.
This book was super fun, fast-paced, and really enjoyable to read. There was a little twist of fate that included some magic which I actually really found fun. Like every book, there were a few flaws with this novel. This book takes place in 2011 and 2017 and for some of the 2011 parts, it felt a little forced, like there were things added (like playing Angry Birds) that didn’t necessarily add to the story but would remind you what year it was taking place. That bothered me a little, but it was such a page-turner that in the end, I didn’t mind too much.
Again, but Better reminded me slightly of Anna and the French Kiss and Fangirl, both books I liked but didn’t love. I did love Again, but Better. If you’re in the mood for a fun and romantic contemporary, I definitely recommend! Again, but Better is officially out on May 7th and you can preorder here! What’s the last 5-star book you read?
About Again, but Better
Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal — but Shane’s made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance…what’s that?
Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time’s a ticking, and she needs a change — there’s nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She’s going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure!
Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic – the possibilities are endless.
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