Anyway, to this particular question… haven’t you ever enjoyed something all the while you knew it was pure formula? There are a number of romantic comedies I feel that way about, for instance. They’re clearly built by demographic and nothing but an urge to make money (forget art or expressing something the creator feels strongly about), but in the right mood, they still hook me and reel me in.

I did feel like I was being a bit too negative here, because I believe the intentions were good, if perhaps naive, and I did want to try and not be quite so harsh. I see that that part, at least, was conveyed clearly. :)

I’ve read this paragraph a couple of times, Johanna. My reviewer brain is long-retired (and was never as strong as yours, I’ll fully concede), but how can you like the story and characters, but preface that with “it’s like a computer put this together”.

I wouldn’t quibble with you on this review, but at points I thought you were thoroughly panning the book, but then it seems like you were trying to toss the creator a bone with “I liked the story…”

Not to review the reviewer, but I’m partially looking for clarification. In all seriousness, I understand that the book was not to your taste (partially due to stilted dialogue and lifeless pacing [sounds like could use an editor, honestly]), but I was curious if you still might recommend it to the “younger audience”.