Can their online flirtation become something real?
When smart, practical Emily finds herself in the crosshairs of an Internet prankster, her orderly world goes topsy-turvy. Instead of getting mad at the handsome stranger behind the joke, she finds herself drawn to him. But Jack Dobson, though hilarious and thoughtful, has a lot of secrets. Despite her growing feelings for her new and unexpected long-distance friend, his biggest secret of all might be the one that breaks the spell they've been weaving around each other.
A witty, intelligent contemporary romance with more heart than usual. Emily, fresh off breaking up with her slightly boring boyfriend, immerses herself in an online flirtation with (let me get this straight) her roommate’s brother’s good friend, Jack. Jack is in Oregon and Emily’s in San Francisco, so Emily’s comfortable knowing this is just for fun. Or is it? But Jack is hiding some secrets...
I enjoyed this book a lot. So much fun witty banter. The idea for a fairytale retelling had me thinking this would be light and silly but it has some serious hard elements that make it solid and better then I thought. I enjoy the way Jacobson writes a story. She brings in lots of truths we tend to hide from ourselves and I like watching her characters figure things out. A sweet romance is thrown in with all this growth and it makes for my kind of story. I would let my older teen read these.
This book, while being flirty and fun, didn't lack the emotional substance and character growth that makes a story feel full and satisfying. I loved Emily and Jack, I loved the humor and I loved the journey.
Emily is a 32-year-old, never-married, successful, IT professional, who lives and works in San Francisco. She has shared an apartment with her 27-year-old roommate, Ranee, for the past three years.
A large part of the author's initial characterization of Emily consists of multiple, standard, chick-lit tropes:
1. Ranee is a classic "manic, pixie dream girl," whose main purpose in the plot is as the Confidante, who constantly encourages stodgy Emily to stop playing it safe in her romantic relationships.
2. The first 25% of the novel, Emily is dating a rather boring guy named Paul. In chick lit, the FMC is virtually always dating one or more men, often outright losers, at the beginning of the novel, none of whom does she end up with. Ranee does not believe that Paul is good enough for Emily, and keeps pushing Emily to dump him.
3. The story is told entirely from the single, first-person point of view of the FMC, which means we never get to deeply know her ultimate love interest.
4. Emily adores expensive stilettos. Feet-destroying and back-busting high heels are a constant prop in chick lit. (But at least, thank heavens, Emily does not wear the hackneyed fashion choice, "flirty skirts.")
5. Emily and Ranee regularly mood-alter their romantic angst by bingeing on fatty, sugary junk food. (Fortunately, since the author is LDS, she does not also, as so many chick-lit authors do, offer frequent scenes of the FMC destroying her liver and busting her bank account by bingeing on expensive cocktails at a frou-frou bar with a raucous group of female booze buddies.)
After Emily (inevitably) dumps Paul, she finally begins an online relationship with a 36-year-old, never-married guy named Jack, whom Ranee connects her to. Jack is a close friend of Ranee's brother. This is a "reverse" Rapunzel retelling, because it is a man, not a woman, who has very long hair. Jack wears his abundant locks in a man bun. The tower he is trapped in is metaphorical. He is suffering from burnout and depression and has been living as a celibate hermit in a small town in Oregon for the past two years. (We do not find out until the book is about 75% over why he is burned out.) About 90% of the relationship between Emily and Jack occurs through social media messaging, texting, phone calls and Zoom. They do not meet in person until toward the end of the novel. They do not do any more than kiss because this is a G-rated author who doesn't include sex, ever.
Though I struggled with the first part of the book, because of all of those chick-lit cliches, that are no fun to me personally, after Emily and Jack finally connect, the book got much more interesting. Both of them have a strong sense of humor, so there is a lot of enjoyable repartee between the two of them. And though I wasn't particularly fond of Emily in the beginning, I felt that toward the end of the book she displays a lot of important maturation that turned her into a much more sympathetic FMC. Sadly, because this is not standard, mainstream romance, with the dual POV of the FMC and MMC, we do not get to experience onstage Jack's very important psychological growth arc. Jack seemed like a decent guy, and it would have greatly improved this book for me personally if the reader were given a chance to know him better.
Yesterday I randomly picked up the Kindle version of this novel, which at some point I obtained a free copy of through an Amazon sale. I also checked out the audiobook version through Hoopla. I am a huge fan of audiobooks in general, but I have been spoiled by frequently experiencing the narrations of extremely talented voice actors. Sadly, the actor narrating this book has a plodding, unnaturally stiff style that is difficult to listen to. I ended up abandoning the audiobook and reverting entirely to the Kindle version.
4.5 stars This book was a perfect de-stressor after a tough week, and for me also the first book by this author (but definitely not the last). Melanie Jacobson is good. Really good. This book goes beyond what is usually understood by 'chick lit'. Make no mistake - I am by no means being disparaging here. I love chick lit, I read a lot of it and sometimes it is just mindless fluff/fun. Which is also good.
This novel, though, delivers on multiple fronts. It has all the typical ingredients - a love story, a couple with chemistry, an interesting heroine and a swoon-worthy hero, but it also has depth. The characters feel real and the progress of their relationship credible. What I loved best, though, was that they both go on a journey here and their mutual feelings make them go deeper and change for the better.
The book also touches on some darker, sadder parts of life so the story does get poignant towards the end but ultimately, I think this makes the reading experience stronger and more valuable. There are also interesting and memorable secondary characters (which does not always happen in such books). The writing is very good, I think. Oh, and even though the romance is beautiful and there is a lot of heat, the book is clean. So, if you are into this sort of reading, this is a rec from me.
Beginning with Emily already in a relationship—one her best friend doesn't approve of—this started off a little rocky for me. While I loved seeing Emily own the breakup, the best friend was an incredibly disrespectful and persistent meddler.
But wow! This took an unexpected emotional turn. Forming an online connection with Jack, the photoshop wizard sporting a man bun, I loved the slow build of their long-distance relationship. Filled with DMs and virtual dates (one using Google Earth particularly made me swoon!), I adored seeing Emily underestimate their connection as their love bloomed behind the screen.
Isolated in his small town, there's a lot to unravel about the mysterious, reclusive Jack. Learning to emphasize with his experiences, I loved seeing Emily gain an appreciation for his choices, ultimately guiding him to heal. This wasn't a perfect read for me, but it truly won my heart in the end.
Romance, clean; Contemporary Lovely romance! So cleverly told, and loved how the story was flipped (guy has the long hair). M.J. is a master of making you anticipate all the wonderful things that make up a romance, the nuances, the clever wonderful moments that create attraction, wanting, and love. Cute, funny, clever, so well done! Will be on my read again shelf as usual with M.J.
This book started out as a serial book on Melanie Jacobson’s Facebook page. She posted a chapter every Friday. It was my favorite thing to look forward too every week. Melanie Jacobson is my favorite contemporary romance author. It’s really fun that she released it as a kindle book before it actually finished on Facebook! I had so much fun re-reading the whole book and reading the ending to this one before it posted.
This one features Emily. Emily is a great character! But my favorite thing about her is the way she changes by the end of the book. Emily was great at the beginning, but just like all of us, she was able to become an even better person by the ending of this one. I love that she learns so much about herself.
The reader sees this whole book through Emily’s eyes. But I can’t not mention Jack. Wow, I loved him as well! I really wish we had seen at least some of the story through his eyes. He’s such a caring guy. And he changes a lot as well.
I can’t not mention Ranee and her brother Sean. I loved both of their characters. Ranee’s on the side romance made me so happy. I really hope that both Ranee and Sean get their own stories as well.
The plot of this one is amazing. You’ll laugh, and cry as you read this one. The ending of this one is perfect. Such a satisfying ending. Make sure to grab your own copy!
The online romance between Emily and Jack is too adorable. Their chemistry together - even when not physically in the same location - is awesome, and I want to doodle their initials on my notebook cover surrounded by hearts. Hearts hearts hearts hearts! They're so witty and flirty, and that type of banter is just *catnip* for me. The progression of their relationship is great, and it's definitely a delicious slow burn. This one's a closed-door romance, but don't let that make you think there isn't plenty of heat! I also really appreciate that both Jack and Emily go through a fair amount of personal growth throughout the story, especially Emily who has a fair bit to learn about empathy.
The only thing that REALLY bugged me is... This book bills itself right in the title as "A Fairy Tale Flip Book" but I had a heck of a time identifying any fairy tale elements at all. What the heck fairy tale is this supposed to be flipping?! Somehow I got it in my head that it was a gender-swapped fairy tale of some sort, but it reads like no fairy tale I'm familiar with. Can anyone give me a clue here?
I was disappointed in this book - I normally love Melanie Jacobson. I just feel like the main female character was stuck in her head too much � and what she was thinking and feeling wasn’t very interesting. Sorry😕
Witty banter! I loved the humor, and the more serious issues were handled well. I totally didn’t get the seagull jokes, but there were plenty of other things to smile at.
I probably would've liked this more if the roommate wasn't so sketchy and if Emily hadn't already been dating a guy when the book started. Those two stories soured the entire book for me. I felt like she was happy with Paul until she met Jack. What happens when someone else who knows how to edit photos and videos comes along?? Would have been better if she was portrayed was unhappy but that's not how it went.
Ranee should have been rewritten or removed altogether. She was pretty awful. I'm not sure how we are supposed to like someone like her when it seems like she had ulterior motives the entire time.
I did not get the feeling that her and Jack would last as a couple.
I did like that the story was clean. Without the whole roommate and Paul business, this would have checked my Hallmark box!
This is one of those books that makes you feel all of the emotions. It is hilarious and witty, but it also has a very deep side that makes you cry. I loved the two main characters. I loved that they were so good for each other, but that their relationship was so much work. I’ve never seen so much growth in a relationship in a romcom. Loved this one!
Such a witty fast read. I started reading it on FB and was dying, so when I saw that she was going to publish it I jumped at the chance to read to the end. Even though this is a light contemporary romance, I felt like it had great depth to it. And okay. Hello Jack. I've always loved this author, but this was one of my favorites of hers.
I can’t count how many times this book made me laugh! I loved Jack and his photoshopping pranks and skills. I wanted to bookmark every online conversation that he and Emily had. I just loved this book! It had a great balance of humor, depth, and romance.
Content: clean (no language, no violence, some kissing, mild innuendo)
I have been following along each week as she posts a new chapter and have LOVED it! She just recently released the whole book and I devoured it! Swoon! It was so good! Now I don't know what I will do with my Fridays now that I'm not impatiently waiting for her next chapter!
Emily has a boyfriend, Paul, but something’s missing. A funny photoshop edit orchestrated by her roommate, Ranée, has her exchanging funny messages with the editor, Jack. He lives 10 hours away and is friends with Ranée’s brother, so they just exchange friendly banter. But when she lets Paul go, and things with Jack get flirty, there are questions of what could happen between them. Jack has a secret past that he won’t share much about. Could the distance and secrets end things before they ever begin? Or is what they could have worth fighting for?
So much of the story is cute and fun. Good friend support and fun interactions. And there is some depth of dealing with grief and disappointment and trying to find a way forward. But some points annoyed me a bit - like the repetition of the same problems over and over; and even though there is clearly no cheating, the overlap of communication and the roommate dating the ex just brings in unnecessary awkwardness that I didn’t enjoy. Overall I was rooting for Emily and Jack. Things work out too easily, but it’s a romcom so I wanted that.
I wouldn’t say it’s a new favorite, but I enjoyed it. Thankful that the author made the book available free to readers and that I found the audio on its new wider release. It’s a sweet and clean story, so a good story for those who appreciate a romance without spicy details.
It is very nice to read an offering where the characters are real, believable, and relatable. I must admit that, as an octogenarian who is not as techno-savvy as the younger generation, I struggled with all the technology on display as Emily and Jack got to know each other through a long-distance, electronically crafted relationship. I appreciated the way both Emily and Jack came to life before my eyes patterned after real people dealing with quirky baggage. Jack’s ordeal of losing a young cancer patient moved me significantly. I thought of all the doctors who must deal with those issues in their practices. Then, Emily gets a taste of those feelings when she volunteered to work with young cancer patients. These were moving and enlightening passages. Thank you, Melanie, for bringing fictional characters to life, as if they were living, breathing, real-life people.
She has her life all planned out until someone photoshopped his way in
Loved this book. Serial dating the safe man so she didn't have to take a risk and feel something, Emily has her life planned out and it marching along nicely... Until someone photoshopped a rugged long haired mountain man into a pix of her and starts her wondering if she is really happy. Cue the mysterious mountain man who texts and flirts but is guarding something. He is not anywhere on her list of goals but maybe he should be. When his secrets are revealed, it shows just how sheltered and shallow her life had been. Kudos for taking on a very heartbreaking reality and treating it with them tender compassion and respect it deserves.
I was not anticipating the emotional attachment and depth to this book when I started it. The flirting, banter, and chemistry between Jack and Emily was amazing! I loved that the book spanned many months and gave time for the characters to actually grow and change, not 2 weeks 😂
Her roommate Ranee did bother me a little, but I did like her brother. Another great book by Melanie!
Favorite moments: Photoshop pictures The seagull Their first date & for delivery Coffee delivery Second date The text to her ex The hair salon The story about Jack's hair was heartbreaking
This was a cute novel. After Emily decides to call it quits with her boring boyfriend, she wants to just chill for a bit. But her friend kinda finds an online friend for Emily. Jack likes to play jokes and work with graphic art. I don’t usually read many of these fluffy books. But this was a good one, a unique storyline and moved along quickly. I’m going to try to find another book or 2 from the author. I received this free of charge, maybe from the author, but it didn’t affect my review.
This book begins and ends with a good pair of shoes—after all, what’s a good fairy tale without an appropriate pair of heels? Loved the integration of technology in this one. From FaceTime dates to google earth walks in the park, Jacobson did a good job of connecting us with two individuals in desperate need of connection themselves. Put this one on your read shelf for sure.
I'll be honest, this was only my second romance. Being a non-fiction author, I wasn't sure if I could make it past the first few pages as the typical romance tropes almost gagged me. However . . . I fell in love with the characters and couldn't put it down. I hate to admit that I loved a cheesy romance, but I did. I loved it so much. If you're looking for a cute, fun romance. This is it. The flirty conversations between the two main characters and the anxiety of discovering who Jack really is was fun and light-hearted. A great read!
Melanie's books are always a delight. It's refreshing to find an author who can right a witty sweet romance that has depth to it. The issues the characters face in this story are weighty but handled in a manner that shows growth and maturity.
Another book that I read rather quickly on vacation and really enjoyed it! I loved the characters! I loved that they aren’t young adults, but older adults dealing careers and serious life problems. And who isn’t a sucker for happy endings?!? Good book!
I bought this book for my teenage daughter for Christmas. She loved it and let me read it too. It was so much fun! I love Melanie's talent for snark, sweet romance with a slow burn, and characters with depth, not fluff. Her humor is laugh-out-loud funny and the storyline kept me racing through this book. I finished it in 2 days. More!