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This Time Next Year
The instant New York Times bestseller adored by readers around the world! Curl up with the refreshingly romantic and unputdownable rom-com which has everyone falling head over heels...
Get ready to fall for this year's most extraordinary love story
Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year's Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart.
Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn't be more different.
Thirty years later they find themselves together again in the same place, at the same time.
What if fate is trying to bring them together?
Maybe it's time to take a chance on love...
Get ready to fall for this year's most extraordinary love story
Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year's Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart.
Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn't be more different.
Thirty years later they find themselves together again in the same place, at the same time.
What if fate is trying to bring them together?
Maybe it's time to take a chance on love...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2020
4,954 people are currently reading
102k people want to read
About the author
Sophie Cousens
6books4,292followersSophie Cousens has worked in television for twelve years. She attributes surviving this long to always knowing where the Post-it notes are kept, and her ability to carry six coffee cups at once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,802 reviews
November 25, 2020
4 Stars
I've been trying to make a better point of reading any newly purchased physical books as soon as possible upon their entrance into my home....otherwise they just seem to fall into the "languishing unread on my shelves forever" abyss. Also, I'm trying to meet my Book of the Month reading goal this year. And Iam was three books short.
Enter me picking this up right before bed the other night with the intent of reading "just a couple chapters."
Well, we all know how that goes sometimes.
So, proving once again that nighttime-reading-me has absolutely zero respect for daytime-functioning-me, I ended up reading about 300 pages of this before finally falling asleep at close to 1AM. With a sub-5AM wake up the next morning, mind you.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Was it original?
Nope. In fact, it was fairly cliche and trope-y in many ways.
Did it have one of my most hated female characters types aka the Manic Pixie Dream Girl?
Not quite, but close.
Were some of the situations in the book so over the top they seemed to come straight out of 13 Going on 30?
Indubitably.
Were the nonstop "coincidences" SUPER convenient and kitschy?
Oh, you bet your ass.
On another day, I might have been completely annoyed by this book. In fact, a year from now I might decide to come back and re-read this thing and think, what the fuq was wrong with me?
But, you know what?
Because, this is 2020, people.
And I was in the mood for some trope-y romcom. With unicorns and some fucking pie.
Plus, the style of quirkiness here was my favorite brand. It was enough to make me smile, but not so much that I wanted to punch someone in the face (looking at you
Flat-Out-Hate-Celeste). If the quirk in this story was a character, I would say it was very...self-aware. And poked fun at itself.
I also just really liked Minnie. I loved the evolution of her character. And her mom's character. And their realization that sometimes you just need to stop and unpack all the things you've been forcing yourself to carry for no reason.
Plus, as a fellow child of the 1980's, I enjoyed all the nostalgic flashbacks into the past. And I usually hate flashbacks.
But I digress.
If you are looking for something quick, light, and easy that almost makes you feel like you are back in the 1990's watching a romantic comedy, I say give this a go. Cause the 1990's sound super fun right now, no?
I've been trying to make a better point of reading any newly purchased physical books as soon as possible upon their entrance into my home....otherwise they just seem to fall into the "languishing unread on my shelves forever" abyss. Also, I'm trying to meet my Book of the Month reading goal this year. And I
Enter me picking this up right before bed the other night with the intent of reading "just a couple chapters."
Well, we all know how that goes sometimes.
So, proving once again that nighttime-reading-me has absolutely zero respect for daytime-functioning-me, I ended up reading about 300 pages of this before finally falling asleep at close to 1AM. With a sub-5AM wake up the next morning, mind you.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Was it original?
Nope. In fact, it was fairly cliche and trope-y in many ways.
Did it have one of my most hated female characters types aka the Manic Pixie Dream Girl?
Not quite, but close.
Were some of the situations in the book so over the top they seemed to come straight out of 13 Going on 30?
Indubitably.
Were the nonstop "coincidences" SUPER convenient and kitschy?
Oh, you bet your ass.
On another day, I might have been completely annoyed by this book. In fact, a year from now I might decide to come back and re-read this thing and think, what the fuq was wrong with me?
But, you know what?
Because, this is 2020, people.
And I was in the mood for some trope-y romcom. With unicorns and some fucking pie.
Plus, the style of quirkiness here was my favorite brand. It was enough to make me smile, but not so much that I wanted to punch someone in the face (looking at you
Flat-Out-Hate-Celeste). If the quirk in this story was a character, I would say it was very...self-aware. And poked fun at itself.
I also just really liked Minnie. I loved the evolution of her character. And her mom's character. And their realization that sometimes you just need to stop and unpack all the things you've been forcing yourself to carry for no reason.
Plus, as a fellow child of the 1980's, I enjoyed all the nostalgic flashbacks into the past. And I usually hate flashbacks.
But I digress.
If you are looking for something quick, light, and easy that almost makes you feel like you are back in the 1990's watching a romantic comedy, I say give this a go. Cause the 1990's sound super fun right now, no?
February 9, 2022
If you yearn for the days of British romcoms before romcoms were good, this is the book for you.
If you’re a Bridget Jones person over a Love Actually / Notting Hill / whatever, this might also be the book for you. Sorry, my vitriolic hatred of Bridget Jones is showing.
(The best British romcom, by the way, is About Time. I will not take feedback on this point.)
This one harkens back to a simpler day, before we cared about being nice to each other and bigotry of all kinds was just a little something we like to call “humor.� (End sarcasm.) Lots of really weird jokes about India where the punchlines are just accents and differing cultural norms. A white girl getting cornrows because she’s quirky. The usual.
Also a little bit of The Punchline Is People Who Worry About The Environment, which is very mid-2000s.
Another classic, in that both our main characters are in relationships and yet in love with each other, but it’s okay that they’re conducting emotional affairs because their respective significant others are kind of boring, an offense that means they deserve to suffer.
This is a boring plotline, which is offensive to me as well.
The guy main character, Quinn, is very rich and very hot but he needs a tragic backstory, too, obviously. This is addressed by having him sometimes be depicted as Not rich, even though at other times he inarguably is, and also by one of his ex-girlfriends being a monster (because she enjoyed taking selfies).
Bottom line: Was a time capsule recently discovered in England? Because I refuse to believe this was written this year.
----------------
pre-review
when i picked this up, i thought, "oh, this'll either be a fun fluffy read or a complete dumpster fire of hatred and anger."
did not take me long to lean toward option 2.
If you’re a Bridget Jones person over a Love Actually / Notting Hill / whatever, this might also be the book for you. Sorry, my vitriolic hatred of Bridget Jones is showing.
(The best British romcom, by the way, is About Time. I will not take feedback on this point.)
This one harkens back to a simpler day, before we cared about being nice to each other and bigotry of all kinds was just a little something we like to call “humor.� (End sarcasm.) Lots of really weird jokes about India where the punchlines are just accents and differing cultural norms. A white girl getting cornrows because she’s quirky. The usual.
Also a little bit of The Punchline Is People Who Worry About The Environment, which is very mid-2000s.
Another classic, in that both our main characters are in relationships and yet in love with each other, but it’s okay that they’re conducting emotional affairs because their respective significant others are kind of boring, an offense that means they deserve to suffer.
This is a boring plotline, which is offensive to me as well.
The guy main character, Quinn, is very rich and very hot but he needs a tragic backstory, too, obviously. This is addressed by having him sometimes be depicted as Not rich, even though at other times he inarguably is, and also by one of his ex-girlfriends being a monster (because she enjoyed taking selfies).
Bottom line: Was a time capsule recently discovered in England? Because I refuse to believe this was written this year.
----------------
pre-review
when i picked this up, i thought, "oh, this'll either be a fun fluffy read or a complete dumpster fire of hatred and anger."
did not take me long to lean toward option 2.
May 19, 2020
Although this is essentially a romance novel there’s much more to it which makes it a more interesting read. Minnie and Quinn are born a minute apart on New Years Eve/Day in 1989/90. Their respective mothers Connie Cooper and Tara Hamilton are so different both in personality and background, as Tara exudes a wealthy background. The story takes us through various New Years Eve and Day events until Quinn and Minnie truly find each other.
The strongest element of the book is the characterisation which is very good. There are a lot of very likeable characters such as Minnie, Quinn and Minnie’s best friend Leila, some who are a bit quirky and colourful, some are a bit selfish or slightly negative so there’s a really good cross section of people and they all feel real. There is a good injection of humour some of which is a bit snarky, some is of the pun variety and there are plenty of fun, feel good moments. Tara suffers from anxiety which can from time to time almost cripple her and this is very well conveyed and it shows the impact that it has on Quinn but also how much he cares and tries to be supportive which is heartwarming. The book shows the importance of family bonds and friendship - even very unlikely friendships between Tara and Connie which becomes extremely important to both of them but especially Tara. It helps to lessen the effects of her anxiety and I think this is a positive message about reaching out to people. The conclusion of the book is fun but lovely.
My only reservations are the flitting about from different New Years Eve celebrations which feels a bit disjointed although I could see the point the author is making about how Minnie and Quinn keep passing through each other’s lives prior to 2019/20. There’s a good contrast between the differing experiences of the pair of them as Quinn’s tended to be more expensive than Minnie paired down celebrations. Minnie’s references to her bad luck which is a label she is given from birth becomes a bit wearing and I much prefer Quinn’s make your own luck approach! However, neither of these reservations spoil what is a good book.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with a good message, some fun and heartwarming moments and so is a perfect piece of escapism.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK/Cornerstone for the ARC.
The strongest element of the book is the characterisation which is very good. There are a lot of very likeable characters such as Minnie, Quinn and Minnie’s best friend Leila, some who are a bit quirky and colourful, some are a bit selfish or slightly negative so there’s a really good cross section of people and they all feel real. There is a good injection of humour some of which is a bit snarky, some is of the pun variety and there are plenty of fun, feel good moments. Tara suffers from anxiety which can from time to time almost cripple her and this is very well conveyed and it shows the impact that it has on Quinn but also how much he cares and tries to be supportive which is heartwarming. The book shows the importance of family bonds and friendship - even very unlikely friendships between Tara and Connie which becomes extremely important to both of them but especially Tara. It helps to lessen the effects of her anxiety and I think this is a positive message about reaching out to people. The conclusion of the book is fun but lovely.
My only reservations are the flitting about from different New Years Eve celebrations which feels a bit disjointed although I could see the point the author is making about how Minnie and Quinn keep passing through each other’s lives prior to 2019/20. There’s a good contrast between the differing experiences of the pair of them as Quinn’s tended to be more expensive than Minnie paired down celebrations. Minnie’s references to her bad luck which is a label she is given from birth becomes a bit wearing and I much prefer Quinn’s make your own luck approach! However, neither of these reservations spoil what is a good book.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with a good message, some fun and heartwarming moments and so is a perfect piece of escapism.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK/Cornerstone for the ARC.
January 26, 2021
OMG I loved this book! This was the absolute perfect book to start the year out with! The perfect little rom-com that gave me all the feels!
The name is Minnie...Minnie Cooper..I can't help but want to laugh.. I loved Minnie! So your name gets stolen by a woman your mom met, while they were both in labor...so in a moment of desperation she names you Minnie Cooper. Thanks Mom! Look, Minnie is as cute as the car.
Minnie thinks she is jinxed because of her name..well... and she is a bit. She reminded me of a Bridgett Jones with all her crazy antics. Every year she has the worst day..on her birthday! Then she met Quinn...the dude that stole her name. Minnie is determined to hate him..except he is charming, gorgeous and kind..hmm ..we have a problem here.
Minnie is instantly attracted to him, but is he attracted to her? He finds her sleeping on the bathroom floor..umm yuck... Minnie just spent the night locked in a bathroom at a night club...as if that wasn't bad enough, she has on her best shirt that got projectile vomited on by some passerby....yep that is Minnie's luck...wrong place at the wrong time...every New Year's Eve...as she stares into Quinn's gorgeous eyes can she stand her ground and hate him?!
I can't recommend this book enough! It is witty, fun and soo entertaining! I could not put it down. I literally loved this as much as One Day in December which is probably my all time favorite rom-com. Yes I loved it that much!
Thanks so much to Susan and Sheyla who read this one with me! What a great way to start the year! All the stars for this sweet debut! We all need a little bit of Minnie in our lives!! So much fun!
The name is Minnie...Minnie Cooper..I can't help but want to laugh.. I loved Minnie! So your name gets stolen by a woman your mom met, while they were both in labor...so in a moment of desperation she names you Minnie Cooper. Thanks Mom! Look, Minnie is as cute as the car.
Minnie thinks she is jinxed because of her name..well... and she is a bit. She reminded me of a Bridgett Jones with all her crazy antics. Every year she has the worst day..on her birthday! Then she met Quinn...the dude that stole her name. Minnie is determined to hate him..except he is charming, gorgeous and kind..hmm ..we have a problem here.
Minnie is instantly attracted to him, but is he attracted to her? He finds her sleeping on the bathroom floor..umm yuck... Minnie just spent the night locked in a bathroom at a night club...as if that wasn't bad enough, she has on her best shirt that got projectile vomited on by some passerby....yep that is Minnie's luck...wrong place at the wrong time...every New Year's Eve...as she stares into Quinn's gorgeous eyes can she stand her ground and hate him?!
I can't recommend this book enough! It is witty, fun and soo entertaining! I could not put it down. I literally loved this as much as One Day in December which is probably my all time favorite rom-com. Yes I loved it that much!
Thanks so much to Susan and Sheyla who read this one with me! What a great way to start the year! All the stars for this sweet debut! We all need a little bit of Minnie in our lives!! So much fun!
November 29, 2020
November BOTM selection.
“Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
On and on and on�
-Mariah Carey “Fantasy�
The song has nothing to do with this book, but I thought it was fitting in the capacity of this sweet, fictional rom-com.
Minnie Cooper (a person, not a car) is just vrooming through life as a pie-maker for the less fortunate. 🥧 (Sorry for the dad-joke about Mini Coopers and vrooming 🚗 .) She’s a New Year’s baby...and was supposed to be named Quinn Cooper. However, while in the hospital in 1990, her mother’s birthing roommate seemingly stole the name for her son.
So now, Minnie is Minnie...and she has the worst luck every year on her birthday! When a chance encounter leads her to meet her “birthday twin�(Quinn Hamilton...a man whose mother stole the name from Minnie’s mother), it doesn’t mean anything. They’re both dating other people and have different values. It could never work...right?
YADA YADA YADA. I think you get where this is going.
It’s not particularly original, but the execution from author Sophie Cousens is well done! I was charmed by the cast, loved the side stories, and rooted for our main characters. The structure is also interesting as the story jumps around to previous timelines...when Minnie and Quinn were in each other’s orbits during previous NYE / birthday celebrations...without even knowing it.
This is a sweet and fun romantic comedy that has LOL moments. Some of them involve singing sheep who are not good at harmonizing 🐑, mermaid/unicorn ensembles 🦄🧜♀�, an airport scenario involving a phallic object, and a HILARIOUS and awkward scene with a banana 🍌 (which I read twice...while snorting with laughter).
In a time when things aren’t that enjoyable, it was a treat to just ENJOY this.
Review also posted at:
“Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby
When I close my eyes
You come and you take me
On and on and on�
-Mariah Carey “Fantasy�
The song has nothing to do with this book, but I thought it was fitting in the capacity of this sweet, fictional rom-com.
Minnie Cooper (a person, not a car) is just vrooming through life as a pie-maker for the less fortunate. 🥧 (Sorry for the dad-joke about Mini Coopers and vrooming 🚗 .) She’s a New Year’s baby...and was supposed to be named Quinn Cooper. However, while in the hospital in 1990, her mother’s birthing roommate seemingly stole the name for her son.
So now, Minnie is Minnie...and she has the worst luck every year on her birthday! When a chance encounter leads her to meet her “birthday twin�(Quinn Hamilton...a man whose mother stole the name from Minnie’s mother), it doesn’t mean anything. They’re both dating other people and have different values. It could never work...right?
YADA YADA YADA. I think you get where this is going.
It’s not particularly original, but the execution from author Sophie Cousens is well done! I was charmed by the cast, loved the side stories, and rooted for our main characters. The structure is also interesting as the story jumps around to previous timelines...when Minnie and Quinn were in each other’s orbits during previous NYE / birthday celebrations...without even knowing it.
This is a sweet and fun romantic comedy that has LOL moments. Some of them involve singing sheep who are not good at harmonizing 🐑, mermaid/unicorn ensembles 🦄🧜♀�, an airport scenario involving a phallic object, and a HILARIOUS and awkward scene with a banana 🍌 (which I read twice...while snorting with laughter).
In a time when things aren’t that enjoyable, it was a treat to just ENJOY this.
Review also posted at:
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March 31, 2021Almost 30% and I'm calling it quits.
This book's humor and my humor don't jive. All the jokes are at poor Minnie's expense.
Minnie got puked on.
Minnie was locked in a bathroom over night.
Minnie fell down a manhole while her mom exclaimed how she's been unlucky since birth.
It's like slapstick comedy, which isn't my thing.
This book's humor and my humor don't jive. All the jokes are at poor Minnie's expense.
Minnie got puked on.
Minnie was locked in a bathroom over night.
Minnie fell down a manhole while her mom exclaimed how she's been unlucky since birth.
It's like slapstick comedy, which isn't my thing.
July 20, 2020
Please note that I read this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I found this book to be delightful and was engaged throughout my reading. I loved how Minnie and Quinn came to be part of each other's lives (the story of their births was great) and how they seemed to constantly be in a loop around each other growing up. Though I gave this 5 stars, I have to say that I think that there was a missed opportunity to explore Quinn more. I think the book focused mainly on Minnie. I wish towards the end that Cousens had shown us Quinn's POV so we could see how he was handling things on his end. His storyline was tragic in so many ways and I felt for the character a lot.
"This Time Next Year" follows Minnie Cooper (yes that is her name) and Quinn Hamilton. Both are born on the same day (New Year's Day) but have had different life trajectories. Minnie is trying to run a successful pie business with her best friend. She knows though that the business is barely hanging on and doesn't know what she will do if she fails at one more thing. Going out to celebrate New Year's Eve with her boyfriend causes Minnie's "birthday curse" to strike again and she finds herself locked in a bathroom all night. The next morning she is let out by Quinn Hamilton who she realizes is the guy that according to her mother stole her name. The book jumps back and forth between the present with Minnie getting to know Quinn and also we get to see past New Year's Eve/Days with the two of them throughout the years.
I did like Minnie and felt for her. This book realistically looks at how hard it is to set up a business. We get to see though how Minnie has not done well in the past which definitely sets up why she seems to walk around with a chip on her shoulder. Quinn though rich also has his own share of problems too. You initially think he's just a spoiled rich guy until Cousens gives you more of his backstory. I do like the fact that the two characters in essence circle each other and then start to become something more. I also get why Quinn is hesistant.
The secondary characters were great in this one. The two mothers definitely shaped up the story a lot and you get to see why Quinn's mother still thinks about Minnie's mother. Minne's best friend was great though and I thought that Cousens did a very good job of handling the evolving friendship and changes that they both needed to make.
The writing was really good. I had a handle on who was "speaking" and the time periods. The flow worked too. It was a bit clunky at first, but once you get going in the book everything makes sense and the different chapters and POVs flow into each other.
The book takes place in the UK, India, and I forget where else over the course of about 30 plus years. We get to see Tara and Quinn's birth and the different things that have happened to them as children, pre-teens, teens, and then adults.
As I already said, I wish that Cousens had showed us more of Quinn towards the end. The ending was lovely though and I would love to read another book by Cousens in the future.
I found this book to be delightful and was engaged throughout my reading. I loved how Minnie and Quinn came to be part of each other's lives (the story of their births was great) and how they seemed to constantly be in a loop around each other growing up. Though I gave this 5 stars, I have to say that I think that there was a missed opportunity to explore Quinn more. I think the book focused mainly on Minnie. I wish towards the end that Cousens had shown us Quinn's POV so we could see how he was handling things on his end. His storyline was tragic in so many ways and I felt for the character a lot.
"This Time Next Year" follows Minnie Cooper (yes that is her name) and Quinn Hamilton. Both are born on the same day (New Year's Day) but have had different life trajectories. Minnie is trying to run a successful pie business with her best friend. She knows though that the business is barely hanging on and doesn't know what she will do if she fails at one more thing. Going out to celebrate New Year's Eve with her boyfriend causes Minnie's "birthday curse" to strike again and she finds herself locked in a bathroom all night. The next morning she is let out by Quinn Hamilton who she realizes is the guy that according to her mother stole her name. The book jumps back and forth between the present with Minnie getting to know Quinn and also we get to see past New Year's Eve/Days with the two of them throughout the years.
I did like Minnie and felt for her. This book realistically looks at how hard it is to set up a business. We get to see though how Minnie has not done well in the past which definitely sets up why she seems to walk around with a chip on her shoulder. Quinn though rich also has his own share of problems too. You initially think he's just a spoiled rich guy until Cousens gives you more of his backstory. I do like the fact that the two characters in essence circle each other and then start to become something more. I also get why Quinn is hesistant.
The secondary characters were great in this one. The two mothers definitely shaped up the story a lot and you get to see why Quinn's mother still thinks about Minnie's mother. Minne's best friend was great though and I thought that Cousens did a very good job of handling the evolving friendship and changes that they both needed to make.
The writing was really good. I had a handle on who was "speaking" and the time periods. The flow worked too. It was a bit clunky at first, but once you get going in the book everything makes sense and the different chapters and POVs flow into each other.
The book takes place in the UK, India, and I forget where else over the course of about 30 plus years. We get to see Tara and Quinn's birth and the different things that have happened to them as children, pre-teens, teens, and then adults.
As I already said, I wish that Cousens had showed us more of Quinn towards the end. The ending was lovely though and I would love to read another book by Cousens in the future.
January 20, 2021
The story was a good one. Two souls that were connected since birth and they finally met at the age of thirty, during their birthday, on New Year's Day.
Or do they already know each other?
Minnie Copper (no joke that's her name) believes her birthday is jinxed. She was born a minute too late on New Year's Day to become the first 90's baby. She lost the cash prize as a newborn. She also lost her name. Her mother wanted to name her Quinn but while ready to deliver Minnie, she was placed in a room with another pregnant woman who was ready to have her own baby. Said baby is born first and is named Quinn.
For years, Minnie has believed Quinn Hamilton stole her luck. Awful things happen on her birthday and she tries to have a low-key birthday. This year, her boyfriend Greg has decided to take her to a party. By the time they get there, someone had already vomited on Minnie. She excuses herself to go clean up when she becomes stuck in the bathroom. The next morning, someone opens the door, and it's none other than Quinn Hamilton, the name stealer.
This one chance meeting will change the next twelve months for them. A friendship develops and then a romance but can Minnie overcome her fears and can Quinn stop running away from commitment?
This Time Next Year was a winner for me. I'm one of the few people who didn't enjoy One Day in December so I was a little worried about the comparison. Thankfully, I loved how the story developed and how the romance evolved. The near misses since they were born were all so good! I was desperate for them to realize they knew each other.
It was really a great buddy-read with Susan and Kim. Thank you ladies.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
| | |
Or do they already know each other?
Minnie Copper (no joke that's her name) believes her birthday is jinxed. She was born a minute too late on New Year's Day to become the first 90's baby. She lost the cash prize as a newborn. She also lost her name. Her mother wanted to name her Quinn but while ready to deliver Minnie, she was placed in a room with another pregnant woman who was ready to have her own baby. Said baby is born first and is named Quinn.
For years, Minnie has believed Quinn Hamilton stole her luck. Awful things happen on her birthday and she tries to have a low-key birthday. This year, her boyfriend Greg has decided to take her to a party. By the time they get there, someone had already vomited on Minnie. She excuses herself to go clean up when she becomes stuck in the bathroom. The next morning, someone opens the door, and it's none other than Quinn Hamilton, the name stealer.
This one chance meeting will change the next twelve months for them. A friendship develops and then a romance but can Minnie overcome her fears and can Quinn stop running away from commitment?
This Time Next Year was a winner for me. I'm one of the few people who didn't enjoy One Day in December so I was a little worried about the comparison. Thankfully, I loved how the story developed and how the romance evolved. The near misses since they were born were all so good! I was desperate for them to realize they knew each other.
It was really a great buddy-read with Susan and Kim. Thank you ladies.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
| | |
January 27, 2021
Review published on blog:
THIS! Is Everything a Rom-Com Should Be and More!
“This Time Next Year� by Sophie Cousens delivers all the feels and is clever, smart, sassy, and sexy to boot. It simply doesn’t get better than this!
Born on New Year’s Day in 1990, Minnie Cooper has always felt unlucky. Why? Another child (Quinn Hamilton) was born one minute before her in the same hospital and was the first baby born just after midnight that year and because of it his family won a large cash prize and hers didn’t. Every year since she’s had terrible luck on both New Year’s Eve and her birthday and considers herself jinxed.
As the fates would have it, Minnie Cooper and Quinn Hamilton meet on their birthday, thirty years later. Minnie is a struggling business owner, who is trying to make something of herself, while Quinn is a successful businessman who takes care of his ailing mother.
Quinn is both everything and nothing like Minne imagined. What transpires between the two is a friendship and it’s a beautiful thing.
What I love about this novel is the character development of the integral characters, including Minnie, Quinn, and their mothers (Connie and Tara, respectively), Leila (Minnie’s best friend), and all of Minnie’s coworkers. In addition, I adored the different relationships that were interwoven into the storyline and how strong they were.
While Minnie and Quinn complement each other, their lives do not revolve around the other. It is this, among other things, including the strong women portrayed in “This Time Next Year� that makes this rom-com so fabulous. That, of course, and the smart, sexy, witty banter that Minnie and Quinn exchange, made this an extremely fun and satisfying read! Truth be told, this rom-com has everything and will appear on my best-of list for 2021.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Hannah Arterton.
Published on ŷ 0n 1.27.21.
Excerpt published on Insta.
THIS! Is Everything a Rom-Com Should Be and More!
“This Time Next Year� by Sophie Cousens delivers all the feels and is clever, smart, sassy, and sexy to boot. It simply doesn’t get better than this!
Born on New Year’s Day in 1990, Minnie Cooper has always felt unlucky. Why? Another child (Quinn Hamilton) was born one minute before her in the same hospital and was the first baby born just after midnight that year and because of it his family won a large cash prize and hers didn’t. Every year since she’s had terrible luck on both New Year’s Eve and her birthday and considers herself jinxed.
As the fates would have it, Minnie Cooper and Quinn Hamilton meet on their birthday, thirty years later. Minnie is a struggling business owner, who is trying to make something of herself, while Quinn is a successful businessman who takes care of his ailing mother.
Quinn is both everything and nothing like Minne imagined. What transpires between the two is a friendship and it’s a beautiful thing.
What I love about this novel is the character development of the integral characters, including Minnie, Quinn, and their mothers (Connie and Tara, respectively), Leila (Minnie’s best friend), and all of Minnie’s coworkers. In addition, I adored the different relationships that were interwoven into the storyline and how strong they were.
While Minnie and Quinn complement each other, their lives do not revolve around the other. It is this, among other things, including the strong women portrayed in “This Time Next Year� that makes this rom-com so fabulous. That, of course, and the smart, sexy, witty banter that Minnie and Quinn exchange, made this an extremely fun and satisfying read! Truth be told, this rom-com has everything and will appear on my best-of list for 2021.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Hannah Arterton.
Published on ŷ 0n 1.27.21.
Excerpt published on Insta.
January 1, 2023
The setup for this is unique and cute, but the love interest’s commitment issues was a big turnoff for me, and the the main character was so smitten and lovesick over him without much of a substantial reason other than him being a better alternative to her crappy boyfriend. Girl, stand up!!
October 18, 2023
I loved this book! It was funny, witty, and always entertaining.
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December 2, 2020
This Time Next Year is a great novel. I loved the storyline and the layout of the book with mixed in flashbacks really added to the story. All of the characters are great. Minnie and Quinn are both great people dealing with personal issues. Quinn is afraid to get close to people. Minnie is afraid to take risks and blames everything on her bad luck.
The friendship between Minnie and Leila added to the story. They have been best friends since they were fifteen years old. They tell each other everything. Leila is dating the love of her life and Minnie is struggling with her love life. They own a struggling pie business together.
I recommend This Time Next Year to anyone looking for a romance with a great story.
Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Publishing Group for This Time Next Year.
Full Review:
The friendship between Minnie and Leila added to the story. They have been best friends since they were fifteen years old. They tell each other everything. Leila is dating the love of her life and Minnie is struggling with her love life. They own a struggling pie business together.
I recommend This Time Next Year to anyone looking for a romance with a great story.
Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Publishing Group for This Time Next Year.
Full Review:
January 28, 2021
I LOVED this audiobook!! My kind of romantic story 💕
Minnie Cooper (yep) hates her New Year’s birthday, she’s been told all of her life that another baby at the hospital stole her true name (Quinn) and all of her luck. Every time anything goes wrong in her life, her Mom tells her it’s basically her lot in life. (UGH really Mom??)
Well doesn’t she meet said Quinn at a party on New Years where yes, she is having bad luck once again and yes, he does seem to be having a lifetime of good luck and riches.
And we’re off 🚦
There were a few things I loved about this book
#1 - the time line, while weaving through Minnie’s current life, we hear about New Years of the past since her birth and although this doesn’t always work for me.. it 100% did here!
#2 - the examination of birthright, of luck, of the image of who has it ‘made� what does that even mean? I love books that could be just fluffy and romantic but still at least stir their foot in the water of self analysis 🙌🏻. Also looking at as an adult, what did your parents tell you growing up (good or bad) that shaped your being? Should you carry that or evaluate it and take it off if it’s heavy? 👏
#3 - the characters and the audio, loved them both!! Big fan
I couldn’t put this one down and I +++ recommend you see where you will be this time next year (hopefully for me, out of lockdown😷🇨🇦)
Thank-you to my public library and to libby for this fabulous, fun read ❤️🥂
Minnie Cooper (yep) hates her New Year’s birthday, she’s been told all of her life that another baby at the hospital stole her true name (Quinn) and all of her luck. Every time anything goes wrong in her life, her Mom tells her it’s basically her lot in life. (UGH really Mom??)
Well doesn’t she meet said Quinn at a party on New Years where yes, she is having bad luck once again and yes, he does seem to be having a lifetime of good luck and riches.
And we’re off 🚦
There were a few things I loved about this book
#1 - the time line, while weaving through Minnie’s current life, we hear about New Years of the past since her birth and although this doesn’t always work for me.. it 100% did here!
#2 - the examination of birthright, of luck, of the image of who has it ‘made� what does that even mean? I love books that could be just fluffy and romantic but still at least stir their foot in the water of self analysis 🙌🏻. Also looking at as an adult, what did your parents tell you growing up (good or bad) that shaped your being? Should you carry that or evaluate it and take it off if it’s heavy? 👏
#3 - the characters and the audio, loved them both!! Big fan
I couldn’t put this one down and I +++ recommend you see where you will be this time next year (hopefully for me, out of lockdown😷🇨🇦)
Thank-you to my public library and to libby for this fabulous, fun read ❤️🥂
March 13, 2021
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book surprised me, I was not expecting to like it this much. I did tho, I loved it in fact. Usually while reading about missed chances, with characters that cannot acknowledge their own worth and on top are very superstitious? That´s not really my cup of tea, it drives me crazy if its written wrong. However this was written so well, I´m still not over it. I adored the main characters and even though they had some negative flaws they worked through it in their own way. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed their character development.
I´m not really an anxious person and I don´t really get stressed, to an annoying degree , it was one of the first times someone wrote it in a relatable way.
This Time Next Year is obviously a love story however its not only romantic love, this is a book about friendship, family and most importantly loving yourself. As someone who loves herself to a scary, almost narcissistic degree, it was so amazing to read a little "throwback" to how I got here. Not to mention the fact that the B/C/D plots were equally interesting to read as the main plot if not more so.
This book surprised me, I was not expecting to like it this much. I did tho, I loved it in fact. Usually while reading about missed chances, with characters that cannot acknowledge their own worth and on top are very superstitious? That´s not really my cup of tea, it drives me crazy if its written wrong. However this was written so well, I´m still not over it. I adored the main characters and even though they had some negative flaws they worked through it in their own way. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed their character development.
I´m not really an anxious person and I don´t really get stressed, to an annoying degree , it was one of the first times someone wrote it in a relatable way.
This Time Next Year is obviously a love story however its not only romantic love, this is a book about friendship, family and most importantly loving yourself. As someone who loves herself to a scary, almost narcissistic degree, it was so amazing to read a little "throwback" to how I got here. Not to mention the fact that the B/C/D plots were equally interesting to read as the main plot if not more so.
October 30, 2020
This book just wasn't for me.
This is the story of two people, Minnie and Quinn, who were born on the same day at the same hospital, and their paths cross on their 30th birthday. I thought this was going to be a romance novel, but it wasn't. I don't even know how to categorize this, because I just didn't care for any of it.
Third person narration in contemporary books to me is just pointless, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. In fact, I hated both of them, cause they just made decisions that I couldn't understand/relate..
The first 25% of this book was so interesting, and I would give it 4 stars if it stayed on track, but to me it just derailed and I was bored.
I also gotta say that, as a Brazilian, I was kind of mad that the author didn't research a lot to include a reference of my country in the book. She said "El Salvador" as if it's somewhere in my country, but El Salvador IS ACTUALLY A COUNTRY. We have "Salvador", a city in Bahia, not El Salvador.
(NetGalley ARC)
This is the story of two people, Minnie and Quinn, who were born on the same day at the same hospital, and their paths cross on their 30th birthday. I thought this was going to be a romance novel, but it wasn't. I don't even know how to categorize this, because I just didn't care for any of it.
Third person narration in contemporary books to me is just pointless, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. In fact, I hated both of them, cause they just made decisions that I couldn't understand/relate..
The first 25% of this book was so interesting, and I would give it 4 stars if it stayed on track, but to me it just derailed and I was bored.
I also gotta say that, as a Brazilian, I was kind of mad that the author didn't research a lot to include a reference of my country in the book. She said "El Salvador" as if it's somewhere in my country, but El Salvador IS ACTUALLY A COUNTRY. We have "Salvador", a city in Bahia, not El Salvador.
(NetGalley ARC)
June 12, 2020
Minnie Cooper (with a name like that, you know she is going to be a great character!!) meets Quinn at a New Year’s Eve party. They discover they were both born on the same day and at the same hospital. Minnie has always felt jinxed on New Year’s Eve and blames it on the fact that when she was born, Quinn’s mother stole the name that was meant for her, when the 2 expectant mothers bonded together at the hospital.
This wonderful story is told over several timelines, throughout both Quinn and Minnie’s livesyou see that they seem to gravitate towards each other, even though they come from very different backgrounds.
I was totally swept along with this story, loving all the characters. This is so much more than a love story, it’s about friendship and family bonds.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
This wonderful story is told over several timelines, throughout both Quinn and Minnie’s livesyou see that they seem to gravitate towards each other, even though they come from very different backgrounds.
I was totally swept along with this story, loving all the characters. This is so much more than a love story, it’s about friendship and family bonds.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 1, 2021
CW: agoraphobia, anxiety
August 25, 2022
I was drawn to This Time Next Year by the pretty cover!! Unfortunately, that's probably what I loved about it the most. This was just an okay read for me. There is nothing memorable about it or nothing special that sticks out about it.
October 14, 2020
Review on my website
I loved reading This Time Next Year, with two unlikely friends that’s has one extraordinary love story.
Minnie is out with her boyfriend Greg, celebrating the New Year with sparkling fireworks, but as its her birthday too, unfortunately nothing seems to go right for Minnie at all, she has so mishaps, which are rather loud out moment. Minnie Cooper struck a chord for me as I’ve never known a character, with everything turning into disasters.
By chance Minnie meets Quinn, when amazingly they find out that were both born on New Year’s Eve, in the same hospital, with just one minute apart. What are the chances of that? I thought this part was so well imagined by the author, it completely captured my heart.
Embrace your self, Minnie is so brave she breaks up with her boyfriend Greg.
The years switch back and then forward, but sit back and enjoy, when Minnie meets Quinn again.
With Minnie Cooper who is the lively star of this book This Time Next Year, I can’t quite believe that this is Sophie Cousens first novel, I’m now ready and waiting for book 2.
For fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sarah Morgan you will love Sophie Cousens.
I loved reading This Time Next Year, with two unlikely friends that’s has one extraordinary love story.
Minnie is out with her boyfriend Greg, celebrating the New Year with sparkling fireworks, but as its her birthday too, unfortunately nothing seems to go right for Minnie at all, she has so mishaps, which are rather loud out moment. Minnie Cooper struck a chord for me as I’ve never known a character, with everything turning into disasters.
By chance Minnie meets Quinn, when amazingly they find out that were both born on New Year’s Eve, in the same hospital, with just one minute apart. What are the chances of that? I thought this part was so well imagined by the author, it completely captured my heart.
Embrace your self, Minnie is so brave she breaks up with her boyfriend Greg.
The years switch back and then forward, but sit back and enjoy, when Minnie meets Quinn again.
With Minnie Cooper who is the lively star of this book This Time Next Year, I can’t quite believe that this is Sophie Cousens first novel, I’m now ready and waiting for book 2.
For fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sarah Morgan you will love Sophie Cousens.
June 24, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
I was expecting the usual RomCom, but the last few chapters impressed me. Quinn was sending Minnie mixed signals - no doubt about it. Minnie needed to force herself to step back from that sham friendship, take a reality check and grow a backbone.
I cheered when, at last!, Minnie was able to shed her mother's pessimistic world view and stop living in fear. Minnie did NOT let Quinn waltz back into her life after he'd had his own AHA moment. She finally got to know and accept herself before deciding to let someone else into her life. Tough luck Quinn. Too late! I wanted to set off fireworks during that scene!
Too many people put their lives on hold - and not just out of fear or insecurity, like Quinn. Some people want to "wait" to do certain momentous things (their first home purchase, for example) because they are hoping to save those big moments for when they are in a lasting relationship. Thankfully, times are changing and it is all about being happy "now"...
Minnie and Leila's business may have faltered, but Minnie eventually scraped her self-worth up off the floor and took a good look at herself. She did not go crawling to Quinn or anyone else to "save" her dream. She did the hard work, put together a viable business plan, pitched her idea and got the financial backing she needed to rebuild her life and her failed business. I was so very proud of Minnie.
I loved that ending! Minnie and Quinn - full circle - and this time, they might have a fighting chance! I'm looking forward to Cousen's next book, because, after a slightly rough start, her storytelling really started to take shape and grow stronger towards the end of this pretty decent novel. As I said, those last few chapters were not what I had expected at all - and that's a good thing! I'm rating this one a 3.7 out of 5.
I was expecting the usual RomCom, but the last few chapters impressed me. Quinn was sending Minnie mixed signals - no doubt about it. Minnie needed to force herself to step back from that sham friendship, take a reality check and grow a backbone.
I cheered when, at last!, Minnie was able to shed her mother's pessimistic world view and stop living in fear. Minnie did NOT let Quinn waltz back into her life after he'd had his own AHA moment. She finally got to know and accept herself before deciding to let someone else into her life. Tough luck Quinn. Too late! I wanted to set off fireworks during that scene!
Too many people put their lives on hold - and not just out of fear or insecurity, like Quinn. Some people want to "wait" to do certain momentous things (their first home purchase, for example) because they are hoping to save those big moments for when they are in a lasting relationship. Thankfully, times are changing and it is all about being happy "now"...
Minnie and Leila's business may have faltered, but Minnie eventually scraped her self-worth up off the floor and took a good look at herself. She did not go crawling to Quinn or anyone else to "save" her dream. She did the hard work, put together a viable business plan, pitched her idea and got the financial backing she needed to rebuild her life and her failed business. I was so very proud of Minnie.
I loved that ending! Minnie and Quinn - full circle - and this time, they might have a fighting chance! I'm looking forward to Cousen's next book, because, after a slightly rough start, her storytelling really started to take shape and grow stronger towards the end of this pretty decent novel. As I said, those last few chapters were not what I had expected at all - and that's a good thing! I'm rating this one a 3.7 out of 5.
April 25, 2021
***3 stars***
I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book for months; the anticipation was high but so was the disappointment when I finished it.
This Time Next Year is the story of a woman named Minnie Cooper (yes, that's her real name) and a guy named Quinn Hamilton. They were both born on New Year's eve in the same hospital, only one minute apart and this is what always made Minnie resent the guy, because she is convinced he “stole� all her luck and fortune by having the audacity to be born before her.
Minnie is convinced her birthday is an unlucky day for her and throughout this book, she constantly complains about this. The story starts on their thirtieth birthday (New Year's Eve 2019), which is also the day they meet for the first time. After that meeting, they start running into each other often and develop a friendship. But to her dismay, Minnie quickly realizes she wants more than just a friendship, while he tells her he's not interested in anything else.
Admittedly, this was a cute, light and easy read that has all the elements one would hope for in a romcom. And yet, I didn't enjoy it half as much as I hoped I would. I wanted to love this book, but I quickly found myself irritated by the way the chapters covered a different New Years in the main characters' lives over the years. At some point the plot even got a bit confusing and difficult to follow, but that one might be partly on me for not paying more attention?! (I listened to the audiobook and sometimes I couldn't follow the storyline, my thoughts drifted somewhere else).
I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book for months; the anticipation was high but so was the disappointment when I finished it.
This Time Next Year is the story of a woman named Minnie Cooper (yes, that's her real name) and a guy named Quinn Hamilton. They were both born on New Year's eve in the same hospital, only one minute apart and this is what always made Minnie resent the guy, because she is convinced he “stole� all her luck and fortune by having the audacity to be born before her.
Minnie is convinced her birthday is an unlucky day for her and throughout this book, she constantly complains about this. The story starts on their thirtieth birthday (New Year's Eve 2019), which is also the day they meet for the first time. After that meeting, they start running into each other often and develop a friendship. But to her dismay, Minnie quickly realizes she wants more than just a friendship, while he tells her he's not interested in anything else.
Admittedly, this was a cute, light and easy read that has all the elements one would hope for in a romcom. And yet, I didn't enjoy it half as much as I hoped I would. I wanted to love this book, but I quickly found myself irritated by the way the chapters covered a different New Years in the main characters' lives over the years. At some point the plot even got a bit confusing and difficult to follow, but that one might be partly on me for not paying more attention?! (I listened to the audiobook and sometimes I couldn't follow the storyline, my thoughts drifted somewhere else).
December 17, 2020
Good Morning America chose “This Time Next Year� as December’s book club pick. Rom-Com is not a genre I gravitate towards, so I am grateful for their pick as it is an intelligent, fun, and sweet story. “Sleepless in Seattle� is referenced in this novel, and it’s perfect because similar to “Sleepless�, this is a novel that is heartwarming and satisfying.
Minnie hates New Years because she believes she is jinxed. She was born on New Year’s day 1990 and was to be named “Quinn�. Her mother chose that name because she felt it’s a lucky name. Minnie’s mother was in labor and in the same room with another woman who was going to have a boy. The woman gave birth to her son firsrt, and SHE named her son Quinn. As a result, Minnie’s parents felt they couldn’t use that name because it was taken, and her father chose “Minnie� as her name.
This was unfortunate because her last name is Cooper. Yes, her name is Minnie Cooper. Her mother, since birth, has told Minnie that she’s unlucky, and Minnie believes it. Unfortunate things seem to happen to her on New Year’s Eve and Day.
The story really begins when she meets her nemesis: The “Quinn� who stole her name (actually it was his mother who did the deed). The story is told in jumping timelines with the chapters dated previous New Year’s and then the current timeline. Minnie learns that Quinn’s life isn’t the charmed life she sees on the surface. And poor Minnie�.school children are SO MEAN!!
If you read one Rom-Com this year, take a look at this one. It’s intelligent and very clever. I was giggling throughout the book. I listened to the Audible production narrated by Hannah Arterton who is perfect. Be warned about listening in public: you will breakout in giggles and guffaws and those around you (if they don’t see your earbuds) will deem you as a crazy person.
Minnie hates New Years because she believes she is jinxed. She was born on New Year’s day 1990 and was to be named “Quinn�. Her mother chose that name because she felt it’s a lucky name. Minnie’s mother was in labor and in the same room with another woman who was going to have a boy. The woman gave birth to her son firsrt, and SHE named her son Quinn. As a result, Minnie’s parents felt they couldn’t use that name because it was taken, and her father chose “Minnie� as her name.
This was unfortunate because her last name is Cooper. Yes, her name is Minnie Cooper. Her mother, since birth, has told Minnie that she’s unlucky, and Minnie believes it. Unfortunate things seem to happen to her on New Year’s Eve and Day.
The story really begins when she meets her nemesis: The “Quinn� who stole her name (actually it was his mother who did the deed). The story is told in jumping timelines with the chapters dated previous New Year’s and then the current timeline. Minnie learns that Quinn’s life isn’t the charmed life she sees on the surface. And poor Minnie�.school children are SO MEAN!!
If you read one Rom-Com this year, take a look at this one. It’s intelligent and very clever. I was giggling throughout the book. I listened to the Audible production narrated by Hannah Arterton who is perfect. Be warned about listening in public: you will breakout in giggles and guffaws and those around you (if they don’t see your earbuds) will deem you as a crazy person.
December 29, 2020
Minnie Cooper (yep, no typo) was born on New Year’s Day and for years, believes she is jinxed after arriving just a few minutes later than the first baby born that same day, Quinn Hamilton.
When she‘s 30, Minnie experiences another unfortunate New Year’s Eve and happens to meet Quinn. They’re opposites and from different worlds � Minnie, a baker, working hard to make ends meet, Quinn, a management consultant, living in a posh neighborhood who has a seemingly perfect life. After meeting on their 30th birthday, they keep running into each other.
The story takes place over the course of a year, with several flashbacks to past NYEs included, for both Quinn and Minnie. A recurring question in the book raised by Minnie’s best friend Leila is “Where do you want to be this time next year?�
This Time Next Year is predictable but has a little more depth than I initially expected. Obviously 2020 was quite different than most people anticipated, but this is a timely read as we approach the end of a year and often reflect on what we want for the following year.
When she‘s 30, Minnie experiences another unfortunate New Year’s Eve and happens to meet Quinn. They’re opposites and from different worlds � Minnie, a baker, working hard to make ends meet, Quinn, a management consultant, living in a posh neighborhood who has a seemingly perfect life. After meeting on their 30th birthday, they keep running into each other.
The story takes place over the course of a year, with several flashbacks to past NYEs included, for both Quinn and Minnie. A recurring question in the book raised by Minnie’s best friend Leila is “Where do you want to be this time next year?�
This Time Next Year is predictable but has a little more depth than I initially expected. Obviously 2020 was quite different than most people anticipated, but this is a timely read as we approach the end of a year and often reflect on what we want for the following year.
October 8, 2022
Quinn Hamilton and Minnie Cooper (yes, they went there) were born just minutes apart on January 1, 1990. They grew up on opposite sides of the railroad . . .bridge. You might assume that their lives will simply show the contrast between being a "have" and a "have not." It goes deeper than that. What goes on inside the walls of Quinn's "blueberry ice cream" house is not visible to those walking the sidewalks of Primrose Hill. The pride Minnie's parents have in her accomplishment is not communicated to her in visible ways by her working class parents. I really liked the way this new romcom gave us insights into the ways Quinn and Minnie had crossed paths on past New Year's. Some of the 2020 scenes seemed to meander a bit. When we come to the end of our 2020, I will be thinking about where I want to be at This Time Next Year. I will most definitely hope I am around other people without needing to wear a mask and social distance. This will appeal to fans of Josie Silver and Beth O'Leary.
If you liked this one, try Sophie Cousens upcoming release
If you liked this one, try Sophie Cousens upcoming release
February 8, 2021
Occasionally I need to cleanse my palate between books with a little Rom-Com and this one totally hit the spot.
There were many parts that made me chuckle and a few that made me laugh out loud. Both Minnie and Quinn were extremely likable and I loved the banter between Minnie and her best friend.
This Time Next Year was a little tropey and predictable, but it was just so much fun and I loved it! 4.5 stars rounded up.
There were many parts that made me chuckle and a few that made me laugh out loud. Both Minnie and Quinn were extremely likable and I loved the banter between Minnie and her best friend.
This Time Next Year was a little tropey and predictable, but it was just so much fun and I loved it! 4.5 stars rounded up.
April 16, 2023
3.5🌟: I'm not much into rom-com, but sometimes I'm in the mood to read something lighter between two thrillers!
I thought it was very cute how Quinn and Minnie crossed path many times without even knowing it. I also enjoyed the fact that the plot was about family and friendship, not only about romance. The story was funny and lovely, exactly what I was looking for! 💕
I thought it was very cute how Quinn and Minnie crossed path many times without even knowing it. I also enjoyed the fact that the plot was about family and friendship, not only about romance. The story was funny and lovely, exactly what I was looking for! 💕
March 24, 2021
This was very much chick-lit rather than romance. Which mainly means (to me) that the personal development of the heroine is the primary story (or at least foregrounded). And this is very much about the growth of Minnie and overcoming her "curse". Not a bad thing, really, but . . . okay, it wasn't a good one. I mean, she's a bit self-involved and fear-driven and that is not a comfortable combination.
One of the things that I've noticed about British chick-lit, in particular, is that it often starts with both main characters in (often long-standing) relationships with other people. This one starts with Minnie involved with the kind of bland Greg. He's not bad, really, but we can see that he's just not that into Minnie. I was glad this didn't turn into a done-wrong story, because it looked like it for a bit. But I rather like how Cousens handled the Greg relationship; it's possibly one of the best break-up stories I've ever heard of and I think their solution (imposed by Greg's roommate, who deserves a medal for the suggestion) was brilliant.
Another stand-out is what Cousens did with Minnie's bestie. At one point, Minnie makes a hard choice and does so unilaterally (though, in my mind, justifiably so). And the fallout leads to a break in their friendship that made both reevaluate what they actually meant to each other. And that was strong, too, and not least because I honestly didn't know if they'd reconcile or not (and was happy with however Cousens chose it to go).
So it's a bit crushing that the relationship with Quinn was so tepid. I never did feel like I had much of a handle on Quinn, frankly. And it doesn't help that he has a really senseless negative motivation* based on, uh, I have no idea. Space aliens maybe. No. Not that. Too cool. No, he's got him some blah blah about how he's not something something. Which means he's kind of a hangnail for being all close and relationshippy with Minnie for half a novel. And since all the bonding they do is off-page, that's probably Cousens fault I felt that way. Then again, what we get on-page doesn't do anything to back up any kind of intimacy or closeness, so there's that.
And I always find the whole class thing ridiculous when I read British stories. Yeah, Quinn comes from money. So? Cousens pretty much spends the whole story showing how Minnie's class envy is a load of crap so having Minnie continue to hang-up on it just made zero sense to me. I mean, Quinn doesn't have any easier a life than anyone else she knows. Sure he can experience luxury in ways she has no access to. But his trials are just as devastating and just as injuring as her own. More so in a lot of ways.
Which brings me to their respective mothers. Minnie's mom starts the story having been more-or-less a monster for thirty years. She has poured her bitterness and regret into Minnie's ears and chooses to harp on every little thing that goes wrong, elevating those things to characteristic status. Like every mistake or setback is due to Minnie being herself—i.e. a failure. And every success is, if not outright ignored, at least painted in terms of uncharacteristic chance. And I really hate hate hate that there's this turn-around in the story that seems to be saying that her mother only needed this one thing to become a chipper, positive influence and support. It was facile and stupid.
And Quinn's mother has a similar turn-around moving from anxiousmillstone shut-in on a turn-around suddenly gaining strength and support pretty much in spite of Quinn's caring and careful efforts for decades. So he has poured his soul and sacrificed relationships and general happiness for something that it turns out didn't matter; if it wasn't outright enabling her worst behaviors.
So this is a problematic read in several aspects, despite having the occasional bright spot. Since romance is my jam, that part sucking was particularly irksome. I'm going to put this at a wobbly three stars in acknowledgement that it'll appeal to many and it kept me engaged enough to finish and not regret it. Much.
A note about Steamy: Was there steam? I don't recall, frankly. There's just enough intimate bits and associated nudity that I'm going to say yes. But only very, very light steam.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, ) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
One of the things that I've noticed about British chick-lit, in particular, is that it often starts with both main characters in (often long-standing) relationships with other people. This one starts with Minnie involved with the kind of bland Greg. He's not bad, really, but we can see that he's just not that into Minnie. I was glad this didn't turn into a done-wrong story, because it looked like it for a bit. But I rather like how Cousens handled the Greg relationship; it's possibly one of the best break-up stories I've ever heard of and I think their solution (imposed by Greg's roommate, who deserves a medal for the suggestion) was brilliant.
Another stand-out is what Cousens did with Minnie's bestie. At one point, Minnie makes a hard choice and does so unilaterally (though, in my mind, justifiably so). And the fallout leads to a break in their friendship that made both reevaluate what they actually meant to each other. And that was strong, too, and not least because I honestly didn't know if they'd reconcile or not (and was happy with however Cousens chose it to go).
So it's a bit crushing that the relationship with Quinn was so tepid. I never did feel like I had much of a handle on Quinn, frankly. And it doesn't help that he has a really senseless negative motivation* based on, uh, I have no idea. Space aliens maybe. No. Not that. Too cool. No, he's got him some blah blah about how he's not something something. Which means he's kind of a hangnail for being all close and relationshippy with Minnie for half a novel. And since all the bonding they do is off-page, that's probably Cousens fault I felt that way. Then again, what we get on-page doesn't do anything to back up any kind of intimacy or closeness, so there's that.
And I always find the whole class thing ridiculous when I read British stories. Yeah, Quinn comes from money. So? Cousens pretty much spends the whole story showing how Minnie's class envy is a load of crap so having Minnie continue to hang-up on it just made zero sense to me. I mean, Quinn doesn't have any easier a life than anyone else she knows. Sure he can experience luxury in ways she has no access to. But his trials are just as devastating and just as injuring as her own. More so in a lot of ways.
Which brings me to their respective mothers. Minnie's mom starts the story having been more-or-less a monster for thirty years. She has poured her bitterness and regret into Minnie's ears and chooses to harp on every little thing that goes wrong, elevating those things to characteristic status. Like every mistake or setback is due to Minnie being herself—i.e. a failure. And every success is, if not outright ignored, at least painted in terms of uncharacteristic chance. And I really hate hate hate that there's this turn-around in the story that seems to be saying that her mother only needed this one thing to become a chipper, positive influence and support. It was facile and stupid.
And Quinn's mother has a similar turn-around moving from anxious
So this is a problematic read in several aspects, despite having the occasional bright spot. Since romance is my jam, that part sucking was particularly irksome. I'm going to put this at a wobbly three stars in acknowledgement that it'll appeal to many and it kept me engaged enough to finish and not regret it. Much.
A note about Steamy: Was there steam? I don't recall, frankly. There's just enough intimate bits and associated nudity that I'm going to say yes. But only very, very light steam.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, ) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
November 16, 2024
This is one of those missed chances style stories that can sometimes drive me a little bit mad, but happily this one was cute and I liked everyone in it.
They were born a few minutes apart in the same hospital in the first few minutes of 1990. As an aside, I can remember 'seeing in' 1990 (in a pub, I believe I was in fancy dress as Perky pig, don't ask) and to my shame it doesn't feel like it was that long ago. God I'm old and it did make me slightly, uncomfortably conscious that I'm much closer to their parents' ages than I am to this couple which added another layer to the story for me.
It was essentially a chic lit I suppose, but not one with zany characters doing crazy things; rather it was closely observed, snarky, witty and thought provoking, just how I love them. I really struggled to put this down,
My only reservation was Quinn. He was charismatic, hot, funny and cute but he also had commitment issues which were a bit too convincing perhaps. Minnie was so lovely, I wanted the best possible ending for her.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a belly warming, romantic and witty read.
*Thanks to the publisher via netgalley for the arc.*
They were born a few minutes apart in the same hospital in the first few minutes of 1990. As an aside, I can remember 'seeing in' 1990 (in a pub, I believe I was in fancy dress as Perky pig, don't ask) and to my shame it doesn't feel like it was that long ago. God I'm old and it did make me slightly, uncomfortably conscious that I'm much closer to their parents' ages than I am to this couple which added another layer to the story for me.
It was essentially a chic lit I suppose, but not one with zany characters doing crazy things; rather it was closely observed, snarky, witty and thought provoking, just how I love them. I really struggled to put this down,
My only reservation was Quinn. He was charismatic, hot, funny and cute but he also had commitment issues which were a bit too convincing perhaps. Minnie was so lovely, I wanted the best possible ending for her.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a belly warming, romantic and witty read.
*Thanks to the publisher via netgalley for the arc.*
November 20, 2020
the worst thing about this book is that it tried to convince me two capricorns could ever be together.
not romantic enough to be a romance book and not funny enough to be a romcom. a zero purpose, fluff book which isn't always a bad thing except it was so boring and honestly? very weird. there is, no joke, a scene where the main characters play-fight and the female lead ends up seductively eating a banana in the middle of it. i wish i could give you literally anymore context, but there is none.
some other weird things:
- giving a white character corn rows
- questionable use of indian culture played for laughs
- too much time given to too many side characters
- the whole "oh my god, look at how many times these characters almost met but never did" thing is like, nice in fanfic but in most cases (and in this one especially) is such a cheap ploy to fake the emotional depth of romance so you can pretend your main characters don't have the allure of wet cardboard
in all fairness, i could tell from 20% in that this was not going to end well for me, but i got invited to a new book club and this is the book for the first meeting I'm attending and i didn't want to show up and be the dick who didn't actually read the pick.
not romantic enough to be a romance book and not funny enough to be a romcom. a zero purpose, fluff book which isn't always a bad thing except it was so boring and honestly? very weird. there is, no joke, a scene where the main characters play-fight and the female lead ends up seductively eating a banana in the middle of it. i wish i could give you literally anymore context, but there is none.
some other weird things:
- giving a white character corn rows
- questionable use of indian culture played for laughs
- too much time given to too many side characters
- the whole "oh my god, look at how many times these characters almost met but never did" thing is like, nice in fanfic but in most cases (and in this one especially) is such a cheap ploy to fake the emotional depth of romance so you can pretend your main characters don't have the allure of wet cardboard
in all fairness, i could tell from 20% in that this was not going to end well for me, but i got invited to a new book club and this is the book for the first meeting I'm attending and i didn't want to show up and be the dick who didn't actually read the pick.
January 4, 2021
All the love, and all the stars, for this fantastic Rom-Com. What an unbelievable debut.
Minnie has been cursed on New Years Day since she was born. Maybe it's because she was named Minnie Cooper. Or maybe it's because a baby born a minute before her stole what was to be her lucky name,Quinn. On her 30th birthday, Minnie meets her name steeling nemesis.
I loved the chemistry and tension between Minnie and Quinn, but I also loved the friendship between Minnie and Leila. If only we were all blessed with such a beloved friendship.
I felt the supporting characters were well developed, interesting and entertaining.
This was a great buddy read with Kim and Sheyla.
Thank you Random House UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Minnie has been cursed on New Years Day since she was born. Maybe it's because she was named Minnie Cooper. Or maybe it's because a baby born a minute before her stole what was to be her lucky name,Quinn. On her 30th birthday, Minnie meets her name steeling nemesis.
I loved the chemistry and tension between Minnie and Quinn, but I also loved the friendship between Minnie and Leila. If only we were all blessed with such a beloved friendship.
I felt the supporting characters were well developed, interesting and entertaining.
This was a great buddy read with Kim and Sheyla.
Thank you Random House UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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