As Seen on TV by Meredith Schorr

Publisher: Forever Romance
Pub Date: 6.7.2022
Rating: 3.5

Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC.

Review & Notes:

Steam Rating: R: Steamy but not in a good way. The language surrounding the intimate scenes are a little vulgar for my taste and there wasn’t a lot of sexual tension building up to it.
This book has some funny parts but I was sad to find the writing fell flat for me. I didn’t find myself engaged in the story or the characters. It seemed like a fun story plot but the description didn’t hit the mark for me.
It mentions Hallmark multiple times and the occasional Gilmore Girl reference but it didn’t have a Hallmark Channel vibe which is what I had been wanting. I appreciated the nod to stars hollow in the small town’s name but that’s where the comparison ends.
About 60% in I was starting to warm to the book more. I liked the perspective that there’s always a story, even if it’s not the story you initially thought would be there. I always enjoy learning about people’s lives and how they got where they are. I like the angle that formed of how people put down roots in the town and their own (or their parents own) romantic relationships that blossomed.
The writing style wasn’t my favorite but towards the end I found myself somewhat enjoying the story. It kind of reminded me of a hallmark movie with a 5.5 out of 10 on IMDb rating. I usually will only watch those with a 6.0 or higher. Anything less than a 6.0 is borderline if it’s worth watching and they tend to turn out to be okay. They sometime end of being worth watching for one reason or another but usually it’s a little rough and not something you’d recommend because the acting or directing or editing is just okay and could have used more work.
I liked the perspective on book/movie romance vs real life regarding the time frame that they have to tie things together and find resolution when there’s conflict.
Sensitive topics: homelessness, losing a parent as a child to illness, family dynamics and drama
Tropes: meet cute, close proximity, misguided intentions (re the small town vibes and life isn’t always like the movies)
Favorite Quote: Just because I’m a sucker for a sappy romance doesn’t mean I expect real life to be that simple.
Recommendation: It wasn’t a favorite and I wouldn’t give it a glowing review but there were redeeming qualities and perspectives. I was expecting it to be more fun but I’m sorry to say it fell a little flat for me. I really wanted to love this and I was sorry that it didn’t click for me.