Friday, December 6, 2019

Book Review: I Heart Hawaii

If ever there was a time that I wished I was in Hawaii, it would be this week. We had a massive snowstorm with nearly 20 inches dumped on us, my tree came down, my bushes are destroyed, and I can't see past snowbanks so I'm terrified I'm going to die. I need to be on a beach and Hawaii is a bucket list trip for me, but Christmas sucks us dry financially, so reading a book about Hawaii is my plan B.
I Heart Hawaii - Lindsey Kelk

When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.
 
At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.
 
A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…

While this is the last installment of the I Heart series, it's the first one I've read and even still, I felt OK with that throughout the book; I didn't feel like I was left in the dark. I think if I had read the others though I would have enjoyed this one even more. Also, any book that references hiding in a small space while eating cheddar crackers is a book I can get behind because that is my typical Tuesday afternoon.

Right out the gate I have to tell you that I really loved the humor in this book. It's cheeky and sharp in all of the right places. Though I didn't love Angela, I really liked Alex. I have to also say that I think my issues with Angela were strictly because I didn't know her and I feel like all of the other books developed her much better so by this point readers should really connect with her, I didn't because I don't feel like I understood why she was the way she was... so I struggled. Alex though, really liked him and I felt like their relationship was more believable despite being fictional. Their interactions were more authentic, and if you're a parent yourself you'll really understand their feelings throughout the book perhaps a little better.

Another character I liked? Jenny. She is my kind of girl, she's spunky and feisty. She is who you want to be with you on a trip because she's a great friend but she can also kick the fun level up ten notches.

Parts of this book felt like that show Workin' Moms on Netflix. It's an entire gang of women, in various stages of life, and while some of it has a more serious tone, it's also funny. It's not exactly like the show, but if you like the show you might enjoy this. I really enjoyed this book and I have to give it 4 stars. Honestly, I feel like had I read all of the other books before it this could have been a 5 star so that's definitely my fault. I will say, I liked this one enough that I would like to read the rest of the series for sure.

If you are already a fan of this series, I think you'll enjoy this book. If you haven't read this one, I still think you'll enjoy it but it would be worth reading the others to really love it.

   
A huge thank you to HarperCollins and Lindsey Kelk for sending me a copy of I Heart Hawaii in exchange for review, all thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

2 comments:

Jen Mc said...

I’m adding this to my to read list! Great review

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I love a book with good humor, and I'd LOVE to visit Hawaii someday. haha

-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net