Review Of Manhattan

SWweet. That's the first word that comes to my mind on finishing this book. IT's the kind of book that brings a smile a one's face and makes them to cherish their memories of first love. The entire story, settings and the characters were realistic, simple and relatable on so many levels. I especially loved the small town settings and the close knit community. These stories have this innate charm that this brings about so very well, easily blending with the main love story and somehow making this friends to lovers's romance even more sweet and beautiful. Coming to the story - Though the genre would be friends to lovers, New Adult romance, there is so much more to this book, especially the family bonds that is portrayed in a way such that it balances with the main, without being overbearing and the best part is despite there being so many important characters, each with their own back story, there was no drama for the sake of drama and all the pieces fell together seamlessly. Though their were elements that's common to all friends to lovers romance, their was novelty to the way these elements in this story and the whole idea of using the summer to remind Michael of his love for the town (and for his best friend) made for a predictable yet heartfelt and endearing love story. Coming to characters -> I loved them , but my fav is undoubtedly Kylie. I loved her determination and persistence to make Michael realize his attachment for the town and be there for him, no matter what. He did get on my nerves for being a little too thick headed and blind to his obvious feelings for his friend. But more than that, I didn't get why he was clinging on to his ex (Bailey), when she quite literally dumped him and left without even turning back to him. But i liked how tenderly and patiently she handled him, and slowly made him open his eyes to the reality. It wasn't an easy ride for either, but I was go glad that love ended up winning at the end. It left behind a warm and happy feeling that I was longing for. 4.5 warm fuzzy stars.