Slow burns can be annoying ... but this one did it beautifully

Sometimes books take pretty much the whole novel to finally reveal romantic relations between two people. And because most of the time it's pretty predictable, it can be annoying to have to get through the whole book just to wait for that reveal. This book, however, is basically the definition and star example of a satisfying slow burn, done in the most beautifully heartwarming, intense and wholesome of ways.

Which brings us to today's book review for 'Love and other words' by Christina Lauren.

This book is a classic time switcher, which means the authors move from the past to the present, and then back to the past and then to the present.

To summarise the plot, Macy and Elliott have been best friends since they were pre-pubescent kids, and their friendship started when Macy and her dad would visit a 'vacation' house usually on the weekends, which happened to be the house right next to Elliott's. The two quickly bonded and formed a special friendship over their love of books, and disinterest in high school drama and gossip, all in the cosy and intimate setting of Macy's closet.

So, in the past, the two seem to be the best of friends. But, in the present, their relationship is more complex, undecided, both of them clearly carrying a lot of baggage from their past. Macy and Elliott have undeniable chemistry, and a history that runs so deep. But with a friendship so valuable, is it worth running the risk of losing it to fall in love, even if staying friends leaves them always wondering 'what if'?

I LOVED this book. I really enjoyed the chapters set in the past and present. Sometimes it can be confusing in other books if there are a lot of time changes, but I was never lost or confused with this one. I think the authors did an incredible job of providing an important depth of detail into the characters' pasts, which was really important to understand the complexity of their relationship in the present.

I think the concept of this book is genius and unique. The writing was phenomenal and I honestly did not want this book to end. I enjoyed seeing Macy and Elliott grow up together, experiencing all the changes puberty and high school brings along. But I also loved reading about them in the present time, and getting to know the supporting characters who were also a joy to read about, like Macy's best friend Sabrina, and Elliott's family. The relationship between Macy and her dad was also really touching and endearing, which made the ending of the book even harder and more emotional to read (if you've read this book you'll know what I mean).

There were so many scenes in this book I loved reading. My book is literally filled with highlights, annotations and vibrant page markers. I especially liked how the authors decided to make Macy and Elliott's 'first time' kind of awkward and imperfect, which is refreshing to read compared with the vast majority of romance books out there. I also really enjoyed the scene towards the end at Elliott's brother's wedding, where he and Macy have a fall out.

What makes this book super special is the fact that there were two slow burns. One being the more obvious - getting to see Macy and Elliott finally together. But the other was equally as suspenseful and intense. And that was finding out what happened between the two of them which created such a ripple and destruction in their friendship, let alone relationship. At first, I thought Macy over-reacted, but as you read on and find out the link between that night and her dad, it's very easy to sympathise with Macy. And this is important to read about because so often in life someone will react in a way so unrelated to you, but more related to them. And I think it's just a reminder to always treat people with kindness, because you never know the battles they are dealing with.

All in all, a 5* read for me, and would highly, highly recommend.

Side note, I think the name of the book could have also been called 'You and other words'. If any of you have read the book, what do you think?