Review - Bookishly Ever After

Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira

What they say: In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?
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Buy links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Bookishly Ever After was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I was initially drawn to the synopsis - you've gotta love a bookworm, right? Well kinda, sorta, sometimes... 

Phoebe/Feebs is more comfortable with her favourite book boyfriends than real life interaction with guys. I can absolutely understand this and I did really enjoy the snippets from her favourite books, but I did find it hard to connect with her. I've read several books that follow a 'story with a story' style trope and I did like the parts were when she drew upon book experiences to help her deal with real life situations. BUT it was though a little difficult at times to work out whether Phoebe was being herself or another character.

The awkward flirting and secret crushes did make me smile but I wanted to know more about Phoebe. I liked the secondary characters and Em made me smile. Her constant boy dramas reminded me of one of my friends when we were teens.

I have to admit the drama with Dev took a long time to develop and I did find my mind wandering along the way. It took a long time for anything to happen, but I did like Dev and wanted them to move past the friend zone. I enjoyed Phoebe's awkwardness Phoebe when thinking about Dev, but the pacing just seemed a little slow at times.

I'm aware I'm sounding a little negative but this really isn't how I felt about the entire book because I did enjoy Phoebe's story. Her awkward antics made me laugh. Overall I liked the story, I just didn't love it.

3 Stars in my Sky!