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Adelaide
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Novel (2023)For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for.
Is it enough?
Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.
When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?
With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.
Is it enough?
Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.
When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?
With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
1987 people are currently reading
103723 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Wheeler
2 books901 followersGenevieve Wheeler (she/her) is an American writer and communications director. Her bylines have appeared in publications like VICE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Elite Daily, Bustle, Business Insider, and POPSUGAR, with her work and words cited in The New York Times, Vox, the BBC, Jezebel, and beyond. She holds an MA in marketing communications from the University of Westminster in London and a BS in advertising from Boston University. Genevieve currently lives in London with her husband their very cuddly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Nellie.
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April 12, 2023
"Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." ~ Mary Oliver
Adelaide is a young woman that has moved from Brooklyn to London for her career. She is kind, caring, and generous and has a group of friends both back home and in London that would do absolutely anything for her, as she would for them.
One night, while tipsy and barefoot, she approaches a man at the bar and tells him that he looks just like a Disney prince. She then laughs and runs off only to cross paths with this same man months down the road after meeting on a dating app. It's fate, serendipity, Adelaide believes. These two were simply meant to be. His name is Rory and he's everything she has ever dreamed of in a partner.
Sure, he doesn't always return her texts. Sure, he sometimes vanishes for weeks at a time. Sure, he doesn't ever reciprocate her giving nature but he does take, take, take...time and time again.
"She was always going to jump into this lake, no matter how dark or dangerous it turned out to be; she was too intrigued by its shimmering surface to even consider turning away. There was no world in which she wouldn't dive headfirst in love with Rory Hughes. This was the only way."
Over the course of a year and a half Adelaide's heart will break time and time again. With every break it becomes increasingly more difficult to pick up the shattered pieces to make her heart whole again. She gives, and gives, and gives until she has nothing left of herself anymore. She just wants the darkness to make it all go away. The pain is far too exhausting to live with. What's become most apparent to her in all of this is that she isn't worthy of love.
"Pain is pain is pain. It was important to recognize your privilege, yes. To show gratitude, to count your blessings. But it was also important to acknowledge and accept your pain, to understand that no matter how large or small your problems, your losses, your wounds - they are yours. And you're allowed to feel them. The hardest loss will always be your own."
These types of books always needle their way into my heart and soul. My heart ached for Adelaide and I wanted to swoop into the pages to save her from herself. I wanted her to see who Rory really was. He was not the Disney prince her romantic heart wished him to be. You don't need to have bumps, breaks, and bruises for it to be an abusive relationship. Emotional abuse cuts sharply and does plenty of damage without leaving so much as a physical mark. Thankfully she had such wonderful friends - Eloise, Nico, Madison, Celeste, Sam - who all came through for her in her time of need. Always supportive, they'd drop anything to rush to her side when she needed them. Thank goodness for friends.
This book gets dark and can be depressing, even triggering for many. Especially to those who have had a Rory in their life. People who have never experienced this first hand can't understand it. I do. I teared up on several occasions. I felt that the portrayal of mental illness was done accurately and respectfully. What made this book so rewarding was Adelaide's character arc and journey. It brought me so much hope that when I turned the last page it was with tears of happiness rather than sadness and for that I am thankful. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
Adelaide is a young woman that has moved from Brooklyn to London for her career. She is kind, caring, and generous and has a group of friends both back home and in London that would do absolutely anything for her, as she would for them.
One night, while tipsy and barefoot, she approaches a man at the bar and tells him that he looks just like a Disney prince. She then laughs and runs off only to cross paths with this same man months down the road after meeting on a dating app. It's fate, serendipity, Adelaide believes. These two were simply meant to be. His name is Rory and he's everything she has ever dreamed of in a partner.
Sure, he doesn't always return her texts. Sure, he sometimes vanishes for weeks at a time. Sure, he doesn't ever reciprocate her giving nature but he does take, take, take...time and time again.
"She was always going to jump into this lake, no matter how dark or dangerous it turned out to be; she was too intrigued by its shimmering surface to even consider turning away. There was no world in which she wouldn't dive headfirst in love with Rory Hughes. This was the only way."
Over the course of a year and a half Adelaide's heart will break time and time again. With every break it becomes increasingly more difficult to pick up the shattered pieces to make her heart whole again. She gives, and gives, and gives until she has nothing left of herself anymore. She just wants the darkness to make it all go away. The pain is far too exhausting to live with. What's become most apparent to her in all of this is that she isn't worthy of love.
"Pain is pain is pain. It was important to recognize your privilege, yes. To show gratitude, to count your blessings. But it was also important to acknowledge and accept your pain, to understand that no matter how large or small your problems, your losses, your wounds - they are yours. And you're allowed to feel them. The hardest loss will always be your own."
These types of books always needle their way into my heart and soul. My heart ached for Adelaide and I wanted to swoop into the pages to save her from herself. I wanted her to see who Rory really was. He was not the Disney prince her romantic heart wished him to be. You don't need to have bumps, breaks, and bruises for it to be an abusive relationship. Emotional abuse cuts sharply and does plenty of damage without leaving so much as a physical mark. Thankfully she had such wonderful friends - Eloise, Nico, Madison, Celeste, Sam - who all came through for her in her time of need. Always supportive, they'd drop anything to rush to her side when she needed them. Thank goodness for friends.
This book gets dark and can be depressing, even triggering for many. Especially to those who have had a Rory in their life. People who have never experienced this first hand can't understand it. I do. I teared up on several occasions. I felt that the portrayal of mental illness was done accurately and respectfully. What made this book so rewarding was Adelaide's character arc and journey. It brought me so much hope that when I turned the last page it was with tears of happiness rather than sadness and for that I am thankful. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
October 18, 2023
*update* the blurb on this book has changed since my original review and now sets more accurate expectations
DNF @ 53%
This is not a "love story" it's extremely raw and not an easy read at all. If you're a fan of Normal People by Sally Rooney you will like this (it's also written in the same style); I actually think Adelaide is better. It's almost too real and too relatable.
In the end, I may have been able to finish this at a different point in my life. But, that part of my life isn't what I care to drag up by reading a novel right now.
DNF @ 53%
This is not a "love story" it's extremely raw and not an easy read at all. If you're a fan of Normal People by Sally Rooney you will like this (it's also written in the same style); I actually think Adelaide is better. It's almost too real and too relatable.
In the end, I may have been able to finish this at a different point in my life. But, that part of my life isn't what I care to drag up by reading a novel right now.
April 15, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up
Really relatable, frustrating, sad, yet ultimately hopeful book. So glad I read it.
To start, let me say that there are some pretty big trigger warnings in this book. If you have triggers, look here
Adelaide Williams is a twenty-six year old American woman, living in London for graduate school and beyond. She has a solid group of friends, but what she really wants is a relationship. She meets Rory and it seems like a really good match. Yet as Adelaide pours her heart and soul into their relationship, it's met with halfhearted response.
It's obvious to the reader that Rory isn't a good guy (yet he's not overtly a bad guy). It's fairly apparent to Adelaide's friends as well. But Adelaide herself just keeps thinking that if she tries harder, shows him just how much she cares for and is devoted to Rory, that he will eventually reciprocate and fall in love. We all know people like Adelaide, in a mismatched relationship with someone who can't or won't show up and be there for their partner. It's sometimes SO glaring to others when it isn't so obvious to the person in the relationship.
This book is so raw, so real, and ends on a hopeful note. There were a few things I didn't love, so that's why 4.5 rather than a full 5. One, is that I felt like Adelaide's friends were too perfect. Too supportive, too willing to pick up the pieces again and again. Yet I know I'm not a 20-something, and it's been a minute since I was, so I don't quite remember the intensity and all-encompassing nature of those friendships. However my daughter is that age and assures me that this is normal and natural, friends in their 20s willingly participate endless relationship dissections, even if they go nowhere.
The second thing I didn't love were the chapter's from Rory's perspective. They added nothing to the narrative at all, they didn't go deep into his motivations like Adelaide's chapters did. They skated over everything emotional with him, so I just thought they were out of place and unnecessary. Fortunately, there aren't many of them.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator, Caitlin Kelly, is stellar. Her narration is Adelaide. I felt the depth of her despair, the aches of her insecurity, the joy of her love. While listening I just ached for Adelaide and everything that she did to try to make the relationship work. I felt her every feeling as she watched her friends pair off and have seemingly effortless love matches as she floundered.
If you like deeply emotional women's fiction, this book is a fantastic example. It's not an easy read, but it's definitely worthwhile.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Really relatable, frustrating, sad, yet ultimately hopeful book. So glad I read it.
To start, let me say that there are some pretty big trigger warnings in this book. If you have triggers, look here
Adelaide Williams is a twenty-six year old American woman, living in London for graduate school and beyond. She has a solid group of friends, but what she really wants is a relationship. She meets Rory and it seems like a really good match. Yet as Adelaide pours her heart and soul into their relationship, it's met with halfhearted response.
It's obvious to the reader that Rory isn't a good guy (yet he's not overtly a bad guy). It's fairly apparent to Adelaide's friends as well. But Adelaide herself just keeps thinking that if she tries harder, shows him just how much she cares for and is devoted to Rory, that he will eventually reciprocate and fall in love. We all know people like Adelaide, in a mismatched relationship with someone who can't or won't show up and be there for their partner. It's sometimes SO glaring to others when it isn't so obvious to the person in the relationship.
This book is so raw, so real, and ends on a hopeful note. There were a few things I didn't love, so that's why 4.5 rather than a full 5. One, is that I felt like Adelaide's friends were too perfect. Too supportive, too willing to pick up the pieces again and again. Yet I know I'm not a 20-something, and it's been a minute since I was, so I don't quite remember the intensity and all-encompassing nature of those friendships. However my daughter is that age and assures me that this is normal and natural, friends in their 20s willingly participate endless relationship dissections, even if they go nowhere.
The second thing I didn't love were the chapter's from Rory's perspective. They added nothing to the narrative at all, they didn't go deep into his motivations like Adelaide's chapters did. They skated over everything emotional with him, so I just thought they were out of place and unnecessary. Fortunately, there aren't many of them.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator, Caitlin Kelly, is stellar. Her narration is Adelaide. I felt the depth of her despair, the aches of her insecurity, the joy of her love. While listening I just ached for Adelaide and everything that she did to try to make the relationship work. I felt her every feeling as she watched her friends pair off and have seemingly effortless love matches as she floundered.
If you like deeply emotional women's fiction, this book is a fantastic example. It's not an easy read, but it's definitely worthwhile.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
one star for the bipolar representation, one star for the epilogue, and the *occasional* great lines. the rest was a pain to get through. i might as well stop reading this type of chick lit because my tolerance for stupidity can only go so far.
May 7, 2023
Listen, I know I am an outlier here with this rating, so I feel the need to thoroughly explain in my review.
Let me go ahead and get the positives out of the way. I enjoyed the narrator and thought the audiobook delivery was great. I always appreciate a flawed main character and I think there are a lot of women who will (unfortunately) find Adelaide and what she goes through relatable.
As for the rest ...
The book started off promising. But once I hit the 40-50% mark things started to feel repetitive. Having to constantly read about what a jack*ss Rory Hughs is and how Adelaide couldn't see past his "Disney Prince" façade, made me want to bang my head against the wall. It was infuriating.
Speaking of Disney Prince, pretty sure that is the only reason given on why Adelaide LOVED (seriously gag me) this douchebag. I get that this happens all the time, I do! I've been there! Unfortunately, I can relate to Adelaide in many different ways, but for the life of me, I don't understand how she got to the point of love. Maybe if we were given a crumb more about Rory aside from his looks or shitty personality, I would get it, but I digress ...
All of that aside, my biggest issue was how glossed over the mental health and suicidal ideations were handled. This was essentially the main plot of the book and they were swept under the rug in a matter of pages. (no really i had to go back and rewind because i kept thinking that i missed something).
Moving on to the rest of my review which is pretty spoiler-y so if you want to avoid those, stop here.
I hated the surprise pregnancy. HATED it. And I'm not someone who even hates the pregnancy trope. Maybe I am being sensitive right now, but the miracle pregnancy didn't bring anything to the book aside from the author's political beliefs. Adelaide never confided to Rory about it (which is probably the most shocking thing that happened in the book. cannot even imagine what he would have done) and then after it happened it was never brought back up again.
The ending ... yes, the ending wrapped up "nicely" and had a cute little message to it. Again, I agree with the message. It is something my mother-in-law would always say. But OF COURSE, everything got to be "okay" when Adelaide moved on and found another man. (and yes, we all saw the bubs thing happening from a mile away). Why couldn't we get more time with Adelaide working on herself and not needing her happiness to stem from a man?
And then finally when Adelaide has "moved on" she gets upset after seeing douchewad Rory because he is married! HE SUCKS. MOVE ON. Bubs is an actual saint.
Anyways, I found the book as a whole to be infuriating. There were other parts and lines that I could dissect, but I think at this point you catch my drift.
If you loved this book, I am genuinely happy it worked for you. Books bringing people happiness or healing them from past traumas will always make me happy. And as always, big kudos to the author for putting pen to paper, let alone writing an entire book. As for my star rating ... I dk ... 1? 2? I don't really care. Will probably stick with a 2 because I did really enjoy the narrator.
Oh and I cannot forget to mention (because i had the arc this wasn't included, but a friend told me about it) that the author spent an entire paragraph THANKING HER "RORY" ... I could scream. Mentally, I am screaming.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my arc in exchange for an honest review
Let me go ahead and get the positives out of the way. I enjoyed the narrator and thought the audiobook delivery was great. I always appreciate a flawed main character and I think there are a lot of women who will (unfortunately) find Adelaide and what she goes through relatable.
As for the rest ...
The book started off promising. But once I hit the 40-50% mark things started to feel repetitive. Having to constantly read about what a jack*ss Rory Hughs is and how Adelaide couldn't see past his "Disney Prince" façade, made me want to bang my head against the wall. It was infuriating.
Speaking of Disney Prince, pretty sure that is the only reason given on why Adelaide LOVED (seriously gag me) this douchebag. I get that this happens all the time, I do! I've been there! Unfortunately, I can relate to Adelaide in many different ways, but for the life of me, I don't understand how she got to the point of love. Maybe if we were given a crumb more about Rory aside from his looks or shitty personality, I would get it, but I digress ...
All of that aside, my biggest issue was how glossed over the mental health and suicidal ideations were handled. This was essentially the main plot of the book and they were swept under the rug in a matter of pages. (no really i had to go back and rewind because i kept thinking that i missed something).
Moving on to the rest of my review which is pretty spoiler-y so if you want to avoid those, stop here.
I hated the surprise pregnancy. HATED it. And I'm not someone who even hates the pregnancy trope. Maybe I am being sensitive right now, but the miracle pregnancy didn't bring anything to the book aside from the author's political beliefs. Adelaide never confided to Rory about it (which is probably the most shocking thing that happened in the book. cannot even imagine what he would have done) and then after it happened it was never brought back up again.
The ending ... yes, the ending wrapped up "nicely" and had a cute little message to it. Again, I agree with the message. It is something my mother-in-law would always say. But OF COURSE, everything got to be "okay" when Adelaide moved on and found another man. (and yes, we all saw the bubs thing happening from a mile away). Why couldn't we get more time with Adelaide working on herself and not needing her happiness to stem from a man?
And then finally when Adelaide has "moved on" she gets upset after seeing douchewad Rory because he is married! HE SUCKS. MOVE ON. Bubs is an actual saint.
Anyways, I found the book as a whole to be infuriating. There were other parts and lines that I could dissect, but I think at this point you catch my drift.
If you loved this book, I am genuinely happy it worked for you. Books bringing people happiness or healing them from past traumas will always make me happy. And as always, big kudos to the author for putting pen to paper, let alone writing an entire book. As for my star rating ... I dk ... 1? 2? I don't really care. Will probably stick with a 2 because I did really enjoy the narrator.
Oh and I cannot forget to mention (because i had the arc this wasn't included, but a friend told me about it) that the author spent an entire paragraph THANKING HER "RORY" ... I could scream. Mentally, I am screaming.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my arc in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
Relationship toxicity at its finest is what Adelaide is.
Because Adelaide loves Rory but Rory doesn’t love Adelaide. He takes advantage of her kindness, disappears for weeks at a time, and cares little for her life. But Adelaide believes if she loves him hard enough, is devoted enough, he’ll realize she’s his forever one and only. Until, that is, she loses herself so completely that both her heart and her mind break.
Genevieve Wheeler’s first novel is a memorable love story, though not a happy one. It will make you uncomfortable – rape, emotional abuse, suicidal ideation and other mental health issues are all part of it – as well as enlighten you. Many will relate to Adelaide and her troubles, and even those who don’t will appreciate the realistic portrayal of an unhealthy relationship.
But the book isn't only despair and heartbreak – there’s a hopeful note to it. It shows us that light follows darkness, that we can survive the people who aren’t good for us. And that sometimes, if we do the work afterwards and take care of ourselves, we end up all the better for them.
My sincerest appreciation to Genevieve Wheeler, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Because Adelaide loves Rory but Rory doesn’t love Adelaide. He takes advantage of her kindness, disappears for weeks at a time, and cares little for her life. But Adelaide believes if she loves him hard enough, is devoted enough, he’ll realize she’s his forever one and only. Until, that is, she loses herself so completely that both her heart and her mind break.
Genevieve Wheeler’s first novel is a memorable love story, though not a happy one. It will make you uncomfortable – rape, emotional abuse, suicidal ideation and other mental health issues are all part of it – as well as enlighten you. Many will relate to Adelaide and her troubles, and even those who don’t will appreciate the realistic portrayal of an unhealthy relationship.
But the book isn't only despair and heartbreak – there’s a hopeful note to it. It shows us that light follows darkness, that we can survive the people who aren’t good for us. And that sometimes, if we do the work afterwards and take care of ourselves, we end up all the better for them.
My sincerest appreciation to Genevieve Wheeler, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
January 6, 2024
At some point, when I read emotional books - I realize I really need to take my time with them and allow myself to truly feel them. As an avid speed reader - I'm so glad that I slowed down and appreciated Adelaide over the course of 4 days. (That's quite a long time for one book for me.) I truly didn't want it to end ... and I'm definitely in a book hangover because there are so many emotions to be felt. I couldn't even start another book directly after this. That's always the sign of a truly amazing read for me .. the need to just sit with it for a while instead of tapping start on that next audiobook.
And at every new turn in Adelaide's life, or looking back on her history, I felt like crying just a little. To feel at home in someone else's story is a powerful thing. You feel understood and like you're being wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea... even though really you're sitting in your office at your desk just waiting for the clock to strike 4:30 PM and to begin that long drive home for the day.
THOUGHTS:
- If you've ever wondered why you're not enough for a man or a partner etc... this book will absolutely bring you to your knees and become an emotional balm. I feel like I need to read it again, and I just finished it 37 minutes ago!!
NOTES:
- This is NOT a romance.
**Content Warnings: Pregnancy loss, mental health issues, s3lf h4rm, emotionally abusive relationships.
- Sex is discussed but not described in a romantic novel way.
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
*** Adelaide was a BOTM add-on a few months back, and I’m so glad I started reading this weekend at the lake! My Book of The Month tally is 39 Loves, 16 Likes, and 5 Loathed. Learn more about a Book of The Month Club subscription here. (It's not a referral link, just FYI. 😊 Just my thoughts on why I truly think Book of the Month Club is the best book subscription box!)
And at every new turn in Adelaide's life, or looking back on her history, I felt like crying just a little. To feel at home in someone else's story is a powerful thing. You feel understood and like you're being wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea... even though really you're sitting in your office at your desk just waiting for the clock to strike 4:30 PM and to begin that long drive home for the day.
THOUGHTS:
- If you've ever wondered why you're not enough for a man or a partner etc... this book will absolutely bring you to your knees and become an emotional balm. I feel like I need to read it again, and I just finished it 37 minutes ago!!
NOTES:
- This is NOT a romance.
**Content Warnings: Pregnancy loss, mental health issues, s3lf h4rm, emotionally abusive relationships.
- Sex is discussed but not described in a romantic novel way.
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
*** Adelaide was a BOTM add-on a few months back, and I’m so glad I started reading this weekend at the lake! My Book of The Month tally is 39 Loves, 16 Likes, and 5 Loathed. Learn more about a Book of The Month Club subscription here. (It's not a referral link, just FYI. 😊 Just my thoughts on why I truly think Book of the Month Club is the best book subscription box!)
August 11, 2023
One word: RAW!
I probably should have looked up triggers before reading because I was hit really hard many times. Books like these can really expose my ignorance on matters like this but I’m happy to learn every single time.
I’m really glad that I stuck this through! I was mad, then sad, then disgusted, then infuriated, and then really sad, and then really happy!!!! It was completely worth it. I was so proud of our main character and even more grateful that she had people in her life during her darkest times.
I probably should have looked up triggers before reading because I was hit really hard many times. Books like these can really expose my ignorance on matters like this but I’m happy to learn every single time.
I’m really glad that I stuck this through! I was mad, then sad, then disgusted, then infuriated, and then really sad, and then really happy!!!! It was completely worth it. I was so proud of our main character and even more grateful that she had people in her life during her darkest times.
April 4, 2023
Update
Since first listening to this book and writing this review, the publisher has rewritten the description and it’s much more reflective of the story. If I had anything to do with that, I’ll own it! Changing my rating to a strong 4 stars.
the setup…
Adelaide Williams is a young American expatriate living in London. She’s a talented communications expert who’s enjoying life with her great friends and working for people who appreciate her contributions. Adelaide wasn’t interested in a committed relationship, in fact, filling her time with meaningless single encounters that suited her just fine. That was until she met Rory Hughes through a dating app. He seems charming and well suited for her and Adelaide falls hard, thinking she’s found her soulmate. When his response to her becomes inconsistent, often downright insensitive, Adelaide just tries harder to make him love her.
the heart of the story…
Trust me on one thing…this is not a romance or a love story. Adelaide is sweet, kind and a bit obsessive. That comes across early on and despite the fierce loyalty of those close to her, there’s something about her that always feels a bit desperate. I liked how the story situationally transitions between her past and present, providing insight about and context for her reasoning and logic. But still, Adelaide only had one speed, overdrive, in all things, especially drinking, partying and her determination to make Rory love her. Speaking of Rory, if Adelaide had been healthy, she would have recognized that he didn’t deserve her. Despite her issues, it was impossible not to adore Adelaide and appreciate her essence. It took a Rory for her to finally hit the proverbial wall and fall apart, getting the much needed help I believe she needed for most of her life.
the narration…
This was my first listening experience with the narrator and she completely convinced me she was Adelaide. She conveyed the emotions needed in all the right moments but never lost the character’s sweetness. She nailed her.
the bottom line…
I really wish this wasn’t positioned as a love story because it sets up false expectations. That’s unfortunate because it is a strongly relevant contemporary fiction with an important message about dysfunctional mental and emotional health that can be masked by overachievement and charm. In Adelaide we see the self destruction while still appearing highly functional. I rooted for her throughout and died a little every time she allowed Rory to minimize her. She had wonderful friends who were a reflection of what she deserved. I highly recommend her story, one I enjoyed immensely, but don’t walk into it looking for hearts and flowers. And, if you can get the audio version, go that route as the narrator elevated the experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Since first listening to this book and writing this review, the publisher has rewritten the description and it’s much more reflective of the story. If I had anything to do with that, I’ll own it! Changing my rating to a strong 4 stars.
the setup…
Adelaide Williams is a young American expatriate living in London. She’s a talented communications expert who’s enjoying life with her great friends and working for people who appreciate her contributions. Adelaide wasn’t interested in a committed relationship, in fact, filling her time with meaningless single encounters that suited her just fine. That was until she met Rory Hughes through a dating app. He seems charming and well suited for her and Adelaide falls hard, thinking she’s found her soulmate. When his response to her becomes inconsistent, often downright insensitive, Adelaide just tries harder to make him love her.
the heart of the story…
Trust me on one thing…this is not a romance or a love story. Adelaide is sweet, kind and a bit obsessive. That comes across early on and despite the fierce loyalty of those close to her, there’s something about her that always feels a bit desperate. I liked how the story situationally transitions between her past and present, providing insight about and context for her reasoning and logic. But still, Adelaide only had one speed, overdrive, in all things, especially drinking, partying and her determination to make Rory love her. Speaking of Rory, if Adelaide had been healthy, she would have recognized that he didn’t deserve her. Despite her issues, it was impossible not to adore Adelaide and appreciate her essence. It took a Rory for her to finally hit the proverbial wall and fall apart, getting the much needed help I believe she needed for most of her life.
the narration…
This was my first listening experience with the narrator and she completely convinced me she was Adelaide. She conveyed the emotions needed in all the right moments but never lost the character’s sweetness. She nailed her.
the bottom line…
I really wish this wasn’t positioned as a love story because it sets up false expectations. That’s unfortunate because it is a strongly relevant contemporary fiction with an important message about dysfunctional mental and emotional health that can be masked by overachievement and charm. In Adelaide we see the self destruction while still appearing highly functional. I rooted for her throughout and died a little every time she allowed Rory to minimize her. She had wonderful friends who were a reflection of what she deserved. I highly recommend her story, one I enjoyed immensely, but don’t walk into it looking for hearts and flowers. And, if you can get the audio version, go that route as the narrator elevated the experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 1, 2023
3.75 Stars
I decided to settle on almost four stars here as I did think about this book a bit in the days after reading it. I find myself with not all that much to say about it though, which is odd. So we shall see how this goes...
Adelaide.
I struggle with doormat characters who allow themselves to be treated poorly by other people again and again. I firmly believe that people (even good ones sometimes) will treat you the way you demand or allow yourself to be treated. And Rory treated Adelaide like someone he didn't care about. And let me make something clear: I didn't dislike Rory for this...I disliked Adelaide. Rory continually showed Adelaide through his actions that he didn't care about her the way she wanted him too. And she just kept coming back. And in my opinion, that's on her.
The Writing.
Once I got used to the use of italics instead of quotes, I did enjoy this author's writing style. I did find it interesting that she continuously mentioned other books and authors, such as Sally Rooney and Call My By Your Name (which she must have referenced at least ten times) which made me believe she might have been going for that style of story-telling; however, having read neither Sally Rooney nor Call Me By Your Name means that is simply a guess and I could be totally off base. I do want to read Sally Rooney now that the Normal People hype has died down a bit, so I'll have to report back on this later.
Overall.
I enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. Despite my gripes with Adelaide's doormat tendencies, I also appreciated her endless positivity and zest for life. I thought Wheeler did a great job fleshing her (and most of the other characters) out and enjoyed the writing style as I said above.
I will definitely try more from this author in the future.
I decided to settle on almost four stars here as I did think about this book a bit in the days after reading it. I find myself with not all that much to say about it though, which is odd. So we shall see how this goes...
Adelaide.
I struggle with doormat characters who allow themselves to be treated poorly by other people again and again. I firmly believe that people (even good ones sometimes) will treat you the way you demand or allow yourself to be treated. And Rory treated Adelaide like someone he didn't care about. And let me make something clear: I didn't dislike Rory for this...I disliked Adelaide. Rory continually showed Adelaide through his actions that he didn't care about her the way she wanted him too. And she just kept coming back. And in my opinion, that's on her.
The Writing.
Once I got used to the use of italics instead of quotes, I did enjoy this author's writing style. I did find it interesting that she continuously mentioned other books and authors, such as Sally Rooney and Call My By Your Name (which she must have referenced at least ten times) which made me believe she might have been going for that style of story-telling; however, having read neither Sally Rooney nor Call Me By Your Name means that is simply a guess and I could be totally off base. I do want to read Sally Rooney now that the Normal People hype has died down a bit, so I'll have to report back on this later.
Overall.
I enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. Despite my gripes with Adelaide's doormat tendencies, I also appreciated her endless positivity and zest for life. I thought Wheeler did a great job fleshing her (and most of the other characters) out and enjoyed the writing style as I said above.
I will definitely try more from this author in the future.
April 12, 2023
4.5 rounded up. We all know a Rory!!! Shout out to the relationships of our early 20s (for better or worse)🤦🏻♀️😬
March 20, 2023
HOLY SHIT! This book was incredible.
I actually went in thinking it was a romcom, and boy was I wrong. It's actually a dark romance with mental health themes (think: TELL ME LIES by Carola Lovering). The book follows an American living in England who falls hard for a guy who just can't quite reciprocate her love. I loved the escapism of the London setting, as a fellow millennial woman, I found the main character so relatable (even in the cringey moments where I maybe wished I couldn't), and JFC the writing. I read with a highlighter in hand and ended with a mostly-orange book because the writing was so incredible and poignant and filled with little unexpected surprises.
I have a feeling this book is going to be HUGE!
I actually went in thinking it was a romcom, and boy was I wrong. It's actually a dark romance with mental health themes (think: TELL ME LIES by Carola Lovering). The book follows an American living in England who falls hard for a guy who just can't quite reciprocate her love. I loved the escapism of the London setting, as a fellow millennial woman, I found the main character so relatable (even in the cringey moments where I maybe wished I couldn't), and JFC the writing. I read with a highlighter in hand and ended with a mostly-orange book because the writing was so incredible and poignant and filled with little unexpected surprises.
I have a feeling this book is going to be HUGE!
March 24, 2024
”Pain is pain is pain. It was important to recognize your privilege, yes. To show gratitude, to count your blessings. But it was also important to acknowledge and accept your pain, to understand that no matter how large or small your problems, your losses, your wounds—they are yours. And you’re allowed to feel them. The hardest loss will always be your own”
I read the premise of the book and i thought oh I could relate to that! I thought it was goin to make me cry which i need so bad. But the only thing this book made me feel was the highest level of frustration and anger and the only tears that I shed while i was reading were because i was so unbelievably provoked by the characters. Im sorry if you loved this book please don’t read the review you won’t like it 😭
Adelaide as i said before the premise if this book tricked me and i felt like i could relate to the fmc but guess what? I couldn’t relate to her one bit. She frustrated me to no end. I found myself screaming at her through the pages “ stop going back to him”. “ stop accepting this” but i just spent the whole 75% of the book suffering and feeling sick of her because she kept going back to him after he treated her like shit!! It just didn’t make sense for me why she accepted all of this!! There was literally no reason. She said she did it because she loved him but I didn’t see love. I didn’t see chemistry, I didn’t see anything. The guy was horrible from the get go. Nothing there to love in him!! She said she loved him because he looked like a Disney princes!! Imagine accepting all the ghosting and horrible treatment, the consistent mention of his ex, the way he kick you out and refuse to make you stay over when it’s so dark outside, doesn’t introduce you as “ girlfriend” when you met his friends and his family! Just because he looks like a Disney princess!! I wanted to tear the pages up when i was reading so I switched to audibook and then I wanted to cut my ears off because i just couldn’t stand it anymore 😭
” it’s interesting, isn’t it? How easy it is to care for something once it’s no longer ours”
her childhood trauma this was my biggest issue with this book and the only reason i didn’t dnf it. I wanted to see if it was going to be mentioned again and dealt with it in a proper way this time. But it was not 🤡 the whole focus was on Rory that the author ignored the biggest traumatizing part of Adelaide life!! Emory ruined adelaide more than rory ever did and the whole thing nit mentioned again like it was nothing. It passed me off so much that the author did this.
”You forget what it feels like to have fallen apart once you’ve pieced yourself back together, what the scars feel like once they’ve healed. You know, vaguely, where they were, how the fresh cuts had stung, but you can’t run your finger over the surface anymore and say, Here. Here’s where you hurt me. The pain will eventually dull. But not yet”
the ending it was cute yes but it was so rushed i felt like i was missing the whole thing and it was the only reason I stayed for 😭 also I thought it wasn’t dine well because I still thought Adelaide needed a-lot of work and healing but we only got a small glances of this. And i hated this because what is the point of making me read all of this when you’re not going to make me also read about her healing journey?
Anyway i really wanted to love this book so bad but i just couldn’t stand any of the characters and the book itself 😭 it’s not for me no im sorry.
”Because if we knew, if we honestly knew the price of love was grief, we’d never do it. We’d never succumb in the first place.”
I read the premise of the book and i thought oh I could relate to that! I thought it was goin to make me cry which i need so bad. But the only thing this book made me feel was the highest level of frustration and anger and the only tears that I shed while i was reading were because i was so unbelievably provoked by the characters. Im sorry if you loved this book please don’t read the review you won’t like it 😭
Adelaide as i said before the premise if this book tricked me and i felt like i could relate to the fmc but guess what? I couldn’t relate to her one bit. She frustrated me to no end. I found myself screaming at her through the pages “ stop going back to him”. “ stop accepting this” but i just spent the whole 75% of the book suffering and feeling sick of her because she kept going back to him after he treated her like shit!! It just didn’t make sense for me why she accepted all of this!! There was literally no reason. She said she did it because she loved him but I didn’t see love. I didn’t see chemistry, I didn’t see anything. The guy was horrible from the get go. Nothing there to love in him!! She said she loved him because he looked like a Disney princes!! Imagine accepting all the ghosting and horrible treatment, the consistent mention of his ex, the way he kick you out and refuse to make you stay over when it’s so dark outside, doesn’t introduce you as “ girlfriend” when you met his friends and his family! Just because he looks like a Disney princess!! I wanted to tear the pages up when i was reading so I switched to audibook and then I wanted to cut my ears off because i just couldn’t stand it anymore 😭
” it’s interesting, isn’t it? How easy it is to care for something once it’s no longer ours”
her childhood trauma this was my biggest issue with this book and the only reason i didn’t dnf it. I wanted to see if it was going to be mentioned again and dealt with it in a proper way this time. But it was not 🤡 the whole focus was on Rory that the author ignored the biggest traumatizing part of Adelaide life!! Emory ruined adelaide more than rory ever did and the whole thing nit mentioned again like it was nothing. It passed me off so much that the author did this.
”You forget what it feels like to have fallen apart once you’ve pieced yourself back together, what the scars feel like once they’ve healed. You know, vaguely, where they were, how the fresh cuts had stung, but you can’t run your finger over the surface anymore and say, Here. Here’s where you hurt me. The pain will eventually dull. But not yet”
the ending it was cute yes but it was so rushed i felt like i was missing the whole thing and it was the only reason I stayed for 😭 also I thought it wasn’t dine well because I still thought Adelaide needed a-lot of work and healing but we only got a small glances of this. And i hated this because what is the point of making me read all of this when you’re not going to make me also read about her healing journey?
Anyway i really wanted to love this book so bad but i just couldn’t stand any of the characters and the book itself 😭 it’s not for me no im sorry.
”Because if we knew, if we honestly knew the price of love was grief, we’d never do it. We’d never succumb in the first place.”
February 14, 2025
Adelaide is like Folklore meets 500 Days of Summer but set in London. It’s all “Invisible String” meets “This Is Me Trying” and “Exile” before morphing into “The One” with a little “Seven” thrown in there. Adelaide is fairy lights and fairytale feelings. It’s the impending doom of heartbreak. It’s all “Pick me. Choose me. Love me.” If you want your heart very delicately but firmly smashed into tiny, scintillating pieces, then consider Adelaide.
Basically, Adelaide is an American ex-pat living in London in her mid-twenties. She’s full of hope for that next adventure, that sense of security and fulfillment that tells her, finally, she’s made it. And then she meets a man who looks like a literal Disney prince: Rory Hughes. And she falls in love. She falls head-over-heels in love with a man who is wonderful when he’s wonderful, but devastating in his shortcomings. And despite Adelaide giving him her sunshine, giving him her best, deep down she knows that the rain is always going to come with Rory. Would it be enough if he could never give her peace?
Adelaide is a book for all my sad girls out there who remember that Big Breakup, that all-consuming love and subsequent grief when the person you thought would be The One ended up being The One Who Got Away. It’s all heart sparkly and gauzy surreality. It’s that montage of Meg Ryan smiling and walking down the streets of NYC in You’ve Got Mail while The Cranberries sing “Dreams.” It’s the feeling of Autumn air but with the promise that comes in Spring. All of those things, but while storm clouds gather on the horizon and a hand wraps slowly wraps around your throat.
You know that Adelaide and Rory’s relationship is doomed from the beginning, and yet the journey is no less heartbreaking. You still dare to hope with Adelaide. Even if the hope is the desperate, clawing type. The writing enchants you in the most intimate way, like you’re reading her diary or a dear friend is recounting the story. And it hurts so good.
But don’t get me wrong: Adelaide is not a love story. It’s a story about how no matter how careful you may be, how many cards you think you can stack, it only takes one too many to bring the whole castle down.
Adelaide is the perfect book for people who feel so much or even those who usually feel pretty much nothing at all (me, that’s me), but want to. It’s a fairytale, but the Grimm version masked under that Disney smile. It charms you while slowly twisting a knife in your heart. I loved every single word and every single page and I thank Genevieve Wheeler for breaking my heart so beautifully.
follow me on booksta!
Basically, Adelaide is an American ex-pat living in London in her mid-twenties. She’s full of hope for that next adventure, that sense of security and fulfillment that tells her, finally, she’s made it. And then she meets a man who looks like a literal Disney prince: Rory Hughes. And she falls in love. She falls head-over-heels in love with a man who is wonderful when he’s wonderful, but devastating in his shortcomings. And despite Adelaide giving him her sunshine, giving him her best, deep down she knows that the rain is always going to come with Rory. Would it be enough if he could never give her peace?
Adelaide is a book for all my sad girls out there who remember that Big Breakup, that all-consuming love and subsequent grief when the person you thought would be The One ended up being The One Who Got Away. It’s all heart sparkly and gauzy surreality. It’s that montage of Meg Ryan smiling and walking down the streets of NYC in You’ve Got Mail while The Cranberries sing “Dreams.” It’s the feeling of Autumn air but with the promise that comes in Spring. All of those things, but while storm clouds gather on the horizon and a hand wraps slowly wraps around your throat.
You know that Adelaide and Rory’s relationship is doomed from the beginning, and yet the journey is no less heartbreaking. You still dare to hope with Adelaide. Even if the hope is the desperate, clawing type. The writing enchants you in the most intimate way, like you’re reading her diary or a dear friend is recounting the story. And it hurts so good.
But don’t get me wrong: Adelaide is not a love story. It’s a story about how no matter how careful you may be, how many cards you think you can stack, it only takes one too many to bring the whole castle down.
Adelaide is the perfect book for people who feel so much or even those who usually feel pretty much nothing at all (me, that’s me), but want to. It’s a fairytale, but the Grimm version masked under that Disney smile. It charms you while slowly twisting a knife in your heart. I loved every single word and every single page and I thank Genevieve Wheeler for breaking my heart so beautifully.
follow me on booksta!
March 9, 2024
Have you ever loved someone so much that you lose yourself in that love? Loved someone who you hope will notice the love you give them, how much of yourself you give them, how much of you is lost to love them, then completely lose yourself and spiral in the love you have given? To be the one who keeps showing up time and time again and deal with being ignored, unappreciated, forgotten, and trying not to need them as much because you think it would make them not love you?
I think one of the hardest life lessons is losing to love. To love with your whole heart and to give everything always only to wake up one day from a haze and realize that all of those moments were wasted on someone who never deserved your entire love and attention.
Or did they? Was your purpose to be there when they needed light and love when all it did was completely drain you and leave you in a darkness that you had trouble finding your way out because you are left completely alone. To lose a piece of yourself permanently because they walked away with it and maybe it helped heal them but that piece is completely lost to you.
Maybe this makes no sense to you but it makes sense to me. I have been an Adelaide one too many times in relationships. Foolish foolish girl.
I think one of the hardest life lessons is losing to love. To love with your whole heart and to give everything always only to wake up one day from a haze and realize that all of those moments were wasted on someone who never deserved your entire love and attention.
Or did they? Was your purpose to be there when they needed light and love when all it did was completely drain you and leave you in a darkness that you had trouble finding your way out because you are left completely alone. To lose a piece of yourself permanently because they walked away with it and maybe it helped heal them but that piece is completely lost to you.
Maybe this makes no sense to you but it makes sense to me. I have been an Adelaide one too many times in relationships. Foolish foolish girl.
Read
January 6, 2023I really struggled with whether or not to write a review for this book. When I read the premise it sounded very good and I was excited about it - but I did not have the experience I was expecting. The first chapters packed a punch, but things very quickly go downhill (for Adelaide and the reader). Adelaide is a young 20-something living in London with a successful career. The problem is she seems to have zero self-esteem and when she meets "Prince Charming" he's nothing more than a misogynistic jerk who uses her and makes her feel like crap. The whole book felt very depressing and all I wanted to do was scream at Adelaide to wake up, take a step outside herself, and look at what she was doing. I do realize that this book will resonate with some readers, but this book made me beyond angry and upset and I asked myself many times why I was continuing to suffer. I think I was hoping for some sort of redemption. There's a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel, but I honestly don't know if it was worth it. Again, this is just my perspective. There are many good reviews, so if you are thinking about this one, give it a go.
April 18, 2023
Happy Pub Day Adelaide!
This kind of book is exactly my kind of book. I saw a book club “influencer” post about it and it is the fastest I have ever went to netgalley. Due to spoilers I don’t want to name them specifically but there are a few trigger warnings for this book you may want to look into if you research or avoid certain ones.
This book is described as a complicated millennial love story about a 20-something American, Adelaide, living in London. She’s not looking for “the one” but ends up meeting Rory and falls completely in love. Goodreads calls it “timeless” and I so agree. I was obsessed from first chapter and was sending the synopsis to people I knew immediately. This will most likely be one I end up purchasing for myself and gifting to a couple people I know. I hope it gets the praise it deserves. I can’t believe this is a debut. I will automatically read whatever is next by our author if we are that fortunate.
Some things that stood out to me were her pining for him and just hoping someday he would love her as much as she loved him. That she knew everything about him and waited for him to know anything about her. How much she neglects herself to carry and hold him up during his time of need. How there was a him both before and after the event that she supports him through and how very much she sacrifices herself for him. I don’t want to elaborate too much out of respect for spoilers and leaving the story to unfold for you. But if you love a indie romance feel of a book with a moody vibe I think you may want to check this one out!
Many thanks to our author, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This will be published on April 18th, 2023. I hope if you choose to read it you love it also.
This kind of book is exactly my kind of book. I saw a book club “influencer” post about it and it is the fastest I have ever went to netgalley. Due to spoilers I don’t want to name them specifically but there are a few trigger warnings for this book you may want to look into if you research or avoid certain ones.
This book is described as a complicated millennial love story about a 20-something American, Adelaide, living in London. She’s not looking for “the one” but ends up meeting Rory and falls completely in love. Goodreads calls it “timeless” and I so agree. I was obsessed from first chapter and was sending the synopsis to people I knew immediately. This will most likely be one I end up purchasing for myself and gifting to a couple people I know. I hope it gets the praise it deserves. I can’t believe this is a debut. I will automatically read whatever is next by our author if we are that fortunate.
Some things that stood out to me were her pining for him and just hoping someday he would love her as much as she loved him. That she knew everything about him and waited for him to know anything about her. How much she neglects herself to carry and hold him up during his time of need. How there was a him both before and after the event that she supports him through and how very much she sacrifices herself for him. I don’t want to elaborate too much out of respect for spoilers and leaving the story to unfold for you. But if you love a indie romance feel of a book with a moody vibe I think you may want to check this one out!
Many thanks to our author, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This will be published on April 18th, 2023. I hope if you choose to read it you love it also.
May 15, 2023
I think a lot of young women have been Adelaide at some point - a girl with lots of love to give, who chooses to emotionally exhaust themselves by giving it to someone who doesn't appreciate it, or even reciprocate at close to the same level as they do, thinking things will change.
The book made me sad for her, and for a version of me that relates to what she went through with Rory. I thought the writing was really good, engaging, and easy to digest despite the heavy undertone of the book.
I think where this lost me was when I thought it was strange, I don't know; it wasn't just one chapter of her going on about it, it was a few. It became really frustrating but I was rooting for her soo hard to let this guy go, and for her friends to give her better advice from the beginning.
However, I will say the book is very realistic in many ways, unfortunately. I also do think this author is one to watch for in the future. Another sad girl book to add to everyone's tbr ✔️
The book made me sad for her, and for a version of me that relates to what she went through with Rory. I thought the writing was really good, engaging, and easy to digest despite the heavy undertone of the book.
I think where this lost me was when I thought it was strange, I don't know; it wasn't just one chapter of her going on about it, it was a few. It became really frustrating but I was rooting for her soo hard to let this guy go, and for her friends to give her better advice from the beginning.
However, I will say the book is very realistic in many ways, unfortunately. I also do think this author is one to watch for in the future. Another sad girl book to add to everyone's tbr ✔️
May 28, 2023
Adelaide is a 26 year old American trying to build her dream life in London. She has great friends, a job in communications that she enjoys, and plenty of male interest, but when she meets Rory Hughes, everything changes — Adelaide falls hard, and fast, even though Rory seems to keep her at a bit of a distance and isn’t always responsive.
When Rory endures an unexpected loss, Adelaide goes “all in” even further, trying to support him in every way. His appreciation of her effort still isn’t always returned. In her support of Rory, Adelaide abandons her own needs until this, too, sharply catches up with her.
This story has relatable elements and some deep emotions. The writing is good. I liked Adelaide, though at times I found her desperation and obsession painful. I felt for Rory at times too, but more often than not, thought he was an F-boy and a jerk. There are multiple heavy topics in Adelaide, which does a good job emphasizing the importance and urgency of mental health.
When Rory endures an unexpected loss, Adelaide goes “all in” even further, trying to support him in every way. His appreciation of her effort still isn’t always returned. In her support of Rory, Adelaide abandons her own needs until this, too, sharply catches up with her.
This story has relatable elements and some deep emotions. The writing is good. I liked Adelaide, though at times I found her desperation and obsession painful. I felt for Rory at times too, but more often than not, thought he was an F-boy and a jerk. There are multiple heavy topics in Adelaide, which does a good job emphasizing the importance and urgency of mental health.
July 25, 2024
In my world there are two types of books that I consider “coming of age” – the actual coming of age stories such as To Kill a Mockingbird or Boy’s Life or The Body (a/k/a Stand By Me) and then there are ones like this sort of “anti-romance” about first loves that aren’t so lovely, becoming an adult, discovering your own worth, etc. Sally Rooney has made a name for herself delivering this type of novel both in Conversations with Friends as well as Normal People. If you’re like me - anxiously awaiting her upcoming release, maybe Adelaide can tide you over?
Be forewarned, however, if you are a sensitive reader that this story begins with the leading lady having a severe depressive episode and stopping herself mid suicide attempt. If you can handle wallowing in the mire of Adelaide’s toxic relationships, eventually you’ll get to the part where it is realized . . .
Maybe, the darkness isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s a reminder that you’re capable of turning the car around, you know? You’re capable of rerouting from a very dark, scary path back to the light.”
This was a good ‘un.
But Rory????
Be forewarned, however, if you are a sensitive reader that this story begins with the leading lady having a severe depressive episode and stopping herself mid suicide attempt. If you can handle wallowing in the mire of Adelaide’s toxic relationships, eventually you’ll get to the part where it is realized . . .
Maybe, the darkness isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s a reminder that you’re capable of turning the car around, you know? You’re capable of rerouting from a very dark, scary path back to the light.”
This was a good ‘un.
But Rory????
October 6, 2025
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Adelaide releases April 18/2023
This review was published aug24/22 and reflects the review copy and synopsis I was given at the time (which included: "With wonderful friends and fierce ambitions, Adelaide has little interest in finding "The One" right now. But when she meets Rory Hughes on a dating app—a charming Englishman who's been placed there by fate, she swears—that all changes. All of a sudden, Adelaide finds herself completely in love [...] Adelaide is convinced that if she just tries and fights and loves a little harder, he'll fall for her as deeply as she's fallen for him. (He has to... right?) Because it's clear to Adelaide that their fate was written in the stars [...] A millennial love story [...]) however since then, there have been changes across all retailers. I still stand by what I said below.
The premise of this was intriguing, but this was painful to read. And not because it was emotionally moving - because it wasn’t (at least not for me). Now, I’m not trying to gloss over the severe mental health and suicide ideations in this because those are heavy and sensitive topics, but this was the furthest thing from a romance or love story, in my opinion. If anything, it was more centered around friendship? (I know this is a women’s fiction but the entire book is about a romantic relationship). There was nothing to show that this was brought upon by “fate”. The relationship depicted was extremely toxic, unhealthy, and showed many red flags.
I also could not get past the writing style with the abundant need to exclude all proper quotation marks for dialogue.
TW: mental health, suicidal ideations, emotional and sexual abuse, r*pe, grief, stomach ulcers, bipolar disorder, manic depression, anxiety, ocd, miscarriage, endometriosis, uses the term harem in context with cults, mentions donald trump & pro-life.
Adelaide is split into quite a few sections — before/during/after, as well as spring/summer/autumn/winter.
It’s set in the UK and is mainly told from the pov of the main character Adelaide, but has a few parts featuring Rory.
The start of this story packs a punch - immediately immersing the reader into the tailend of Adelaide’s suicide attempt. Thus, the rest of the story is the build up to what lead to that moment.
I struggled to ever feel any type of chemistry between these two main characters.
My main gripe was that Rory truly was not in any position to be in a relationship to begin with. He had a lack of commitment, and was too hung up about an ex-girlfriend. The way he demanded and expected certain actions but never cared to reciprocate any was laughable. You want a man to ghost you, essentially feel like a friend zone, a tier less than friends with benefits? Sure, swipe on Rory on your dating app.
Adelaide falls head first, all-in love with Rory (why? who knows, because this man truly does not even do the bare minimum) / (the diagnosis at the end of the book regarding Adelaide makes this make a tad more sense, but still not really. The mental health rep could have been handled better).
The compassion, kindness, and 150% effort that Adelaide exuded was very one sided. She gave her all for this man, in the hopes that he would love her too, only for it to completely and utterly wear her out, break her to rock bottom and lead to suicidal ideations.
The message at the end of the book where it said that Adelaide was the one meant to appear in Rory’s life at the right time, and not the other way around - felt conflicting. Yes, I get that there are instances where people come into our lives for a reason (whatever that might be), but I strongly don’t believe that in doing so, it should exert so much of yourself that the only other option of relief is suicide. So unhealthy.
Rory as a whole:
- notoriously horrible for never responding to messages.
- makes the fmc either leave his house so he can sleep, or makes her sleep on his FLOOR.
- if it’s after midnight and she’s politely asking to crash at his house because cab drivers make her feel uneasy, he’ll say “go take a ten minute walk to the night bus in the pouring rain.”
- calling ahead to their hotel to request two separate beds when you’re on holiday with the person you’re dating.
- the ONLY time he texted back immediately or regularly was if sexts/nudes were involved.
- complains when the fmc goes out of her way to make him food that contains meat (she’s a vegetarian) and instead of saying thank you, grunts about it upsetting his stomach ulcers.
- when asked about his girlfriend Adelaide, he says “oh, Adelaide, her name didn’t even cross my mind.”
- immediately runs to set up a dating app profile at the slightest hint of a “break” + never deletes it when they’re still intimate.
- “he wanted the perks that came with dating a woman like Adelaide” - okay gross, women are actual human beings with feelings, not some customizable package where you can select add-ons to your choosing.
Content that was personally off-putting/questionable as a reader:
- using the word harem in the same sentence as referencing cult behavior. In light of recent discourse surrounding the trope term “reverse harem” and changing it to “why choose” because of authentic concerns from the affected communities - the wording here can use some heavy revision.
“It was always difficult to capture the firm’s cultlike essence when speaking to anyone who hadn’t lived it—which, she supposed, was also true of actual cults and harems.”
- having the fmc at the age of 26 straight up pee her pants in the streets of London? I mean, I could have done without reading that.
- Including mentions of Donald Trump and pro-life on the same page as when the fmc is experiencing a miscarriage due to endometriosis. I realize that this was probably written before events of 2022, but it’s being published well afterwards, and I think it’s a very sensitive and controversial statement that does not need to be included.
Overall, I think I would have liked to seen less of Rory/Nathalie and his grief, and more of how Adelaide was able to rebuild coming out of a toxic relationship, with the support of her friends, as well as processing her new bipolar disorder diagnosis.
“Oh golly, no, I’m not American. I don’t just mask things with pills.”
“She struggled with hot-and-cold behavior. It was triggering for her. Unhealthy.”
“Sickness feels different when it takes place inside your head. When the illness flows through the chemicals of your mind rather than clogged sinuses or broken bones. No illness is ever really linear.”
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Adelaide releases April 18/2023
This review was published aug24/22 and reflects the review copy and synopsis I was given at the time (which included: "With wonderful friends and fierce ambitions, Adelaide has little interest in finding "The One" right now. But when she meets Rory Hughes on a dating app—a charming Englishman who's been placed there by fate, she swears—that all changes. All of a sudden, Adelaide finds herself completely in love [...] Adelaide is convinced that if she just tries and fights and loves a little harder, he'll fall for her as deeply as she's fallen for him. (He has to... right?) Because it's clear to Adelaide that their fate was written in the stars [...] A millennial love story [...]) however since then, there have been changes across all retailers. I still stand by what I said below.
The premise of this was intriguing, but this was painful to read. And not because it was emotionally moving - because it wasn’t (at least not for me). Now, I’m not trying to gloss over the severe mental health and suicide ideations in this because those are heavy and sensitive topics, but this was the furthest thing from a romance or love story, in my opinion. If anything, it was more centered around friendship? (I know this is a women’s fiction but the entire book is about a romantic relationship). There was nothing to show that this was brought upon by “fate”. The relationship depicted was extremely toxic, unhealthy, and showed many red flags.
I also could not get past the writing style with the abundant need to exclude all proper quotation marks for dialogue.
TW: mental health, suicidal ideations, emotional and sexual abuse, r*pe, grief, stomach ulcers, bipolar disorder, manic depression, anxiety, ocd, miscarriage, endometriosis, uses the term harem in context with cults, mentions donald trump & pro-life.
Adelaide is split into quite a few sections — before/during/after, as well as spring/summer/autumn/winter.
It’s set in the UK and is mainly told from the pov of the main character Adelaide, but has a few parts featuring Rory.
The start of this story packs a punch - immediately immersing the reader into the tailend of Adelaide’s suicide attempt. Thus, the rest of the story is the build up to what lead to that moment.
I struggled to ever feel any type of chemistry between these two main characters.
My main gripe was that Rory truly was not in any position to be in a relationship to begin with. He had a lack of commitment, and was too hung up about an ex-girlfriend. The way he demanded and expected certain actions but never cared to reciprocate any was laughable. You want a man to ghost you, essentially feel like a friend zone, a tier less than friends with benefits? Sure, swipe on Rory on your dating app.
Adelaide falls head first, all-in love with Rory (why? who knows, because this man truly does not even do the bare minimum) / (the diagnosis at the end of the book regarding Adelaide makes this make a tad more sense, but still not really. The mental health rep could have been handled better).
The compassion, kindness, and 150% effort that Adelaide exuded was very one sided. She gave her all for this man, in the hopes that he would love her too, only for it to completely and utterly wear her out, break her to rock bottom and lead to suicidal ideations.
The message at the end of the book where it said that Adelaide was the one meant to appear in Rory’s life at the right time, and not the other way around - felt conflicting. Yes, I get that there are instances where people come into our lives for a reason (whatever that might be), but I strongly don’t believe that in doing so, it should exert so much of yourself that the only other option of relief is suicide. So unhealthy.
Rory as a whole:
- notoriously horrible for never responding to messages.
- makes the fmc either leave his house so he can sleep, or makes her sleep on his FLOOR.
- if it’s after midnight and she’s politely asking to crash at his house because cab drivers make her feel uneasy, he’ll say “go take a ten minute walk to the night bus in the pouring rain.”
- calling ahead to their hotel to request two separate beds when you’re on holiday with the person you’re dating.
- the ONLY time he texted back immediately or regularly was if sexts/nudes were involved.
- complains when the fmc goes out of her way to make him food that contains meat (she’s a vegetarian) and instead of saying thank you, grunts about it upsetting his stomach ulcers.
- when asked about his girlfriend Adelaide, he says “oh, Adelaide, her name didn’t even cross my mind.”
- immediately runs to set up a dating app profile at the slightest hint of a “break” + never deletes it when they’re still intimate.
- “he wanted the perks that came with dating a woman like Adelaide” - okay gross, women are actual human beings with feelings, not some customizable package where you can select add-ons to your choosing.
Content that was personally off-putting/questionable as a reader:
- using the word harem in the same sentence as referencing cult behavior. In light of recent discourse surrounding the trope term “reverse harem” and changing it to “why choose” because of authentic concerns from the affected communities - the wording here can use some heavy revision.
“It was always difficult to capture the firm’s cultlike essence when speaking to anyone who hadn’t lived it—which, she supposed, was also true of actual cults and harems.”
- having the fmc at the age of 26 straight up pee her pants in the streets of London? I mean, I could have done without reading that.
- Including mentions of Donald Trump and pro-life on the same page as when the fmc is experiencing a miscarriage due to endometriosis. I realize that this was probably written before events of 2022, but it’s being published well afterwards, and I think it’s a very sensitive and controversial statement that does not need to be included.
Overall, I think I would have liked to seen less of Rory/Nathalie and his grief, and more of how Adelaide was able to rebuild coming out of a toxic relationship, with the support of her friends, as well as processing her new bipolar disorder diagnosis.
“Oh golly, no, I’m not American. I don’t just mask things with pills.”
“She struggled with hot-and-cold behavior. It was triggering for her. Unhealthy.”
“Sickness feels different when it takes place inside your head. When the illness flows through the chemicals of your mind rather than clogged sinuses or broken bones. No illness is ever really linear.”
April 9, 2023
I was so excited about this book and it reads like also terrible It Ends With Us by CoHo…
1) cannot handle the constant mentioning and romanticizing of how the main character is so skinny, small, child like, won’t eat, etc.
2) she peed her pants and it was supposed to be cute and again compared to a “small child”
3) this was supposed to be about female friendship yet she was the worst most self absorbed friend? I’m not even sure how she had one let alone three
4) bubs plot line was seen a mile away
5) no follow up on plot line with Emory
6) no follow up on plot line with her sisters and mom
7) suicide scene literally came out of nowhere quite honestly / her diagnosis maybe would’ve been better at the front to understand why but she’s such a frustrating character and pick me honestly
This book was truly horrid, extremely oversimplified, and yet again drove home the idea that such cute sweet small harmless childlike women are the only victims we can feel or empathize for
1) cannot handle the constant mentioning and romanticizing of how the main character is so skinny, small, child like, won’t eat, etc.
2) she peed her pants and it was supposed to be cute and again compared to a “small child”
3) this was supposed to be about female friendship yet she was the worst most self absorbed friend? I’m not even sure how she had one let alone three
4) bubs plot line was seen a mile away
5) no follow up on plot line with Emory
6) no follow up on plot line with her sisters and mom
7) suicide scene literally came out of nowhere quite honestly / her diagnosis maybe would’ve been better at the front to understand why but she’s such a frustrating character and pick me honestly
This book was truly horrid, extremely oversimplified, and yet again drove home the idea that such cute sweet small harmless childlike women are the only victims we can feel or empathize for
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
Review to come.
April 19, 2023
basically my biography circa 2021 up until i met the love of my life lol. there was one part that made me almost gave it a 4, but it fixed itself within 5 pages hehe. this book is everything. i sobbed to oblivion. top 10 of the year for sure. prob top 3 tbh.
May 2, 2025
Adelaide believed that Universe sends us the people we need most in life exactly at the time we need them, and i whole heartedly believe that Universe has brought this book into my life at exactly the point i needed it!
Please look up the trigger warnings before reading this one, some of the major ones are: suicide, mental health, abusive relationships, miscarriage, SA
Oh how i wanted to hug Adelaide and tell her that everything's gonna be okay and she'll be just fine 🤧
A lot of us have been an Adelaide at some point in our lives and i could so relate to her character and her story
i wept, i sobbed, and i smiled with Adelaide
This is a very raw and honest portrayal of mental health and what it is like to be a young individual in today's age and what we go through during our 20s and how sometimes we lose ourselves trying to love someone else
When we decide to let go and choose ourselves
and it is about the journey back to ourselves
This book destroyed me and then it healed me and in the end it gave me hope and im so grateful to the author for writing this one!
Please look up the trigger warnings before reading this one, some of the major ones are: suicide, mental health, abusive relationships, miscarriage, SA
Oh how i wanted to hug Adelaide and tell her that everything's gonna be okay and she'll be just fine 🤧
A lot of us have been an Adelaide at some point in our lives and i could so relate to her character and her story
i wept, i sobbed, and i smiled with Adelaide
This is a very raw and honest portrayal of mental health and what it is like to be a young individual in today's age and what we go through during our 20s and how sometimes we lose ourselves trying to love someone else
When we decide to let go and choose ourselves
and it is about the journey back to ourselves
This book destroyed me and then it healed me and in the end it gave me hope and im so grateful to the author for writing this one!
September 21, 2023
4.5 stars
I was warned ahead of time Adelaide would be a tough but good read. My book buddies were completely on the mark with their assessment. I believe the reason the story and character is striking such a chord with readers is we either know someone just like Adelaide or we see a lot of her in ourselves.
This is a story that will make you feel uncomfortable. Basically from the get go you know Adelaide is at a low point in her life and you then get to see everything that led up to this moment. The signs are all there and it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. That's effective writing though.
There are so many great lines especially towards the end of the book. Too bad I was reading a copy from the library as there were parts I wish I could have highlighted to go back and reflect on.
Highly recommend this one but make sure you've cleared ample headspace before diving into it.
I was warned ahead of time Adelaide would be a tough but good read. My book buddies were completely on the mark with their assessment. I believe the reason the story and character is striking such a chord with readers is we either know someone just like Adelaide or we see a lot of her in ourselves.
This is a story that will make you feel uncomfortable. Basically from the get go you know Adelaide is at a low point in her life and you then get to see everything that led up to this moment. The signs are all there and it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. That's effective writing though.
There are so many great lines especially towards the end of the book. Too bad I was reading a copy from the library as there were parts I wish I could have highlighted to go back and reflect on.
Highly recommend this one but make sure you've cleared ample headspace before diving into it.
April 11, 2023
3.5
Okay this is very much an unpopular opinion so please don’t come for me - I thought this one was just okay. I tend to love more plot driven stories and this is very much a character driven book. Which is fine however I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters in this book which unfortunately ruined it for me. I didn’t hate this book by any means, I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. I will say the mental health representation in this book is phenomenal and SO important. That aspect totally saved it for me. Do I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY! Was it my favorite? No. But I know so many others have rated it 5⭐️🫶🏼
Okay this is very much an unpopular opinion so please don’t come for me - I thought this one was just okay. I tend to love more plot driven stories and this is very much a character driven book. Which is fine however I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters in this book which unfortunately ruined it for me. I didn’t hate this book by any means, I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. I will say the mental health representation in this book is phenomenal and SO important. That aspect totally saved it for me. Do I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY! Was it my favorite? No. But I know so many others have rated it 5⭐️🫶🏼
April 28, 2023
Omg! What an infuriating book! Despite probably sounding like an ass, I could not like Adelaide. She was a meek, self-deprecating, spineless idiot for 250 pages! I spent the majority of the book screaming at her (and Rory)! Everyone in this book needed therapy on page 10. By the end, it was too little too late for me.
July 17, 2023
To everyone that kept telling me to read this book - thank you! Adelaide is a beautiful and extremely sad coming-of-age story about mental health, relationship struggles, grief, and how hard it is to be a woman. Definitely check content warnings for this one before reading.
May 29, 2023
Adelaide is an American living abroad in London when she meets who she believes is her soulmate, Rory Hughes. Unfortunately, this is not the dream relationship she or we as readers were anticipating.
What we as readers come to learn as well is that this is not a romance or love story.
Adelaide, the character, is sweet, kind and a bit obsessive – and, a bit desperate.
The story transitions between her past and present, providing some insights into her current behaviors, especially with scene 1 – the one we walk in to at the beginning of the story. Even so, Adelaide only had one speed, overdrive, in all things, especially drinking, partying and her determination to make Rory love her.
And speaking of Rory, if she had been healthy (this will eventually be explained in the book), she would have recognized that he didn’t deserve her. Despite her shortcomings, or the issues that were eventually revealed, she was a likeable character.
My problem with this story is that it shouldn’t have been set up (marketed) as a love story. It set up false expectations by doing so. There is an important message here about dysfunctional mental and emotional health masked by overachievement and charm. Readers (me) may not want to go there, if not being told this is what this story is all about. I believe, we deserve to know what kind of story we are really getting into when we choose it, and this one wasn't really what I thought it was going to be.
On the positive side: The author created wonderful supportive friend characters for Adelaide. She created a happy ending of sorts.
But I caution readers to not walk into this story expecting hearts and flowers.
What we as readers come to learn as well is that this is not a romance or love story.
Adelaide, the character, is sweet, kind and a bit obsessive – and, a bit desperate.
The story transitions between her past and present, providing some insights into her current behaviors, especially with scene 1 – the one we walk in to at the beginning of the story. Even so, Adelaide only had one speed, overdrive, in all things, especially drinking, partying and her determination to make Rory love her.
And speaking of Rory, if she had been healthy (this will eventually be explained in the book), she would have recognized that he didn’t deserve her. Despite her shortcomings, or the issues that were eventually revealed, she was a likeable character.
My problem with this story is that it shouldn’t have been set up (marketed) as a love story. It set up false expectations by doing so. There is an important message here about dysfunctional mental and emotional health masked by overachievement and charm. Readers (me) may not want to go there, if not being told this is what this story is all about. I believe, we deserve to know what kind of story we are really getting into when we choose it, and this one wasn't really what I thought it was going to be.
On the positive side: The author created wonderful supportive friend characters for Adelaide. She created a happy ending of sorts.
But I caution readers to not walk into this story expecting hearts and flowers.
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