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Summertime Punchline
HBO’s Hacks meets Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After in this hilarious and sweeping love story about a comedian forced to return to her Jersey Shore hometown and confront everything she left behind ten summers before—including the man who broke her heart.
Then. Delfina Silva-Miller wants one thing: to leave behind Evergreen, New Jersey and never look back. Despite her adoring grandmother’s best efforts, Del can’t bear to live another moment at the whims of her deadbeat dad (so cliché) and her ever-temperamental crush, Eddie Rodriguez (humiliating).
Now. If there’s one thing Del knows how to do, it’s spin her bad luck into a killer joke. After years of hard work, she’s finally landed a coveted spot at a huge comedy festival, molding the often tragic raw material of her life into comedic gold. But when Del loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment in the span of a few hours, she’s forced to pack her bags and return to the home she swore off at eighteen.
Del is determined not to let her history with Evergreen distract her. She has 45 days to perfect a new comedy set and march into her new life. Instead, she marches right into Eddie Rodriguez. But he’s nothing like the boy she left behind ten years ago.
As the festival draws closer, Del is faced with the terrifying possibility that everything she’s ever wanted isn’t as far away as it once seemed.
Vividly evoking the boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore, Summertime Punchline is a hilarious, vulnerable, and sweeping love story celebrating the complicated relationships—romantic and not—that impact our lives, for better or worse.
Then. Delfina Silva-Miller wants one thing: to leave behind Evergreen, New Jersey and never look back. Despite her adoring grandmother’s best efforts, Del can’t bear to live another moment at the whims of her deadbeat dad (so cliché) and her ever-temperamental crush, Eddie Rodriguez (humiliating).
Now. If there’s one thing Del knows how to do, it’s spin her bad luck into a killer joke. After years of hard work, she’s finally landed a coveted spot at a huge comedy festival, molding the often tragic raw material of her life into comedic gold. But when Del loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment in the span of a few hours, she’s forced to pack her bags and return to the home she swore off at eighteen.
Del is determined not to let her history with Evergreen distract her. She has 45 days to perfect a new comedy set and march into her new life. Instead, she marches right into Eddie Rodriguez. But he’s nothing like the boy she left behind ten years ago.
As the festival draws closer, Del is faced with the terrifying possibility that everything she’s ever wanted isn’t as far away as it once seemed.
Vividly evoking the boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore, Summertime Punchline is a hilarious, vulnerable, and sweeping love story celebrating the complicated relationships—romantic and not—that impact our lives, for better or worse.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2024
About the author
Betty Corrello
2 books102 followersBetty Corrello is an incredibly beautiful and normal woman. Despite her hardened exterior, she is biologically 95% marshmallow. She blames this on the abundance of water in her astrological chart. Her greatest passion is writing stories where opposites attract, but love is chosen. When she's not writing, she can be found fretting about niche historical events most have forgotten––or petting her very tiny dog. In addition to writing books, she previously performed stand-up and sit-down comedy all over the east coast. She calls herself a stand-up comedian to avoid bullying, but she is actually an improv nerd. She does not like The Harold. She is Italian and American and spent time growing up in both countries. She is a proud Philadelphian. Go Birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
March 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!!
This was SUCH a great debut! I adored it. Del was such a good main character; she was relatable, funny, and overall provided a really fun perspective to read from. Watching her self-discovery was really great! I also really enjoyed the dual timeline and getting to see the progression of Del and Eddie's relationship both in the past and in the present. All of the side characters were really well written as well, and they all stood out individually! I loved Sam and Del's friendship, and Del's relationship with her Nan. I also really loved the small beach town setting!
The romance in this was absolutely adorable, tender, and perfect. The chemistry between Del and Eddie was so well done, and I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut novel! It was really well-paced, the writing flowed well and was easy to read, and it had so many hilarious moments. There are also some heavier topics in the book, but the author writes them very well. I think this is going to be in my top books of 2024. Overall, I would completely recommend this book! :)
This was SUCH a great debut! I adored it. Del was such a good main character; she was relatable, funny, and overall provided a really fun perspective to read from. Watching her self-discovery was really great! I also really enjoyed the dual timeline and getting to see the progression of Del and Eddie's relationship both in the past and in the present. All of the side characters were really well written as well, and they all stood out individually! I loved Sam and Del's friendship, and Del's relationship with her Nan. I also really loved the small beach town setting!
The romance in this was absolutely adorable, tender, and perfect. The chemistry between Del and Eddie was so well done, and I honestly couldn't believe this was a debut novel! It was really well-paced, the writing flowed well and was easy to read, and it had so many hilarious moments. There are also some heavier topics in the book, but the author writes them very well. I think this is going to be in my top books of 2024. Overall, I would completely recommend this book! :)
May 7, 2024
The writing was fine and it was a quick read, but unfortunately wasn't very memorable. The love (re)connection felt rushed, and the ending abrupt. I didn't see how the characters could still be in love after that long, especially since their original 'relationship' began and ended in high school⏤the ten year gap of no communication made it all feel extremely disconnected. I wanted to root for them, but the reader is not privy to enough of either main characters seemingly complicated stories/background to feel any type of way about them. I feel like Del's family stuff, Eddie's ex-wife and daughter (that we meet once?) were all glossed over, because the love they shared from the past was concentrated on far too much within the dual timeline. Sadly, I ended up skimming the last 40% of this one to get to the inevitable love declaration that was rather anticlimactic.
May 21, 2024
5 STARS!
I loooooooooved "Summertime Punchline" by Betty Corrello! I could not put this book down and finished it in a day. This is going to be one of my favorite books of the year, I can tell. I am not always the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but Corrello makes this one SO compelling and so interesting that I simply could not stop reading it. Del is so endlessly messy and supremely relatable. She's the kind of character anyone aimlessly wandering in their 30s can identify with, the good and the bad. She feels like a real person because she is written so authentically. Del has gone through traumas and moves and grief and abandonment and loss. She is layered, she is a frazzled, exposed nerve, she is observant and ready to strike, but also vulnerable to a fault. She has had to move back to her small New Jersey hometown, where she swore she'd never return, and finds herself constantly running into Eddie, who used to be in her life before it all went wrong. A dual timeline tells the story of their relationship over their time in high school and in the present. The Eddie now is not the Eddie of the past, and Del has changed, too, but one thing is for certain: all of their interactions drip and ooze with chemistry! I got a sly smile on my face whenever Del and Eddie talked to one another. Their feelings are clearly still there, raw and visceral, but with their circumstances wildly different than they anticipated, nothing can come of it. They'd have to stop bickering long enough for anything *to* come of it. The humor here is right up my alley. I laughed so much, and not just little chuckles, like genuine OUT LOUD laughs the entire book. The banter between Del and Eddie is simply perfection. I love what this book had to say about trauma and tried, about forgiving people who might not be worthy of forgiveness. About second chances, about reigniting love, about not making yourself the butt of the joke, about taking your life into your own hands, no matter how down and out you think you are. "Summertime Punchline" is so full of passion and life, so honest and true. It's not your typical cute romance that's tied up with a neat bow. It's like real life: it's messy, it's difficult, and it makes it clear that while the bad times are awful, the good times are certainly worth it. I cannot wait to see what Betty Corrello writes next. An absolutely stellar book that you MUST read ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Betty Corrello, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I loooooooooved "Summertime Punchline" by Betty Corrello! I could not put this book down and finished it in a day. This is going to be one of my favorite books of the year, I can tell. I am not always the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but Corrello makes this one SO compelling and so interesting that I simply could not stop reading it. Del is so endlessly messy and supremely relatable. She's the kind of character anyone aimlessly wandering in their 30s can identify with, the good and the bad. She feels like a real person because she is written so authentically. Del has gone through traumas and moves and grief and abandonment and loss. She is layered, she is a frazzled, exposed nerve, she is observant and ready to strike, but also vulnerable to a fault. She has had to move back to her small New Jersey hometown, where she swore she'd never return, and finds herself constantly running into Eddie, who used to be in her life before it all went wrong. A dual timeline tells the story of their relationship over their time in high school and in the present. The Eddie now is not the Eddie of the past, and Del has changed, too, but one thing is for certain: all of their interactions drip and ooze with chemistry! I got a sly smile on my face whenever Del and Eddie talked to one another. Their feelings are clearly still there, raw and visceral, but with their circumstances wildly different than they anticipated, nothing can come of it. They'd have to stop bickering long enough for anything *to* come of it. The humor here is right up my alley. I laughed so much, and not just little chuckles, like genuine OUT LOUD laughs the entire book. The banter between Del and Eddie is simply perfection. I love what this book had to say about trauma and tried, about forgiving people who might not be worthy of forgiveness. About second chances, about reigniting love, about not making yourself the butt of the joke, about taking your life into your own hands, no matter how down and out you think you are. "Summertime Punchline" is so full of passion and life, so honest and true. It's not your typical cute romance that's tied up with a neat bow. It's like real life: it's messy, it's difficult, and it makes it clear that while the bad times are awful, the good times are certainly worth it. I cannot wait to see what Betty Corrello writes next. An absolutely stellar book that you MUST read ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Betty Corrello, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 14, 2024
3.5!! this gave the perfect bingeable cute summer romance vibes and i actually need u all to read it immediately okay? okay great! also the cover is literal perfection!
first of all our characters aren’t perfect-by-society’s-standards by any means. del has WEIGHT ON HER. LIKE A NORMAL WOMAN. because no, romance authors, not all of us are white and blonde and stick thin! eddie was ... wait for it ... also not basic and perfect! how crazy!!!!!!! it was so nice seeing characters that aren’t just like every other popular romance book out there. del also has absolutely no part of her life figured out and, well, same. i related to her in so many different ways (except i actually have a great dad so there’s that).
the romance was really just meh. i cared more about del’s story in general than her and eddie together. this iskinda? second chance, so i was expecting more flashbacks or a stronger connection or something but it all fell flat. i did appreciate the flashbacks but their present day connection relied too heavily on them somehow? they literally haven’t talked in ten years and act as it they still know each other? guys i’m 2 years removed from high school and don’t know anything about half the people i was friends with – so TEN years? and they’re able to essentially pick up where they left off? i’m sorry i just really can’t get past this, and that took me out of the story so much. it was just so 0 to 100, all reliant on them being “changed people” but still being so familiar with each other from A DECADE AGO. okay let me shut up about this moving on!!
the writing was so easy to read and bingeable. the story was fast paced and i thoroughly enjoyed it despite not loving the romance. i did like each of the characters individually and even when they spent time together, it just didn’t feel romantic to me. overall such a great beach read so get on this before summer’s over (unless you live in a place with miserable weather where it’ll be summer until octoberlike me)!
first of all our characters aren’t perfect-by-society’s-standards by any means. del has WEIGHT ON HER. LIKE A NORMAL WOMAN. because no, romance authors, not all of us are white and blonde and stick thin! eddie was ... wait for it ... also not basic and perfect! how crazy!!!!!!! it was so nice seeing characters that aren’t just like every other popular romance book out there. del also has absolutely no part of her life figured out and, well, same. i related to her in so many different ways (except i actually have a great dad so there’s that).
the romance was really just meh. i cared more about del’s story in general than her and eddie together. this is
the writing was so easy to read and bingeable. the story was fast paced and i thoroughly enjoyed it despite not loving the romance. i did like each of the characters individually and even when they spent time together, it just didn’t feel romantic to me. overall such a great beach read so get on this before summer’s over (unless you live in a place with miserable weather where it’ll be summer until october
September 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this one!!! Eddie is so freaking swoony I am a puddle. So promising for a debut and I’m excited to see what this author does next!!
August 28, 2024
An absolutely charming, affecting, lovely iteration of "woman returns to small hometown from NYC and finds herself" (a genre that more often than not makes me gag a bit.)
First off, I need to mention that the blurb compares this to Hacks, and it is not even remotely like Hacks, other than there is a young female comedian in a lead role. The lead here, Del, has been working her way through the NYC comedy circuit for years (while waitressing and renting a room that is really a closet in Queens -- big points for authenticity!) and has finally scored an invitation to the biggest of the comedy showcases. Without telling the story of what happens I will say her life implodes and, homeless and jobless, she ends up borrowing a friend's clunker to drive to her grandmother's home on the Jersey Shore where she grew up a townie. Her first encounter is, of course, with Eddie Rodriguez, the boy who broke her heart in high school and who is now a grown-ass very hot man. Things progress sort of how you expect. This is a romance so little about the end can come as a surprise, but there are all sorts of things about this story that differ from the other similar tales I have read/seen and I liked it a lot. The side characters, Del's grandmother, estranged father and best friend, and Eddie's family, are fun. The book is smart, funny, class-conscious, honest, and swoony. There were some pacing issues, the first 60% or so seemed a bit stretched out and the last 20% seemed very rushed. Also, a fleeting friendship Del forms with a sort of fairy godmother who proves to be an important part of the story's resolution comes out of nowhere and proceeds weirdly. Still, it was a completely delightful summer read.
First off, I need to mention that the blurb compares this to Hacks, and it is not even remotely like Hacks, other than there is a young female comedian in a lead role. The lead here, Del, has been working her way through the NYC comedy circuit for years (while waitressing and renting a room that is really a closet in Queens -- big points for authenticity!) and has finally scored an invitation to the biggest of the comedy showcases. Without telling the story of what happens I will say her life implodes and, homeless and jobless, she ends up borrowing a friend's clunker to drive to her grandmother's home on the Jersey Shore where she grew up a townie. Her first encounter is, of course, with Eddie Rodriguez, the boy who broke her heart in high school and who is now a grown-ass very hot man. Things progress sort of how you expect. This is a romance so little about the end can come as a surprise, but there are all sorts of things about this story that differ from the other similar tales I have read/seen and I liked it a lot. The side characters, Del's grandmother, estranged father and best friend, and Eddie's family, are fun. The book is smart, funny, class-conscious, honest, and swoony. There were some pacing issues, the first 60% or so seemed a bit stretched out and the last 20% seemed very rushed. Also, a fleeting friendship Del forms with a sort of fairy godmother who proves to be an important part of the story's resolution comes out of nowhere and proceeds weirdly. Still, it was a completely delightful summer read.
May 23, 2024
I guess not all comedians are funny 🤷🏻♀️ But actually, this story suffered from a lack of unique character development. I found the flashbacks underdeveloped and quite boring. Del claimed Eddie bullied her but did he really? There were no stakes. All obstacles were easily overcome. I wanted more pining, more yearning, and literally a modicum of more personality from the main characters. And the secondary characters? Literally just cardboard cutouts meant to give the MCs connection to their town, nothing more.
July 7, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
June 4, 2024
When I was in high school, there was this kid who was good at everything he attempted. My favorite teacher, Dr. Wackes, called him a "Renaissance man." It stuck with me, that title (as did my bitter envy over the ease with which said kid excelled to the tippy-top of the teacher's pet list, landing above my own name and bowing deeply as he did).
The first thought that entered my brain after putting down Summertime Punchline was this: Betty Corrello is a Renaissance woman.
Where's my evidence? Well, it can be easily accessed between the pages of this book, her debut. The characters she introduces us to are charming and rich--they feel tangible, real, like they're truly living an entire life somewhere on the Jersey Shore. This, in a time when a lot of the people I meet in the folds of fictional narratives feel boring, bland, one-dimensional. A true blessing, then, to experience such a strong pull toward Delfina Silva-Miller, who I have adopted as my very own sister-girl. Not only are the characters well-crafted--and I don't mean just Del; my favorite character of the entire book might well be Nan, and Eddie's sisters, though they only appear in a few sprinkles, are delightful to be around--but the story is, too. Equal parts charming and poignant, Del's story of return--the return to Evergreen, her Saturn's return, the return to herself, the return to her past--had me cackling, and then blushing, and then tearing up, and then, somehow, laughing again. Looking back on my highlights, the majority of them are one-liners and jokes, comments tossed over Nan's shoulder that had me wheezing, jabs lobbed by Del that had me shaking my head in loving disbelief.
We watch as Delfina Silva-Miller arrives in Evergreen, New Jersey, sure she won't be staying any longer than the summer. Desperate, at first, to not be staying. We begin to understand why, as we are offered ample flashbacks to Del's high school career, her fraught on-again, off-again friendship with a certain Edgardo Rodriguez, who plays a very large part in both her past, and her present. We watch as she tries something new, as she opens up her heart, as she sheds the hurt of the 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 for the healing of the 𝘯𝘰𝘸.
Summertime Punchline was a theatrical experience, a full-body experience. I felt the sand on my skin, tasted the boardwalk pizza, heard the low tones of a certain song playing from the Billiards speakers. 𝘞𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳? 𝘞𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? If you're on the hunt for a low-stakes, high-reward story, soaked in sunshine and warm summer nights, to read while on the shore (or dreaming of the shore), look no further. You've just found the punchline.
So, a closer look at the evidence: Betty Corrello is an adept and inspired author, a deft and capable humorist, and a wonder with words--of all kinds. She is a lyricist, a poet, a comedian. An all-around artist. A triple threat, A Renaissance woman whose journey I cannot wait to follow.
"𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘮, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨—𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪���𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯."
The first thought that entered my brain after putting down Summertime Punchline was this: Betty Corrello is a Renaissance woman.
Where's my evidence? Well, it can be easily accessed between the pages of this book, her debut. The characters she introduces us to are charming and rich--they feel tangible, real, like they're truly living an entire life somewhere on the Jersey Shore. This, in a time when a lot of the people I meet in the folds of fictional narratives feel boring, bland, one-dimensional. A true blessing, then, to experience such a strong pull toward Delfina Silva-Miller, who I have adopted as my very own sister-girl. Not only are the characters well-crafted--and I don't mean just Del; my favorite character of the entire book might well be Nan, and Eddie's sisters, though they only appear in a few sprinkles, are delightful to be around--but the story is, too. Equal parts charming and poignant, Del's story of return--the return to Evergreen, her Saturn's return, the return to herself, the return to her past--had me cackling, and then blushing, and then tearing up, and then, somehow, laughing again. Looking back on my highlights, the majority of them are one-liners and jokes, comments tossed over Nan's shoulder that had me wheezing, jabs lobbed by Del that had me shaking my head in loving disbelief.
We watch as Delfina Silva-Miller arrives in Evergreen, New Jersey, sure she won't be staying any longer than the summer. Desperate, at first, to not be staying. We begin to understand why, as we are offered ample flashbacks to Del's high school career, her fraught on-again, off-again friendship with a certain Edgardo Rodriguez, who plays a very large part in both her past, and her present. We watch as she tries something new, as she opens up her heart, as she sheds the hurt of the 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 for the healing of the 𝘯𝘰𝘸.
Summertime Punchline was a theatrical experience, a full-body experience. I felt the sand on my skin, tasted the boardwalk pizza, heard the low tones of a certain song playing from the Billiards speakers. 𝘞𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳? 𝘞𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? If you're on the hunt for a low-stakes, high-reward story, soaked in sunshine and warm summer nights, to read while on the shore (or dreaming of the shore), look no further. You've just found the punchline.
So, a closer look at the evidence: Betty Corrello is an adept and inspired author, a deft and capable humorist, and a wonder with words--of all kinds. She is a lyricist, a poet, a comedian. An all-around artist. A triple threat, A Renaissance woman whose journey I cannot wait to follow.
"𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘮, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨—𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪���𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯."
April 29, 2024
Perfect summer/beach read. Delfina and Ed are quite the pair. Told in present and flashbacks to the old high school years, this was a cute "finding yourself" story.
April 9, 2024
“Some people are just like that. Big enough in their goodness to fill in all your empty spaces”
This book has my whole heart and was quickly added to my 2024 favorite RomCom list.
Delfina “Del” has landed herself a spot at a comedy show festival ✨literary a dream come true✨ but within hours her life has turned to hell and a hand basket and she finds herself headed home to ✨Evergreen, New Jersey✨ she’s got to get her act ✨literal comedy act✨ together, but also has to confront her past she’s left behind.
I have no clue how to express my love for these characters… these are people I want to check in with, see how they are doing. Get to know ✨is Alfonzo and Annetta an item? What’s Roger cooking for dinner next? What are Eddie’s sisters up to?✨ that’s just a few side characters… I dare you not to fall in love with.
Yes this a story about Del and Eddie’s second chance for a romance but it’s also about returning to a place you thought you wouldn’t ever return to… and the trauma/memories that can be stirred up and faced.
Now for the kicker… this book is captial F… FUNNY! Like I tabbed the heck out of it every smirk, sly smile and LOL moments. There were a few teary eyed scenes that also got a tab that were just so wonderful… but shoot our girl Betty is FUNNY! Please see below for moments of pause…
You remember my stats?
Sad salad
Mythologized? Who am I Aesop?
A schtick
Chaotic libra
Nan’s Golden rules
No one wears an oversized polo quite like you 👕
Mama, this surely is a dream
Daddy’s ankles
This list could get long… I’ll stop there and just beg you to read it.
Thank you to my favorite independent bookstore Beach Books in Seaside, for putting this one on my radar!
https://beachbooks37.com
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This book has my whole heart and was quickly added to my 2024 favorite RomCom list.
Delfina “Del” has landed herself a spot at a comedy show festival ✨literary a dream come true✨ but within hours her life has turned to hell and a hand basket and she finds herself headed home to ✨Evergreen, New Jersey✨ she’s got to get her act ✨literal comedy act✨ together, but also has to confront her past she’s left behind.
I have no clue how to express my love for these characters… these are people I want to check in with, see how they are doing. Get to know ✨is Alfonzo and Annetta an item? What’s Roger cooking for dinner next? What are Eddie’s sisters up to?✨ that’s just a few side characters… I dare you not to fall in love with.
Yes this a story about Del and Eddie’s second chance for a romance but it’s also about returning to a place you thought you wouldn’t ever return to… and the trauma/memories that can be stirred up and faced.
Now for the kicker… this book is captial F… FUNNY! Like I tabbed the heck out of it every smirk, sly smile and LOL moments. There were a few teary eyed scenes that also got a tab that were just so wonderful… but shoot our girl Betty is FUNNY! Please see below for moments of pause…
You remember my stats?
Sad salad
Mythologized? Who am I Aesop?
A schtick
Chaotic libra
Nan’s Golden rules
No one wears an oversized polo quite like you 👕
Mama, this surely is a dream
Daddy’s ankles
This list could get long… I’ll stop there and just beg you to read it.
Thank you to my favorite independent bookstore Beach Books in Seaside, for putting this one on my radar!
https://beachbooks37.com
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June 10, 2024
3.25 Stars
This had all the elements you find in a typical romance but it felt fast. It hit all the markers but rather than digging a little deeper, it merely touched the surface of each element. I liked the characters and the romance. I was curious about the comedienne angle, but I didn’t witness any enthusiasm from Del towards the profession.
With endorsements from authors Julia Whelan, Annabel Monaghan, and Amy E. Reichert, I thought this would have the story substance of “women’s fiction”/romance. Yet it read more like a Harlequin category romance. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I was expecting more depth in certain story threads.
Overall, I think the author’s writing chops were evident and the bones of the story are great. I just needed more story development.
September 9, 2024
second-chance romance... i thought that the writing was great and its a nice summer read. i wish i got to know more about eddie's character and why he is the way he is, but we only really get del's point of view. i really loved the build up of their relationship, i just had a few quips of the timing of everything though.
May 20, 2024
Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello
Thank you so much Avon for the gifted copy.
Blurb:
Summertime Punchline is a hilarious, vulnerable, and sweeping love story celebrating the complicated relationships-romantic and not- that impact our lives, for better or worse.
✨My thoughts:
I’m not going to lie… I completely avoided my responsibilities to binge this book in one sitting. I have zero regrets. I love second chance romance and Betty Corrello gives us the best story with love of all kinds… romance, family, and friends. There really is no place like home, whether that’s geographically or the people who feel like home to us. It felt impossible not to relate to parts of this story and not fall in love somewhere within these pages. Complicated relationships are well… complicated but it’s absolutely beautiful to watch them mend. Summertime Punchline is the summer read you’ll want to get your hands on and it is out tomorrow 5/21/24!
“Eddie must have studied the exact places I was sewn together, because he had no problem pulling me apart, one thread at a time.”
Happy reading 📖
Thank you so much Avon for the gifted copy.
Blurb:
Summertime Punchline is a hilarious, vulnerable, and sweeping love story celebrating the complicated relationships-romantic and not- that impact our lives, for better or worse.
✨My thoughts:
I’m not going to lie… I completely avoided my responsibilities to binge this book in one sitting. I have zero regrets. I love second chance romance and Betty Corrello gives us the best story with love of all kinds… romance, family, and friends. There really is no place like home, whether that’s geographically or the people who feel like home to us. It felt impossible not to relate to parts of this story and not fall in love somewhere within these pages. Complicated relationships are well… complicated but it’s absolutely beautiful to watch them mend. Summertime Punchline is the summer read you’ll want to get your hands on and it is out tomorrow 5/21/24!
“Eddie must have studied the exact places I was sewn together, because he had no problem pulling me apart, one thread at a time.”
Happy reading 📖
October 8, 2024
The book was easy to get through and had some fun moments, but the hero felt underdeveloped and just there. The rushed and somewhat abrupt ending left me unsatisfied; an extended epilogue would have been great.
May 8, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
This book was certainly a fun read as it’s beginning to feel more like summer. The author did an excellent job setting the scene and made me wish for a Summertime beach day. I also really liked modern day Eddie and Del, even though Del was sometimes a bit hard for me to relate to. These two had great chemistry.
I also love dual timelines. However, this aspect fell a bit short for me in this book. I feel like the high school relationship and fall out was a bit anti-climatic. I understand big feelings were involved, and I felt those feelings along with the characters, but I had a hard time understanding why the characters had such a bug split from one another. I also think it would have helped if we learned a bit more about Eddie’s background and why he did some of the things he did.
This book tackled some really tough topics and did it in a great way. The comedy shore storyline created a perfect excuse for Del to bring levity to a lot of the difficult things going on in her life. There were a few times when I literally laughed out loud.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was certainly a fun read as it’s beginning to feel more like summer. The author did an excellent job setting the scene and made me wish for a Summertime beach day. I also really liked modern day Eddie and Del, even though Del was sometimes a bit hard for me to relate to. These two had great chemistry.
I also love dual timelines. However, this aspect fell a bit short for me in this book. I feel like the high school relationship and fall out was a bit anti-climatic. I understand big feelings were involved, and I felt those feelings along with the characters, but I had a hard time understanding why the characters had such a bug split from one another. I also think it would have helped if we learned a bit more about Eddie’s background and why he did some of the things he did.
This book tackled some really tough topics and did it in a great way. The comedy shore storyline created a perfect excuse for Del to bring levity to a lot of the difficult things going on in her life. There were a few times when I literally laughed out loud.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2024
I recently finished reading Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello, and it was a heartwarming and hilarious love story that left me feeling uplifted. The story follows Delfina Silva-Miller, who has always wanted to leave behind Evergreen, New Jersey and never look back. She's had enough of her deadbeat dad and her ever-temperamental crush, Eddie Rodriguez.
However, after years of hard work, Del has finally landed a spot at a huge comedy festival, where she plans to turn the often-tragic raw material of her life into comedic gold. But when she loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment in the span of a few hours, Del is forced to return to Evergreen.
Determined not to let her past distract her, Del is focused on perfecting her new comedy set and starting a new life. But when she runs into Eddie Rodriguez, she realizes that he's nothing like the boy she left behind ten years ago. As the comedy festival draws closer, Del is faced with the terrifying possibility that everything she's ever wanted might not be as far away as she once thought.
What I loved about this book was the way the author managed to create relatable and well-developed characters. Del's struggles with her past and her desire to move forward were poignant, and Eddie's transformation over the years was heartwarming.
The book also explores themes of love, friendship, and the complicated relationships that impact our lives. The setting of the Jersey Shore was vividly evoked, and I felt transported to the boardwalks and beaches of Evergreen.
Overall, Summertime Punchline is a hilarious and vulnerable love story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming read that celebrates the complicated relationships that shape our lives.
However, after years of hard work, Del has finally landed a spot at a huge comedy festival, where she plans to turn the often-tragic raw material of her life into comedic gold. But when she loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment in the span of a few hours, Del is forced to return to Evergreen.
Determined not to let her past distract her, Del is focused on perfecting her new comedy set and starting a new life. But when she runs into Eddie Rodriguez, she realizes that he's nothing like the boy she left behind ten years ago. As the comedy festival draws closer, Del is faced with the terrifying possibility that everything she's ever wanted might not be as far away as she once thought.
What I loved about this book was the way the author managed to create relatable and well-developed characters. Del's struggles with her past and her desire to move forward were poignant, and Eddie's transformation over the years was heartwarming.
The book also explores themes of love, friendship, and the complicated relationships that impact our lives. The setting of the Jersey Shore was vividly evoked, and I felt transported to the boardwalks and beaches of Evergreen.
Overall, Summertime Punchline is a hilarious and vulnerable love story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming read that celebrates the complicated relationships that shape our lives.
August 13, 2024
SUMMERTIME PUNCHLINE is perfect blend of humor and love — with complicated relationships and revisiting the past.
So many of my favorite tropes are in this book and they were done so well 👏
💙 second chance
💙 enemies to lovers
💙 small town
💙 single dad
💙 dual timeline
It’s laugh-out-loud funny and the second chance romance had me swooning 🥰
So many of my favorite tropes are in this book and they were done so well 👏
💙 second chance
💙 enemies to lovers
💙 small town
💙 single dad
💙 dual timeline
It’s laugh-out-loud funny and the second chance romance had me swooning 🥰
August 31, 2024
A quick, enjoyable read on a flight! Loved that it took place at the shore and the characters felt relatable. It lacked some character development, but I was still a fun and sweet rom-com.
August 10, 2024
IS THIS WHAT ITS LIKE TO DATE A MAN ?
January 29, 2024
First, I would just like to say I almost never read physical books anymore. I’m too attached to the ease of my Kindle and, overall, it’s just very hard for me to focus and get through reading a physical book anymore. However, when I received the physical copy of this book, I devoured it in two-ish days, if that tells you anything about how good this debut novel is.
Summertime Punchline revolves around 28-year-old Delfina (Del) who is returning to her hometown of Evergreen, NJ for the first time in ten years after she loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment all in one day. 18-year-old Del wanted nothing more than to leave behind Evergreen forever, especially her deadbeat father and her hot & cold crush, Eddie and, ten years later, her feelings are still the same when she first arrives. However, Del’s mind begins to change the longer she stays in Evergreen and maybe some things (and some people) aren’t as terrible as she once thought.
What I loved most about this book is it is much more than just a sweet rom com; it has characters that feel so real and relatable, ones you easily become invested in because of how well-developed and beautifully human they are. I loved every character we got to meet and know, from Del to Eddie, Nan, Sam, Meghan, and even Roger.
This book had everything, from relatable family dynamics and family issues, heartachingly vulnerable moments from each and every character, so many laugh-out-loud moments and, of course, a super sweet love story. I can’t wait to see what else Betty has in store!
The *one* thing I will say is, I wish we had gotten more time with young Del and Eddie. But this book is already over 300 pages, so that may just be a selfish request on my part lol.
Thank you so much, Betty, for sending me this ARC!
Summertime Punchline revolves around 28-year-old Delfina (Del) who is returning to her hometown of Evergreen, NJ for the first time in ten years after she loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment all in one day. 18-year-old Del wanted nothing more than to leave behind Evergreen forever, especially her deadbeat father and her hot & cold crush, Eddie and, ten years later, her feelings are still the same when she first arrives. However, Del’s mind begins to change the longer she stays in Evergreen and maybe some things (and some people) aren’t as terrible as she once thought.
What I loved most about this book is it is much more than just a sweet rom com; it has characters that feel so real and relatable, ones you easily become invested in because of how well-developed and beautifully human they are. I loved every character we got to meet and know, from Del to Eddie, Nan, Sam, Meghan, and even Roger.
This book had everything, from relatable family dynamics and family issues, heartachingly vulnerable moments from each and every character, so many laugh-out-loud moments and, of course, a super sweet love story. I can’t wait to see what else Betty has in store!
The *one* thing I will say is, I wish we had gotten more time with young Del and Eddie. But this book is already over 300 pages, so that may just be a selfish request on my part lol.
Thank you so much, Betty, for sending me this ARC!
May 20, 2024
Title: Summertime Punchline
Series: n/a
Author: Betty Corrello
Release date: May 21, 2024
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: contemporary romance
I decided to review an advanced copy of this book because I recently started watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Prime (Yes, I'm regrettably this late to the fantastic series). Like Maisel, this story's heroine is a comedian and the author herself wrote the character using her own real-life experiences in comedy. Generally, when authors draw from their personal experiences, the voice is often strong and genuine, so I was excited to give this debut book a chance. The humor did not disappoint-there were many laugh-out-loud moments, but it was also an introspective look at serious themes as well.
Delfina is returning to her hometown in Jersey feeling very humbled at the turn her personal and professional life have taken.
There I went, swan-diving into a bright new day and the crystal-clear pools of my future. What I didn’t know was that, when I hadn’t been looking, someone had drained the lake.
Her boyfriend cheated, she quit her job, and she's currently without a place to live. The one bright spot on the horizon is her upcoming performance in a huge comedy festival that could skyrocket her career to stardom. Unfortunately, her ex had recently become the main topic of her comedy and now she needs to create a whole new set from scratch for the festival. Coming back to the town that held so many painful memories only brings up feelings she's spent that last decade trying to suppress. Two people have kept her away from Evergreen: her father and Eddie Rodriguez. Her father was an alcoholic and consistently let her down. Eddie...was complicated. When trying to think of the tropes in this book you can kind of classify it as friends to lovers and kind of enemies to lovers. I'm going to go with frenemies to lovers because these two were bouncing from one extreme to the next before settling on "the one that got away." When Del returns to town, we know that things were left in a bad place between them, but their full high school history is revealed gradually through flashback chapters. These two have some baggage-unresolved teen angst that caused hurt on both sides which grew into resentment.
I had not seen this guy—man?—in a decade, but a Silva-Miller never cedes to her enemies. I would know. I’ve interviewed every single Silva-Miller in existence (one—me), and we all agree.
At times, their teen flashbacks were sweet, and then other times you just felt like smashing their heads together until they learned how to communicate their attraction and depth of feeling for each other. Eddie inexplicably would suddenly pull back and retreat just when they were starting to get close and I felt that there wasn't enough shown to the reader to explain his actions. His motivations were either skimmed over or weakly explained. I never disliked his character-he was actually a wonderful hero in the present time, but I wish he was a bit more fleshed out. I don't gravitate towards the single parent trope, but Eddie was so sweet with his daughter and I loved how tender and adoring he was towards her. The way he's wrapped so tightly around her little finger would probably melt the blackest of hearts.
Del must tackle not only writing the best jokes of her life for the upcoming festival, but deciding whether or not she wants to let her father back in her life. All while trying to sort out her mixed emotions involving her former (sometimes) friend. Unfortunately she's not exactly known for her ability to face uncomfortable emotions.
Being a comedian meant spending 90 percent of my time with people who feared earnestness like it was an airborne brain-festering pathogen. It was exhausting to exist around people who consistently skirted intimacy and then, I don’t know, gave you their car. An unfortunate personality trait that I also suffered from.
For a debut book, this was very well written. I powered through it with ease in less than a day. There was no difficulty getting invested with the characters, no pushing myself through lags in pacing. I was fully engaged and highly entertained. I'm so glad I decided to try this book. It was the perfect mixture of humor, heart, and healing. It's about a woman at a crossroads in her life who must come to terms with her life expectations vs reality and what she truly wanted moving forward. There was also a little twist towards the end of the book that I hadn't predicted and genuinely took me by surprise. That doesn't happen for me all that much, so I applaud the author for putting that element in. I would definitely recommend this book so give it a chance if you're on the fence. I'm really looking forward to reading more from Betty Corrello in the future!
Eddie must have studied the exact places I was sewn together, because he had no problem pulling me apart, one thread at a time.
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February 13, 2024
First and foremost, thanks Betty for sending me an advanced readers copy of your book in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much. I gave it 4 stars because it took me a minute to get but once I did, I was hooked. I loved Del and Eddie. I loved having Caribbean representation. Eddie is Puerto Rican and I felt seen.
The story was super cute. Both characters grow throughout the book and you can tell they’ve loved each other for a very long time.
The ending left me wanting more. Are we getting a second book? Because I’d love that.
I enjoyed this book so much. I gave it 4 stars because it took me a minute to get but once I did, I was hooked. I loved Del and Eddie. I loved having Caribbean representation. Eddie is Puerto Rican and I felt seen.
The story was super cute. Both characters grow throughout the book and you can tell they’ve loved each other for a very long time.
The ending left me wanting more. Are we getting a second book? Because I’d love that.
June 8, 2024
This is not your typical romcom. Not a cheesy Hallmark vibe here. It is snarky, gritty, real and unpolished. But it is a romance, and it is a comedy.
Great Jersey Shore setting! With interesting characters that might be a bit stereotypical Jersey. (Maybe that’s the audiobook influencing my perception?) Good friendships, some family drama, a return to the dreaded childhood home, second chance romance, growing up and finding direction are the backbone of the story.
Delfina never wanted to return to Evergreen, but when she lost her job and her boyfriend cheated on her, which also left her homeless, she only had one place to go. She has a huge opportunity for her stand up comedy career, but realizes she can’t use any of her routine about her ex or making herself the butt of her own jokes anymore, so she’s on a mission to find new material - and maybe herself along the way. She loves the company of her grandmother who raised her, but is still dealing with disappointments by her mom and dad. Running into Eddie in town at the bar he now owns is a blast from the past, bringing up good and bad memories, and invoking some chemistry and spice. The story goes back and forth from present to the past, giving glimpses of both good times and bad. Maybe Del and Eddie are in a new season now, and ready to finally find their HEA.
Not my favorite sweet, charming, feel good romcom; but still an enjoyable journey. It’s kind of fresh and new with characters and a storyline that are a bit rough around the edges. I’d say it reminds me a bit of a Colleen Hoover story - which means it might be a great recommendation for many who enjoy her style, but might be a miss for those looking for great literature.
Great Jersey Shore setting! With interesting characters that might be a bit stereotypical Jersey. (Maybe that’s the audiobook influencing my perception?) Good friendships, some family drama, a return to the dreaded childhood home, second chance romance, growing up and finding direction are the backbone of the story.
Delfina never wanted to return to Evergreen, but when she lost her job and her boyfriend cheated on her, which also left her homeless, she only had one place to go. She has a huge opportunity for her stand up comedy career, but realizes she can’t use any of her routine about her ex or making herself the butt of her own jokes anymore, so she’s on a mission to find new material - and maybe herself along the way. She loves the company of her grandmother who raised her, but is still dealing with disappointments by her mom and dad. Running into Eddie in town at the bar he now owns is a blast from the past, bringing up good and bad memories, and invoking some chemistry and spice. The story goes back and forth from present to the past, giving glimpses of both good times and bad. Maybe Del and Eddie are in a new season now, and ready to finally find their HEA.
Not my favorite sweet, charming, feel good romcom; but still an enjoyable journey. It’s kind of fresh and new with characters and a storyline that are a bit rough around the edges. I’d say it reminds me a bit of a Colleen Hoover story - which means it might be a great recommendation for many who enjoy her style, but might be a miss for those looking for great literature.
March 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
This book was a light and fluffy romance and the perfect beach read. Like the description of the book says, I do believe this book is perfect for fans of Carley Fortune. I am definitely going to be adding Betty Corrello to my must read list!
–
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This book was a light and fluffy romance and the perfect beach read. Like the description of the book says, I do believe this book is perfect for fans of Carley Fortune. I am definitely going to be adding Betty Corrello to my must read list!
–
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... (follow me and/or send a friend request!) - This is how I keep track of all of the books I read each year. I also crosspost all of my NetGalley reviews here.
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (I try my best to follow back all Book accounts back in 48-72 hours)
2nd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (This account is used as a backup Instagram because my original bookstagram account which I created in 2022 has been getting action blocked quite frequently (I was hacked in February 2024 and lost access to my account for about 5 days, and I think that has something do with why I have been having issues with my account. I have reported the issue to Instagram several times). I try to post on Instagram at least 3x a week. I post many NetGalley ARC books on Instagram, but I also enjoy talking about previously released books that I love. With the exception of NetGalley books, I enjoy both listening to and reading all the books I read.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookreviewsby...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
May 21, 2024
This book is laugh-out-loud funny & will easily put you in the mood for summertime. After scoring the biggest gig of her life at a top-tier comedy festival, the rest of Del's life comes crashing down when she losses her job and catches her roommate and boyfriend sleeping together. With no where to left to go, she returns to her hometown of Jersey Shore where she is forced to confront what she left behind 10 years ago, including the man who broke her heart.
Given that the fmc is a comedian, I went into this with high expectations surrounding the humor and it did not disappoint. I was cracking up and living for the incredible one liners that came out of Del's mouth. I thought the relationship between Del and Ed was really sweet and a lot of fun. The romance is definitely there, my only complaint was it didn't feel like the stakes were all that high - I kept waiting for the shoe to drop & us to learn what went wrong 10 years ago, but to put it simply, it was dumb. Glad they worked everything out though and are happy now <3
While 90% of the book is in present day, we do get a few flash-back chapters from Del and Ed's High School Years that provide a much-needed perspective on their past.
The descriptive writing really made me feel like I was having my own summer romance/adventure at the Jersey Pier!
Given that the fmc is a comedian, I went into this with high expectations surrounding the humor and it did not disappoint. I was cracking up and living for the incredible one liners that came out of Del's mouth. I thought the relationship between Del and Ed was really sweet and a lot of fun. The romance is definitely there, my only complaint was it didn't feel like the stakes were all that high - I kept waiting for the shoe to drop & us to learn what went wrong 10 years ago, but to put it simply, it was dumb. Glad they worked everything out though and are happy now <3
While 90% of the book is in present day, we do get a few flash-back chapters from Del and Ed's High School Years that provide a much-needed perspective on their past.
The descriptive writing really made me feel like I was having my own summer romance/adventure at the Jersey Pier!
July 31, 2024
Summertime Punchline • Betty Corello
The Goods✨
•single dad
•small town romance
•jersey shore
•pier point diner
•dual timeline
•second chance
•“The smell of the bay; the long summers; the salt marshes.”
•nan
•the growth and forgiveness
•jersey corn!!!
•Valerie
•”You sparkle.”
•🎵sex & candy🎵
I absolutely loved this book because as I was reading all I could see was my home — the corn, the pizza, the beach, diners!!! It’s not often I get to read a romcom that takes place at the Jersey shore. Make it a second chance romance and I’m so there!!
Eddie and Del were precious — past and present. I loved the flashbacks that built the foundation of their relationship, but also sometimes I wanted to slap Eddie. Silly teenage boys. 😂😂 The reconnection was perfect for me. It just flowed so well and made me ache in the best way. This story not only made me swoon, but it was hilarious to boot…Nan?! And the songs?? 💀
Eddie is one heck of a hero. 😮💨😮💨 So thoughtful and honest but also TATTOOS. Older Eddie definitely makes up for younger Eddie! And Del — you can’t help but love her! Girl has been through it, but her growth, especially in relation to her dad, was so freaking good. This book was just what I needed; it’s the perfect summer read!
The Goods✨
•single dad
•small town romance
•jersey shore
•pier point diner
•dual timeline
•second chance
•“The smell of the bay; the long summers; the salt marshes.”
•nan
•the growth and forgiveness
•jersey corn!!!
•Valerie
•”You sparkle.”
•🎵sex & candy🎵
I absolutely loved this book because as I was reading all I could see was my home — the corn, the pizza, the beach, diners!!! It’s not often I get to read a romcom that takes place at the Jersey shore. Make it a second chance romance and I’m so there!!
Eddie and Del were precious — past and present. I loved the flashbacks that built the foundation of their relationship, but also sometimes I wanted to slap Eddie. Silly teenage boys. 😂😂 The reconnection was perfect for me. It just flowed so well and made me ache in the best way. This story not only made me swoon, but it was hilarious to boot…Nan?! And the songs?? 💀
Eddie is one heck of a hero. 😮💨😮💨 So thoughtful and honest but also TATTOOS. Older Eddie definitely makes up for younger Eddie! And Del — you can’t help but love her! Girl has been through it, but her growth, especially in relation to her dad, was so freaking good. This book was just what I needed; it’s the perfect summer read!
June 10, 2024
This was such a good time! If it weren't for my stupid reading slump, I would have read this far sooner! I really loved that this story was about a comedian because I think the author nailed it with the comedy and it was never too much. I found our leading character, Del, very relatable, but took her own life with a grain of salt and found the humor among the mess. There were some instances in the book where I wished she was a bit more dramatic, but then we would have been far too similar. I also loved the romanic interest very charming. I loved how much he cared for his family, and I think the author really nailed the hispanic family dynamics in the novel. Overall, I think was very funny and heartwarming and I think this is a solid summer beach read.
I want to thank Avon, Harper Voyager and Netgally for the advance copy for a honest review!
I want to thank Avon, Harper Voyager and Netgally for the advance copy for a honest review!
March 31, 2024
Review copy courtesy of Avon through Edelweiss
Okay let me get this off my chest: Editors, you gotta get people from Jersey to check your books because I was immediately pulled out as our main character is pumping gas at a Jersey Wawa in like, chapter 2.
Otherwise, this was a sweet second chance romance that flashed back and forth between Del's adolescent crush on Eddie and her future where she is trying to rewrite her comedy routine after losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment in one fell swoop. Did I buy 100% that an audience would love Del's guitar-based jokes? Maybe not but the characters were fleshed out and the banter was pretty funny for a romance (Eddie, immediately after seeing Del again: "Remember when they had to make a bigger softball helmet because of your big head?").
Okay let me get this off my chest: Editors, you gotta get people from Jersey to check your books because I was immediately pulled out as our main character is pumping gas at a Jersey Wawa in like, chapter 2.
Otherwise, this was a sweet second chance romance that flashed back and forth between Del's adolescent crush on Eddie and her future where she is trying to rewrite her comedy routine after losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment in one fell swoop. Did I buy 100% that an audience would love Del's guitar-based jokes? Maybe not but the characters were fleshed out and the banter was pretty funny for a romance (Eddie, immediately after seeing Del again: "Remember when they had to make a bigger softball helmet because of your big head?").
May 25, 2024
3.5 rounded up
A fun, second chance summer romance featuring a female stand-up comedian and a hot small town single dad. This would make for a great beach read and had everything I love the most - flashbacks, emotional depth, messy family drama, swoony moments and lots of great chemistry between the leads. A great debut that was enjoyable on audio narrated by Josh Nash and definitely worth picking up. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
A fun, second chance summer romance featuring a female stand-up comedian and a hot small town single dad. This would make for a great beach read and had everything I love the most - flashbacks, emotional depth, messy family drama, swoony moments and lots of great chemistry between the leads. A great debut that was enjoyable on audio narrated by Josh Nash and definitely worth picking up. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
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