ARC Review: The Write Off by Kara McDowell
Romance
The Write Off
Book Info
Released Date: April 7th
Publication: Berkley
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
I wouldn’t say I hated this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
There were definitely elements I appreciated—especially the shift from former rivals to something softer and more meaningful. That dynamic had a lot of potential, and I did enjoy watching that evolution unfold. However, the biggest thing that held me back was the central relationship itself.
I struggled to fully buy into the romance because so much of the conflict hinged on a lack of communication. I can understand miscommunication when characters are younger, still figuring themselves out, and reacting emotionally. But as the story moved forward in time, it became harder for me to understand why these two still couldn’t have an honest conversation with each other. It started to feel less like realistic tension and more like something artificially prolonging the story.
Because of that, I found it difficult to stay emotionally invested. I kept wanting them to just talk—really talk—and it pulled me out of the experience when that didn’t happen.
Overall, while I didn’t dislike the book and can see why others might enjoy it, I personally needed stronger communication between the characters to fully connect with their story.
