It Had To Be You

I was on the hunt for a light, fun read and It Had To Be You was the perfect fit! It has a strong Love Actually vibe as readers follow the trials and tribulations of five couples whose lives and relationships entwine.

This was a fun read, but I'd say there's a bit more Rom than Com - although the verbal banter was quite spot on at times. There is a slew of entertaining romantic tropes (I particularly liked the fake dating couple) and some relevant issues which included racism, toxic relationships, loss and second chances. Those are some deeper themes but overall, the story had a positive, upbeat feel to it.

The ensemble cast is made up of a wonderfully diverse group of characters living in New York City. The reader jumps between the POV of five couples, each with their own issues and short story arc. I had my favourites of the bunch and enjoyed the positive vibe, but there's a little too much going on at times, leaving me wanting a bit more connection to some of the characters as they search for their happily-ever-afters. 

Overall, this was an entertaining escapist read with some Rom and a dash of Com that totally hit the spot.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Emily Bestler Books (Atria) for my complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Georgia Clark

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQ

Type and Source: eBook from publisher

Publisher: Emily Bestler Books (Atria)

First Published: May 4, 2021

Opening Lines: The first day Savannah Shipley's new life 

dawned cloudless, as if there was absolutely nothing 

standing in her way.

Book Description from GoodReads: The author of the novel The Bucket List returns with a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy featuring a wedding planner, her unexpected business partner, and their coworkers in a series of linked love stories—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Casey McQuiston.

For the past twenty years, Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have run In Love in New York, Brooklyn’s beloved wedding-planning business. When Eliot dies unexpectedly, he even more unexpectedly leaves half of the business to his younger, blonder girlfriend, Savannah. Liv and Savannah are not a match made in heaven, to say the least. But what starts as a personal and professional nightmare transforms into something even savvy, cynical Liv Goldenhorn couldn’t begin to imagine.

It Had to Be You cleverly unites Liv, Savannah, and couples as diverse and unique as New York City itself, in a joyous Love-Actually-style braided narrative. The result is a smart, modern love story that truly speaks to our times. Second chances, secret romance, and steamy soul mates are front and center in this sexy, tender, and utterly charming rom-com.