Someone Just Like You
Author: Meredith Schorr
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Jude and Molly’s families have been life-long neighbors and friends; however somewhere around the age of seven, Jude and Molly went from being best friends to enemies. Over the years, each tried to outdo the other with pranks that became increasingly devious the older they got. As adults, Jude and Molly rarely have the occasion to see one another until their older siblings plan a joint party for both families, pairing the youngest siblings for the task of finding a venue. As painful memories and old habits resurface, Molly also feels a strange attraction to Jude.
Someone Just Like You does enemies-to-lovers right! Schorr creates two characters that are meant to be, despite their differences and history. I will admit that I was contemplating a DNF around the 20% mark because I didn’t enjoy their cruel pranks. While they aren’t hurting one another, their joking is mean. However, just as I was thinking “enough already,” there is a solid turning point in Molly and Jude’s relationship. The author creates a lovely transition from enemies to friends to lovers, and the way they come together is perfect for this couple.
Another potential downfall for their relationship is a secret Molly has harbored since high school, one that altered Jude’s life permanently. This is another trope I don’t love, but once again, Schorr handles the entire situation perfectly. The author doesn’t let the horrible secret fester until the end of the book, but rather allows Molly to out herself midway through the story and then gives Jude the time he needs to process it and move forward. There is no “insta-fix,” but rather real thought and effort goes into forgiveness.
Despite their through-the-roof chemistry, the pair finds it hard to give up old habits when fighting, able to hurt each other with words even more now because they do love one another. I appreciate that the author allows the couple space to argue and figure out if they are meant to be. Molly does a lot of self-reflection about her life and career, about her family and her need to fix everything. Since the story is shared solely from Molly’s POV, I do miss out on knowing where Jude’s head is at and why he does what he does. But the absence of his POV makes his declarations all the more powerful, bringing me to tears when he breaks Molly’s heart and grinning when he surprises her with love. The addition of a doppelgänger fixation that lasts years without either Jude or Molly figuring it out is a brilliant tool used to show the MCs how each always sought out the other.
In the end, I thoroughly adored Someone Just Like You, despite its use of tropes I usually don’t enjoy. I’m glad I took a chance on Molly and Jude, and I highly recommend you do, too.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
Jude Stark is the bane of Molly Blum’s existence. The former neighbors and complete opposites began a rivalry in grade school that continued all the way through high school, consisting of fights, pranks, and generally one‑upping each other—until one over-the-top prank changed everything. A decade later, their siblings have forced them to collaborate on a surprise co‑wedding anniversary celebration for their parents, and soon Molly and Jude are reverting to their old tricks.
But eventually, a reluctant friendship develops…along with an unexpected spark of sexual tension. The two come to discover they have more in common than they thought, including continually dating doppelgängers of each other, raising the question why are they seeking in romantic partners what they claim to hate about each other. They finally give in to their growing feelings, but will that old competitive spirit take over, or will they finally realize being on the same team is a lot more fun?
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Publisher: Forever Publishing
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)