I went into You & I, Rewritten thinking it was your standard rom-com – with the cartoon cover and a title that said ‘second chance’ to me, but that’s not really what I got. With my expectations being off, I didn’t like it as much as I anticipated.
Synopsis
Not to jinx it or anything, but the stars seem to finally be aligning for Will Cowen. After accepting a dream promotion at one of New York City’s most renowned publishing houses and moving in with his oldest friend, he’s ready to dive headfirst into this new chapter and take the literary world by storm – that is, until he crosses paths with Graham Austin.
No matter how hard he tries, he can’t help but put the wrong foot forward in front of the all-business and inconveniently gorgeous heir to the publishing empire.
So, when a heartbreakingly beautiful manuscript lands on his desk, Will seizes the opportunity for a win. Could this prized new author be his big break or, his downfall?
Will’s confidence and hope for his professional future is obliterated when the author ghosts him at an important publishing event. Fueled by insecurity and an open bar, he finds himself in need of comfort, which comes from the least likely person, the normally cold and distant Graham. This small glimpse behind Graham’s icy exterior is the spark that sweeps these two up in an epic and unforeseen romance.
As his author’s manuscript begins to take shape, the words that initially brought them together become more and more tangled, making it painfully obvious to Will that despite your best efforts, there is truly no hiding from the past.
But can it be rewritten?
Thoughts
Not being a fan of one of the MMCs isn’t a great way to start off a book. I found Will to be whiney and immature. His inner dialog and inconsistent behavior did not say ‘established editor’ at all.
Graham started off the book as a closed off grump. Then 2 pages later, after 1 date, he is a sweet heart in touch with his emotions and able to communicate them. It was a bit of whiplash. Graham had good potential but I don’t feel like I ever got to know him. His character could have done with more development. His POV might have elevated the storyline as well.
I definitely couldn’t figure out why they were together. They didn’t have any chemistry and didn’t seem to even know each other that well. The pacing of the book felt off kilter. The romance was hot and cold, with inappropriate outbursts followed by insta-love, and back again. The steamy sections felt awkward to me and just made their relationship seem that much more unnatural. It all felt forced. While in some ways it was nice to have a relationship with minimal conflict and angst, there was also no tension.
There were some tender romance moments. They all involved Graham being communicative and supportive of Will. He made Will feel seen and that is swoon worthy. He portrayed the perfect boyfriend and again, I wish we had more of him.
While this book did have a romance plotline and a HEA, it didn’t feel like a romance book to me. The twist toward the end was unexpected and made the last 25% or so more engaging and purposeful. The book’s portrayal of anxiety and grief, along with other mental health issues, especially in men, was well done and good to see. I just feel like this should have been 2 books, with each one given more depth.
“it’s just that with him, it feels like exhaling. That’s the only way I can describe it. Like I’ve been holding my breath my entire life,” I point to my heart. “And then this man comes along, and he sees me for who I am, and for the first time in my life, I can just be.”
Chip Pons
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