BOOK REVIEW: LOVE ON HOLD
Link on Goodreads || Review on Goodreads
Review Published: May 27, 2018
(Edited)
"Can you fall in love with a voice?
Joel and I have the perfect relationship. We can talk about anything. We spend hours on the phone, texting and doing all things a couple does. Except, we haven't even met.
It all began with an accidental phone call in the middle of the night. Now, my mystery caller has turned into my secret love and still, we've never exchanged photos...until now.
A New Adult romantic story about dating in the modern world."
I am not going to encourage this encounter in real life due to a various of reasons that ultimately tackles about safety and assurance- but this is fiction, a cute one shared by Joel and Leonie on one accidental phone call at 3 am in the morning.
Putting that aside, is it truly a fact that one can actually fall in love with simply hearing one's voice? Joel made the mistake of dialing a stranger's number (who will be Leonie) instead of that woman he was with an hour ago. Surprisingly, it turned out into becoming a fortunate event for these two. It was, of course, weird and awkward in the beginning (Who wouldn't be?) but as days turned to weeks with the quirky exchange of banter, the sexy push-pull of interesting questions of getting to know one another, but not fully disclosing their real identities and whereabouts.
They instantly felt the curiosity brewing over them- but that wasn't considered instant love, which I personally appreciated. One thing I try to distance myself with such plots that holds so much promise in the prologue and get the immediate shock in just flipping the first five pages that they fell in love as soon as they met- which is so unrealistic. Love at first sight is quite different with instant love. Love at first sight is instant attraction, at some point- yes, but when the physical appreciation dies down, the real substance comes in. And unfortunately, a lot of these type of plots exist in this day and age.
They wanted to keep their identities a secret in the beginning and I think that's one vital effort why we can't contain the thrill of excitement for Joel and Leonie for their own guessing games. It kept readers at the edge of their seats, toes curling from the inevitable chemistry between the two leading characters in the story. We're delighted to have the opportunity to read both of their perspectives, giving us their own thoughts on what they think about the situation and how they respond to it. Since these two were clear that they share the same sentiments, subtly and gradual.
In the first few chapters into the story, the book enlightens the readers of both the character's backgrounds, past conflicts and possible significant past relations and their current state that becomes important as the story progresses. I don't want to throw in spoilers; you'll just have to figure it out on your own when you pick up this book, like I did, much to my delight.
Joel is, well, Joel.
And Leonie... Hmmm, well, she's Leonie alright.
Hahahaha, I apologize; as I've said, I'll let you make your own assessments as I intend to pique your interest, dangling you with a mini-cliffhanger for you to discover. (Don't waste time, get going and read the book!)
This a pretty short story and I always protest when it is, especially if I want more, more and more! Nevertheless, this was a good summer read and the first book I picked up from this author- and hopefully, it won't be the last.
Kudos to you, Mia Miller!
It was a pleasure.
