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I Can't Even
Julia Blumer is called home to Gull’s Harbor, California, a hilly seaside community just north of San Diego, by her two sisters, Sophie and Emily, when it is clear that their domineering mother Babs Blumer is critically ill. Julia catches the first plane out of New York City, hoping to mend the rift between her and Babs that has existed since Julia left home after the fight to end all fights ten years ago. Much to her chagrin, Babs is not happy to see her and it's not the reunion she hoped for.
Julia moves back into her old bedroom, the one that overlooks the neighbor’s house. While unpacking her few possessions and setting up a place to work at her the desk, she is shocked to see her old boyfriend, literally the boy next door, Liam Murphy in his old bedroom. She hides, hitting the floor and creeping back up to the windowsill to watch him as he works out in his room. The years have been good to Liam, very good, and Julia is alarmed by the attraction she still feels for the buff surfer boy, whose heart she smashed to bits when she ran away a decade ago.
While Babs's condition deteriorates, family secrets are revealed and the past comes roaring back into the present. As the clock winds down on her time in Gull's Harbor, Julia frantically tries to help her sisters, make peace with her mother, and win back the first love she has never gotten over.
Julia moves back into her old bedroom, the one that overlooks the neighbor’s house. While unpacking her few possessions and setting up a place to work at her the desk, she is shocked to see her old boyfriend, literally the boy next door, Liam Murphy in his old bedroom. She hides, hitting the floor and creeping back up to the windowsill to watch him as he works out in his room. The years have been good to Liam, very good, and Julia is alarmed by the attraction she still feels for the buff surfer boy, whose heart she smashed to bits when she ran away a decade ago.
While Babs's condition deteriorates, family secrets are revealed and the past comes roaring back into the present. As the clock winds down on her time in Gull's Harbor, Julia frantically tries to help her sisters, make peace with her mother, and win back the first love she has never gotten over.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2025
85 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,253 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
July 4, 2025
I was excited to start I Can’t Even—the cover art is fun, and the narrator does a fantastic job—but I had to bail early when the FMC described another woman like this:
“A bottle blonde with a faux tan and fake tatas, platypus lips and well, you get the picture. Simply put, Paisley was a whore.” (As alluded to above, I listened to this novel, so I apologize if the quote is not transcribed as it is written in the book.)
Yikes. There’s no narrative pushback against this kind of internalized misogyny, and the book seems to think slut-shaming is a personality trait. Maybe Paisley gets redemption later, but I’m not sticking around to find out. Life’s too short for regressive nonsense, especially when the FMC’s judgmental ranting is framed as quirky or justified.
I hope Paisley gets the hot ex, a thriving career, and a better-written universe. The narrator and illustrator deserved better material.
“A bottle blonde with a faux tan and fake tatas, platypus lips and well, you get the picture. Simply put, Paisley was a whore.” (As alluded to above, I listened to this novel, so I apologize if the quote is not transcribed as it is written in the book.)
Yikes. There’s no narrative pushback against this kind of internalized misogyny, and the book seems to think slut-shaming is a personality trait. Maybe Paisley gets redemption later, but I’m not sticking around to find out. Life’s too short for regressive nonsense, especially when the FMC’s judgmental ranting is framed as quirky or justified.
I hope Paisley gets the hot ex, a thriving career, and a better-written universe. The narrator and illustrator deserved better material.
July 8, 2025
I really wanted to like I Can’t Even by Jenn McKinlay. The premise—watching the main character cope with a devastating family loss while possibly rekindling a romance with her first love—was full of emotional and narrative potential. I was genuinely intrigued and hopeful going in.
Unfortunately, by the 40% mark, I had to DNF. The romance threw me off almost immediately. The way the two leads spoke to and about each other felt off-putting and jarring. What should have been a heartfelt or slow-burn reconnection came across as forced and uncomfortable.
Worse, the grief and emotional healing I expected never fully materialized. The story didn’t deliver the depth or sensitivity I was hoping for in either the family dynamics or the love story.
This book simply didn’t meet my expectations—for either a compelling romance or a meaningful exploration of loss.
Unfortunately, by the 40% mark, I had to DNF. The romance threw me off almost immediately. The way the two leads spoke to and about each other felt off-putting and jarring. What should have been a heartfelt or slow-burn reconnection came across as forced and uncomfortable.
Worse, the grief and emotional healing I expected never fully materialized. The story didn’t deliver the depth or sensitivity I was hoping for in either the family dynamics or the love story.
This book simply didn’t meet my expectations—for either a compelling romance or a meaningful exploration of loss.
December 22, 2025
I Can’t Even by Jenn McKinlay has the bones of a compelling story—sisters navigating grief and a second-chance romance—but ultimately, it falls flat.
Julia returns to her coastal California hometown after nearly a decade away to care for her terminally ill mother and support her two sisters. After their mother’s death, a surprising family secret and some unusual stipulations in the will shake up everything Julia thought she knew about her life. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart, who she hasn’t spoken to since leaving, is brooding next door.
What worked: I appreciated the dynamic between the sisters, the nuanced portrayal of their grief, and the intrigue of the family secret revealed during the will reading.
What didn’t: Julia and Liam haven’t spoken in nine years which might be easier to believe if phones didn’t exist in this universe. When Julia left town, she did so abruptly and never reached out to explain why. Once they reconnect, Liam is repeatedly cruel and Julia forgives him instantly and without question, even after he either lies or cheats (she’s not sure which at the time). They’re both consistently awful to each other and refuse to have a single honest conversation. It’s frustrating to read and comes off not like a beautiful fated love but like emotional immaturity.
The story also suffers from too many unresolved plot threads and a rushed ending that left things feeling cluttered. And the steamier scenes? Let’s just say repeated references to “girl parts” and “boy parts” were off-putting.
Had the book focused more on the sisters or made Liam a more swoon-worthy character, I would have enjoyed it much more.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion.
Julia returns to her coastal California hometown after nearly a decade away to care for her terminally ill mother and support her two sisters. After their mother’s death, a surprising family secret and some unusual stipulations in the will shake up everything Julia thought she knew about her life. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart, who she hasn’t spoken to since leaving, is brooding next door.
What worked: I appreciated the dynamic between the sisters, the nuanced portrayal of their grief, and the intrigue of the family secret revealed during the will reading.
What didn’t: Julia and Liam haven’t spoken in nine years which might be easier to believe if phones didn’t exist in this universe. When Julia left town, she did so abruptly and never reached out to explain why. Once they reconnect, Liam is repeatedly cruel and Julia forgives him instantly and without question, even after he either lies or cheats (she’s not sure which at the time). They’re both consistently awful to each other and refuse to have a single honest conversation. It’s frustrating to read and comes off not like a beautiful fated love but like emotional immaturity.
The story also suffers from too many unresolved plot threads and a rushed ending that left things feeling cluttered. And the steamier scenes? Let’s just say repeated references to “girl parts” and “boy parts” were off-putting.
Had the book focused more on the sisters or made Liam a more swoon-worthy character, I would have enjoyed it much more.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 6, 2025
Loved this new book. Does leave it open to be at least a 3 part series, giving the sisters their own books. Hopefully they each get their own book/story.
July 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I’m not sure exactly how I feel about this book yet. It had a strong beginning and a really good ending, but the middle… meh? I wanted to love it and I’m sad that I didn’t.
My favorite thing about the book was the storyline surrounding the sisters and the bond between them.
I’m not sure exactly how I feel about this book yet. It had a strong beginning and a really good ending, but the middle… meh? I wanted to love it and I’m sad that I didn’t.
My favorite thing about the book was the storyline surrounding the sisters and the bond between them.
July 20, 2025
This book was more emotional than I expected. Its main focus is grief and how people work through it differently but everyone needs a tribe to help them through it. My grief journey tribe is completely different than I thought it would be but they are perfect for me. I resonated deeply with all three girls. Sometimes grief hits you hard in the weirdest places. It will take your breath away. Other times it quietly creeps up on you.
There are plenty of funny scenes as well. Just be prepared to laugh through your snotty crying.
Spicy yes there are a couple of spicy scenes.
I would love a book each in the two other sisters as they navigate through their new life. Especially Soph, her husband is a jerk.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.
There are plenty of funny scenes as well. Just be prepared to laugh through your snotty crying.
Spicy yes there are a couple of spicy scenes.
I would love a book each in the two other sisters as they navigate through their new life. Especially Soph, her husband is a jerk.
I highly recommend this book to anyone.
August 2, 2025
first book by this author so I have nothing to compare it to but some of the reviews are absolutely brutal on here.
I loved the Blumer sisters. Their relationships were messy and hysterical and when push came to shove they were there for each other. MFC Jules and hottie next door Liam have a past. great family dynamic and great use of side characters to further the plot
I loved the Blumer sisters. Their relationships were messy and hysterical and when push came to shove they were there for each other. MFC Jules and hottie next door Liam have a past. great family dynamic and great use of side characters to further the plot
October 22, 2025
I have read 3 other Jenn McKinlay romances and loved them but not this one. I love small town, second chance romances but this book was not a romance. There was no romance. It is about three sisters coping with the loss of their mother. In the will the mom has said if they want her inheritance then they have to live together in her house for three months. That is ridiculous and no court would obey that. One of the sisters lives in a different state and has pets. Another has a husband and kids. But okay, they are leaving their lives to live in this house for three months. Oh yeah, and if the sisters don't always sleep in their beds every night, then their cousin is going to inherit everything. Obviously the cousin is going to try to sabotage this. Meanwhile, Liam is the cute surfer guy next door that Julia was supposed to marry when she ran off with his best friend 9 years ago and they haven't spoken since. Julia wants to get back with him but, you know, he probably hates her. So what happens? They immediately have sex. Of course they do. Instead of talking about what happened. Oh, let's have sex again. I wanted to see them falling back in love but there was none of that. I skimmed the last 50 pages because I couldn't take any more.
August 3, 2025
I Can’t Even by Jenn McKinlay is a funny and fun romcom/women’s fiction. Told in single POV, this story follows the MC as she returns home to her childhood home and finds herself enthralled with her high school sweetheart.
While this basic storyline has been done many times before, this story has fun twists and excellent secondary character relationships. It’s a fun read, and one to pick up if you’re looking for a lighthearted story with heart and spice.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was well done by a single narrator. I listened at 1.5x speed (my normal audiobook listening speed is 1.5-1.75c speed). This narrator did a good job delivering different voices to the secondary characters, and made the audiobook listening engaging and entertaining.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listener’s copy.
While this basic storyline has been done many times before, this story has fun twists and excellent secondary character relationships. It’s a fun read, and one to pick up if you’re looking for a lighthearted story with heart and spice.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was well done by a single narrator. I listened at 1.5x speed (my normal audiobook listening speed is 1.5-1.75c speed). This narrator did a good job delivering different voices to the secondary characters, and made the audiobook listening engaging and entertaining.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listener’s copy.
September 4, 2025
Loved it.
Adorable. Sweet. Funny. Surfey. California-y. Sad. Grieving. Hating. Healing. I loved reading this. I wanted an epilogue... but pfff. I loved it.
Adorable. Sweet. Funny. Surfey. California-y. Sad. Grieving. Hating. Healing. I loved reading this. I wanted an epilogue... but pfff. I loved it.
July 19, 2025
I forced myself to finish this one and it was just not for me. Super chaotic storyline with no relatable or likable characters. Strangest part was that “girl parts” and “boy parts” were used multiple times, unironically… such an odd choice.
July 20, 2025
Julia left Gulls Harbor 9 years ago never to return until she has been told by her sisters, that her mom, Babs, is not being herself, and that they are seriously worried about her. Julia returns and we find out that her relationship with Babs is a terrible one and a fight they had years ago was why she didn’t return earlier. Liam, her ex, still lives next door and she wants to get back with him.
This book was just not my thing for several reasons.
1, Babs is a terrible mother, and there is a “surprise” as to why she’s that way. I could see it coming from a mile away. If Babs can’t deal with it, she should’ve cut her losses instead of treating Julia that way.
2, The reason Julia left without telling the “love of her life,” was not a solid enough reason, nor an excuse to maybe make Babs look better🤷🏽♀️ (as one of her friends at the end suggests she did it to make sure Julia fulfilled her dreams) Ummmm, no
3. Julia is a stalker, ick. And why she just doesn’t tell Liam from the start why she and his best friend left without a word to Liam, was so dumb. Both Jesse’s reason and Julia’s reason is not solid enough, especially when Liam was supposed to be so close to J&J!!
4. Too much spice. I get it, they are hot for each other still. But really?! Liam has no respect for himself when he just dives right back in with Julia because, I mean, she must be irresistible! 🙄 And having great sex and a lot of sex with someone does NOT equate to being in love with someone. Where’s the slow burn in these romance novels today?!
5. Why wasn’t Julia’s emotional story dealt with? She needed to heal, but nothing was addressed. It was just skimmed over by jumping into bed with Liam. You just don’t get over that kind of childhood trauma by having vigorous sex with someone. Also, Emily, the youngest sibling, needed a better storyline on dealing with her grief.
Anyway, could have been a good beach read, but I just found myself rolling my eyeballs so much!! One positive, I did like Sophie and her two kids, and would have liked a good revenge story for her and her cad of a husband.
I received an advance copy audiobook from Net Galley, the author and publisher. I am leaving my honest review.
This book was just not my thing for several reasons.
1, Babs is a terrible mother, and there is a “surprise” as to why she’s that way. I could see it coming from a mile away. If Babs can’t deal with it, she should’ve cut her losses instead of treating Julia that way.
2, The reason Julia left without telling the “love of her life,” was not a solid enough reason, nor an excuse to maybe make Babs look better🤷🏽♀️ (as one of her friends at the end suggests she did it to make sure Julia fulfilled her dreams) Ummmm, no
3. Julia is a stalker, ick. And why she just doesn’t tell Liam from the start why she and his best friend left without a word to Liam, was so dumb. Both Jesse’s reason and Julia’s reason is not solid enough, especially when Liam was supposed to be so close to J&J!!
4. Too much spice. I get it, they are hot for each other still. But really?! Liam has no respect for himself when he just dives right back in with Julia because, I mean, she must be irresistible! 🙄 And having great sex and a lot of sex with someone does NOT equate to being in love with someone. Where’s the slow burn in these romance novels today?!
5. Why wasn’t Julia’s emotional story dealt with? She needed to heal, but nothing was addressed. It was just skimmed over by jumping into bed with Liam. You just don’t get over that kind of childhood trauma by having vigorous sex with someone. Also, Emily, the youngest sibling, needed a better storyline on dealing with her grief.
Anyway, could have been a good beach read, but I just found myself rolling my eyeballs so much!! One positive, I did like Sophie and her two kids, and would have liked a good revenge story for her and her cad of a husband.
I received an advance copy audiobook from Net Galley, the author and publisher. I am leaving my honest review.
April 15, 2025
More spicy than I remember her other books but I love everything she writes. Enjoyed this one.
July 12, 2025
I have loved every single book that Jenn McKinlay has written - so I was delighted to get a chance to read this one early.
Julia returns to her childhood home with her two sisters, when her mother Babs gets sick. Julia and her Mom have been almost estranged in recent years, and her mother doesn't seem very glad to have her home. When her mom passes away, the terms of her will reveal some family secrets, and some strings attached to the sisters and how they need to live, before they can inherit moms home and money. Cousin Paisley is hanging in the wings hoping to grab what the sisters should be getting.
While home, Julia tries to rekindle her romance with boy-next-door Liam, the guy she had been dating when she upped and left without a word many years ago.
We follow Julia and her sisters as they rebuild their relationships, and grieve the loss of their mother.
I liked the premise, and really hoped to like the book. Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. Julia and Liam are just nasty to each other, and most of their issues could be solved with some simple communication. The descriptions of some of the other characters bordered on the mean rather than funny snarky. It seemed that most of the characters were using each other.
I listened to the audiobook and have nothing but praise for the narrator, who handled all the different voices really well and kept me interested in following the plot.
I hope this was just a blip from this author - as I am really looking forward to her next novel!
Julia returns to her childhood home with her two sisters, when her mother Babs gets sick. Julia and her Mom have been almost estranged in recent years, and her mother doesn't seem very glad to have her home. When her mom passes away, the terms of her will reveal some family secrets, and some strings attached to the sisters and how they need to live, before they can inherit moms home and money. Cousin Paisley is hanging in the wings hoping to grab what the sisters should be getting.
While home, Julia tries to rekindle her romance with boy-next-door Liam, the guy she had been dating when she upped and left without a word many years ago.
We follow Julia and her sisters as they rebuild their relationships, and grieve the loss of their mother.
I liked the premise, and really hoped to like the book. Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. Julia and Liam are just nasty to each other, and most of their issues could be solved with some simple communication. The descriptions of some of the other characters bordered on the mean rather than funny snarky. It seemed that most of the characters were using each other.
I listened to the audiobook and have nothing but praise for the narrator, who handled all the different voices really well and kept me interested in following the plot.
I hope this was just a blip from this author - as I am really looking forward to her next novel!
August 7, 2025
I Can't Even by Jenn McKinlay is a delightful and emotionally rich novel that blends humor, heartache, and hope in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. As someone who enjoys stories about reinvention and female friendship, this book hit all the right notes.
The story follows a woman navigating the unexpected upheaval of her life—career changes, family drama, and the messy beauty of starting over. McKinlay’s writing is sharp and witty, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud. But what really stood out was the emotional depth she brought to the characters. The protagonist’s journey is filled with vulnerability and resilience, and her relationships—especially with her friends—are portrayed with warmth and authenticity.
I appreciated how the book tackled themes like identity, aging, and self-worth without ever feeling heavy-handed. The pacing was brisk, and while a few plot points felt a bit too convenient, they didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. McKinlay has a knack for creating characters you want to root for, and this book is no exception.
If you're looking for a smart, funny, and heartfelt read that celebrates the power of friendship and the courage to embrace change, I Can't Even is a great pick.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The story follows a woman navigating the unexpected upheaval of her life—career changes, family drama, and the messy beauty of starting over. McKinlay’s writing is sharp and witty, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud. But what really stood out was the emotional depth she brought to the characters. The protagonist’s journey is filled with vulnerability and resilience, and her relationships—especially with her friends—are portrayed with warmth and authenticity.
I appreciated how the book tackled themes like identity, aging, and self-worth without ever feeling heavy-handed. The pacing was brisk, and while a few plot points felt a bit too convenient, they didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. McKinlay has a knack for creating characters you want to root for, and this book is no exception.
If you're looking for a smart, funny, and heartfelt read that celebrates the power of friendship and the courage to embrace change, I Can't Even is a great pick.
📚 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2025
Here's a honest review to ALC of "i can't even" from a girl loves to read tension between characters,great communication trope and lovee romantasy and murder mystery. I do love to give romance a chance sometimes when i crave some soft cozy romance and this is what i expected when i request this. HUGE DISAPPOINMENT. i regret listening to every single chapter cause I don't DNF 😭 i need that super power.
Anyways, those girls should be bonding over their gried (which they didn't had any). one is coping it with clinging, stalking and just getting laid every chance she gets with her ex-boyfriend and other dyed her hair and wearing mini dresses??? becoming a Instagrammer?? i won't say anything to the older sister she had his own twins and husband to deal with.
These are grown up women we're talking about. Lets talk about how low ego our FML had or even the ML with zero communication. they just met after how many years again? I don't care but start making out with out any explanation?? more than making out and constantly doing it so. ughh i hate how worse ML was. He had coffee shop in town and he's a surfer and ride a bike and always pop up where we don't even need him. I don't think he had dialogue more than 2 pages. To be honest i stop focusing what's happening in book and left it playing. I have soo many other things to say but i think that's enough you get the idea 😭
Anyways, those girls should be bonding over their gried (which they didn't had any). one is coping it with clinging, stalking and just getting laid every chance she gets with her ex-boyfriend and other dyed her hair and wearing mini dresses??? becoming a Instagrammer?? i won't say anything to the older sister she had his own twins and husband to deal with.
These are grown up women we're talking about. Lets talk about how low ego our FML had or even the ML with zero communication. they just met after how many years again? I don't care but start making out with out any explanation?? more than making out and constantly doing it so. ughh i hate how worse ML was. He had coffee shop in town and he's a surfer and ride a bike and always pop up where we don't even need him. I don't think he had dialogue more than 2 pages. To be honest i stop focusing what's happening in book and left it playing. I have soo many other things to say but i think that's enough you get the idea 😭
August 3, 2025
I can’t even believe I listened to that whole damn book
I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately this just wasn’t it. From start to finish, I found myself irritated, cringing, and counting down the minutes.
The FMC was a huge part of the problem. She came across as selfish and judgmental more often than not, and I struggled to relate to her at all. But the thing that really pushed me over the edge? Her constant use of the phrases “girl parts” and “boy parts.” Not once or twice — constantly. I’m sorry, but the way she referred to sex and bodies made it feel like she was 12 years old. It was so awkward and juvenile, and honestly, I couldn’t believe I was listening to an adult romance. Every time it happened, it pulled me out of the story and made me cringe so hard I had to pause the audiobook.
And the MMC wasn’t much better. His go-to response in tense moments seemed to be saying hurtful things just to get under the FMC’s skin, which made their whole dynamic feel toxic instead of romantic. There was supposed to be banter and tension, but it just came off as mean and unnecessarily spiteful.
The narration was decent, but it couldn’t save a story that made me uncomfortable, disconnected, and annoyed all at once. Between the immature language, frustrating characters, and underwhelming romance, this was a definite miss for me.
I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately this just wasn’t it. From start to finish, I found myself irritated, cringing, and counting down the minutes.
The FMC was a huge part of the problem. She came across as selfish and judgmental more often than not, and I struggled to relate to her at all. But the thing that really pushed me over the edge? Her constant use of the phrases “girl parts” and “boy parts.” Not once or twice — constantly. I’m sorry, but the way she referred to sex and bodies made it feel like she was 12 years old. It was so awkward and juvenile, and honestly, I couldn’t believe I was listening to an adult romance. Every time it happened, it pulled me out of the story and made me cringe so hard I had to pause the audiobook.
And the MMC wasn’t much better. His go-to response in tense moments seemed to be saying hurtful things just to get under the FMC’s skin, which made their whole dynamic feel toxic instead of romantic. There was supposed to be banter and tension, but it just came off as mean and unnecessarily spiteful.
The narration was decent, but it couldn’t save a story that made me uncomfortable, disconnected, and annoyed all at once. Between the immature language, frustrating characters, and underwhelming romance, this was a definite miss for me.
dnf
July 12, 2025.ೃ࿐ Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read and review the ALC before release! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
Sadly, I quickly went from just disliking this book to absolutely hating it.
I could not connect with the characters in this book and had to put it down after 46%. One of the main reasons was the horrible way they spoke about other people at times. It felt quite misogynistic, and it bothered me. The FMC was so judgmental towards other women, which was just played off as normal behavior or one of Julia's personality traits, but it put me off the book.
In the end, the book (read: Julia) was just pissing me off too much and ruining my mood, so I decided to just abandon it.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
Sadly, I quickly went from just disliking this book to absolutely hating it.
I could not connect with the characters in this book and had to put it down after 46%. One of the main reasons was the horrible way they spoke about other people at times. It felt quite misogynistic, and it bothered me. The FMC was so judgmental towards other women, which was just played off as normal behavior or one of Julia's personality traits, but it put me off the book.
In the end, the book (read: Julia) was just pissing me off too much and ruining my mood, so I decided to just abandon it.
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I Can’t Even – Jenn McKinlay
This is a must-read summer rom-com that hits all the feels. There’s grief over losing a family member, heartbreak from a first love, and plenty of juicy family secrets. It’s not just Julia and her sisters carrying drama—their late parents had some skeletons, too.
I laughed, cried, and fell in love with these characters. Even though it’s told from Julia’s single POV, every person felt real and layered. I couldn’t put it down.
I listened to the audiobook, and Dara Rosenberg absolutely killed it. Her pacing, voices, and ability to keep you hooked are stellar. She nails the sarcasm and gives Julia’s anger so much authenticity.
This book isn’t only about love troubles. Julia and her sisters get thrown into a wild situation that adds a unique twist beyond the second-chance romance. There’s also LGBTQIA2S+ representation—both the highs and the challenges—which was great to see.
I’m a total romantic comedy girlie, so if that’s not your vibe, this might not be your jam. But if you love small-town settings, family drama, and swoony reunions, this one will definitely keep your attention from start to finish.
I Can’t Even – Jenn McKinlay
This is a must-read summer rom-com that hits all the feels. There’s grief over losing a family member, heartbreak from a first love, and plenty of juicy family secrets. It’s not just Julia and her sisters carrying drama—their late parents had some skeletons, too.
I laughed, cried, and fell in love with these characters. Even though it’s told from Julia’s single POV, every person felt real and layered. I couldn’t put it down.
I listened to the audiobook, and Dara Rosenberg absolutely killed it. Her pacing, voices, and ability to keep you hooked are stellar. She nails the sarcasm and gives Julia’s anger so much authenticity.
This book isn’t only about love troubles. Julia and her sisters get thrown into a wild situation that adds a unique twist beyond the second-chance romance. There’s also LGBTQIA2S+ representation—both the highs and the challenges—which was great to see.
I’m a total romantic comedy girlie, so if that’s not your vibe, this might not be your jam. But if you love small-town settings, family drama, and swoony reunions, this one will definitely keep your attention from start to finish.
July 10, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for providing the advanced listener copy of this audiobook!
This was a great listen! The story was engaging and the characters were likable and memorable.
When I first saw the cover, I was expecting a light-hearted rom com. However, the story was much more emotional and focused around the main character’s loss of her mother and the way she and her sisters dealt with their loss and grief. It read more like contemporary fiction, but I’m not complaining. The storyline involving the death of the mother and the sisters’ grief was deep and heartfelt. The relationship between the sisters and the complicated family dynamics made the book great!
The romance left a bit to be desired and wasn’t the main focus of the book. It is a second-chance romance with a hefty dose of miscommunication. The MMC was relatable and likable. The part that threw me off was the over-the-top lust the FMC was consistently feeling anytime she was around the MMC. She would be in the middle of a serious scenario and would stop to ogle his body. That part didn’t feel believable and took me out of the story. Also, the characters use of slang was a bit cringey.
Despite those few critiques, I genuinely enjoyed this audiobook and would definitely recommend it to someone who likes women’s fiction or contemporary fiction!
This was a great listen! The story was engaging and the characters were likable and memorable.
When I first saw the cover, I was expecting a light-hearted rom com. However, the story was much more emotional and focused around the main character’s loss of her mother and the way she and her sisters dealt with their loss and grief. It read more like contemporary fiction, but I’m not complaining. The storyline involving the death of the mother and the sisters’ grief was deep and heartfelt. The relationship between the sisters and the complicated family dynamics made the book great!
The romance left a bit to be desired and wasn’t the main focus of the book. It is a second-chance romance with a hefty dose of miscommunication. The MMC was relatable and likable. The part that threw me off was the over-the-top lust the FMC was consistently feeling anytime she was around the MMC. She would be in the middle of a serious scenario and would stop to ogle his body. That part didn’t feel believable and took me out of the story. Also, the characters use of slang was a bit cringey.
Despite those few critiques, I genuinely enjoyed this audiobook and would definitely recommend it to someone who likes women’s fiction or contemporary fiction!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
I try very hard to give a solid effort to finish ARCs even if I’m not enjoying them but “I can’t even” with this one. I DNF around 25%. I think this book would have worked better as a family drama without the romance due to the heaviness of the family secrets and the mother/daughter relationship, or as a romance that had more lightness to the family drama plot.
I also felt that the narration was very “caricature-y” to the point that it was distracting.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
I also felt that the narration was very “caricature-y” to the point that it was distracting.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
July 29, 2025
This was such a fun listen! I loved the humor of Julia and it made me laugh out loud so many times. I also really loved the dynamic between the sisters. The second chance romance aspect was uniquely done, there were some choices made by Liam that I didn't love, but he mostly redeemed himself so that definitely helped. While this book had romance, I loved the arc of the sisters and how they were forced to live together after their mom's death. The way they came together and really learned more about each other through the process and found themselves without their mom was just really great!
July 31, 2025
Three sisters are facing the death of their mother Babs. She's been a difficult mother, but they love her. When she dies, her will states that the sisters have to live together in the family home - and sleep there every night, or their awful cousin will inherit the house and the family fortune. Secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and there are lots of twists and turns. Loved this spicy romance filled with family drama.
July 7, 2025
I usually love Jenn McKinlay’s books, but this one didn’t work all that well for me.
Dara Rosenberg did a great job narrating the audiobook, and her performance was one of the things I enjoyed most about my listening/reading experience.
I enjoyed Julia’s relationships with her sisters and the way they worked through their family dynamic after secrets were revealed. The genuine relationships they had in fighting and supporting and loving each other was a highlight of the book.
As for the romance, it fell totally flat for me. Liam was a jerk, they jumped right into hooking up after nine years of not speaking after Julia left on bad terms, and they didn’t talk about anything to actually rebuild their relationship.
I also felt there were a lot of loose ends and questions left unanswered by the end of the book. I remember seeing on Jenn McKinlay’s instagram that this was originally published on Kindle Vella weekly (or daily? I don’t recall exactly how those stories worked) and I can see how the storytelling style of this book would work to grab a reader’s attention and keep them checking in as new chapters were added. All in one sitting didn’t hold up as well to me though.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Dara Rosenberg did a great job narrating the audiobook, and her performance was one of the things I enjoyed most about my listening/reading experience.
I enjoyed Julia’s relationships with her sisters and the way they worked through their family dynamic after secrets were revealed. The genuine relationships they had in fighting and supporting and loving each other was a highlight of the book.
As for the romance, it fell totally flat for me. Liam was a jerk, they jumped right into hooking up after nine years of not speaking after Julia left on bad terms, and they didn’t talk about anything to actually rebuild their relationship.
I also felt there were a lot of loose ends and questions left unanswered by the end of the book. I remember seeing on Jenn McKinlay’s instagram that this was originally published on Kindle Vella weekly (or daily? I don’t recall exactly how those stories worked) and I can see how the storytelling style of this book would work to grab a reader’s attention and keep them checking in as new chapters were added. All in one sitting didn’t hold up as well to me though.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I feel terrible saying this, but I was so close to dnf’ing this one, and I never dnf. I just really could not stand how all over the place this story was. There were a few times I forgot what the premise of the story was even supposed to be because the most random things kept happening.
Also, Julia’s ex boyfriend? I did not see the appeal in him at all. He was an asshole 95% of the time. Maybe a bit more of a background of Julia’s relationship with Liam years prior would’ve been helpful, like a few quick flashbacks that make Liam seem like a kind, caring boyfriend. Instead, he’s a complete jerk and Julia won’t stop wanting this man.
Despite my issues with the story, the audiobook itself was great quality!
⭐️ 2/5 ⭐️
I feel terrible saying this, but I was so close to dnf’ing this one, and I never dnf. I just really could not stand how all over the place this story was. There were a few times I forgot what the premise of the story was even supposed to be because the most random things kept happening.
Also, Julia’s ex boyfriend? I did not see the appeal in him at all. He was an asshole 95% of the time. Maybe a bit more of a background of Julia’s relationship with Liam years prior would’ve been helpful, like a few quick flashbacks that make Liam seem like a kind, caring boyfriend. Instead, he’s a complete jerk and Julia won’t stop wanting this man.
Despite my issues with the story, the audiobook itself was great quality!
⭐️ 2/5 ⭐️
August 15, 2025
I really like this story although i wanted to punch Liam a time or two! I hope she continues with the sisters stories!
July 17, 2025
Julia returns to her hometown to help her sisters care for their ailing mother. While there, she crosses paths with her ex who lives next door and nothing is quite the same after that.
This was my first Jenn McKinlay book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I listened to the audiobook, and Dara Rosenberg was the perfect narrator. She really brought the story to life. The book had me laughing out loud at times and tugged at my heartstrings at others. There were even a few twists I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ARC of the Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Jenn McKinlay book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I listened to the audiobook, and Dara Rosenberg was the perfect narrator. She really brought the story to life. The book had me laughing out loud at times and tugged at my heartstrings at others. There were even a few twists I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ARC of the Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2025
Sincerely I don't know what to think about this story. Angst, comedy, errors of young, secrets of family, hot ex boyfriend and so on. I think it's a bit much for one plot or at least I don't like it much.
April 26, 2025
Love all her other books but this one was not for me- 3/4 very explicit scene chapters- I read this in one day - it had great characters and potential
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