Not You Again, Erin La Rosa (Review by Kristin Kurek)
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
On April 23rd, Carly attends her father’s funeral. On April 23rd, the funeral director Adam’s wife tells him that she is leaving him for his best friend. Neither is in the mood for empathy, and their brief interaction is belligerent. However, a total eclipse creates a time loop, and the entire town is forced to live April 23rd over and over and over and over… Can Carly and Adam work together to find an end to the time loop AND survive each other’s company?
I will admit that I have been in the mood for romance books. Not You Again by Erin La Rosa fit the bill! Carly and Adam are both absolutely cantankerous to start the novel, but who wouldn’t be in their scenarios? Carly is forced to deal with her relationship with her father over and over again while worrying about the success of her screenwriting career. Adam has to deal with the infidelity of his wife and best friend day after day. When the team up to test theories to end the time loop, they realize that they may have needed companionship all along. Romance aside, no one should feel that alone, especially in what could be a cosmic apocalypse. But, as their romance heats up, I found myself head-over-heels with hope for their relationship success. There was even a steamy scene in a library which was romance book PERFECTION!
Erin La Rosa deftly uses the time loop as a device to examine the uncertainty of time and mortality. Each character, even ancillary characters, begin to pursue their dreams. They must come to terms with what they would do with either unlimited time or finite time. It was an excellent examination of human nature, the value of pursuing your dreams, and the necessity of companionship.
Overall, this novel was a creative, fun, thought-provoking romp into romance. Adam and Carly are complex characters who support each other romantically (wink, wink) but also as intricate humans. Together, they tangle with the concepts of love, humanity, loss, and professional passion. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a creative, metaphysical romance with touches of deeper conversations into the value of life. Wonderful read!!!
