I liked a lot of this story, exploring family relationships and second chances, but the romance fell flat for me. Instalove is never my favorite, and here, the premise is Gemma falling in love with Jack, who's been stuck in a time loop, in one day. Time loop romances never fully make sense but ask you to believe in the power of fate and love. So I guess that's fun and magical.

Holy insta-love. This was 2/5 stars read for me.

I had high hopes for The Deja Glitch, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The plot felt underdeveloped, and I just couldn't get invested in the story. While it satisfies the time-loop mood read urge, that's about all it offers. The romance between the two main characters came off as insta-love, and not in a believable or natural way. Their chemistry seemed forced, and by the end of the book, I honestly didn’t see them staying together long-term. It felt more like a quick fling than something that could last. If you’re looking for a time-loop story to pass the time, this might fill that void, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.

3.75 stars
This was a fun read and perfect for anyone who loves Groundhogs day. It was a little cheesy, but nothing a couldn't get past.
Was it one of my most revolutionary reads? No? Did I need it to be also no?

"The Déjà Glitch" by Holly James is an engaging novel that blends romance, fantasy, and a hint of mystery. The story centers on a protagonist trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. This intriguing setup allows for an exploration of themes like love, self-discovery, and the impact of our choices.

James' writing style is both captivating and easy to follow, drawing readers into the story. The protagonist is relatable and well-crafted, facing the challenges of her repetitive day with humor and determination. As she interacts with familiar people and situations, readers become invested in her emotional journey, hoping she can escape the cycle and find happiness.

The concept of déjà vu is cleverly integrated into the plot, adding depth as the protagonist begins to grasp the meaning behind her repeated experiences. James skillfully balances lighthearted moments with deeper themes of personal growth and the importance of meaningful connections. The time loop serves as a metaphor for the choices we make and their influence on our lives, prompting readers to reflect on their own decisions and aspirations.

The romantic aspects of the story are particularly charming. The protagonist's interactions with a love interest are filled with chemistry, adding excitement to the narrative. Their developing relationship is heartfelt and genuine, making readers care about their journey together.

The novel's pacing is well-structured, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged. James maintains suspense as the protagonist seeks to break the loop, leading to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

"The Déjà Glitch" is a delightful read that combines romance, fantasy, and introspection in a fresh and engaging way. Holly James has crafted a charming story that explores themes of love, choice, and self-discovery while entertaining readers with its clever premise and relatable characters. This book is a must-read for fans of lighthearted romance and those looking for a whimsical escape into a world where anything is possible. "The Déjà Glitch" leaves readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of choice in their own lives.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this ARC. I apologize for taking so long to review it.

Liked: time loop, fast (sorta) falling, and an awesome bestie.

Disliked: the airport scene and I definitely wanted more senior dog moments!!!!

A delightful blend of romance and magical realism. Holly James crafts a sweet, Groundhog Day-style love story filled with humor and heart. The premise is fun, though some emotional moments feel a bit underdeveloped.

If Holly James writes a book, I am going to want to read it. I was delighted to have a chance to read an early copy of The Deja Glitch, and it did not disappoint.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Maybe romances on the science fiction end of the spectrum are just not for me. I thought the book was okay, but nothing super memorable.

The Déjà Glitch by Holly James was super cute like romance Groundhog Day but better and cuter! I really enjoyed this one and the loops didn't seem respective!

I loved this book! The pace was perfect, characters were likeable and easy to follow. The change to the male POV at the end threw me for a second, but he was written just as well. Such a cute book!

The Deja Glitch by Holly James sounded just like a novel I would love but the structure/plot did not flow for me. I will try this author again in the future.

This was such a delightful read! It is the prefect book to lift your mood and get you out of a reading slump. Thank you netgalley!

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || THE DEJA GLITCH [thank you to @duttonbooks and @netgalley for my #gifted copy!]

Title: The Deja Glitch
Author: Holly James
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
Star Rating: ★★★★☆

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
Gemma Peters has sworn off dating—especially musicians—since her rock star ex used her to land a deal with her famous dad. Now, as a rising L.A. radio producer, she’s focused on her career, her best friend Lila, and her loyal Labrador, Rex. But when Gemma literally crashes into Jack one Thursday morning, something feels... different.

Jack seems to know more about Gemma than he should, and there’s an undeniable sense of déjà vu between them. Turns out, this isn’t just any Thursday—it’s one they’ve lived countless times before. Jack’s been stuck in a time loop for months, reliving the same day over and over, and the only way to break the cycle? Get Gemma to fall in love with him before the day ends.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
This was a really cute read! I think my favorite thing was that the MMC was the one stuck in a time-loop, so he was the one who had to convince HER that they were meant to be together! Which was a nice twist, in my opinion! Plus, I enjoyed that we entered the story WELL into Jack’s time-loop (he’s stuck for months already at the start of the book), so we’re just as clueless as Gemma as to what’s going on.

James does a great job writing banter, tension, and chaos!

I would finish this review with “I can’t wait to see what she writes next,” but I already read it and I LOVED IT TOO.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Time Travel Romance
50 First Dates
Second Chance Romance
Time Traveller’s Wife
Magical Realism

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 3.58 ⭐️
# of Pages: 336
Pub Date: August 1, 2023

This was so much fun! It was one of my favorite plot devices but the characters are what really made it. I love when theres realistic character growth and when people actually communicate. All around great plot and some fun twists.

I should preface by saying that I love time loop/magical realism books SO much...but this one fell very flat for me.

I didn't find anything special about it. This one didn't grasp my attention like other time loop romances have.

This read unfortunately won't be memorable for me.

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to review!
Loved this! I think this might be the first time loop book I’ve read but with the POV of the person *not* aware of the loop. I loved that perspective so much. A clean rom too!

The Déjà Glitch by Holly James is a delightful read for anyone who adores lighthearted, humorous, and hopeful romance stories with a touch of magical realism, perfect for fans of Groundhog Day-inspired tales and grand romantic gestures.

In The Déjà Glitch by Holly James, Gemma Peters’s life takes an unexpected turn when she crashes into Jack, a man who seems eerily familiar. The plot unfolds through the "Groundhog Day" loop trope, where Jack is stuck reliving the same Thursday repeatedly, each day hoping to win Gemma’s love and break free from the loop. This twist on the time-loop concept adds a layer of magical realism to their burgeoning romance.

The novel explores classic romantic tropes such as "enemies-to-lovers" and "fated encounters," as Gemma and Jack's initial meeting is fraught with confusion and tension. Their connection deepens as Jack’s time-loop predicament forces him to win her affection, despite her rule against dating musicians and her own romantic hesitations. James skillfully combines these tropes with a unique, enchanting premise, offering a delightful and engaging read that keeps the romance fresh and exciting.

A fun romcom that uses the time loop mechanic well. I just have a hard time with buying into the whole insta-love thing that is kind of required when the loop is only a day long. Overall, it’s a good bit of fluff.