The year is 2004. New York City. Jessica, Robin, Tori and Zach all have their reasons for needing a roommate: from the dissolution of a relationship to the escape from an abusive household and simply a change in living arrangements. And as serendipity would have it - they meet, and sparks fly.

Told from the viewpoints of each of the characters, An Upper West Side Story has a romcom/sitcom vibe akin to Friends.

I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it wasn't for me. There was too much name dropping/brand dropping for my taste and a lot of telling the reader the minutia of what they were seeing rather than leaving things to the imagination.

This was a quick, light read, and one that other readers may enjoy if they want the book equivalent of a sitcom.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

This is a cute story about roommates, relationships, family, careers and a swarm of drama. It was a little hard for me at first as we were being introduced to all the different characters but overall I thought it was a good read.

I don't like it when I find myself on a string of books that don't catch my fancy. But here it goes. I enjoyed all the Manhattan vibes, but not the multiple POVs and boring action.

...But of course, it is Manhattan, and there is a tacit agreement that we all ignore each other, so I shouldn’t worry about it....

Thanks to Netgalley for the preview of this title, it will be on sale in two weeks and if you like books with too many leads, therefore many points of view with: love, heartbreak, family problems, self-discovery, steps to follow your dreams. or simply the life of four New Yorkers that in a certain way gets complicated at the same time as it resolves itself in the course of a year.

We follow Jessica, a girl from California who is stuck in a mediocre job and who is looking for a roomie since her ex-boyfriend was unfaithful a few days before moving in together.
Zach the smart, millionaire guy who doesn't need a roomie but who suggests she move in with him because she looks like his ex.
Robin the typical insecure girl in her job and in her love life who is also looking for a roomie because her friend is going to do her medical residency.
Tory, the spoiled rich girl who is also looking for a room because she is fed up with living with her parents, in their mansion, with personal aid and in a job that she only got on her father's recommendation.

Each one with their own personality that made this a very pleasant book to pass the time and although it took me ten days to finish it, It was because I was not hooked enough to devour it. I feel like having so many characters we couldn't focus better on each one and each person's problems.
But it was a series that presented the main problem very slowly and the resolution very fast. I am thankful for the epilogue because it puts an end to the everyone lived happily ever after.

What was very nice was being set in 2004, all those little nods to technology or lack of technology, it was very funny, and fun to remember. If I feel like reading more of these characters but maybe one per book or maybe two. But an introduction with the four of them only served just like that an introduction.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An Upper West Side Story (Kindle Edition) - Anticipated release date: July 6, 2023.

A delight! This book is pure entertainment that had me hooked from page to page, saying "no way!" at certain scenes while chomping on carrots and potato chips! (Hey! I tried incorporating some kinda 'healthy' while snacking!)

The book is set in 2004 Manhattan... pre- Netflix, Uber and Smartphones! Even Motorola RAZRs were mentioned! Blackberry, eHarmony, Diesel jeans and cropped tops also popped up. The 'throwback' aspect is refreshing. The chapters were short and easy to digest. The story flowed and it served its purpose of being a fun, light read that made me laugh at times and go to bed with a positive mindset. (Yes, I enjoy reading before sleepy time.)

If you are looking for nostalgia and pure entertainment, this is a book you may wish to add to your reading list.

Great effort from the author.

Recommended.

4/5

*Review posted on Goodreads and Instagram.

This was an easy to read, low stakes, and genial story of three interchangeable young women and one young man. Competent but forgettable. My big problem with it is that if your title is a riff on "West Side Story," then it ought to be a Romeo and Juliet retelling, not HAE chick lit.

I got a free copy from NetGalley.

4 Point Of View's/POW's in an Upper west side story; the characters are all on the same floor and either roommates or down the hall from each other. (The time line was consistent and the story didn't jump back and forth in time.)

Early on in the story, I wasn't sure where it was going, but decided to just enjoy it and see where it went. The characters were all interesting and the story moved along quite nicely and was very enjoyable. Once I started reading, I was pretty hooked.

One of the things I like best about NetGalley is that it gives me the opportunity to read books I wouldn't ordinarily read (like this one) and also introduces me to authors that I haven't read before. Like thus book by Rachel Cullen, her 7th book. I'd definitely read another book by her.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Cullen the author and Lime Street Press the publisher for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of An Upper West Side Story in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 6 July 2023 ... coming soon!

So being a 35 year old I remember this time before the internet craze and IG posts. This book was pure nostalgia for me in the best way and I couldn’t put it down. It was short and funny and you don’t feel like your reading it feels like a tv series where you want to find out what happens next to your favorite characters

I will definitely be recommending this to all of my friends

This book is about the four people who wanted to find a better place a better home. where they can live.
Tory wants to live separately with her parents so that she can be independent woman. I relate to her but the difference is I know how to do some house chores.

This book is absolutely one of my favorite. Not too drama which more I like.
What I can say about this is I hope soon it will adapt into a movie or netflix movie.
This is kind of 90's movie or like F.R.I.E.N.D.S genre.

I'll read more books written by Rachell Cullen. Great Job!

My first ARC review

I really enjoyed the throw back to 2004 a time without smartphones in the upper Westside.

The book was so much fun and I was hesitant to put it down and get to work.

The characters were so relateable. At the beginning I was a bit struggling with the different characters (this story is told in multiple POVs four to be certain) to get a hang of who is who.

Special thanks to Net Gallery for and the publisher’s for the advanced copy

Keep your eyes open for the release

Being from way back in those early 2000’s myself, I truly enjoyed this book! I’ve never been to New York and what I’ve seen of it has been on tv and in movies and this book seems like it should be made into a series because it’s absolutely a great story with awesome characters that are fleshed out so well! I loved each character and what’s going on with them. The author did a great job of characterization as well as having easy, light writing that made the book a perfect beach or vacation read! I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read this author again!

I’m obsessed. I’ve found a new auto buy author.

The depth of all the characters is incredible, I’ve never hated a character so much like I do for the parent of one of these characters. I love how defined these four characters are (Zach, Tory, Jessica and Robin) we learn so much about them and still see them change and develop in such a manner that speaks to my soul!

I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy to display as a trophy because the cover is gorgeous too!

This was enjoyable, relaxing, and easy read. Although, I haven't watched either "Sex and the City", or "Friends" (shocking, I know) this is what I imagine how a combination of both of these TV shows would feel like. Or, it also gives me a feeling of "The Bold Type" taking place in the early 2000s. In other words, a perfect romance for a relaxing evening on the couch sipping on wine or tea.

The story is about 4 people, whom fate brought together to the same floor of one building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Robin - a woman who is in desperate need of a roommate, Jessica - a woman who is in sudden need of a roommate and a place to live, Tory - a woman who is also in search of a roommate as she got enough of living with her parent, and Zach - a man who never planned on getting a roommate but how could he refuse this when a woman is crying her eyes out at his apartment, especially when she looks like HER.
Every character with their own backstory, trauma, and challenges, going on with their life building friendships with the other 3, and supporting each other through the hard comings. From the very beginning till the very end of the book, you will be following each character's situation happening and the resolution of it, revealing secrets together with them.
Be ready to be happy, angry, and surprised together with the characters of this lighthearted book.

Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Cullen for providing me with an ARC!

Thank you for the free ARC in exchange for review. I really enjoyed this book. I felt connected to the characters and their personal issues. I liked how all of the characters were going through something and were able to work through it. I liked how this wasn’t so focused on the romance, while it was blooming in the background. I found the writing to be very light and it was enjoyable to read.

This was a good, quick read! I got through it in one sitting and just adored it. It felt like it went so fast because you are reading four different storylines that connect together. It was a unique read and the cover is so cute!

An Upper West Side Story is 'historical' fiction that takes place way back in 2004....and boy, does this book do a great job of bringing you back to the days of Craigslist and Motorola RAZRs. All of the characters in this book are sweet, if a little bit stereotypical, and the combination of the characters with the setting make for a delightful, easy read. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun escape!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Drama Level: 🌶️🌶️

Contrary to the reference it's title, An Upper West Side Story by Rachel Cullen isn't a dramatic tragedy. It's a lighthearted read you can breeze through in a couple of days.

Jump back in time to 2004 with Jess, Tory, Robin and Zach on the Upper West Side.

Jessica Barlowe had plans to move in with her boyfriend until he completely blows up their lives. With her current roommate moving out in anticipation of Jess' move, she is left stranded on her own.

Tory Wallace's home life had always been difficult. Between her parents' fighting matches and her father's constant put downs, it all comes to a head. Tory has to escape and forge her own independent path.

Robin Cromwell is left with the perfect apartment. It's a classic six - which includes two bedrooms, two & a half bathrooms (what in the world is a half bathroom??) and a kitchen - in a prime location. With her roommate and best friend moving out for her residency, Robin has to comb through all the Craigslist creeps to find the perfect roommate.

Zach Sullivan is a tech executive who owns his own apartment on the Upper West Side. He has always been reserved. But when he crosses paths with someone he can't seem to stop thinking about, he impulsively ends up renting out his spare room.

***
This book was honestly a mixed bag for me. It was very easy to read and I breeze through it in a couple of days. I also think Rachel had an interesting set of characters with a lot of potential.

That being said, while all the characters had the ingredients of standing out from one another, all their 'voices' in their respective POV felt very similar. This is most likely due to Rachel's writing style coming through. I definitely think the girls could had more of a distinct tone to set them apart. I was slowly able to differentiate them by Act 2.

Jess, Tory and Zach had all heartfelt backstories and trauma they had to resolve and it was done very well. I am especially a fan of how Tory's arc and storyline unfolded. Her family history was interesting to read about.
However, I felt that Robin wasn't done justice. While the trio I mentioned had backstories that added depth to their characters and raised the stakes for them, Robin's issues about dating and her career felt like small potatoes. The book could have used at least a 100 more pages fleshing out Robin who was a lovely character to read about.

All in all, the way all these characters intersected and how each of them impacted different arcs was cool to read about.

Another thing that could have been done better is the conflict and pivotal moments. I felt that a lot of important scenes that should have unfolded on the page happened off screen. I felt cheated out of getting those POVs at times. As for the conflicts, a lot of it fell under the miscommunication trope. It felt like watching a 90s sitcom episode without it being funny, I was just very frustrated with the characters at that point.

The ending was really sweet and gave me the fuzzies. All that's said and done, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted read where you don't need to think much and can read it quickly in a day.

Thank you to Lime Street Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

This was a fun read and I really enjoyed the different character chapters. It was a fun read and quick and easy to read.

Thanks for NetGalley for an ARC.

This was cute - peak 2000s chick lit!

An Upper West Side Story tells us the story of four strangers who serendipitously cross paths and become fixtures in each others’ lives. It was a real throwback to be reading about young women in 2004 New York talking like the internet and cellphones were brand new things, such a fun novelty compared to what I’ve been reading lately.

This was a light and easy read that I sped through pretty quickly. I did find the first quarter a little hard to follow because the female characters all felt a little same-y, and while that didn’t change personality-wise throughout the book, I finally remembered their names/jobs/storyline’s by about 75 pages in. I was a little disappointed in Zach’s reveal (wanting it to be a little juicier) but that didn’t spoil too much. Tory was my favourite storyline by far!

Recommend for a light beach read this summer. If you liked watching Gossip Girl back in high school or have an affinity for romcoms like 13 going on 30, this one is for you.

This was such a cute book!
Like a real slice of life novel, the story follows three young women who all lead very different lives in New York but by a series of coincidences all cross path and become part of each others lives. All three women and Zach were likeable in their own way and although there wasn’t an “overall” plot arch, the individual accomplishments of each character felt like a huge milestone and drove the story forward.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.