unfortunately i never felt compelled to keep reading or pick it up back. i tried for months to get into this but i just couldn’t remember the plot

After a server glitch sends all of Millie’s draft emails—that were never meant to be read by anyone else —she decides she’s done with technology, and maybe humanity. But maybe something good could result from airing some hard truths?

Oh, Millie. So the emails get sent, but then someone in IT suggests that sending emails isn’t something an update could do. Has she been intentionally sabotaged by someone? And if so, who? Of course, Millie’s main focus will first be damage control. She frantically tries to correct anything with those she may have hurt, especially in the case of her ex-boyfriend, Owen, and his girlfriend, who may or may not stick around for Owen’s or Millie’s apology.

While most of the story is definitely Millie’s, her fantastic friends (Ralph & Cate, first and foremost) really contribute to the plot, both by aiding in her character development, and pointing out some positives of the receipt of the emails that she never meant for anyone else to read.

Lia Louis writes books that are emotionally engaging but not altogether predictable, and this was no exception. This imaginative book earned 4 out of 5 stars and would be enjoyed by those who like contemporary relationship stories.

A very cute premise, likable characters, quick-moving plot!

I thought this was quirky and sweet!

I love books written by Lia Louis, and I think Better Left Unsent is my favorite one! I felt for the main character Millie when the email drafts she had written to people expressing her true feelings all get sent. This is a feel-good book about how she faces the consequences and rebuilds her life. Great story!

Better Left Unsent is a heartfelt, witty, and deeply relatable story about love, timing, and the words we never say. Lia Louis captures the emotional nuance of relationships so beautifully—I laughed, teared up, and rooted for every messy, wonderful moment. A perfect read for fans of character-driven romance.

This sweet story gave me major Bridget Jones Diary vibes. Relatable for anyone who has every worked in an office environment,

I’ve rated this author’s previous books all 4.5 & 5⭐️s. This one I really struggled with; hence the late review. I understand this is a fiction story, but I ultimately never felt fully invested because I just couldn’t wrap my mind around how far fetched the set up of this story was! Who in their right mind would be so risky to write venting email drafts they never plan to send!? That just doesn’t make sense. Girlfriend, get a journal, use the notes app or something! Or even better a therapist! I also found the MFC to be described one way and her actions another. Will I read this author again? You bet! Until next time.

The story follows, Ellie, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a long-lost letter from her past resurfaces, forcing her to confront unresolved feelings and the relationships that have shaped her. It’s a novel about finding closure, the courage to move on, and embracing the potential of new beginnings.

Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis is a book with an insufferable FMC. This was a very painful read, I do not recommend it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few other books by Lia Louis and have enjoyed them so I was happy to pick this one up. However, this one just didn't quit work for me and I can't exactly pin down what it was. The story line was cute but I just never really connected with the characters in this one. I will still pick up this author in the future and hopefully the next one works for me. Thank you Netgalley and Atria for my gifted copy for review.

Not into this one unfortunately, just found it a little bit boring and the characters did not make me like them.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. This book started off by giving the gut wrenching feeling knowing that you’ve made a mistake. I love how at the end she says this is all of us. We’re all human.

I really wanted to love Better Left Unsent, but unfortunately, it just didn’t hit the mark for me. The premise sounded promising but the execution felt flat. The characters weren’t as engaging as I hoped, and I struggled to connect with their emotions. Some of the pacing felt slow, and I found myself getting frustrated with the repetitive nature of the story. It just didn’t resonate as deeply as I expected. While the concept was cute, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

This book was so much better than I was expecting it to be. I loved Millie and could relate to her a lot. Owen is the worst, but made for a good story.

Spoiler:

I wish Mille and Jack had a better relationship. It felt kinda dry and maybe forced? Idk. It wasn’t my favorite book couple, but would definitely recommend this one!

I am a huge fan of Lia Louis' writing and thoroughly enjoyed Eight Perfect Hours, The Key To My Heart (I gave it 5 stars) and Dear Emmie Blue. I was excited to pick up Better Left Unsent because the premise of a girl accidentally sending private rants / thoughts by email to her entire department at work sounded right up my alley.

Better Left Unsent is a book about a woman trying to find herself after a very painful break up -- the romance between her and the MMC Jack is secondary to the plot (which is why I think I'm rating this book only 3 stars?). The writing was ok albeit slow and repetitive and unnecessarily sad and depressing at times. In addition, I wasn't a great fan of Millie as a MFC. She came across as immature and dare I say I wasn't sure at times why Jack was into her? I think overall this book had some fun moments and sweet relationships -- but overall I found it to be forgettable. I know that's a terrible word to put in a book review! Even though Better Left Unsent was a miss for me, I'll definitely be picking up Lia Louis' next novel!

I absolutely loved this book! It was beautifully written. This book made me fall in love with Lia Louis’ writing and led me to reading every single book she has written.

Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis is a delightfully original story that immediately captured my attention. The premise—accidentally sending unfiltered emails—is my absolute worst nightmare, but Millie navigated the fallout with vulnerability, humor, and heart. Lia Louis’ writing is sharp, funny, and full of warmth, making this book both hilarious and touching.

Better Left Unsent is yet another winner from Lia Louis!

I loved the premise of this book, because while I don't write unsent email drafts as a form of stress relief or venting, I do sometimes write drafts when I'm feeling emotional and then decide to sleep on them before sending...and 9 times out of 10, I end up NOT sending them. So I could relate to Millie and could imagine the horrifying, humiliating, awkward way I'd feel if all of my drafts somehow got sent.

I really enjoyed Millie as a character, and I love that even with the large cast of characters in this book, they were each distinct and identifiable, even if they only appeared in a few scenes in the book. The writing was light, fun, and easy - even when tackling heavier topics. I could feel Millie's emotions through the page. This book also made me laugh out loud at several points, which is always a plus.

I thought it was cool that even though this is more of a lighthearted rom-com read, it had a "whodunit" element to the plot that kept me guessing and forming my own theories about how Millie's email drafts all got sent.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one and it was just what I needed as a palette cleanser after reading a few heavier books. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

One thing I really liked about this book is how likable all of the characters were, even the smaller side characters. This book was sweet, funny, and the perfect read for fans of early 2000s romcoms!

Millie finds herself in a conundrum after a faulty server sends her drafted emails out-the emails she used as sort of a diary and never wanted people to see. Great and unique premise, however not quite real or relatable? I struggled to relate or feel any empathy towards the MFC which is a bummer. If this scenario happened to me I would have no friends, no job, no life…but things just seemed to work like okay for Millie. I enjoyed the beginning and probably the last 5% but the middle dragged a bit. I appreciate the opportunity to read a copy provided courtesy of NetGalley and Atria and provide my honest thoughts.