I did not enjoy the writing in this one. I found it a little annoying and the main character was kind of even more annoying. I’m sure some people will love runs over but u just couldn’t get past the writing.

I enjoyed this more than "Attached at the Hip", but it still wasn't a winner for me. I understand that, as a rom-com, elements are going to be exaggerated for effect, but this didn't have anything grounding it. The romance, characters, plot, and comedy all just fell flat for me. I couldn't find anything to connect with because nothing felt real.

The characters are really at the heart of this. Rikki feels like Riccio's other protagonists: quirky to a fault, more millennial than anyone I've ever met, and oscillating between unable to handle things herself and being the friend that everyone inexplicably relies on. She says strange phrases, handles situations oddly, and is generally an 11 on the quirky and self-deprecating scales. It seems like Riccio thinks this automatically makes Rikki endearing, but it mostly makes her exhausting. I found that I wasn't rooting for her because she was always either making such bizarre choices or complaining about how everything wasn't magically going her way (even though it usually was, sometimes literally).

Reed sweeps in as a pretty perfect love interest for Rikki - he's smart, and banters with her, likes her quirks, and is successful, but also vulnerable, artsy, and emotionally intelligent. It just feels like he's always saying the right thing, always so patient and understanding, even (or especially) when the situation screams for some skepticism. Because of this, the romance never feels believable - and worse, it's not compelling.

The supporting cast is just pretty flat. Rikki's friends are generic friend characters. Rikki's dad is a generic bad dad. There's just not a lot of substance.

The plot was all over the place. It's fast-paced, which is good, but it almost feels like there are competing ideas here. First, we have the blurb version: Rikki is desperate to find her person and throws herself into dating, marking a +1 on multiple wedding invitations as she stares down her 30th birthday. That's a grounded premise! But also entirely glossed over; the opening chapter starts after that has all happened.

Instead, we get a different story: Rikki meets Reed on the eve of her 30th birthday and immediately falls for him, only to find that he lives on the other side of the country. They make a series of (frankly arbitrary and completely nonsensical) rules about how to manage their long-distance relationship. There's a grounded romance in there too, but it's all thrown out the window by the magical twist. Instead of having to work through their trust issues and the difficulties of actually being long-distance, fate steps in and gives Rikki a way to travel anywhere she wants immediately. The magic feels like a crutch to resolve plot issues that Riccio didn't want to or couldn't solve without it. It doesn't feel like something that should be happening this many books into her career.

It's now a totally unmoored romance, with an MMC that will accept any mistakes the FMC might make, meaning there's no tension. Sure, plenty goes wrong, but only in quirky, over the top ways to put Rikki in absurd situations.

Which leads me to the comedy. It just...didn't land. So many of the references are millennial references that feel dated the second they're read. Jokes are recycled practically verbatim without acknowledgement. And sometimes, Riccio just goes for the most outlandish situation possible in hopes that it'll force comedy (one scene at the 50% mark stands out in this way, and it's something I really wish had been left on the cutting room floor. Uncomfortable is not the same as funny!)

On top of it all, the writing was clunky and awkward. Riccio has a tendency to over-describe her scenes, while also using strange turns of phrase. It was easy to read, but I still found myself stopping every so often because word or structure choices were so bizarre.

TL;DR: I think this needed more time in development before hitting shelves. It feels like Riccio started with one story prompt, shifted to another, then wanted to add a magical element and pivoted again. Instead of making these pieces work in harmony (or cutting any), they're all smashed together in a way that flattens all of them and disconnects them from any emotional resonance. I hope this finds it's readers, but I was disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book. This was such a cute read. I loved the energy at the start and the banter between the characters. There were so many humorous lines! Reed was just fantastic. The themed weddings were one of my favorite parts and very creatively thought out...though over the top...it was just my style. It was all set for a 5 until the end. The ending miscommunication drama was a little bit too much for me. Things were ruined by a very simple thing that shouldn't have been as big of a deal as it was. There are plenty of other factors at play that I would have rather used as the ending conflict. The ending was cute though not my favorite of all. Definitely an author I've enjoyed.

4.5/5
I was very surprised when I saw I didn’t need to put in a request for an ARC of this book. I always love reading Riccio’s works. Her characters are so bubbly and also very relatable. In this book, there some moments I cringed, but those were greatly outnumbered by the laughs I let out while reading. It was a book where I could just sit back and relax, and just laugh. Can’t wait to see what Riccio is writing next.

thirty, flirty, and forever alone review

I have always found Christine’s books enjoyable. Are they the best written? No, but I’ve always found super enjoyable things about them. When she put out the description for this book, I was excited because I also have dating anxiety and feel like I’m just going to be forever alone, as the title says. That being said, however, I unfortunately had to force my way through this book.

I truly could not stand the main character, Rikki, and how intensely millennial this book is. Rikki is like a carbon copy of a lot of Christine’s books and truly feels like an heightened version of herself. It felt like she couldn’t decide on who Rikki is. The amount of random, embarrassing mishaps was genuinely too much and happened like every other page. Between that and the magical journal used for teleportation, it felt like cop outs to dealing with the situation of liking someone that lives across the country and to move the plot forward because the author didn’t know how to make some points happen. There’s also so many themed weddings, it’s actually crazy how many can just randomly pop up for them to go to in like a month or two time period. Disney, musicals, DOGS??? I sound like I’m high trying to explain all the random things that happen in this book.

There’s a lot of “TTYL,” the use of “boi,” “sex goblin” and “lady parts” or “vag” instead of just saying the words. There’s a ton of just random rules that don’t make sense (like they can only call each other when sitting on a mattress?? y’all are long distance, you cannot survive that if you are limiting yourself to calling ONLY when you are both sitting on a bed). I was excited that Christine was venturing into the world of adult romances, however it reads more like a YA book than even her other ones. Don’t get me started on that sex scene the main character writes for the love interest.

The conflict at the end and realizing how she is unconsciously is in relationships was good until Rikki didn’t end up showing her development after all that. But, I’m genuinely really disappointed that I didn’t like this book. I love the author, I’ve really enjoyed her other books, but this one just felt so forced.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing me a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This supposedly funny and lighthearted dating romance was difficult to read. The main character Rikki, is all over the place ,hopelessly overextended and has a jaded view of men. I found her rather unsympathetic. Her counterpart Reed Tyler is like a cut-out character,hard to believe. So the story runs predictably along, and I was glad when it ended. Sorry, this book was not for me

I loved 90% of this book. I just wish the teleportation journal had been explained more. Where did it come from? Why did it choose her? The concept of the journal just seemed really random and didn’t tie into the story. Other than that, it was an amazing book.

I loved Attached at the Hip by this author with my whole heart but this was not it. The writing was clunky and I just couldn’t get into it. Dnf at 30%

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s well written, funny and exciting to read! The romance is beautiful and the the touch of magic is perfect! I read this over a course of 5 days and on my off days I referred to it as R&R for the two main characters and because I read to relax! I can’t wait for the book to come out because I know so many people are going to love it and it’s going to be a success!

So, this book started strong but did annoy me in the middle. As someone in their early 30s, I was excited to find a book aimed at my little demographic. The start of the book was amazing, the developing relationship was easy to follow (although a little unrealistic) and had me pretty hooked until about a third of the way in.

The introduction of the magical element, kinda ruined the build up for me. It took a few chapters before I could just accept its addition to the story. It made the plot which felt like it could be strong and serious feel silly, like everything to that point had been a joke. I almost feel like the story could have been written without it and it wouldn't have had any real impact.

The start and ending of this book were what I enjoyed the most. Seeing Reed and Rikki's relationship start and grow was really enjoyable and I liked that the ending felt a little more realistic and not just insta-love.

Overall an okay book, even if I didn't enjoy the addition of magic.

I really enjoyed Riccios last book, Attached at the Hip, so I was super excited to read this one. The book itself was cute, I love a good meet cute and loved the instant binding of the two main characters. I felt the magical journal was a little weird/off, and that there was more potential with the storyline without it. I didn’t love it but I liked it.

although there's nothing inherently wrong with writing a self-insert character or basing characters on real people (including yourself), there comes a time when if you do it enough times, it becomes a pattern. and it gets repetitive. and that's not something you want to be known for

i didn't really vibe with this. the writing saved it because it made it entertaining enough for me to keep going, but i simply.... didn't care enough? the whole magic journal felt like an easy way out for every problem the characters would face instead of having them work on stuff. there's never any learning because everything can be easily solved

This is like your favorite rom-com from 2000s turn into a book. That was a pleasant surprise read for me. 100% I recommend it

Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone Arc Review
3.5/5
First I would like to thank Netgally and the publisher for allowing me to review this ARC. (It’s my first one it’s a big deal to me!)

Rikki is an anxious 29 year old moving through relationships like tinder swipes. She cannot find a match who “matches her freak”. Until she meets Reed and a wedding and the universe takes over.

I personally loved reading about a strong FMC that struggled mentally. Both Rikki and Reed have a career and a life that they had explore before the universe intervened. I think anxiety and PTSD really take a show in this book with both characters. Some past relationships cause a trauma response whether they are from family or lovers. Both worked hard to understand their boundaries but ended up causing conflict in their relationship. This mental heath representation was unique and showed that sometimes people cannot see how we hurt ourselves and others.

I enjoy the relationship in this and how it was insta love with boundaries and the characters were aware. This book has your head twirling when you get deep into it . Not with the characters but of the involvement of a universe journal. You will need to read it to see what I mean. However, I do have an issue with the constant trope of long distance relationships not working and they aren’t as real or meaningful. (As someone in a long distance relationship iykyk). It hard to watch a couple split because of that because to me it seems as if the characters do not care as much.

Overall the book was enjoyable and funny. It definitely took me on an emotional ride. It does have some triggers so I would recommend being aware of that. However, it is a fun but deep read and was something new and fresh!

This was such a fun romcom and I enjoyed the little bit of magic in it. The MMC was swoony but Rikki sometimes stood in her own way which was frustrating but I get for the plot. toward the end I did get a little bored but it wrapped up nicely and I really enjoyed my time with these characters. I do wish we were able to be in Reed's head a little bit but regardless I still had a great time! I can't wait to see what Christine writes next.

A charming, rom-com-style read with a touch of whimsy and heartfelt depth.

This book reads like a cozy romantic comedy, light, engaging, and often funny as we follow 30-year-old Rikki through the trials of dating and long-distance relationships. Her voice is relatable, and the situations she finds herself in will resonate with many readers navigating modern love.

The inclusion of a magical journal adds a fun, whimsical twist, though I did feel its presence was a bit inconsistent, more prominent early on, then reappearing near the end without much development in between.

What stood out most to me was Rikki’s personal growth. The story takes a more introspective turn as she begins to unpack how her childhood experiences have shaped her relationship patterns. The shift felt a little sudden, but it added emotional weight and gave her journey more depth.

Overall, this is an easy, enjoyable read with both humor and heart. Perfect for fans of character-driven romantic comedies who enjoy a bit of magic mixed in.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!

This was my first time reading a Christine Riccio book, but it's a 5-Star rating from me, guys! I think I felt every single emotion in one book. I both despised and loved the chaotic FMC...got a crush on the MLC...literally laughed out loud, got mad, got sad, and ended up smitten with the ending.
This wasn't just a normal contemporary romance, but had a sprinkle of magical elements as well. This book will do great, I'm sure of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I usually lean toward high-stakes fantasy or thrillers, so picking up a light romcom like this was a refreshing change of pace. The author’s humor was spot on, and it came through so clearly in the voice of the main character, Rikki. She had a fun, relatable personality that made the story feel personal and engaging.

As someone who recently turned 30, I definitely connected with Rikki and caught every reference, from Taylor Swift to Sarah J. Maas. The pacing was solid throughout, and I never felt like the story dragged. I especially loved the subtle magical elements, the chemistry between Rikki and Reed, and the way Rikki’s inner thoughts were written. Her voice felt genuine and full of personality.

Overall, this is a great pick if you’re in the mood for a magical romcom with millennial humor and a bit of heart. I found myself smiling and even laughing out loud a few times. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a side of wit.

I received and ARC copy of this book from NetGalley!

I found myself relating to Rikki on many levels, especially regarding her thoughts on dating and her overall perspective on life in her thirties. The author captures the experience of navigating the dating scene at this age pretty good. I also love the subtle magical twist woven into the story, adding a sprinkle of enchantment to what could have been just a typical tale about dating and finding love.

The fact that Rikki shares my favorite movie and references "Throne of Glass" only made me appreciate the story more. Overall, it's a truly charming love story that left me feeling warm.

First off I want to say that I really enjoyed my time reading this super fun story by Christina Riccio. Between all the wildly themed weddings, a magical journal, and all the parts that made me giggle out loud so many times, it felt like watching a classic rom-com movie.

So what worked me? I liked that the characters were in their 30s and they felt like they were that age. They felt like they had some experience with life. I also liked that our mcs both had their own issues that they were working through and they were working on them.

In the synopsis it describes this book as 27 dresses meets Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. I’ve only seen 27 dresses once and I’ve never seen Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, although now I’m interested in watching that TV series but
I honestly got more how to lose a guy in 10 days vibes. I think it was the column writer and the back and forth of the story and how the characters chatted with their friends about each other.

Okay so the magical journal. The synopsis only mentions a magical twist. I was not expecting a magical journal that could transport you where ever you wanted to go. It kinda came out of nowhere and felt a little random but once it was introduced I liked how it progressed the storyline. I really liked the magical journal concept, it actually would’ve been a big selling point for me if it had been mentioned in the synopsis. That said, I do wish it had been woven more consistently throughout the second half of the book. It does reappear near the end, but I think it could’ve either played a more central role.

One thing that I think could possibly be a turn off for some readers but didn’t bother me was mentions of some popular ‘booktok’ books and a few other modern day real world name drops. I know some readers are more sensitive to this in fiction and I have seen forums with strong opinions on it so this is more of a ‘reader know thyself’ warning.

I think that readers that like Ashley Poston, Sarah Adams, & Christina Lauren might like this book.

I haven’t read anything by Christina Riccio before. In the acknowledgments I saw this was Christine’s first adult novel. That’s so exciting, and I look forward to seeing what she’ll write in the future! I’m also looking forward to exploring her backlist.

Thank you NetGalley, Christina Riccio, and the publisher Montlake for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.