Review of Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau: A Whimsical Journey with Some Unmet Potential
When I first stumbled upon Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau, I was instantly captivated. Who could resist a title that effortlessly blends the charm of time loops with the sweetness of meet-cutes? As a lover of quirky romances, I couldn’t help but dive into this tale of magical dumplings and repeated Fridays. I extend a heartfelt thanks to Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC via NetGalley! 💌
Lau kicks off the story with an enticing premise: Noelle finds herself reliving the same Friday over and over after indulging in some seemingly enchanted dumplings at a night market. Right from the start, I was drawn in. The quirky setup is peppered with fun details, like her daily Wordle answer always being “happy”—a charming touch that brought a smile to my face. Noelle’s clever, sarcastic voice resonated with me; her struggles felt relatable, and I appreciated the rawness of her internal monologue. Short chapters? Yes, please! I devoured them in no time at all.
However, as Noelle continued to experience June 20th for the 136th time, my enthusiasm began to wane. I fully comprehend that the repetition is integral to the narrative, but it began to feel monotonous. I found myself zoning out during sections, craving a bit more variety. After a while, I questioned whether a time loop really needed to span over 100 iterations to convey its message.
Now let’s talk about the romance: Enter Cam, the brewery owner who captures Noelle’s heart. Initially, their chemistry had that delightful ✨ spark ✨, but since he wasn’t in the loop, their relationship felt rushed—like a speed-run through love. How are you falling for someone you meet for the first time daily? I admired some tender moments between them, especially the more vulnerable scenes, but on the whole, their relationship felt a bit undercooked.
What truly stood out for me, however, was the friendship between Noelle and Avery, another woman caught in the time loop. Their connection brought surprising warmth and humor to the story, often feeling more developed than the romantic arc. More magical best friend duos, please!
As for the conclusion, it left me a bit puzzled. The way the time loop was resolved felt underwhelming and somewhat messy. While it didn’t ruin my experience, I found myself hoping for a more impactful denouement.
In summary, Time Loops & Meet Cutes is packed with whimsical elements and clever writing, but it lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. It’s fun, lighthearted, and perfect for readers in the mood for something different. Just don’t expect it to be a life-changer. I’ll likely remember the joy I felt reading it, but it may fade from my memory over time.
If you enjoy time loops, magical dumplings, and a soft guy with a brewery, this book is for you. It’s a delightful read, especially if you’re looking to lift your spirits. Just be warned: looping through the same day 150 times sounds like a nightmare, and I’ll be steering clear of mysterious food stalls for a while! 🥟✨