A Journey through Time: An Engaging Review of Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau
When I stumbled upon Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau, its whimsical title and adorable cover instantly drew me in. As a lover of quirky romances, the idea of a time loop sprinkled with meet-cutes sounded like the perfect recipe for a feel-good read. Plus, who can resist a magical dumpling? I dove into this ARC generously provided by Atria Books and NetGalley, and I was ready for some delightful fun.
The book opens with a brilliantly engaging concept: Noelle, our witty protagonist, is stuck reliving the same Friday after indulging in some enchanted dumplings. The beat of her world echoes through each day, punctuated by the cute Wordle answer “happy” and her chaotic job that resets daily. Lau’s writing style is upbeat and accessible, capturing Noelle’s clever, sarcastic inner monologue. I found myself racing through the short chapters, eagerly devouring the pages as I navigated Noelle’s world alongside her.
But then came the repetitiveness. By the time we hit Noelle’s 136th round of June 20th, I was starting to feel the fatigue. It’s not that repetition isn’t intentional— I appreciate its role in underscoring the emotional arc of Noelle’s growth. However, as a reader, experiencing the same vibes over and over became tedious. The novelty gave way to a yearning for progression, and I found myself zoning out during sections I would have loved to savor more deeply.
The romance, while sparkly in moments, also felt uneven. Enter Cam, the owner of a charming brewery, who brings a soft spark to Noelle’s looped days. Their interactions are undeniably sweet, yet since he isn’t trapped in the time loop, the speed of their relationship felt contrived. It was tough to believe Cam’s feelings were as deep as they appeared when their connection was essentially a fast-track through the “first dates.” The fleeting, highlight-reel nature of their encounters left me craving a more substantial emotional investment, though some tender moments did shine through.
A bright spot in the story was the friendship between Noelle and another time-loop victim, Avery. Their unexpected bond brought warmth and authenticity, often eclipsing the romantic subplot. I found myself smiling at their banter and shared experiences, wishing for more explorations of this magical bestie dynamic.
As I turned the final pages, I hoped for a resolution that would tie everything together, but I must admit, I felt a hint of confusion. The explanation behind the time loop was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the clever twist I’d hoped for. Instead of that “aha!” moment, I was left feeling like the conclusion didn’t quite land as it should have.
In summary, Time Loops & Meet Cutes is a charming tale with a super fun premise and some standout moments, but it struggles to maintain emotional depth and fresh engagement through its pacing. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced read that involves magical dumplings, time loops, and some adorably awkward romance, this book could still charm you. Just don’t expect it to leave a lasting impact; it’s the kind of read you enjoy in the moment but may soon forget.
So, if you’re in a reading slump and seeking something a little different, this might just be your ticket back to joy. But as for me? I’ve sworn off mysterious dumplings! 🥟✨