We Met Like This: A Two-Part Love Story
When I stumbled upon We Met Like This by Kasie West, I felt an inexplicable pull. I’d seen her name pop up frequently on Goodreads, and on an impulse, I downloaded the ARC, hoping it might usher me into a genre I rarely explore—contemporary rom-coms. While this book certainly offered some delightful moments, it ultimately felt like a split experience between two different ratings—half a four-star read and half a two-star one, leading me to a three-star conclusion.
The premise revolves around 24-year-old Margot Hart, who begins with a passionate kiss with 27-year-old Oliver Gray after a decidedly awkward first date that they’d met on an unnamed dating app. Despite the initial chemistry, they go their separate ways, only to reconnect over time through the same app. The chemistry between Margot and Oliver is so palpable initially that I found myself rooting for them, intrigued by Margot’s obsession with the idea of a classic “meet-cute.” It felt modern and relatable, especially in an age where algorithms guide our romantic lives.
However, where I found brilliance in the first half of the book, my enthusiasm faltered significantly in the second half. I was disappointed to see that Margot’s fixation on meet-cutes became irrelevant as soon as she settled into her relationship with Oliver. Rather than exploring her initial concerns about having a less-than-storied romantic beginning, the narrative brushed over it quickly, as though the author herself forgot the significance of that emotional thread.
Moreover, the book introduces a rather unsettling “big conflict,” which, in my view, undermined the protagonist’s journey. Oliver, who professes to be a feminist, makes a deeply flawed choice when he sleeps with Margot’s sister without disclosing their past connection. The fallout from this revelation is brushed off too casually, disregarding the emotional weight it carries for Margot, who has already struggled with insecurity in the shadow of her sister. This mishandling left me uneasy and detracted from the themes of consent and personal growth that the book initially seemed to promise.
On the upside, West’s prose is undeniably engaging. The fluidity of her writing kept me turning pages, and thankfully, she avoids overly heavy pop culture references, allowing the novel to feel contemporary without becoming dated. There were moments where I found myself savoring Margot’s musings about relationships, especially her musings that hit home for anyone navigating the complexities of modern dating.
In conclusion, We Met Like This has poignancy and charm but ultimately falters under its own weight as it transitions from an insightful exploration of modern romance to a marred narrative. Despite its flaws, I think this book will resonate with readers looking for lighthearted kicks and perhaps a moment of relatable reflection on the quirks of love in the digital age. Just be prepared for some bumps along the way—I certainly was.
If you enjoy romantic stories that wrestle with contemporary dilemmas, you might find something valuable in Margot’s story, even if you, like me, wrestle with its complications along the way. Happy reading!