I Know How This Ends by Holly Smale

I Know How This Ends by Holly Smale

Holly Smale is best known for her Young Adult Romance series, Geek Girl, but that is because she is woefully underrated. If you've ever asked me for a book recommendation, you've probably heard me wax poetic about my love for her 2023 novel, Cassandra in Reverse (also called The Cassandra Complex). To put it succinctly, I love that book and I think about it all the time. After the beautiful disaster that was Abby Jimenez's Say You'll Remember Me, I needed something light and Holly Smale delivered. But I Know How This Ends still deals with bullying, death, infertility, infidelity, grief, references to the death of a spouse, and pregnancy.

Margot Wayward is not living her best life, she's well aware. After the terrible end to a decade long relationship, she quit her job (only to start an Instagram account out of spite), refuses to unpack the moving boxes in her new apartment, and continues to go on dates with men that cannot live up to her standards. She has a list of what she wants in a man and she will not accept less. Or rather, she has a list of what she does not want in a man. When Henry asks her on a date - the first she's arranged without the help of an app - he is not what she is looking for. Yet, she actually likes him. At least, before she starts having visions of the future featuring herself with Henry. She is faced with a potentially life altering conundrum. Could she potentially screw this up for herself by making a wrong decision, or have her decisions never mattered at all?

This book was exactly what I needed. It was funny, it was charming, it was light and fast paced. And it was still packed full of plot. I loved it. The characters are full of life and personality, not limited to the main character of Margot but her group of friends and family as well. I loved them all, yes - even Lily. The plot was really interesting and I loved watching Margot implode. The prologue was heart wrenching but I absolutely refuse to believe that it did not have a happy ending. My only qualm is Henry's level of patience, it was slightly out of the realm of believable but then again, we are talking about having visions of the future. This will be another one I'll be raving about for years.

I'm giving I Know How This Ends by Holly Smale 4.75 stars out of 5! I implore you to read this book and then talk to me about it, please! I'm desperate.

For more from Holly Smale, check out https://www.hollysmale.com/

Pairs well with tagliatelle and knowing where there's a secret menu.

All these quotes made me laugh out loud:

"'You can't just say "laugh face" Eve, what's wrong with you?'"

"'Trust me,' said Gary darkly. 'I've heard it all.'"

"Jules was also right... I have never successfully looked French."

Review of Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale