This is only my second Jackie Lau novel (I think, if Goodreads is accurate). I actually quite liked the other novel I read by her and yet … I don’t know, sometimes, you just have those authors that you check out, you enjoy but they just also don’t quite pull you in enough to make you want to go read everything else they have written, for whatever the reason.
I generally like a good time loop story, though (hello Palm Springs, Groundhog Day and that episode of Supernatural where Dean dies a lot) so that was enough to convince me to read her again (plus, Asian American and Pacific Island month). And I would say I’m in kind of the same spot – I liked the novel but also not sure when I will pick up another Jackie Lau. I enjoy the fact that her romances really are about normal, regular people and yet, maybe I want something just slightly less cozy to really pull me in. Not totally sure.
After another long day/week at the office, where Noelle stays later than anyone and spends time correcting the work of a clueless new hire with connections to the owner, Noelle treats herself to a rare evening out and grabs dinner at the night market with some delicious dumplings. And then wakes up Friday morning all over again, to the same proposal she already completed and the same night market – except this time, the dumpling stand has disappeared.
Noelle has always been very careful with money after watching her parents struggle, and she is a rule follower, focused on career over relationships. Even in her career, however, Noelle has been too focused on doing the work to ensure she gets the respect, and this time loop finally lets her attempt to take a stand for herself and also treat herself.
She stumbles on one other woman, Avery, trapped in the loop with her, who is reliving a very bad day. Together they try different ways to enjoy life in the loop and to break the loop. And mixed within, is Cam. Noelle keeps stumbling across him at various points – at the night market, at a tea shop, at his brewery. Surely there must be some meaning to this? In just about every interaction and new meet cute, Cam is just a generally nice and good guy.
While it was nice to see Noelle get past herself and her own insecurities as she was able to practice her introductions with Cam, there is a point (as Noelle realized right alongside the reader) where a time loop romance wears thin – where is the progression past multiple perfect first dates/meetings?
While the time loop experience pushes Noelle out of her comfort zone and helps her realize necessary changes in her life, it also isn’t drastic. It’s very much a novel about how small changes in perspective can help lead to a bigger shift and appreciation.
(Also, off topic, the title now keeps making me get the song “Snap backs and tattoos” by Driicky Graham in my head – same number of syllables.)