“Relearning you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” ― Sarah Hogle, You Deserve Each Other
If you’re a fan of rom-coms, You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle should definitely be on your reading list. This book is funny and heartwarming and will have you laughing, tearing up, and rooting for the characters from start to finish.
It tells the story of Naomi and Nicholas, an engaged couple who are on the verge of breaking up, but neither of them wants to be the one to call it quits.
Instead, they start trying to make each other so miserable that the other person will break off the engagement. But as they both start to see each other in a new light, things take a turn, and they both realize that they may not want to break up after all.
In this blog, I’ll discuss the plot, characters, themes, and much more about this amazing book.
Plot Summary
Naomi and Nicholas are an engaged couple who, on the surface, seem like they have it all together. However, as their wedding day approaches, things between them are far from perfect.
Instead of feeling excited about their future, they’re stuck in a rut, frustrated with one another, and growing resentful. Naomi feels like Nicholas has become distant and uninvolved in their relationship, while Nicholas feels like Naomi constantly criticizes him and has lost her spark.
Both are deeply unhappy but unwilling to be the ones to call off the wedding, mainly due to social pressures and expectations. In a twisted attempt to solve their problems, Naomi and Nicholas decide to make each other miserable in hopes the other will break off the engagement.
They begin pulling pranks, making sarcastic remarks, and sabotaging each other’s happiness in petty ways. However, their plan backfires most unexpectedly. As they try to outdo each other, they start to see each other in a different light and realize they both still have feelings for one another.
Through all the jokes and misunderstandings, they begin confronting their issues more openly and honestly, learning that love requires more than just avoiding conflict. It takes growth, vulnerability, and the willingness to put in the effort to make things work.
As they rediscover what brought them together in the first place, Naomi and Nicholas find themselves on a path to not just saving their relationship but improving it in ways they never thought possible.
Themes and Plotline
- Love and Forgiveness: The central theme of the book is that love isn’t always easy. It requires effort, understanding, and forgiveness. Naomi and Nicholas must work through their differences and learn to forgive each other for their mistakes.
- Communication in Relationships: The story’s key theme is the importance of communication. Naomi and Nicholas don’t express their feelings well at the start of the book, which causes them a lot of tension. Over time, they realize that they need to be open and honest if they’re going to make their relationship work.
- Growth and Change: Naomi and Nicholas both change a lot throughout the book. They grow as individuals and as a couple. This theme of personal development is inspiring and shows that relationships can help you become a better person if you’re willing to put in the work.
Genre and Tropes in You Deserve Each Other
“It’s adorable how he assumes I’m in here making myself pretty instead of smearing a pentagram on the floor in my own blood and casting hexes on him.” ― Sarah Hogle, You Deserve Each Other
You Deserve Each Other is a romantic comedy, which means it’s packed with humor, heart, and romance. The book focuses on a couple navigating their ups and downs, with lots of funny moments along the way.
If you’re a fan of lighthearted stories with a sweet romance, this book will be a great fit for you. About the tropes
- Second-chance romance: This book revolves around the idea that even when a relationship seems broken, there’s always a chance for things to improve. Naomi and Nicholas work through their issues and find their way back to each other.
- Enemies to lovers (with a twist): While Naomi and Nicholas aren’t technically enemies, they do start out in a place where they’re both frustrated with each other. Their journey to rediscover their love for each other makes this book feel like an enemies-to-lovers romance but with a unique spin.
In You Deserve Each Other, expect lots of humor, some emotional moments, and a sweet romance that builds over time. The book focuses on how relationships take work, but it’s also full of lighthearted, fun moments that keep things from getting too heavy.
Readers Thoughts
Rating
You Deserve Each Other has a strong rating of 4.08 stars on Goodreads, with over 50,000 ratings. This shows that many readers have enjoyed the book and found it a fun yet emotional read.
Reviews:
- “A hilarious yet heartwarming rom-com that hits all the right notes. I couldn’t put it down!”
- “A perfect mix of wit and emotion. Naomi and Nicholas’ journey is both funny and real.”
- “Funny, sweet, and emotional. This book had me laughing out loud one minute and crying the next.”
- “The chemistry between Naomi and Nicholas is so relatable and real. I loved this book!”
Unlike many rom-coms that focus only on the fun, lighthearted moments of love, You Deserve Each Other dives deep into the struggles that come with being in a long-term relationship. It shows the complexities of love and the hard work it takes to make a relationship work, making it stand out from other rom-coms.
Who Will Enjoy You Deserve Each Other?
Age and content warning:
This book is best suited for readers aged 18 and older, as it includes some mature themes and content. There’s some language and sexual content, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re considering this book for younger readers.
People who liked these books:
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
If you enjoyed any of these books, You Deserve Each Other will likely be a hit for you too!
Books Similar To You Deserve Each Other
If you liked You Deserve Each Other, you’ll love:
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
These books all have similar themes of humor, romance, and the emotional journey that comes with relationships. They are perfect if you’re looking for something lighthearted yet meaningful to read.
Conclusion
You Deserve Each Other is a charming and funny romantic comedy that goes beyond the typical love story. It shows the complexities of relationships and highlights how love isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort.
Naomi and Nicholas start off as a couple on the brink of breaking up, but their journey of self-discovery and growth leads them back to each other. This book reminds us that relationships require open communication, forgiveness, and a willingness to work through tough times together.
The mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable characters makes it a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a rom-com with a little more depth. Whether you’re a fan of second-chance romance or simply looking for a feel-good story, You Deserve Each Other will leave you smiling and believing in the power of love.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone who loves a fun, emotional read.
More From Sarah Hogle
Sarah Hogle is a talented author known for her romantic comedies. She has a knack for creating quirky, relatable characters and weaving humor and heart into her stories. Her books often explore the complexities of love and relationships with a funny, refreshing twist.
Other books by Sarah Hogle
- Just Like the Other Girls
- The Magic of Your Touch
- Love at First Fight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is You Deserve Each Other a standalone book?
Yes, You Deserve Each Other is a standalone novel, so you don’t need to read any other books to understand or enjoy it.
Is there a Happily Ever After (HEA)?
Yes, the book ends with a satisfying HEA. Naomi and Nicholas work through their issues and find happiness together by the end of the story.
What age group is this book best suited for?
This book is best suited for readers aged 18 and older due to its mature themes and content.