Review: Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis

Smart Girl
(The Girls #3)
Author: Rachel Hollis
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: Lake Union Press
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn & Nahomi

Brilliant designer Miko Jin is a hopeless romantic. She’s spent most of her life falling in love over and over again…with the men she finds in the pages of her favorite novels.

When Miko meets Liam Ashton, it’s love at first sight. At least, for her. Sure, the two of them are polar opposites, and yes, he seems to be dating someone new each week. But Miko knows what true love is and that you can’t rush it—after all, what she lacks in real-world experience, she makes up for in book smarts. With novels as her guide, and her best friends by her side, she knows she can get Liam to love her back. But just like any good romance novel, fate has a few plot twists in store. Will Miko get her own happy ending? Will she find the strength to stand up for what she deserves even if it means breaking her own heart?

Jenn's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Nahomi's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Our Overall Rating:  5 stars out of 5 stars 

*I received an eARC/finished copy of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Jenn:
I loved Rachel Hollis' Sweet Girl but after reading Smart Girl it was decided for me that this was my favorite book of the series. Filled with book references, a main character that feels so relatable and just a sweetheart, and a love interest that is endeared by her strange antics. Smart Girl was more than what I was hoping for and it bought on a lot of fuzzy and happy feelings.

Smart Girl follows Miko, who've known from the previous two books in the series. Miko is a brilliant designer, has a unique sense of style, the best of friend, and a book nerd. Liam, on the other hand, we've got to know in pieces shown through other people eyes and a few scenes he was actually present. Both are complete opposite from one another and at first have nothing in common but the attraction has always been there. Especially for Miko. Miko decides to take matters into her own hands and device a plan that would make all heroines proud.

Rachel Hollis has managed to pick the best from other romance novels and put her own twist, and ideas into making Miko’s story all the more unique and special. Of course I found myself shaking my head at Miko’s shenanigans when I could see how it woulldn’t work out in her favor. But I couldn’t help but be hopeful for her because what book lover wouldn’t want to take a page from their favorite heroine and have it work out? But I do have to admit that Liam’s behavior towards Miko frustrated me. I just wanted to take Miko away and say a few choice words at Liam because his actions and words were really hurtful. In Liam’s defense, though, he was very honest about himself in the beginning, about his ways, and so I can’t really be upset at him. Until he really does screw up.

Rachel Hollis further cemented herself as one of my go-to authors. I’m extremely sad to say goodbye to this series because I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Miko, Landon, and Max. My only condolence is that we were left in a way where we can picture what happens for them in the future. I am looking forward to whatever Rachel writes because I need more words from her.

So if you’re in the mood for some interesting shenanigans, funny banter, and just plain good all around, I sincerely recommend you to pick up this book or any of the other books in the series.

Nahomi:
I had such a wonderful time reading Smart Girl, Rachel Hollis out did herself. Smart Girl is funny and full of wonderful characters. The story is heart wrenchingly honest and the emotions depicted are raw and at times overwhelming. Smart Girl is intelligently written and full of so many book references which made the story that much more interesting. There are so many things I loved about this book that it’s hard to choose what to focus on.

For starters Miko is a fantastic character. She is quirky, and sarcastic which made for very interesting dialogue throughout the story. Miko is also very smart and hardworking and puts a lot of effort into her crazy antics and research in order to create her own love story. Her antics had me laughing so hard. Miko deals with a lot of self-esteem issues throughout the story which aren’t sugar coated at all. Smart Girl is painfully honest at times to the point where I found myself cringing on Miko’s behalf.

Liam is ok. He really did come off as a sleaze bag most of the time except on rare occasions when he actually opened himself up. He wasn’t my favorite throughout a lot of the story, but in the end he redeemed himself. His grand gesture at the end of the story is so romantic. *swoons*

I love Smart Girl! I am so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful world Rachel Hollis has created. I hope to read more from her in the future.