... hm. idk, feelings are mixed. 

i liked that this explores the messiness of relationships and how you can sometimes be an asshole without wanting to be. because that is what it feels like to read this. ben and arthur and arthur especially really have a lot of moments in this book that make you want to shake them, because they can't figure their feelings out and are hurting others in the process. - while that is hard to read, it felt realistic. people aren't always capable of behaving in the best way possible, even if someone on the outside can see where they go wrong.

honestly? mikey is the sweetest person ever and really didn't deserve arthurs behavior in any way, i got so frustrated sometimes. when jessie was like "mayyybe don't reconnect with your ex - especially not in the same place you first met when you had this "the universe" fate thing going on - while knowing your boyfriend is insecure about that" and arthur didn't even hesitate ... god, i was annoyed. yes, nobody can forbid you to meet someone, but ... without even second guessing it? really, arthur?? - i'm glad he reflects on that later, but still. the break up scene broke my heart, i just wanted to hug mikey so badly. and glad that he got at least a bit angry.

the thing is though: you're supposed to root for them to get back together. and i was like: hm, i don't really care. i said in my review of the first book that i didn't really get invested in the romance, but i did think they were a cute couple. well, for the most part of this book, they weren't a couple and i honestly didn't really feel like they should become one again. i didn't really buy the "happy forever" kind of thing for them. also, i thought the book was a little too long and the ending a little too much... but it fit the story, i guess.

all in all i did like the exploration of relationship dynamics, even though i didn't enjoy the eventual romance that much. but that's okay. i was entertained and got through this book quite fast for the most part, it dragged on a bit sometimes.