The Deja Glitch

I'm always down for a good time loop romance, but author Holly James' decision to designate the MMC as the character stuck in the loop instead of the FMC gives the love story an unfortunately creepy vibe. Jack has been reliving the same day for months, each time meeting Gemma, who doesn't remember him because it's a new day to her. But when they meet and flirt at a party, Jack kisses Gemma. The next/same morning, Gemma has a deja vu feeling about the handsome guy she bumps into. Without much ado, James tells Gemma the whole time loop dilemma, including his belief that in order for them both to move on, Gemma must fall in love with him. Today.

Given a different plot, James might be the perfect man, but this one requires him to behave like a stalker, following Gemma around even when she tries to avoid him. They do share some nice moments together, but not enough to compensate for the genuinely icky premise. And then throw in an Evil Ex Girlfriend and the whole thing collapses. Sure, Jack's been living the same day for months, but in real time he broke up with the Ex just days ago. And I always question the judgement of someone who is attracted to an obviously toxic person, even if Jack pleads the unconvincing “I knew the relationship was wrong from the beginning” shtick.

Gemma and her BFF Lila are charming together, and Gemma's complicated family dynamics are handled sensitively. But that's overshadowed by a romance that isn't romantic. YMMV if you don't get triggered by persistence that is uncomfortably close to obsessive stalking.