Long Story Short by J.D. O’Shea: A Disappointing Journey
I picked up Long Story Short by J.D. O’Shea with a sense of anticipation—after all, who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy? The title itself felt inviting, promising lighthearted anecdotes and a dash of charm. However, what unfolded was a somewhat tedious reading experience that had me feeling less amused and more exasperated.
The story revolves around Freya, a bubbly and sometimes overly eager character, and Jake, the brooding romance author with a charming yet ambiguous persona. While I usually gravitate toward grumpy men, Jake’s dismissive attitude—especially when he brusquely tells Freya to “calm down”—left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s one thing to write a conflicted character, but it’s another to witness a supposed romantic lead whose behavior echoes misogyny. My gut reaction was to rise in defense of Freya, and I could practically hear myself saying, “No thanks, I’ll keep my dignity intact!”
Freya herself felt like a mashup of ditzy and childish tropes. Often flustered and unaware of her surroundings, she made cringe-worthy comments that left me squirming. The juxtaposition of her trying to establish a professional image in cowboy boots and a sundress was jarring, to say the least. Furthermore, her relentless probing into Jake’s private life struck me as intrusive rather than endearing. I mean, Freya, he’s a stranger—you can’t simply flip pages in his life story!
The pacing of the novel reinforced my frustrations. Despite its brevity, I found it surprisingly slow, largely due to the excessive “telling” rather than “showing.” O’Shea devoted chapters to Freya’s mundane routines while skimming over the emotional connections that should have drawn me in. When intimacy is primarily narrated rather than demonstrated, it leaves readers feeling detached. Some of the spice scenes, which should have been steamy, instead felt awkward and cringe-worthy—definitely not the romantic fire I craved.
On a positive note, O’Shea did craft some worthwhile side characters, particularly Davis, who had a subplot that was both engaging and touching. His arc felt genuine and even offered a glimpse of the happy ending I hoped to see. There’s always a little thrill in discovering that the supporting cast can carry a plot where the main leads falter.
In summary, Long Story Short had immense potential that ultimately fell flat for me. With its mixture of bland characterizations, lack of emotional depth, and awkward romantic scenes, it left me feeling distinctly underwhelmed. If you’re a reader who enjoys character-driven romances and doesn’t mind a bit of superficiality, you might still find some enjoyment here. However, for those seeking intricate storytelling and relatable characters, you might want to wait for the next big release.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Despite my disappointments, I look forward to what J.D. O’Shea writes next—the next adventure may just be the story we all want!