I read Not Like Before when I was having a bad day and it was just the sort of sweet, lovely book I needed, full of people who really care about each other (well, except some of the antagonists I guess). The plot was driven by very believable aspects of the characters' personalities instead of relying on miscommunication or other contrivances - at no point did I find myself wanting to grab the characters and shout, "Just talk to each other!" in their faces, as is sometimes the case with romance novels.

I'm so incredibly grateful that there are authors like Seabrooke and Ramsden writing books with excellent trans representation. Their experience may not be identical to mine, but it's similar enough that I cried with empathy at some of Mackenzie's more emotional moments. Also, it's neat to see a nonbinary antagonist who is a fully-developed secondary character with motives that are clearly based on realistic personal flaws/issues that anyone could have. Taron is a complex enough antagonist that I can imagine reading something from their perspective in which I actually feel sympathetic for them, even though they're absolutely awful in this book.

Speaking of secondary characters, I love Hope's mix of innocent optimism and academic thoughtfulness. I'm absolutely rooting for her to get a book of her own! Her soliloquy on history and choices was beautiful and inspiring.

I have one quibble with this book: I can't figure out where the Celadon Isles are supposed to be, or much about their history and culture - and one of the main characters is a historian of the Isles. I wish we got to learn more from Lola about her specialty.

Everything else about it is great! As a celebrity vacation romance it pretty much has to be a light read, but the characters are substantial enough to get really invested in their emotions.

I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys sapphic romance, trans representation, and/or a good grumpy/sunshine trope.

Disclosures: (1) I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review here. (2) I'm trans, and I may be predisposed to appreciate books by and/or about trans and nonbinary folks. (-: