This was fine! Clark nails those swoony rom-com beats, particularly in Rafi and Ash's friends-to-lovers arc. 'Most Wonderful' is worth reading, if only for that plot line, especially if you're a fan of The Charm Offensive. But as an ensemble romance, this novel is less funny and complex and cohesive than Clark's last book, 'Island Time'. The characters aren't as fleshed out (Violet's main traits are "sexy" and "has depression." I can't recall a single thing about Jecka) and the themes don't feel as fresh and complementary (I LOVED 'Island Time''s conversations about motherhood). Clark's writing is sharp and beautiful in 'Island Time,' but it's didactic in 'Most Wonderful,' falling into the Very Special Episode trap of contemporary romance.

Liz and Violet's arc is promising (a show runner falls for her star––a banger of a premise!) and their romance has SO much momentum before it deflates in the novel's third act, which is very, very rushed. Like, I'm-not-even-sure-an-epilogue-can-fix-this rushed. PSA for romance authors: stop trying to make public declarations of love happen!!! I have yet to see one resolve a third-act breakup in a way that's even a LITTLE satisfying.

The subplot with Birdie's alcoholism feels thin and underdeveloped––perhaps an ensemble romantic comedy isn't the right container for that story? And I don't need my characters to be likeable, but they should at least be interesting! Birdie and Jecka are neither, and their inclusion weighs the novel down.

While 'Island Time' has a huge cast, it feels experimental in its narrative strategy. 'Most Wonderful,' by comparison, feels overstuffed and undercooked.