I have to admit, I was quite saddened by the fact that I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, especially because I'm a huge fan of the author's previous works. While I've loved all her other books, this one fell short for me, earning only three to three and a half stars at best.

First, the physical aspect of the book bothered me a bit because it came in hardcover and didn't match the paperbacks of her other novels, which was a minor annoyance. But what really disappointed me was the story itself. "Happy Place" had so many of my favorite tropes—second chance romance, fake dating, and forced proximity with the classic "only one bed" scenario. The premise sounded promising, as it involved two former lovers who decide to pretend to be a couple again while on a trip with their best friends to avoid spoiling another couple's happiness after their engagement.

However, I found myself more invested in the dynamics of the friendships rather than the romance itself. The hero felt one-dimensional and uninteresting, a departure from Emily Henry's usual captivating heroes. This lack of connection with the main characters hindered my enjoyment of the book. Additionally, the story was much sadder and more depressing than I anticipated. It lacked the comedic elements and banter that I've come to expect from Emily Henry's books, leaving me disappointed.