“Night Shift” by Annie Crown is a love letter to romance readers; however, while the book has its charms, it also grapples with some aspects that impact the overall reading experience.

The book follows Kendall Holiday, a bookworm working the graveyard shift at her university library. Her predictable world takes an unexpected turn when Vincent Knight, the basketball team captain, enters her life seeking poetry recommendations. As their worlds collide, a sweet and spicy college romance unfolds, exploring first-time love, awkward encounters, and genuine insecurities.

From the start, the novel succumbs to the familiar trope of insta-love. The instant connection between Kendall and Vincent, while appealing to fans of rapid romantic development, may disappoint those seeking a more gradual and nuanced exploration of a relationship.

Besides the instant beginning, the romance between Kendall and Vincent is adorable and addicting. The portrayal of intimacy and awkwardness stands out, capturing the authentic charm of first-time college romance. The book successfully navigates the insecurities that accompany such experiences, portraying efforts at communication and connection. These moments resonate with readers who have undergone the delightful yet awkward journey of initial romance.

While the romance is well developed, the characters are flat and hollow. Besides their primary traits of books and basketball, readers learn very little about the characters. For Kendall, her identity revolves around her love for books and her role in the university library. Despite the relatability of her bookish persona and the insight into her insecurities, readers are left yearning for a deeper understanding of her life outside the literary realm. Similarly, Vincent, introduced as the basketball team captain, lacks substantial development within this role, leaving readers with only a surface-level understanding of his character. The narrative doesn’t delve into their personal histories, hobbies, or aspirations, creating a void that, while filled with the charm of their romance, leaves the reader wanting more insights into the lives of these protagonists.

Another shortcoming is the overuse of the miscommunication trope. It seems that every ten pages, the characters engage in actions that result in significant misunderstandings, easily preventable through straightforward communication. Although the novel attempts to inject humor by playfully acknowledging the annoying nature of this trope, the excessive reliance on it falls short of redeeming the narrative. Despite the self-awareness, the overuse detracts from the overall storytelling experience, leaving readers wishing for a more varied approach to plot development.

Despite these flaws, the novel is a fun and charming read, perfect for readers to devour in one sitting. 

“Night Shift” combines cute moments with a fast-paced plot, catering to fans of quick romantic reads. While the rushed romance and persistent miscommunication may hinder the experience, the novel successfully captures the essence of first-time college romance and the endearing insecurities that accompany it.