Something Borrowed + Something Blue

Something Borrowed / Something Blue by Emily Giffin

Series: Darcy & Rachel

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: April 1, 2005 / April 26, 2011

Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Paperback

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. (from Goodreads)

Something Blue continues the story of Darcy Rhone. She has always been able to rely on a few things: Her beauty and charm. Her fiance, Dex. Her lifelong best friend, Rachel. She never needed anything else. Or so she thinks until Dex calls off their dream wedding and she uncovers the ultimate betrayal. Blaming everyone but herself, Darcy flees to London and attempts to re-create her glamorous life on a new continent. But to her dismay, she discovers that her tried-and-true tricks no longer apply--and that her luck has finally expired. It is only then that she can begin her journey toward redemption, forgiveness, and true love. (adapted from Goodreads)

I read both of these books way before I started blogging, so I'm glad that the Companion Novels Challenge gave me the opportunity to read both Something Borrowed and Something Blue again. These are my two favorite Emily Giffin novels, mostly because they happen to be about best friends and their experiences with love, life and relationships. Reading them again was such a fun experience, and I finished both books feeling satisfied, almost like I'd just had lunch with an old friend.

Something Borrowed is Rachel's story, and most of the elements in this book felt very familiar. I'd watched the movie a few years ago, so it was sort of fresh in my memory. At its core, this book is about what happens when you fall in love with someone you shouldn't - and yet it still feels like you were meant to. I remember liking this book a whole lot more the first time I read it. This time, I was a bit prickly about the lying all of the characters were doing - from Darcy to Rachel to Dex. Still, the story was enjoyable, and I was really rooting for Dex and Rachel since it was so obvious that they truly belonged together. Bonus? The book is set in New York City.

Something Blue, on the other hand, is Darcy's story. Unlike the first novel, I had completely forgotten what happens in this book. Darcy is not exactly my favorite character (I'm more of a Rachel, even if I had problems with her lying in the first book), so this doesn't surprise me. But I forgot that this was going to be set in London (bonus for this book) and that it involved Ethan (Darcy & Rachel's childhood friend). Let me tell you guys - experiencing this book again just made me all giddy. I'd forgotten about how things play out in this one, and to finally remember it all just made me so happy. Sure, Darcy's change of attitude and heart was slightly too convenient and a touch unrealistic, but I loved it anyway.

Reading them one after another was definitely the best choice this time around. The stories fit together seamlessly, and it was interesting to immediately experience what Darcy was feeling right after Rachel's story. There were clear winners for a few things in each book, and I've even made a little chart for you below so you can see what I mean...

CATEGORY	SOMETHING BORROWED	SOMETHING BLUE	ALEXA’S PICK
Main Character	Rachel	Darcy	Rachel (I’m a lot more like Rachel, so obviously, I was going to pick her. Plus, I do like how she manages to sort of beat Darcy for the first time EVER.)
Love Interest	Dex	Ethan	Ethan (Even the first time I read the series, Ethan was my favorite. And if you’ve seen the movie, Ethan definitely wins over everyone else.)
Friends	Ethan, Hilary	Ethan	Ethan (Ethan’s the BEST. That is all that matters.)
Other Love Interest	Marcus	Geoffrey	Geoffrey (I mean, come on – he’s a doctor and he’s perfectly sweet.)
Setting	New York	London	New York AND London (How do you expect me to choose between two of my favorite places in the world?)

 
(Basically, Ethan wins all the awards.)

When it comes to chick lit, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Something Borrowed and Something Blue. These two novels are top examples of the genre, as well as being accessible and easy to read. It's perfect for spring break or a summer beach read!

These two novels were read as part of the Companion Novels Challenge.