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chi__'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Physical abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
cranberry10088's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BRB sobbing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
sleepybythelake's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Pregnancy
lisa_m's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Before I start my review I have to give the fair warning that I watched the series first and I really liked it. I probably wouldn't ever have read this book if it wasn't for the series and I also think I wouldn't have liked this book as much without watching it first.
Okay so now that we're on the same page, I have to say I did have fun reading this book. I haven't read a German book in a while and it took some getting used to. I pretty much skipped the entire smut scene because it was just too weird for me (because of the language, not the writing) which wasn't as easy as just skimming beause I listened to the audiobook.
What I really liked about this book is that we got both Ruby and James' perspective. Anyone who knows me knows i LOVE multiple POVs and especially getting both POVs in romance books. This also really helped because James is SUCH a frustrating character and I don't think I would like him if I didn't get acess to his POV.
Generally this books is very tropey. It's a pretty average enemies-to-lovers book with a rich bad-boy love-interest who is struggling under his fathers expectations and a super smart, ambitious, gorgous, poor, nerd female protagonist who doesn't take anyones shit which makes her special. It's nothing you haven't seen before but it's done well. Sometimes I just feel like reading something that feels very familiar but isn't a re-read and this book gave me that feeling. For anyone saying this book is very Dramione coded, I agree.
The book is surprisingly similar to the series, except for the ending. I have no doubt that the ending of book 1 is going to be the start of season 2 though because this is a very important thing for the story. If I read this book before the rest of the series was out I would be very very mad and probably not continue reading. Since I read this book in the first place because I wanted to find out what happens to Ruby and James next, I probably will continue with the audiobooks. Imo these audiobooks are great for while you're doing something else since it's not a big issue if you miss small things. But right now I'm mad and disappointed in James and not sure if the next book can make me like him again. Because if it's just trying to make me feel bad for him that won't change me not liking him. I feel very bad and sad for him but I still don't like him because yes, I can have two feelings at the same time.
All in all I would recommend it as a casual fun read that you will probably like if you like tropey romance and/or if you enjoyed watching the series. As long as your expectations aren't too high you can definitely have a fun time reading this book.
Okay so now that we're on the same page, I have to say I did have fun reading this book. I haven't read a German book in a while and it took some getting used to. I pretty much skipped the entire smut scene because it was just too weird for me (because of the language, not the writing) which wasn't as easy as just skimming beause I listened to the audiobook.
What I really liked about this book is that we got both Ruby and James' perspective. Anyone who knows me knows i LOVE multiple POVs and especially getting both POVs in romance books. This also really helped because James is SUCH a frustrating character and I don't think I would like him if I didn't get acess to his POV.
Generally this books is very tropey. It's a pretty average enemies-to-lovers book with a rich bad-boy love-interest who is struggling under his fathers expectations and a super smart, ambitious, gorgous, poor, nerd female protagonist who doesn't take anyones shit which makes her special. It's nothing you haven't seen before but it's done well. Sometimes I just feel like reading something that feels very familiar but isn't a re-read and this book gave me that feeling. For anyone saying this book is very Dramione coded, I agree.
The book is surprisingly similar to the series, except for the ending. I have no doubt that the ending of book 1 is going to be the start of season 2 though because this is a very important thing for the story. If I read this book before the rest of the series was out I would be very very mad and probably not continue reading. Since I read this book in the first place because I wanted to find out what happens to Ruby and James next, I probably will continue with the audiobooks. Imo these audiobooks are great for while you're doing something else since it's not a big issue if you miss small things. But right now I'm mad and disappointed in James and not sure if the next book can make me like him again. Because if it's just trying to make me feel bad for him that won't change me not liking him. I feel very bad and sad for him but I still don't like him because yes, I can have two feelings at the same time.
All in all I would recommend it as a casual fun read that you will probably like if you like tropey romance and/or if you enjoyed watching the series. As long as your expectations aren't too high you can definitely have a fun time reading this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Vomit, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
joongarten's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug use
singingshooter's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
bookreviewbyana's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Livro bem desenvolvido, um pouco previsível!! Mas no geral é uma ótima leitura 🥹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Pregnancy
linnylionheart's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Addiction
lauraa_berger's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wasn't really into it until the half, but got exciting in the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death of parent
gaby_readsss's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Save Me by Mona Kasten 💔❤️🩹
I discovered this book after watching Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime.
The books are originally written in German and haven’t been published in English yet. I read the Spanish version and it was pretty fun to read.
This book has one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers. 😍
The author did a great job at delivering all the angst that comes with it. I devoured it all: the forbidden love, the tension, the character arcs, the glamour, the drama! Everything about it delivered all the teenage romcom feels! 💌
I watched the show first and became obsessed with it! 🤭
Reading the book afterward felt like being let in on a secret, since I learned more things about the characters that weren’t in the show. Reading Ruby’s and James’s POV’S made me appreciate and love them even more! 🥹
Noticing all the little details and differences was so much fun. I think they did an amazing job with the show in keeping true to the book and I’m happy with the things they added, like James drawing Ruby! (One of my favorite scenes). 🫶🏽
What a ride of emotions. I was giggling and kicking my feet, I was screaming, crying (figuratively lol), and had all sorts of emotions with this book. 😫
The ending was heartbreaking and it made me so upset. 😭
I am excited to continue the other books now! James Beaufort needs to redeem himself A LOT, so I’m scared for what’s to come. (I’m still obsessed with him though 🚩😍).
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
💌 enemies to lovers
💌 forbidden romance
💌 prestigious school romance
💌 popular, rich guy / quiet, smart girl
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25/5
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ 2/5
<Spoiler> why did James not go to Ruby’s house like in the show at the end?? 🙁 I actually preferred that ending over the one in the book. My guess is that in book 2 he’ll confess going to her house first but didn’t want to bother her with his pain so he left to go to a party to get drunk and high to forget. 😭😫
I discovered this book after watching Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime.
The books are originally written in German and haven’t been published in English yet. I read the Spanish version and it was pretty fun to read.
This book has one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers. 😍
The author did a great job at delivering all the angst that comes with it. I devoured it all: the forbidden love, the tension, the character arcs, the glamour, the drama! Everything about it delivered all the teenage romcom feels! 💌
I watched the show first and became obsessed with it! 🤭
Reading the book afterward felt like being let in on a secret, since I learned more things about the characters that weren’t in the show. Reading Ruby’s and James’s POV’S made me appreciate and love them even more! 🥹
Noticing all the little details and differences was so much fun. I think they did an amazing job with the show in keeping true to the book and I’m happy with the things they added, like James drawing Ruby! (One of my favorite scenes). 🫶🏽
What a ride of emotions. I was giggling and kicking my feet, I was screaming, crying (figuratively lol), and had all sorts of emotions with this book. 😫
The ending was heartbreaking and it made me so upset. 😭
I am excited to continue the other books now! James Beaufort needs to redeem himself A LOT, so I’m scared for what’s to come. (I’m still obsessed with him though 🚩😍).
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
💌 enemies to lovers
💌 forbidden romance
💌 prestigious school romance
💌 popular, rich guy / quiet, smart girl
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25/5
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ 2/5
<Spoiler> why did James not go to Ruby’s house like in the show at the end?? 🙁 I actually preferred that ending over the one in the book. My guess is that in book 2 he’ll confess going to her house first but didn’t want to bother her with his pain so he left to go to a party to get drunk and high to forget. 😭😫
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol