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garbage_mcsmutly's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
Mostly enjoyable. There were a couple plot points that didn't quite track for me though.
The đśď¸ was hot.
The đśď¸ was hot.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Ableism, Infidelity, and Death of parent
galleytrot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
READ: Jun 2023
FORMAT: Audio
BRIEF SUMMARY:
In this contemporary romance set in London, a film production has the location surrounding Aubreyâs bookstore in disarray, and when interest in his charming shop catches the crewâs attention, he wants little to do with their attempts at securing it for the film. When a number of chance encounters lead to Aubrey bumbling his way into Blakeâs trailer, the handsome American actorâs blatant interest leads to a bold and out-of-character decision on Aubreyâs part. When heâd much rather keep his head down, he sets into motion a complicated fling thatâs destined to leave him hurt the moment the production is wrapped up.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 2.5 / 5â
I experienced a disconnect with this book. Trying to boil down where that disconnect stemmed from hasnât yielded much answers, but I can say a part of it comes from the characters not having much going on for them.
Aubrey is ornery, guarded, standoffish, rude, and just comes across as someone people would rather avoid being round. Blake is... well, at least in my mind, the best way to describe his personality is: attracted to Aubrey. Heâs a fun-loving man of endless talents, but more than anything, all he wants is Aubreyâs undivided attention. Even though the characters are mutually attracted to each other, I never caught any sense of chemistry, and for that reason a lot of their relationship development felt either boring or, when conflict would come about, unreasonable.
I was honestly baffled by Blakeâs responses to the two separate conflicts that occur in this book. After Aubrey takes a call from his ex that Blake overhears, two points of contention come up: a) that he didnât tell Blake about the call, and b) that he didnât tell his ex that he was spending the weekend out of town with Blake. This was such an unnecessary reaction to me; the entire time, I couldnât help thinking about how little Blake and Aubrey even knew about each other at that point. It felt like everyone involved was confused about just how far along their relationship actually was. The second, larger conflict made the first one all the more confusing, because Blake is revealed to be closeted and unwilling to be out for Aubrey anyway.
TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 3.5 / 5â
Questionable and boring relationship development aside, I didnât think this story was badly written. I thought the bedroom scenes were wonderfully reverent and well done, though they didnât match the more mundane tone of the rest of the story. It really was like sex was the only time the two would emotionally connect, despite sharing countless hobbies and passions that they could have been shown bonding over.
I also think Aubreyâs connection with his parents was meant to be emotionally significant, and yet we were never given any time for them. The mother he wants to support and care for never gets so much as an on-page phone call appearance> I donât know, just felt like a wasted opportunity for motivation and world-building.
Also, there was a cat in this book until there just wasn't.
Also, there was a cat in this book until there just wasn't.
FINAL THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 3 / 5â
This story had something to it; the flat characters are its downfall. I canât really think of more to say than that.
This book has representation for gays, bisexuals, and polyamorous. There is a wheelchair-bound side-character. There is not much else in the way of diversity.
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia, Outing, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
juffnstuff's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Toxic friendship
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
emotional
fast-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? No
4.0
One of the side characters is poly!
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Outing
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Car accident, and Abandonment
readingtotravel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Moderate: Infidelity and Death of parent
Minor: Biphobia and Homophobia
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