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annahamburger's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Really enjoyed this book. I agree with the friend though, that the FMC and MMC talk like they are in high school and won't just be forthright with their feelings at a certain point.
I know the relationship takes place over a really short time period (2 ish months) but I'd have liked to see
Aleah come to the realization that her past relationship and related trauma was making her anxious and take what Drew would say out of context and to an extreme. She got there - it was just off page. I also would have liked it to happen a bit earlier in the narrative before their final misunderstanding- I think it being such a visceral reaction and triggering would still make sense.
I think she could have gotten upset about the matches comment and then talked herself through and talked to Drew.
Her anxieties and reactions are valid - I just think after a few of these instances she would start try to talk herself though if - even if she couldn't convince herself all the way.
I know the relationship takes place over a really short time period (2 ish months) but I'd have liked to see
Aleah come to the realization that her past relationship and related trauma was making her anxious and take what Drew would say out of context and to an extreme. She got there - it was just off page. I also would have liked it to happen a bit earlier in the narrative before their final misunderstanding- I think it being such a visceral reaction and triggering would still make sense.
I think she could have gotten upset about the matches comment and then talked herself through and talked to Drew.
Her anxieties and reactions are valid - I just think after a few of these instances she would start try to talk herself though if - even if she couldn't convince herself all the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Stalking, and Pregnancy
lnzava's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Infidelity and Racism
Minor: Cursing, Drug abuse, Medical trauma, and Pregnancy
thejoyfulbookblogger's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
originally posted on www.livinglifewithjoy.com
Book Format & Source: Digital ARC via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Romance. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Any ARC editing errors noticed are assumed corrected prior to the final published copy release.
Review & Thoughts:
Great first line had me laughing from the get go. The book touches on impactful themes; sexual assault, happily ever afters, and life adventures. Main theme was about miscommunication which I’m sorry to say is my least favorite romance trope. I find it hard to connect with multiple instances of miscommunication and it kind of makes my skin crawl when a relationship seems so doomed from the start. In my perspective communication is so incredibly important for the continued growth of a health relationship.
I enjoyed the story but I didn’t find myself engaged. From one perspective I think it may have had too many romance tropes bundled into the story. You have your meet cute, your close proximity, secret relationships, overcoming past relationship trouble that led to having a hard time to trust a new romance. The meet cute was a really fun one though!
The chemistry between Alia and Drew is off the charts which makes for a sexy steamy read but some of the story felt a bit over the top for me. This book had fantastic feedback so if it sounds like your kind of read I’d still recommend giving it a go!
Fun Fact: The author lives in Oregon. My husband and I just moved to Oregon and bought our first home and I get so excited when I discover local authors!
Recommend for: lovers of steamy romance, romance tropes; meet cute, close proximity, miscommunication
My Review Rating: ♥♥♥.5
Romance Steam Factor: R
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Sexism, and Sexual assault