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dododenise's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
A very fun read! They are utter idiots but they are so loveable I forgive them everything they do. I have no idea how they survived this book, but good for them.
The story itself was very predictable but it really didn’t bother me. In a way, it was relaxing. There was a tendency to slip in moments that would fill me with tension because in stories these things usually meant problems but this book immediately resolved it. These quick relief moments were new and fun.
The romance was quite average. Not a lot of major feelings about it, but it did make me happy and I did root for them.
The story itself was very predictable but it really didn’t bother me. In a way, it was relaxing. There was a tendency to slip in moments that would fill me with tension because in stories these things usually meant problems but this book immediately resolved it. These quick relief moments were new and fun.
The romance was quite average. Not a lot of major feelings about it, but it did make me happy and I did root for them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, and Alcohol
anntharai's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
lizardgod's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
3.0
Spoiler free review.
Who would like this book?
People who like quick/light reads, non-extensive lore/backstory, tragic vampires, and lightly dark MLM romance with dubious consent (somno and prey).
What I liked:
- The Dynamics.
- HTBYN&WAW makes itself out to be a dark romance and I can recommend it on the basis of that fact towards people just starting in the genre due to the main characters being so dynamic. For a dark romance styled novel, the dynamic between the two love interests, Vincent and Wesley, is actually quite endearing. They play bicker as a friendship with a budding relationship flirty quip mixed in. Apart from obvious power indifferences, they do seem to genuinely care for each other. Kendall and Wesley's friendship is endearing to the extent that it feels realistic, Kendall is there for Wesley acting as a soundboard to what is happening in his life and poking fun at him for his sexual encounters...or rather lack of them. Individually, Bryn made me feel certain ways towards the characters and I really enjoyed being challenged in how I felt about each one. Initially, I felt conflicted about Wesley using Vincent, yet as I read further and put some thought into it, I began to despise Vincent rather than feeling bad for him. Vincent was a predator with a sad story, nothing more, only thinking and moping about himself for much (arguably for the entirety) of the story. I wish Bryn had gone into more of Kendall's character, but I will get to that more later. My favorite character was Wesley, however I felt so terrible for him, his attraction towards Vincent is categorized of a victim in a power dominated relationship. Wes is still recovering from the grief of his deceased mother, is assaulted in his sleep, and the assaulter (Vincent) constantly pulls the 'I'm just a burden' card to reel him back in. He is also incredibly relatable with how he responds to his grief, people around him, and situations around him. His habit of accepting all wagers/bets is touching and enforces the dynamic attributes Bryn has provided for the characters. For example after sending a business e-mail Wes thinks:
Who would like this book?
People who like quick/light reads, non-extensive lore/backstory, tragic vampires, and lightly dark MLM romance with dubious consent (somno and prey).
What I liked:
- The Dynamics.
- HTBYN&WAW makes itself out to be a dark romance and I can recommend it on the basis of that fact towards people just starting in the genre due to the main characters being so dynamic. For a dark romance styled novel, the dynamic between the two love interests, Vincent and Wesley, is actually quite endearing. They play bicker as a friendship with a budding relationship flirty quip mixed in. Apart from obvious power indifferences, they do seem to genuinely care for each other. Kendall and Wesley's friendship is endearing to the extent that it feels realistic, Kendall is there for Wesley acting as a soundboard to what is happening in his life and poking fun at him for his sexual encounters...or rather lack of them. Individually, Bryn made me feel certain ways towards the characters and I really enjoyed being challenged in how I felt about each one. Initially, I felt conflicted about Wesley using Vincent, yet as I read further and put some thought into it, I began to despise Vincent rather than feeling bad for him. Vincent was a predator with a sad story, nothing more, only thinking and moping about himself for much (arguably for the entirety) of the story. I wish Bryn had gone into more of Kendall's character, but I will get to that more later. My favorite character was Wesley, however I felt so terrible for him, his attraction towards Vincent is categorized of a victim in a power dominated relationship. Wes is still recovering from the grief of his deceased mother, is assaulted in his sleep, and the assaulter (Vincent) constantly pulls the 'I'm just a burden' card to reel him back in. He is also incredibly relatable with how he responds to his grief, people around him, and situations around him. His habit of accepting all wagers/bets is touching and enforces the dynamic attributes Bryn has provided for the characters. For example after sending a business e-mail Wes thinks:
Was that too many exclamation points? Too pushy? Too weak? Wesley closed his eyes and hit send. pg. 67
- The Pacing.
- I really enjoyed the plot's pacing, not slow but not speedy either. The plot is a simple rendition of loved one dead due to evil corporation, close loved one seeks revenge, close loved one uses person to help with revenge, wait a second I fell in love with them, oh no they found out my plan that I scrapped, make up after crying together, and then burn the corporation down. It's been done a lot, but often the author makes the plot drain on and on or other times half the events happen in the same chapter. Bryn drags it out long enough for the reader to give a damn about the characters but stops it right before it becomes bland. Could Bryn have put some more lore and dimension into the relationships? Yes, but it would come at the cost of spiraling away from the meat of the story. I love reading books I can pick up and put down within a day or two with a story that feels wrapped up, loose ends tucked away, and Bryn has done so.
What I didn't like:
- Kendall.
- Kendall being lesbian is only brought up for the sake of either a joke at her expense or to create a turning point in the narrative. The first two times Vincent mentions Kendall, he states her to be the "annoying lesbian" that Wesley talks to. The other times it's brought up is when she makes comments about Wes' sex life/relationship advice and when Wes has to pick up something for her girlfriend so that the store clerk can make Wes think about the current events. MLM books should still be able to pass the Bechdel test, yet Kendall's existence was purely to push the male lead's narrative. Nearly every interaction included her sexuality and acted as a soundboard to Wes, nothing more. She could have been replaced with literally anything else, making her existence ultimately useless. I really wish she would have been better defined since her and Wes's dynamic, as I aforementioned, was really sweet and realistic overall.
-Vincent/Dark Romance.
- I knew this was a dark romance, yet his actions were treated as if he just stole a soda from the convenience store. Wesley mentions throughout about half the book, just how fucked up Vincent's actions and intentions were. Vincent draws the line at being a burden through showering, eating, and existing at Wesley's house with consent, yet he deems it perfectly fine to assault people in their sleep. It's ok though because Vincent is a sad, emo, homeless, depressed, vampire that shouldn't even exist if all he does is hurt people right? No. His faults aren't ever addressed in the book as genuine concerns and treated more as a kink than a breech of consent. When you're reading a dark romance, it makes a point to deem the dark aspects as such, but HTBYN&WAW instead makes it seem like a slight character flaw to further a more 'fluff' reading. Furthermore, whenever he assaults someone, he makes it a point to lament about how his life is so horrible, no real remorse for the person he assaulted. I can honestly recommend it for people who getting started in dark romance, but if you have an issue with abuse being described as edgy fluff, you're not going to like this book. The dark romance feels added just to have an edgy appeal for a wider audience. My last points to Vincent himself, is that there was no need for the
- Diversity.
- I don't know if Bryn themself is of Mexican descent, but I personally found the representation to be abhorrent. Wesley and his mother being Mexican serves no purpose whatsoever. Wesley breaks out in Spanish twice, which would make sense if he was under great stress, but it was just twice. There are multiple times where he is obviously highly stressed out, yet he speaks in fluent English. The only words he mistakes by the way, is yes/si and please/por favor. Wes never says anything else in Spanish. But what about this line?
Once he started babbling at Vincent in Spanish it was time to launch himself into the sun. pg. 109
Doesn't that mean he's just embarrassed by it? Maybe, but Bryn never iterates this ever again. Wes mentions Dia de los Muertos and being a spicy household, making him being Mexican pointless. Wes's mom also is so stereotypical it hurts to read; she delivers sopes to Vincent's family just because, she's Catholic, reads romance novels, and she has a Mexican accent. Most of the time she's mentioned, her race is brought up (or Wesley's tragic backstory which goes back to the Bechdel test point). Inclusivity and diversity are key aspects to enjoying stories, but if you're going to put them in there, commit to the part. Is she Wesley's mom who happens to be Mexican or is a Mexican mom who happens to be Wesley's mom? Kendall's sexuality could go here too but I already elaborated on that. Two other minor details that scream forced diversity is a comment from Kendall on dating books being written by authors that are "all straight and white" and a clerk's neutral pronoun reference to Wesley's lover which is immediately drawn attention to. I enjoy inclusivity in books but Bryn doesn't have to essentially highlight they are being inclusive for a metaphorical gold star for it.
- Other Points.
- These points are just random extras I had. The sexual content is deserving of a M rating on AO3, so if you're here for spice, you'll be disappointed. Any sexual references feel like two virgin high schoolers flirting over anything that could be misconstrued as an innuendo and if the sexual content was left out, the story would probably benefit as it felt forced. Werewolves exist for one line for some reason? It's mentioned once that they exist without leading anywhere. A stranger helps Vincent twice within about 20 pages of events and they are never mentioned again? Bryn named the random vampire staying with them later, but never named the stranger, the assistant, or the friend Wes stays with. A lot of details are mentioned, just for it to have no impact on the story yet details that should've been added, aren't. The ending is very predictable especially his mom's outcome. Wesley's "blackmail" is deemed useless by him, but he uses it as leverage? That didn't make any sense. Vincent and Wesley's relationship happened out of nowhere and seemed rushed by the ending.
- Other Points.
- These points are just random extras I had. The sexual content is deserving of a M rating on AO3, so if you're here for spice, you'll be disappointed. Any sexual references feel like two virgin high schoolers flirting over anything that could be misconstrued as an innuendo and if the sexual content was left out, the story would probably benefit as it felt forced. Werewolves exist for one line for some reason? It's mentioned once that they exist without leading anywhere. A stranger helps Vincent twice within about 20 pages of events and they are never mentioned again? Bryn named the random vampire staying with them later, but never named the stranger, the assistant, or the friend Wes stays with. A lot of details are mentioned, just for it to have no impact on the story yet details that should've been added, aren't. The ending is very predictable especially his mom's outcome. Wesley's "blackmail" is deemed useless by him, but he uses it as leverage? That didn't make any sense. Vincent and Wesley's relationship happened out of nowhere and seemed rushed by the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, and Medical trauma
jupiterlee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
purplesapphire's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
Cheesy but lovely at times. Bring up some serious discussion points too. Pining. Damn, so much mutual pining. I really likes the duel POV. Definitely gonna be reread...a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
sabinehunter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
nat_kiverse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Gun violence, and Alcohol
sammymilfort's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse and Self harm
rai_ishardtoplease's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
3.75
“‘Is the hallway floor the best place for this conversation?’
‘Anywhere we are is the best place, I think.’”
Well. That was mildly depressing.
Is this a Thing? I know emotional damage is a hallmark of queer fanfic, but did I somehow miss the memo that this was the dress code for all queer literature?
(No, really. That’s a genuine question. I could make a career out of staying out of the loop atp)
Oh, and am I the only one questioning the title? I mean, it doesn’t not work. The wager part is a little misleading—unless it’s actually not and I’ve just read way too many shitty hs/college romances—but ig it’s noteworthy enough by the end to warrant referencing.
But neighbors?
It would take all of 15 minutes to edit that detail out of the story entirely, but that’s what we’re latching onto here??
Idk how I feel about the Vitalis-Barron conflict being left unresolved… but then again, if I had to choose between my queers being happy-enough or somewhat-satisfied-6ft-under, this would be my preferred ending
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Racism, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Stalking
Chronic illness refers to vampirism. Racism also (mostly) refers to vampirism.krisalexcole's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Gun violence, Homophobia, and Racism
Breaking and entering