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chrisljm's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Not sure if this is just a me issue, but I wasn’t really into the way this book was written. The narration felt long-winded and tedious sometimes, and it contained a lot of pop culture references, which is something that I don’t like in books. I also found the characters to be flat and underdeveloped. So much of what is supposed to bring the characters to life was put on the back burner for the romance and it left behind so many unanswered questions. Taft has daddy issues - it’s mentioned a couple of times and then nothing comes of it. Taft has shitty friends and they do him dirty, but we never learn why. Freya is grieving her mother, but one day she just isn’t? Mandi has a stalker, but he doesn't even effect the plot? So much was said but you don’t see much of it in terms of plot, and it causes the romance aspect to suffer as well. Freya and Taft’s relationship moved so quickly, and as a result lacked depth and chemistry.
The book was entertaining for the most part, but it was also disappointing. The main obstacle of the novel is that Freya is tasked with pretending to be Mandi. While that is an urgent issue, it also really isn’t. And all the other obstacles that arise in the novel also lacked a sense of urgency. Story plots usually contain a climax and resolution, but this book did not feel like it had that. The entire ending was just so lacking, and the stakes were so low, I really could not believe the book just ended like that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Stalking, Infidelity, Sexism, and Racism
decklededgess's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
trigger warnings: death of parent, grief, toxic friendships, infidelity, cyber harassment, stalker, sexual content, alcohol
This was a cute book. I was struggling to find my groove in the beginning of the book but there’s a moment where the writing really clicks and the story hits its stride. There were moments where it felt like a YA book despite the characters being in their upper 20s but thankfully that drops off when the sexual tension spikes in the first third. 30% onwards I was thoroughly enjoying myself and invested in this celebrity doppelgänger deception plot.
I loved the chemistry between Taft and Freya. Their tenderness and affection for each other did a great job in investing me in their relationship. I also really enjoyed that despite the deception they were not part of, their relationship was built on trust and care for each other.
The sexual tension was also pretty great and I was pleasantly surprised by three fantastic smut scenes.
Overall a cute book!
This was a cute book. I was struggling to find my groove in the beginning of the book but there’s a moment where the writing really clicks and the story hits its stride. There were moments where it felt like a YA book despite the characters being in their upper 20s but thankfully that drops off when the sexual tension spikes in the first third. 30% onwards I was thoroughly enjoying myself and invested in this celebrity doppelgänger deception plot.
I loved the chemistry between Taft and Freya. Their tenderness and affection for each other did a great job in investing me in their relationship. I also really enjoyed that despite the deception they were not part of, their relationship was built on trust and care for each other.
The sexual tension was also pretty great and I was pleasantly surprised by three fantastic smut scenes.
Overall a cute book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Stalking
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