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trips's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was...ok.
Now, to note: I'm exploring romance in this year of 2023 but I am finding I'm super picky so what I may not like may be your cup of tea and by all means drink it cause I'm probably not going for seconds.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care, and the author really wants you to know, as various characters say it constantly throughout the book. She returns home to photograph her estranged step sisters wedding and ends up falling for her childhood crush, Claire, again along the way (and Claire is falling too oooo).
I was hoping for character growth and sweet moments between the love interests but Delilah spends so much time wallowing its hard to root for her. But the way the book is structured, it didn't feel like there was enough time spent to allow for Delilah to grow from her past trauma/pains/bullies as too much of the book was focused on her step sister and her shitty fiance. I get that the next book is in Astrid's POV but maybe save it for there? idk.
I liked Claire a lot, and I enjoyed her side of the story a lot more than Astrid's getting thrown in there (because she was the love interest and it made sense). Unfortunately the romance blossoming didn't feel much like romance to me, there were so many other things going on and instead of getting to know each other, the ladies were just boning a lot. Which is fine, in a longer book I would imagine they would have had their moments to connect more...
I'm going to stop because I'm just going to ramble for forever. I wish this was a 5 star book as I'm all for sapphic romance, but alas.
Now, to note: I'm exploring romance in this year of 2023 but I am finding I'm super picky so what I may not like may be your cup of tea and by all means drink it cause I'm probably not going for seconds.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care, and the author really wants you to know, as various characters say it constantly throughout the book. She returns home to photograph her estranged step sisters wedding and ends up falling for her childhood crush, Claire, again along the way (and Claire is falling too oooo).
I was hoping for character growth and sweet moments between the love interests but Delilah spends so much time wallowing its hard to root for her. But the way the book is structured, it didn't feel like there was enough time spent to allow for Delilah to grow from her past trauma/pains/bullies as too much of the book was focused on her step sister and her shitty fiance. I get that the next book is in Astrid's POV but maybe save it for there? idk.
I liked Claire a lot, and I enjoyed her side of the story a lot more than Astrid's getting thrown in there (because she was the love interest and it made sense). Unfortunately the romance blossoming didn't feel much like romance to me, there were so many other things going on and instead of getting to know each other, the ladies were just boning a lot. Which is fine, in a longer book I would imagine they would have had their moments to connect more...
I'm going to stop because I'm just going to ramble for forever. I wish this was a 5 star book as I'm all for sapphic romance, but alas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Such a fun, heartfelt queer romcom!
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how complex and nuanced the characters were. They felt like real, complicated people with real, complicated pasts. Even the side characters had complexity, especially Claire's daughter Ruby who is one of the most realistic child characters I've ever read. I found Delilah particularly relatable, in all of her spiky, petty glory. Claire was so lovely too, just a sweet woman trying to do the best for everyone and struggling with parenting. I loved how tender and vulnerable Claire and Delilah were with each other, even when they thought it was just temporary and casual. Surprisingly steamy for a romcom too, especially a sapphic one.
It was also interesting to see Delilah reexamine her memories of the past and realise they may just be a bit unreliable, that she and Astrid were just stuck in a loop of miscommunication and hurt feelings. I thought it was done really well (aside from the part where Delilah reads Astrid's diary — that felt like such a violation of her privacy).
There were a couple of things that bothered me — the diary reading, how much of the plot of this sapphic romance ultimately centred around a cishet man and a really terrible (borderline caricature-ish) one at that, the whole bet situation. But ultimately this was such a fantastic romance! Reminded me a lot of Book Lovers by Emily Henry with the small-town bookshop/sisters-at-odds vibes, but executed way better (in my opinion).
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how complex and nuanced the characters were. They felt like real, complicated people with real, complicated pasts. Even the side characters had complexity, especially Claire's daughter Ruby who is one of the most realistic child characters I've ever read. I found Delilah particularly relatable, in all of her spiky, petty glory. Claire was so lovely too, just a sweet woman trying to do the best for everyone and struggling with parenting. I loved how tender and vulnerable Claire and Delilah were with each other, even when they thought it was just temporary and casual. Surprisingly steamy for a romcom too, especially a sapphic one.
It was also interesting to see Delilah reexamine her memories of the past and realise they may just be a bit unreliable, that she and Astrid were just stuck in a loop of miscommunication and hurt feelings. I thought it was done really well (aside from the part where Delilah reads Astrid's diary — that felt like such a violation of her privacy).
There were a couple of things that bothered me — the diary reading, how much of the plot of this sapphic romance ultimately centred around a cishet man and a really terrible (borderline caricature-ish) one at that, the whole bet situation. But ultimately this was such a fantastic romance! Reminded me a lot of Book Lovers by Emily Henry with the small-town bookshop/sisters-at-odds vibes, but executed way better (in my opinion).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A charmingly delightful queer romantic comedy about learning to trust again, and what happens when you return to your home town. You guys this book had me all in my feels for real! (I ugly cried so much reading this!)
Delilah Green has made a life for herself in New York, and has gotten very practiced at casual hookups and flings, never one to try to have a real relationship after a bad heartbreak. With her stepsisters' wedding coming up, she must travel back to her hometown and confront her past in a place where she was never accepted.
Claire needs to get laid. Badly. The sexy lady she approaches at the bar is just what she needs, only it turns out she is none other than her best friend and bride to be, Astrid's, wicked stepsister, and so totally off limits.
Between wedding events and plotting over how to break up the bride and groom (yes really), the two begin to get very close. Seriously y'all...the SPICE in this book! Someone fetch me a fan and a glass of iced tea because it got steamy. The chemistry and banter between Claire and Delilah was so thrilling to read, and I loved watching their story evolve, as well as each of them grow.
Delilah so perfectly encapsulated the results of being misunderstood and neglected as a child. Astrid is on the other end of the spectrum, with her being the results of an overbearing and over critical Mother. Blake handled so well what happens when two siblings go through having a difficult childhood, and how resentment and misunderstanding can build over time into a twisted and ugly monstrosity.
My only complaint about this book is I wish someone had smacked around Isabel just a little bit. (Okay...a lot!) I wanted a full on rage scene with lots of slapping and maybe even some hitting with a fish.
A must read for lovers of queer books, or fans of a good love story. I can't wait to read the next book!
Delilah Green has made a life for herself in New York, and has gotten very practiced at casual hookups and flings, never one to try to have a real relationship after a bad heartbreak. With her stepsisters' wedding coming up, she must travel back to her hometown and confront her past in a place where she was never accepted.
Claire needs to get laid. Badly. The sexy lady she approaches at the bar is just what she needs, only it turns out she is none other than her best friend and bride to be, Astrid's, wicked stepsister, and so totally off limits.
Between wedding events and plotting over how to break up the bride and groom (yes really), the two begin to get very close. Seriously y'all...the SPICE in this book! Someone fetch me a fan and a glass of iced tea because it got steamy. The chemistry and banter between Claire and Delilah was so thrilling to read, and I loved watching their story evolve, as well as each of them grow.
Delilah so perfectly encapsulated the results of being misunderstood and neglected as a child. Astrid is on the other end of the spectrum, with her being the results of an overbearing and over critical Mother. Blake handled so well what happens when two siblings go through having a difficult childhood, and how resentment and misunderstanding can build over time into a twisted and ugly monstrosity.
My only complaint about this book is I wish someone had smacked around Isabel just a little bit. (Okay...a lot!) I wanted a full on rage scene with lots of slapping and maybe even some hitting with a fish.
A must read for lovers of queer books, or fans of a good love story. I can't wait to read the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, and Abandonment
the_lesbrarian's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Misogyny, and Death of parent
moreadsnrambles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Alcohol
mx_sunshine'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute book!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I was surprised by Astrid’s relationship with her fiancé. It was triggering to read at times. I feel like this book used the abuse as a plot device to bring the characters together without acknowledging the abusive nature of the relationship. I was expecting a conversation from the characters about it. The signs of an abusive relationship were subtly threaded throughout the novel but it wasn’t explicitly stated. This might’ve been a deliberate choice to not isolate the audience.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
bookishwondergoth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Love love loved this book. I was so up in my feels towards the end that my eyes welled up with many tears. RTC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
hflh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought I was going to feel eh about this book and, after reading the first chapter, I was pretty sure I was going to hate it. Obviously, I was wrong on both counts.
This book is so incredibly tender and the characters have so much life. The heart of the story is the main characters navigating their past trauma and relationships and it’s balanced really well with sitting in those feelings and also finding love and healing. Blake shines in her work on character and relationships.
Yea, there are some cheesy cliches, but isn’t that the point? The only time I struggled with the cliches was in Iris’ characterization which I thought was a bit one-note but she functions more to drive the plot while the focus is primarily on Delilah, Claire, and Astrid.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship
bluebreex's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
This is the first book in ages that I completely flew through! It was funny, lighthearted and relatable.
I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a easy fun read or a romcom experience filled with drama and revelations!
I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a easy fun read or a romcom experience filled with drama and revelations!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
katyfayyyx's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
I have never thought of myself as romance girly, it has never been a genre I have ever really reached for but maybe this book is proving me wrong because I loved reading this book, I had such a fun time with it. I just loved the characters however I did keep thinking who was this many pre-wedding dates/events because girl what was the reason but that me just over thinking, a really small part of the book. It was just such a fun read like I don't really have a lot to say expect that I just had such a fun time with this book like there were actually a number of times that I laughed out loud and I didn't really want to read this book when I picked it up but I thought I am going to need to read at some point so why not now. I think a reason that this book was just so fun was that no only did I like the two main character as couple but I loved them as individual characters aswell. I do have one issue with this book and that some of the writing and words used screamed millennial like 'shit boot' like every time I read that, I cringed but I guess millennials are this age group, so that maybe have they talk but I don't know and I don't care because I didn't like it. I thought the whole sub-plot about how family is complicated and how they are not all prefect was really well done and doesn't seem to tell you or you should feel sorry for, you get to make your own decision which I liked. This book was just so funny, fun to read, wholesome and just really fluffy and truly had such a good time with this book and the ending just made me so happy, like I had like a warm and fluffy feelings and if you just want a fun, quick read that a whole lot of fun this book is prefect.
Here are some of my favourite moments...
Delilah & Claire first meeting
Claire calling Spencer out on his weird 'good girl' bullshit
When Delilah pushed Spencer into the lake after giving Claire her camera and pretending like it was an accident.
'To shitty men and the women who put them in their godamn place'
I just how this book show how quick queer women fall in love so quick like they have been together for what 10 days and they were both just so madly in love
Here are some of my favourite moments...
Delilah & Claire first meeting
Claire calling Spencer out on his weird 'good girl' bullshit
When Delilah pushed Spencer into the lake after giving Claire her camera and pretending like it was an accident.
'To shitty men and the women who put them in their godamn place'
I just how this book show how quick queer women fall in love so quick like they have been together for what 10 days and they were both just so madly in love
‘A full, happy feeling filled Delilah’s chest as she looked at her friends, her partner, her home. She lifted her glass once more into the air, tipping it to each of them in turn. To us’- Chapter Thirty Three
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment and Alcohol