The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
samcanuel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’m typically not super into dual-POV books, but I appreciated the two perspectives this time! I liked the characters, but I didn’t love them, which is a reason for my rating. I was certainly rooting for them to get together.Â
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique contemporary romance!
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
annahamburger's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Medical trauma, Sexual content, Death, Sexual harassment, Grief, Sexism, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Cursing
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
et3rnali33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Focusing on modern romance through dating apps with poc characters and a stranger/enemies to lovers & second chance romance. With a little bit of spice! (;Â
I enjoyed seeing the romance build and I enjoyed seeing situations that call to having difficulties wanting a successful career versus wanting to commit and focus on someone romantically. While also seeing the impact previous relationships and situations has caused on people and how it affects their mindset entering new relationships.Â
I definitely laughed at things Rhi and Lakshmi discussed and loved the way Samson cared deeply for family and loved ones. It was wholesome.
So, I would pick this book up if you want a pick me up book thats fun, chemically intense, and hopeful.Â
Graphic: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
lasafica_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexism, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexual content and Racism
debby_caleb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Emotional abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Grief, Sexism, and Death
agnesbebon's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Terminal illness, Dementia, Medical trauma, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism and Sexual assault
toffishay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexism
elenamarmiroli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ho infatti gradito parecchio lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due protagonisti, soprattutto perché ognuno di loro è costretto a lavorare su sé stesso prima di poter intraprendere una relazione duratura con l'altro, cosa che gli permette di avere una buona identità propria al di fuori dell'altro.
Ma la cosa migliore è stata vedere la loro crescita finale dopo
E la loro riunione finale è stata molto dolce.
Aggiungo di aver ascoltato l'opera come audiolibro, cosa che ha decisamente aggiunto fascino al personaggio di lui perché ho trovato voce del narratore molto attraente.
Detto tutto ciò, questo libro si è rivelato la giusta lettura da poter apprezzare e per portare un po' di passione nella mia vita.
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
kfmcf's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Â
I found both leads likeable and grounded. Samson was sweet but not so absurdly so it became unbelievable. Rhi was spunky and fiery but showed a vulnerability that rounded her character out well. I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the side characters. For how long this book was we got a lot of the leads (which isn't bad) but we didn't get much time with some of the compatriots like Lakshmi, Harris, etc. I don't mention Katrina on that list because I know she's the FL of book #2.
Plot-wise, I knew where the story was leading but it mostly made sense and had a few surprises thrown in. I won't go into detail for spoilers sake but the ending was expected but made sense. Also, I do want to mention that this is one of the only romance books without an epilogue that I've read where I still feel fulfilled by the plot and characters' arcs. I do want to commend Alisha Rai on that because it is usually a severe pet peeve of mine.
Lastly, I want to say that I greatly appreciated this book's focus on the brain effects of prolonged football playing. As someone who likes sports, football has always been infuriating to me because of the disturbingly high rates of brain injury and sustained aftereffects. This book doesn't beat around the bush about the issue but it also shows why players keep playing. Focusing on this topic made this book have a more solid footing, in my opinion.
Overall, I do recommend this book and look forward to reading the sequels!
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol
tylerlee_readsnow's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny