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kyrstin_p1989'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
4.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
noellegrace8'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
5.0
I do think Briana's pregnancy toward the end is random and used a little too obviously as a plot device to create just another conflict for the new lovers, especially since Alexis and Kelly both are also pregnant. It seems as if the author is sort of saying that a relationship is actually at its most complete status, and most thrilling, when the couple gets pregnant, and I simply disagree with that blanket statement. Seeing the ex could have been a big enough issue on its own without that extra piece of backstory thrown in, especially one that is incredibly traumatic and therefore needed a building up throughout the novel if included at all. However, I can't bring myself to dock half a star for the ending alone, simply Jimenez's depiction of anxiety and writing of their relationship is beautiful. I understand this is a subjective rather than objective star rating. I just love Jacob and Briana too much.
I'm also a bit mad that his ex-girlfriend and the younger BROTHER didn't get more of what they deserved for their backstabbing behavior, even though Jacob got over it easily enough in the end and said he hadn't necessarily ever actually loved her. There are just some boundaries you don't cross, and they each could have chosen other people. And the family seemingly wanting to be okay with it was odd. But it's still great writing, because it's reality. This is how people are, and sometimes the best revenge and happiness really is just to move on with someone better.
I don't factor audiobook performance into my star reviews, but I give both Kyla Garcia and Zachary Webber 5/5 easily. They are unique, not annoying, and did plenty of inflection without overdoing it.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Death, Eating disorder, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The content warnings are given at the beginning of the book, actually. General things to know are: a main character has anxiety, both main characters work at a medical facility and have come out of toxic relationships.vailtoset10's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
2.75
I am well aware that trauma changes the brain. I’m a person who has faced their own trauma in life -but everything Brianna did in the last third is completely inexcusable. She was beyond cruel and quite frankly how Jacob handled the way she treated him has me worried for his wellbeing.
I’m so disappointed that this book ruined everything it had built and destroyed its own story. A single book should not manage to jump the shark like this.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Blood, Medical trauma, and Classism
Minor: Vomit and Injury/Injury detail
kitcat_reads's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I freaking love this book. The audio book is so well-performed by the narrators. But the story, overall is great and I still felt good and loved the reread.
If you’ve read any of AJ’s books before this, yes, there is the miscommunication trope all over this book. However, those issues are resolved and do not lead to a 3rd act break up - which is what really turned me off from the Friend Zone series.
The FMC - Dr. Briana Ortiz. She is a Latina (Salvadoreña) doctor and complex character that, for sure, needs therapy but surprisingly did not receive any; which is an interesting choice to make for the FMC considering she is a practicing ER Doc in the book. Not to mention the trauma of her recent divorce and past relationship with men. My concern is that character doesn’t receive such support until the epilogue. But that’s par for the course with AJ’s books.
Now the MMC - Dr. Jacob Maddox. I love his character so much! He is one of my favorite MMCs I’ve read and the best MMC from any of the books I’ve read by AJ. I think that as a character his development in this book is probably better than Briana’s.
I think this is, by far, Abby Jimenez’s best book and I really loved all the characters and the overall plot for the book.
Graphic: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Chronic illness, Miscarriage, and Abandonment
Minor: Classism