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lindsaymc74's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I feel like this could've been so much shorter. The author could have trimmed some of the extras that didn't add much to the story (I'm looking at you team building exercises that basically did nothing). Some of the team stuff was just a general lack of communication, and a lack of accountability. I liked the overall arc of the story - Ryder and Gigi helping each other grow and accept their own emotions and pasts; the smorgasbord team that's cobbled together becoming one in the end; the dreams realized and shattered. It was all solid, and I enjoyed the characters and the banter, but at the end of the day, I feel like I could've had all that even if the story was tightened up a bit. I'd reread this book in a heartbeat if it didn't have all the superfluous stuff (yes, that's a callback to the book cause that moment made me laugh).
I also hated how much sexism there was. Dumb comments from Ryder about females only being figure skaters, some other comments from other people about "crazy" women, and the fact that half the characters were f-boys who could just get anyone to sleep with them. Idk, it all felt a bit toxic, but I guess sports are generally just a bit toxic at any given time. That part was not for me, but I guess it was to be expected.
As a whole, I enjoyed the cast. I liked all characters and the different personalities they brought to the table, and I loved the romance arc! In the end, it was very much all devotion, and love, and emotion, and that worked very well. It was just some of the other pieces that really fell short for me. I'll likely read on in the series, as I like Gigi's friends enough to be curious about their stories, but it may be more of a skim going forward, because that's entirely too many pages for a romance for me.
TW: death of a parent, incarcerated parent, alcohol consumption, infidelity, sexism, injury detail; mentions cyber bullying, defamation
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying
abidavisf'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
4.75
Gigi is a ray of sunlight on a gloomy day. She is kind, hard-working and knows herself so well. She is everything I hope my future daughter will be.
I would love to wrap Ryder in cotton wool. Witnessing his journey from closed off recluse to a committed and loving partner was so beautiful. His heart is so full of love and it’s wonderful to see him share it, not just with Gigi, but with his teammates.
My heart yearns for more intel on the rest of Hannah and Garrett’s friends and their families, but the glimpses I did get were gorgeous.
Now to The Dixon Rule!
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
britwalsh16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love all they are all so close & Gigi grew up with them all as Aunts & Uncles & their kids as cousins! This has gotta be one of the best found family series I’ve ever read!!
But also, I just fucking loved Gigi & Ryder!!! They way they were there for eachother & supported one another! 🥰
This book gives you all the laughs, but then also gives you heart & the struggles of life. I really could not get enough!!! 💜💜💜
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Blood and Alcohol
lafe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
abidavisf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Graham Effect is a love story but it’s also a tale of trauma and found family, forgiveness and when to choose not to forgive for the benefit of your own sanity, honesty and kindness. I am rooting for Gigi and Ryder all the way.
There was also the perfect amount of hockey in here. Having just finished another book marketed as a hockey romance that barely touched on it, I was ENGROSSED by the amount of hockey drama and detail in The Graham Effect. My only critique is that I wish we had more of Gigi and Ryder training together as their relationship progressed. Did they go from training to hooking up instead or did we just not see it? Surely they can do both!
A great read. Definitely recommend.
P.S. When do I get to hear more about Diana? I’m worried.
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
sfschroe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Domestic abuse, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
jamiejanae_6's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
bakergirlsbooks1999'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
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail