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beebowbabe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident and Injury/Injury detail
kb33's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is a good example of why I don’t enjoy enemies to lovers. I couldn’t resist reading Chloe Liese, though. The mmc talks bad about the mfc‘s job every chance he gets to anyone who will listen and how dumb all the risks she takes in her job are. But then he tells her that he respects her job and she just swoons. BS. He can feel respect for her job and have shown disrespect, but he doesn’t get annnyyy points for that. The mfc was so hot for him that she completely forgot about what a jerk he’d been to her.
Plus, the whole 30 year female virgin with a verrry experienced man trope is old. And gross. The steamy scenes were too magical. And it’s misleading about what demi sexuality is. Demi sexuals aren’t a bunch of inexperienced virgins.
Plus, the whole 30 year female virgin with a verrry experienced man trope is old. And gross. The steamy scenes were too magical. And it’s misleading about what demi sexuality is. Demi sexuals aren’t a bunch of inexperienced virgins.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexism
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
kristinallard's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
turnthepages_nl's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE THIS BOOK. This story has such a special place in my heart. A demi girl with ADHD, a complex guy with migraines. I wanted to post about this book as soon as I finished it. But had zero concentration, thanks ADHD.
You all know I LOVE everything Chloe Liese writes. Heck I would read her grocery list and not in a creepy stalker way. But in a 'she has a way with words' way.
But this book. It was so special. The ADHD rep was so good. And also different from other books I've read. It was somehow more subtle. More masked maybe? Or just a different way ADHD presents itself in women. I sometimes struggle to connect to the superduper hyper ADHD girls. But Kate? We immediately clicked. I saw her. I knew her. Because she was me. And I cried in the first chapter because I already felt so seen. And that continued on. The restlessness and deep longing to belong. Isn't that what we all want? To belong somewhere? And if that is your thing, to belong with someone. (with, not to!) To be yourself amongst other people. To feel accepted and celebrated. To be free and be able to fall. To freefall and know you will be caught. That is what this book was to me. A place to be me. To see someone like me find their people. Find their person. People finding themselves and loving themselves. And to learn to love each other and communicate that in a healthy way the other will understand.
But the Demi rep was amazing too. I love how freely Kate talked about her demisexuality. How it confused her, what made people talk so openly about sex. And not because she was raised not to talk about it. But because she is demi. Because she needs a deep emotional bond to be able to think about (enjoying) sex. I am so thankfull for the conversation this book starts. How it opens peoples minds. Demisexuality is a thing, and it's very real. And sadly is often met with judgement, dissapointment, a lack of patience and care. I loved how the story took its time. How Christopher took his time and waited for Kate to give the go ahead. He was very respectful did not judge her for having her attraction work differently. He did not took it personal but saw it for what is was. A sexuality. They were able to talk about it. Be mature about it. Have mutual respect and understanding about it. And I love that.
ADHD is often linked with impulsivity. And for a lot of people that includes impulsive sex. It was SO nice to see a romance story with a demisexual ADHD girl. Someone like me. Lot of neurodivergent people are also queer. But this combination is not talked about often. Demisexuality isn't talked about often. So I'm very very thankful to Chloe for including this in her book(s). Because you are not broken when your attraction works differently. And you deserve people who work with your sexuality, not pressure you into doing things you don't want. This story was all very consentual, respectful and thoughtful. And that made it all the more hot to be honest! Chloe Liese is the queen of spice rooted in emotional connection and I am HERE FOR IT!
This story is a loose retelling of 'The taming of the shrew'. I don't know that Shakespeare play. But I do know the movie '10 things I hate about you', the 90's romcom. Also based on that Shakespeare play. And I did see some similarities (although updated to be more inclusive and considerate) and LOVED IT!!
Lastly, the migraine rep. I don't know if the rep was good. I think it was. I loved the caretaking scènes. The need to hide is universal with chronic illnesses. But this specific rep is not something I can talk about (yet) because I simply don't know enough about it. But I wanted to mention the rep because I think that's important. Even if you don't know if it was good, at least mention the rep in your review so other people can find it and maybe see themselves reflected in fiction!
You all know I LOVE everything Chloe Liese writes. Heck I would read her grocery list and not in a creepy stalker way. But in a 'she has a way with words' way.
But this book. It was so special. The ADHD rep was so good. And also different from other books I've read. It was somehow more subtle. More masked maybe? Or just a different way ADHD presents itself in women. I sometimes struggle to connect to the superduper hyper ADHD girls. But Kate? We immediately clicked. I saw her. I knew her. Because she was me. And I cried in the first chapter because I already felt so seen. And that continued on. The restlessness and deep longing to belong. Isn't that what we all want? To belong somewhere? And if that is your thing, to belong with someone. (with, not to!) To be yourself amongst other people. To feel accepted and celebrated. To be free and be able to fall. To freefall and know you will be caught. That is what this book was to me. A place to be me. To see someone like me find their people. Find their person. People finding themselves and loving themselves. And to learn to love each other and communicate that in a healthy way the other will understand.
But the Demi rep was amazing too. I love how freely Kate talked about her demisexuality. How it confused her, what made people talk so openly about sex. And not because she was raised not to talk about it. But because she is demi. Because she needs a deep emotional bond to be able to think about (enjoying) sex. I am so thankfull for the conversation this book starts. How it opens peoples minds. Demisexuality is a thing, and it's very real. And sadly is often met with judgement, dissapointment, a lack of patience and care. I loved how the story took its time. How Christopher took his time and waited for Kate to give the go ahead. He was very respectful did not judge her for having her attraction work differently. He did not took it personal but saw it for what is was. A sexuality. They were able to talk about it. Be mature about it. Have mutual respect and understanding about it. And I love that.
ADHD is often linked with impulsivity. And for a lot of people that includes impulsive sex. It was SO nice to see a romance story with a demisexual ADHD girl. Someone like me. Lot of neurodivergent people are also queer. But this combination is not talked about often. Demisexuality isn't talked about often. So I'm very very thankful to Chloe for including this in her book(s). Because you are not broken when your attraction works differently. And you deserve people who work with your sexuality, not pressure you into doing things you don't want. This story was all very consentual, respectful and thoughtful. And that made it all the more hot to be honest! Chloe Liese is the queen of spice rooted in emotional connection and I am HERE FOR IT!
This story is a loose retelling of 'The taming of the shrew'. I don't know that Shakespeare play. But I do know the movie '10 things I hate about you', the 90's romcom. Also based on that Shakespeare play. And I did see some similarities (although updated to be more inclusive and considerate) and LOVED IT!!
Lastly, the migraine rep. I don't know if the rep was good. I think it was. I loved the caretaking scènes. The need to hide is universal with chronic illnesses. But this specific rep is not something I can talk about (yet) because I simply don't know enough about it. But I wanted to mention the rep because I think that's important. Even if you don't know if it was good, at least mention the rep in your review so other people can find it and maybe see themselves reflected in fiction!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Vomit, Car accident, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
rickireadss's review against another edition
4.0
i hate to say it but i don't remember much that happened in this book. do i remember enjoying it and having a good time? yes. but i did the audio and read it over the course of almost two weeks which is WAY longer than i normally do, so i honestly don't remember much (plus this review is like three weeks later)
⚠️: chronic illness, death of parent, grief, alcohol, injury/injury detail, car accident
⚠️: chronic illness, death of parent, grief, alcohol, injury/injury detail, car accident
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident
annahamburger's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Excrement
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-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
4.0
I wanted to read this book because I loved Two Wrongs Make a Right. Bea and Jamie are still the best couple, but I loved Christopher and Kate’s story.
This book has two points of view. The first is Kate Wilmot. She is back home after traveling all over the world for the past few years. She has realized that she is the forgotten child, the younger sister and the wild child of the family – which isn’t her fault, it’s her ADHD. Her brain never shuts off. The second point of view is Christopher Petruchio. He lost his parents when he was younger due to a car accident and just wanted to feel loved. His next-door neighbours' family have practically adopted him and made sure he is truly loved. Kate and Christopher have been winding each other up since they were kids that it has now turned into a raging inferno that they can’t even be in the same house for thanksgiving. Their friends and families are pleading for peace between them, but Christopher is unconvinced that Kate would willing to forget the hate. But when a drunken Kate confesses, she’s only being hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Kate is unsure whether she can trust the nemesis-turned-gentleman.
This dynamic is adorable, and I love a good ol’ enemies-to-lovers especially one by guilt. Again, like the first book in this series, I love the layers in these characters and the topics of mental health that she manages to portray so well. Also Kate feeling like the family disappointment and not wanting to feel like that is something I related to a bit too much. I missed Jules because of all the drama she went through in the first book. I wanted the three sisters to have their banter, I'm sick of missing one of the sisters, can they not be together all the time please?
I am gutted we never got a touch her and die scene especially during the paintball. Also, I was only slightly weirded out by the age gap and the fact that she used to pee on him when they were younger. Like I’m all for age-gap romances but this one just had a weird, I wanted to wait til you were legal aspect that just make me want to throw up a bit.
I am hoping that Jules still gets her HEA because I missed her in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Excrement, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Chloe Liese is exceptional at writing neurodiverse characters and frank bedroom talk. This one is perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, family angst, relationship communication (no third act breakup), and those looking for excellent ADHD, chronic migraine, mental health, and demisexual rep. It lacked a bit of sparkle in the banter for my tastes, but other readers seem to find it funnier than I did, so your mileage may vary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Excrement, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
I am extremely biased because I adore my fellow Virgo and neurodivergent honey, Chloe Liese! She writes romances and coming of ages (for adults) that speak to my soul, and push on bruises that I didn't particularly know were still sensitive. Her writing is so tender, authentic and moving. That is indeed the case for this stunning book too!
I loved the ADHD and chronic migraine representation (would love to hear from reviewers who have chronic migraines, as I can only speak to the ADHD experience). I think Chloe always writes with such great care!
I am a major retelling/reimagining slut, so this is my *catnip* !!! Taming of The Shrew retellings like 10 Things I Hate About You altered my brain chemistry, and so did this book - like the paintball scene, IS SHE KIDDING?!
The part of the book that particularly pushed on an unhealed bruise was the way that Kate felt she wasn’t loved the way she needed to be by her family, even though they were indeed a tight-knit, kind and caring group who never guilted her or questioned her traveling lifestyle! She just felt like the odd one out :(
Steam was similar to past books, about a 3/5 with demisexuality representation
cw: chronic migraine, struggles with ADHD, death of parent, grief, alcohol, medical content, car accident, injuries
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Car accident
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