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hendrixpants'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
4.75
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
ghostmomxoxo'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: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, and Alcohol
amarreth'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
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Transphobia
hazelgirl21'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
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
kfmcf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Eli's flaws are so real and endearing. He's struggling but he's still got a cockiness (yes) and confidence that adds a charm. He's just who he is and that's not what is keeping him from achieving his goals. Nick is just a doll, I just love him and his whole journey. And the rep of having good co-parenting was chef's kiss (no pun intended for Alexander's other work, I swear). Finally, his daughter is a well-written child, for once. She may have been written slightly too old, but it wasn't infantilizing which grates me.
The only place this book really lost me was the pacing of the end. It all seemed to come together a bit too rapidly and the epilogue left more questions than answers for me. But that's so so small.
I'm sharing this book with everyone who enjoys queer lit and/or romance. One of my fav reads of 2023.
Graphic: Sexual content, Transphobia, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Outing
blotchedspots'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? No
4.5
I look forward to the next book that TJ Alexander might come out with.
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, and Xenophobia
There is a shitty ex-MIL of one of the main characters who is a very typical conservative "I'm always the victim type" so if you find that triggering or just plain hate them, be prepared.sarahmcg'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
4.25
There was so much tenderness, humor, wit, and pining in this book. Though there were nods to current politics in Florida (mostly surrounding the attacks on trans rights but other concerns as well), they did not add too much heaviness to the story, and were often part of Eli’s one-liners that brought some levity. Nick’s sincerity and politeness to a fault was so endearing.
Rep: trans and sober MMC, queer and Taiwanese MMC; the main characters are older (closer to 40), and one is a divorced dad to a 4 y/o
My only critique - I wish the communication issues that caused the 3rd act drama could have wrapped up a little quicker, because after all of that was resolved, the ending felt a bit rushed. But overall, I really enjoyed this read!
Luckily enough, I got to join in on a live q&a with the author as part of a book club and it added to my enjoyment of the story overall, and excited to read their other books too.
CW/TW: racism, transphobia, homophobia, loss of a parent (in past), alcoholism (mentioned); sexual content.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review!
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism
arlaubscher'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
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia
boomwormbrittany'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
I thought this was a really cute romance book! I got this book in my Afterlight subscription and picked it up the second the audio was available from my library.
What I really liked about this book is the fact that we have a trans main character in Eli and we also get the story of Nick trying to figure out what his sexuality is. I loved the fact that Nick didn't freak out when he thought he might not be totally straight and instead he became more curious and did research not only about sexuality but also about what it's like for trans people, especially trans men. The chemistry between Eli and Nick was very palpable and I really enjoyed watching the two of them grow closer and learn more about each other.
The only time I really got annoyed was when Eli kept on insisting of introducing Nick as his "straight friend" and continuing to assume Nick's sexuality. It was clear Nick was uncomfortable with the title that Eli kept saying and I appreciated the fact that they had a conversation about Eli saying that.
I also loved that Nick had a good relationship with his ex-wife in this to the point that they co-parent very well and are good friends. I absolutely despised his ex-mother-in-law which I think T.J. Alexander did a great job of portraying someone who is that small minded.
I just thought this was such a cute romance to read. I am so glad to see so many more romance books like this out in the world and I love seeing stories where we see LGBTQIA+ characters get their own happily ever afters without it being a tragic story.
I would say definitely pick this book up if it interests you. I had such a good time while reading it and I would recommend it.
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
imstephtacular's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Transphobia, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail