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danscoada's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I went into Darkhearts with no expectations. As far as I can see, I’m the first to review it here on The StoryGraph. With romance books, I’m very particular with tropes, but I’m happy to report that this was a pleasant young adult queer romance that actually left me feeling emotional at the end.
Darkhearts took me by surprise. I only started reading romance this year and had yet to venture into YA, aside from the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. There was language and many references used that made it clear this was written for a modern, younger audience. As someone who is chronically online, I didn't have any trouble with it, but I can see how that may push some older readers away. Especially because it is mostly concentrated toward the beginning.
However, I hope that doesn't detract anyone from reading this delightful story of childhood best friends-turned enemies-turned boyfriends. David Holcomb is a protagonist I can see many teen boys relating with. He is flawed, but those flaws don't go unaddressed, which provides him with substantial character growth. His sudden interest in the same sex is relatable and realistic. Chance clearly feels the same way. Once Cupid shot his arrow, they moved quickly, which I appreciated.
I liked how Sutter used the band to highlight David's insecurities, show how different David and Chance were, and add stakes to the budding romance. While they're having fun, Chance constantly has to leave town for some gig, and the looming knowledge that Chance will eventually have to leave for tour adds some fun tension. I felt that Chance was a romantic interest that many will enjoy. He's charismatic and a giver to a fault. On paper he seems like perfect boyfriend material. In real life, too, but he's battling his own insecurities that few can understand due to his unique position in the spotlight.
The two things that I didn't vibe with as much...
1. I thought Ridley, David's best friend, was a bit...much, at times. She had her moments of being a supportive friend (and as a trivia fan, I appreciated her weird animal facts), but there were moments where I just wanted to sit her in time out for a couple minutes.
2. *Slight Spoiler*
While I was rooting for David and Chance to get back together, it wrapped up quickly. A couple days pass for the boys, but we as readers only really get one chapter for David to process everything.
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkhearts. I'll also add that I re-read the last page a couple times. Had my eyes getting a little misty in the best way possible. I could feel the weight lifting off everyone's shoulders.
I went into Darkhearts with no expectations. As far as I can see, I’m the first to review it here on The StoryGraph. With romance books, I’m very particular with tropes, but I’m happy to report that this was a pleasant young adult queer romance that actually left me feeling emotional at the end.
Darkhearts took me by surprise. I only started reading romance this year and had yet to venture into YA, aside from the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. There was language and many references used that made it clear this was written for a modern, younger audience. As someone who is chronically online, I didn't have any trouble with it, but I can see how that may push some older readers away. Especially because it is mostly concentrated toward the beginning.
However, I hope that doesn't detract anyone from reading this delightful story of childhood best friends-turned enemies-turned boyfriends. David Holcomb is a protagonist I can see many teen boys relating with. He is flawed, but those flaws don't go unaddressed, which provides him with substantial character growth. His sudden interest in the same sex is relatable and realistic. Chance clearly feels the same way. Once Cupid shot his arrow, they moved quickly, which I appreciated.
I liked how Sutter used the band to highlight David's insecurities, show how different David and Chance were, and add stakes to the budding romance. While they're having fun, Chance constantly has to leave town for some gig, and the looming knowledge that Chance will eventually have to leave for tour adds some fun tension. I felt that Chance was a romantic interest that many will enjoy. He's charismatic and a giver to a fault. On paper he seems like perfect boyfriend material. In real life, too, but he's battling his own insecurities that few can understand due to his unique position in the spotlight.
The two things that I didn't vibe with as much...
1. I thought Ridley, David's best friend, was a bit...much, at times. She had her moments of being a supportive friend (and as a trivia fan, I appreciated her weird animal facts), but there were moments where I just wanted to sit her in time out for a couple minutes.
2. *Slight Spoiler*
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkhearts. I'll also add that I re-read the last page a couple times. Had my eyes getting a little misty in the best way possible. I could feel the weight lifting off everyone's shoulders.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death