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antireading's review
lighthearted
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
4.75
Some of the dialogue was super Riverdale-y but I was having too much fun to care. The ending was impeccable. I also feel like David wasn't in the wrong during the 3rd act breakup. I feel like this happens to me a lot though, and maybe I'm just a bad friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Homophobia, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia and Violence
dododenise's review
emotional
fast-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 really enjoyed reading this. Maybe it wasn’t a masterpiece, some things could’ve been worked out better, but I was invested. I’m also just a sucker for band stories.
What I appreciated about it a lot was the balance of the characters being deeply flawed and still having to learn so much, while making both of their perspectives sympathetic. I could always understand where either of them came from, and that was so important.
Chance and David’s relationship is complicated. I can’t tell you where they would be in a few years time. Throughout the book their relationship goes through so many phases while the characters also changed themselves. I loved reading about the changes within their relationship.
My biggest issue was Ridley. For one she was a source of too many pop culture references but most importantly she made me uncomfortable. The way she saw Chance as a sex object instead of a human being was so icky.
I wouldn’t have minded the book to be longer. I would have liked to see the ramifications of queerness within the music industry. But perhaps that would’ve gone beyond what the book wanted to tackle, as its focus was elsewhere.
Overall I just had a fun time reading. A fun YA read!
What I appreciated about it a lot was the balance of the characters being deeply flawed and still having to learn so much, while making both of their perspectives sympathetic. I could always understand where either of them came from, and that was so important.
Chance and David’s relationship is complicated. I can’t tell you where they would be in a few years time. Throughout the book their relationship goes through so many phases while the characters also changed themselves. I loved reading about the changes within their relationship.
My biggest issue was Ridley. For one she was a source of too many pop culture references but most importantly she made me uncomfortable. The way she saw Chance as a sex object instead of a human being was so icky.
I wouldn’t have minded the book to be longer. I would have liked to see the ramifications of queerness within the music industry. But perhaps that would’ve gone beyond what the book wanted to tackle, as its focus was elsewhere.
Overall I just had a fun time reading. A fun YA read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Homophobia, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
danileah07's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book really didn’t work for me. I could see perhaps why someone else may enjoy it, but I couldn’t really get behind a lot of the decisions made in this book.
I didn’t actively dislike it per se, it was fairly easy and quick to read with lots of humour and good banter, which I appreciated! But the things I really liked about the book (David and his carpentry, David & his dad talking about his mom leaving, the impact of grief on our relationships and the damage of losing a friend young) were in short supply and the things I wasn’t as much of a fan of felt a lot more prominent.
I found David to be profoundly unlikeable, especially towards the end of the book. I couldn’t really understand what Chance would see in him and I couldn’t really find a solid reason why David was into Chance either. I found myself suspending a lot of disbelief as the whole situation just felt not believable. David was so selfish, jealous, and resentful that I had a really hard time believing that he had really changed and could be a good boyfriend by the end of the novel, because I didn’t see evidence of much growth throughout the book.
There were also some questionable and frankly problematic decisions made for the year 2023: Chance referring to his mother as “Mom Führer”, two Harry Potter references (in a queer book no less!!), and some flippant comment about how the police would “at least give them a warning before shooting” because the MC is white and the LI is famous.
Overall, I think if you’re really into the pop star / boy band genre and don’t mind a difficult main character, this might work for you, but ultimately I was disappointed by it.
Unfortunately, this book really didn’t work for me. I could see perhaps why someone else may enjoy it, but I couldn’t really get behind a lot of the decisions made in this book.
I didn’t actively dislike it per se, it was fairly easy and quick to read with lots of humour and good banter, which I appreciated! But the things I really liked about the book (David and his carpentry, David & his dad talking about his mom leaving, the impact of grief on our relationships and the damage of losing a friend young) were in short supply and the things I wasn’t as much of a fan of felt a lot more prominent.
I found David to be profoundly unlikeable, especially towards the end of the book. I couldn’t really understand what Chance would see in him and I couldn’t really find a solid reason why David was into Chance either. I found myself suspending a lot of disbelief as the whole situation just felt not believable. David was so selfish, jealous, and resentful that I had a really hard time believing that he had really changed and could be a good boyfriend by the end of the novel, because I didn’t see evidence of much growth throughout the book.
There were also some questionable and frankly problematic decisions made for the year 2023: Chance referring to his mother as “Mom Führer”, two Harry Potter references (in a queer book no less!!), and some flippant comment about how the police would “at least give them a warning before shooting” because the MC is white and the LI is famous.
Overall, I think if you’re really into the pop star / boy band genre and don’t mind a difficult main character, this might work for you, but ultimately I was disappointed by it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Abandonment, and Alcohol
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
When David quit his band in high school, he never imagined the fame his ex-best friends would achieve. Now he's living a normal high school live while Chance, the ex-best friend, lives a life of stardom and fame.
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual content
amichelle515's review
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Alcohol
fanboyriot's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
Brought together by the death of a friend only to catch feelings he didn’t even know were there for his enemy, ex-best friend? Who was now famous and in the band he helped start. What happens when the famous lead singer drops the act? What happens when long drives out of town end with surprised kisses? And how long will it all last before David is left behind like he was before?
Dramatic and humorous and entertaining. There was so much I enjoyed about this book. Getting lost in the audiobook for hours was lovely. The audiobook was brought to life really nicely. The setting was done nicely and really brought in the comforting elements when David and Chance were able to get away from the rest of the world even if it was only for a little while. The characters were detailed, friendships were comforting, David finding himself in the end, and the overall plot kept my interest. The only negative I have to say was the Har*ry Pot*er references, which were only mentioned but still.
I really liked this and how things played out, the hurt/comfort really worked well and I’m very happy with how it ended!!
And thank you to the author and to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Idiots in Love
Hurt/Comfort
Friends to Lovers
Enemies to Lovers
Angst with a Happy Ending
(First Person POV)
Dramatic and humorous and entertaining. There was so much I enjoyed about this book. Getting lost in the audiobook for hours was lovely. The audiobook was brought to life really nicely. The setting was done nicely and really brought in the comforting elements when David and Chance were able to get away from the rest of the world even if it was only for a little while. The characters were detailed, friendships were comforting, David finding himself in the end, and the overall plot kept my interest. The only negative I have to say was the Har*ry Pot*er references, which were only mentioned but still.
I really liked this and how things played out, the hurt/comfort really worked well and I’m very happy with how it ended!!
And thank you to the author and to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Idiots in Love
Hurt/Comfort
Friends to Lovers
Enemies to Lovers
Angst with a Happy Ending
(First Person POV)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Death, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
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