abbeyroad1410's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
If I had to give a few critiques, the side characters are simply plot devices. They are wonderful, engaging, funny plot devices, but I could almost tell you nothing about them. It doesn't help that these plot devices are the extent of diversity in the novel. Additionally, the epilogue is entirely unnecessary. The novel ends on such a high note that the epilogue feels like it is tacking something on to affirm something readers could've assumed.
Overall, this was a great book, and I would read it again.
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death of parent
lunep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was pretty predictable at times, the amount of times it was mentioned Adam was tall, and had broad shoulders and he towered over Olive (33) was overkill tbh, and at some parts I was genuinely thinking "what the fuck" because the things happening or the way Ms Hazelwood described things was very weird, but it kept me hooked and I had a good time regardless.
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Cancer, Death of parent, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol and Abandonment
bmceleney's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Cancer
Minor: Grief
literatureandbubblegum's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This was SO cute. I loved the plot and the characters. I also just LOVE the name Olive. <3
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
pages_with_panda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My gripes with the book have mostly to do with some weirdness of some scenes, the writing, and the general lack of development from the characters.
One nitpick I could not get out of my head was that Adam was so much bigger than her? In every way? And yet she's 5' 8'? Just how big is this guy? And the descriptions of their body proportions threw me off completely. It just felt really unbelievable and downright impossible.
Their age gap isn't too bad (she's 26 and he's 34), but honestly she acts a LOT younger. Lying at every turn, even with justifications, made her seem really immature. Especially during the bedroom scene and with the weird body proportions? Was a little uncomfortable to read.
Adam honestly had very little personality beyond liking Olive. He's smart and works out, but that's all we're really told about him. I thought we'd be able to see more about his past - he tells us he's so cold because of his rich, negligent parents, and that's why he treats people like shit, but then does nothing to fix himself? Olive at least tells the truth at the end.
It could come across at "cringey" but I liked the banter/dialogue between Adam and Olive even though Olive didn't stop mentioning that they were "fake-dating" at every chance she got. (Seriously, how did no one hear her with how often she said it in public? I thought all eyes were always on them?)
I also found the main conflict at the end a little unbelievable and couldn’t believe what Olive’s solution was!! But without spoiling the story I won’t say more.
Other than that, it was a fun, fast-paced read!
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer and Grief
Minor: Misogyny and Death of parent
jpxsoleil'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
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death and Cancer
brandie_abbie19's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Medical content, Emotional abuse, Death, Violence, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Cancer
frommars's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
irisvdn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
katherineeweaver's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer