zzylinde's review
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
thatswhatmegread's review
5.0
I thought this was a really vulnerable read, had great character development, absolutely loved the Jewish representation included, the fact sex was openly discussed (MCs are 18) and treated as a completely normal thing. Loved the focus on friendship, being fearless in talking about what we like/what we want to do, overcoming hardships, and giving ourselves grace when the outcome looks different than expected. Really loved this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Violence, and Bullying
emi12's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Antisemitism, and Sexual content
chai_and_books'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book did the 'academic rivals to lovers' trope justice in its own special way. The way Rowan and Neil connected throughout the book is beautiful. However, I wish this book took place over a larger span of time since but it makes sense with the title, so it can be overlooked :)
Spoiler
them getting together after one night of revelations seemed a bit rushed
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Bullying
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Drug use
kaylaaards's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Antisemitism, Bullying, and Misogyny
Minor: Car accident
analenegrace's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
This was my favorite read of 2021, and I had listened to it as an audiobook so when I finally bought a physical copy I was excited to reread it and see if I still loved it as much. Rachel Lynn Solomon has become one of my favorite authors this year and I’ve read/purchased everything she’s written.
I was a little worried I wouldn’t love it as much on a second read, but I absolutely devoured it while on vacation. It was fun, the characters were engaging, and the romance felt so realistic and joyful while being true to the characters Solomon created.
Rowan and Neil’s romance is so genuine to me, that it makes me hopeful for their future when usually when I read YAs, I tend to not think the couple is going to last forever. Rowan realizing the mistakes she made throughout her high school experience including with her friends and her passions, and Neil, made her a lovable character who did not seem perfect in the way some YA romance FMCs can be. Neil was also written realistically in a way that made him seem like an actual nerdy teenage boy, something else YAs often get wrong.
As someone whose never been to Seattle, Solomon builds her words so carefully that it makes Seattle seem so wonderful and fleshed out, I know in her author's note she talks about learning to love the place she’s from and that is truly visible in her descriptive writing. I know she now lives in The Netherlands and I am super excited for when she sets a book there because of her writing style.
Basically, I love this book, I love Rachel Lynn Solomon, and I think everyone should read this and everything else she’s ever written!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
c45p1n's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I tried reading this book over the summer and had absolutely no drive or motivation to read it so I stopped reading it after like 50 pages. Today, Jan. 10th, 2022, I tried to read this book again and actually managed to get through it. Suffice to say I love this book. Its familiar setting (downtown Seattle), amazing characters, and totally awesome plot made it a quick love.
Not only was the plot amazing beyond belief; the writing was fantastic. It was lighthearted and sweet, a tad cliche, but totally and utterly amazing. It touched on some heavier topics but reacted and portrayed them in a respectful way without losing it's lighthearted atmosphere.
Rowan (or Artoo), was a fucking fantastic main character. She stood up for herself and fought against some gender-norms, even if it was in a small way. As well as she argued against bias' and double standards. She had these moments where I could relate to her and I think that really tied me to this book. It was nice and honestly relieving to hear (read) her stand up against some of these things.
Not only was the plot amazing beyond belief; the writing was fantastic. It was lighthearted and sweet, a tad cliche, but totally and utterly amazing. It touched on some heavier topics but reacted and portrayed them in a respectful way without losing it's lighthearted atmosphere.
Rowan (or Artoo), was a fucking fantastic main character. She stood up for herself and fought against some gender-norms, even if it was in a small way. As well as she argued against bias' and double standards. She had these moments where I could relate to her and I think that really tied me to this book. It was nice and honestly relieving to hear (read) her stand up against some of these things.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Hate crime
Minor: Antisemitism and Misogyny
the_paperbackprincess's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Bullying
Moderate: Misogyny