miijiju's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Spoilers ↓
Better than expected
What I liked:
The storyline was fine, the concept worked too. It wasn't really an enemies to lovers or academic rivals but the twist was nice, Brenton did seem like an ass from the beginning (like he himself mentioned) and I like the goofy revenge that Olive gave him.
What I didn't like:
The characters were bland and boring, especially Adam felt like he didn't have a personality and his random switch from "never giving a fuck" to "I'm going to kill you" near the end with Brenton felt unnatural and weird. Malcolm was annoying and imo Anh was a pushover even after she mentioned it. The sex scene too 😭
I don't get how the book has an average 4⭐ rating on GoodReads but it doesn't deserve it.
Better than expected
What I liked:
The storyline was fine, the concept worked too. It wasn't really an enemies to lovers or academic rivals but the twist was nice, Brenton did seem like an ass from the beginning (like he himself mentioned) and I like the goofy revenge that Olive gave him.
What I didn't like:
The characters were bland and boring, especially Adam felt like he didn't have a personality and his random switch from "never giving a fuck" to "I'm going to kill you" near the end with Brenton felt unnatural and weird. Malcolm was annoying and imo Anh was a pushover even after she mentioned it. The sex scene too 😭
I don't get how the book has an average 4⭐ rating on GoodReads but it doesn't deserve it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
allonsyahhlee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Cancer, Death of parent, Grief, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Medical content
taylorvalerie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
The cutest and most heartwarming story I've ever read. An instant favourite!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Cancer, and Misogyny
lmy612's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
A fantastic fauxmance! Adam is dark and brooding but also protective and caring. A swoon worthy read for anyone who likes smart people and some spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Cancer, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Gaslighting
karouty's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
I just knew I had to read a book by Ali Hazelwood!! This one have been on my tbr for so long and it took my brother gifting it to me on Christmas to finally dive into this story.
I am not disappointed! I've heard some people find it overrated but I think that must be mostly because of the hype it had on booktok.
I found it to be a really lovely and really funny rom-com and I'm definitely buying more books from this author!
I am not disappointed! I've heard some people find it overrated but I think that must be mostly because of the hype it had on booktok.
I found it to be a really lovely and really funny rom-com and I'm definitely buying more books from this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Terminal illness and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
thesawyerbean's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would considering my previous foray into Hazelwood’s stuff. I was heavily invested and the story was fun and addictive.
I will say, however, the writing wasn’t exactly great. It was absolutely littered with predictable plot points, heinous tropes and weird turns of phrase. I was absolutely sick of hearing how absolutely gargantuan and broad and tall and massive Adam is and how he has so many abs and rippling pecs and… give it a rest, Olive. The way the author wrote. Like. This. For. Emphasis. and repeated the same thing several times to portray awkwardness was also extremely agitating.
Every single character other than Adam annoyed me greatly at some point in the novel - I found the characterisation of the gay characters to be a bit on the nose and stereotypical … did the gay character really have to be known to be promiscuous? Olive was utterly frustrating throughout and I wish she would just communicate one time - but I guess that wouldn’t make for a good novel. The smutty scenes were actually not bad which is surprising considering, but there were some lines in there that were very … peculiar, let’s say.
Overall, lived up to the hype! Definitely a fun-filled read.
I will say, however, the writing wasn’t exactly great. It was absolutely littered with predictable plot points, heinous tropes and weird turns of phrase. I was absolutely sick of hearing how absolutely gargantuan and broad and tall and massive Adam is and how he has so many abs and rippling pecs and… give it a rest, Olive. The way the author wrote. Like. This. For. Emphasis. and repeated the same thing several times to portray awkwardness was also extremely agitating.
Every single character other than Adam annoyed me greatly at some point in the novel - I found the characterisation of the gay characters to be a bit on the nose and stereotypical … did the gay character really have to be known to be promiscuous? Olive was utterly frustrating throughout and I wish she would just communicate one time - but I guess that wouldn’t make for a good novel. The smutty scenes were actually not bad which is surprising considering, but there were some lines in there that were very … peculiar, let’s say.
Overall, lived up to the hype! Definitely a fun-filled read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexism
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
elizanadeau's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexism, Misogyny, and Vomit
bes13's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
This story really made me realise how much I completely adore the grumpy x sunshine trope. Both main characters are so loveable and enjoyable to read about that I did not want to finish the book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent
This book is really entertaining to read if you love the grumpy x sunshine trope!cutepatzie's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It was a good book. I really enjoyed it. I like that it shows how hard is for girls to be in the field filled by men. Love the main relationship between the characters. Love is also the main character. Like the spicy chapter. The only minus is I just wish the first kiss was not a surprise kiss. But the overall amazing story is good to read if you are stuck in reading a book or looking for something light to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abandonment
sydfitch's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book was good, but everything plot wise was very predictable. The smutty part was good, but (i cant make this up) wasnt until 69% into the audiobook. It was a fun listen but i wouldn’t say it was one that made you think. A fluffy fun book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Death of parent, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic friendship