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wilderoo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I wanted to love this book — there were aspects of it with a lot of potential but I think Mia Sheridan missed the opportunity to make this book truly amazing.
The clear lack of understanding or knowledge on Deaf culture really bothered me. It was evident that the author had extremely limited understanding of *sign language* although it was a central component of the story. This could have been a great opportunity to bring deeper understanding to the Deaf community with the unique premise. Honestly choosing a compelling topic & not researching enough to accurately portray it is so lazy & one of my absolute biggest pet peeves with any plot (book or movie). Seriously, even just the fact that it’s never referred to as ASL — as if sign language is universal was such an ick for me!
I would have liked this book more if the narration was more balanced between Bree & Archer. I found myself disappointed every time I started another chapter that was still Bree’s POV. To be honest the writing was lackluster overall with so many unnecessary details that made it slower instead of more captivating.
Additionally, I got bored with the book when the repetitive & extended sex scenes took over the plot. With the length of the book I was expecting the characters to develop more than they did but there wasn’t space for that with all the intense infatuation / codependency.
The climax felt rushed & the twist was a little manipulative in my opinion. I was looking forward to a little more action but it was over so quickly. Felt like I got whiplash…
The Epilogue & extended Epilogue were cute but not necessary. I also don’t think I ever had a chance to care enough about Travis to interest me in an entire spinoff book about him.
least favorite phrases:
“long minutes”
“I brought my hands up…”
“he brought his hands up…”
“I brought my hands up…”
“he brought his hands up…”
jeez, we get it, you need hands to sign!
I can’t help feeling baffled at how many 5 star ratings this book has gotten.
The clear lack of understanding or knowledge on Deaf culture really bothered me. It was evident that the author had extremely limited understanding of *sign language* although it was a central component of the story. This could have been a great opportunity to bring deeper understanding to the Deaf community with the unique premise. Honestly choosing a compelling topic & not researching enough to accurately portray it is so lazy & one of my absolute biggest pet peeves with any plot (book or movie). Seriously, even just the fact that it’s never referred to as ASL — as if sign language is universal was such an ick for me!
I would have liked this book more if the narration was more balanced between Bree & Archer. I found myself disappointed every time I started another chapter that was still Bree’s POV. To be honest the writing was lackluster overall with so many unnecessary details that made it slower instead of more captivating.
Additionally, I got bored with the book when the repetitive & extended sex scenes took over the plot. With the length of the book I was expecting the characters to develop more than they did but there wasn’t space for that with all the intense infatuation / codependency.
The climax felt rushed & the twist was a little manipulative in my opinion. I was looking forward to a little more action but it was over so quickly. Felt like I got whiplash…
The Epilogue & extended Epilogue were cute but not necessary. I also don’t think I ever had a chance to care enough about Travis to interest me in an entire spinoff book about him.
least favorite phrases:
“long minutes”
“I brought my hands up…”
“he brought his hands up…”
“I brought my hands up…”
“he brought his hands up…”
jeez, we get it, you need hands to sign!
I can’t help feeling baffled at how many 5 star ratings this book has gotten.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
bex_readz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Plot- 2/5🔆
I got swindled again by a booktok reader. They posted the whole 'they asked for the sign for love and I spelled your name' quote so I thought, wow that's sweet. And I looked at reviews and decided this has to be a good read, more than 200,000 5 star reviews! Boy was I wrong.
The best part about this book, and added another star for me, was the absolute crazy drama and backstories of the characters. I actually loved that and was laughing out loud at the craziness throughout the book. It reminded me of those bad but good old ABC tv shows that feel nostalgic in all of the worst ways.
The actual "love story" of this book ended up feeling icky honestly. Girl goes and slightly stalks a vulnerable unwell man in order to train him how to sex her up right, because she is also mentally unwell. Yuck. The ratings in this make me lose more faith in humanity.
I got swindled again by a booktok reader. They posted the whole 'they asked for the sign for love and I spelled your name' quote so I thought, wow that's sweet. And I looked at reviews and decided this has to be a good read, more than 200,000 5 star reviews! Boy was I wrong.
The best part about this book, and added another star for me, was the absolute crazy drama and backstories of the characters. I actually loved that and was laughing out loud at the craziness throughout the book. It reminded me of those bad but good old ABC tv shows that feel nostalgic in all of the worst ways.
The actual "love story" of this book ended up feeling icky honestly. Girl goes and slightly stalks a vulnerable unwell man in order to train him how to sex her up right, because she is also mentally unwell. Yuck. The ratings in this make me lose more faith in humanity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
laurenellisx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
ceruleanshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
And sometimes, that’s all it takes—one person who’s willing to listen to your heart, to the sound no one else has ever tried to hear.
i was in the mood for something romantic, a little dramatic and angsty, with some classic small town vibes, and this delivered.
archer and bree were very sweet. they were patient with each other's needs, were able to bond & comfort each other through their traumas, and seemed to be in sync (for the most part). archer managed to make me chuckle occasionally as well. most of the family drama was a bit predictable for me but still enjoyable. i didn't go in with super high expectations and this gave me what i expected for a contemp/dramatic romance.
It suddenly occurred to me that Archer Hale had taught himself an entire language, but hadn’t had a single person to talk to. Until me.
Loving another person always means opening yourself up for hurt. I don’t want to lose more than I already have, either, but isn’t it worth it? Isn’t it worth giving it a chance?
She asked me the sign for love and I spelled out your name.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Grief
brandie_abbie19's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Car accident, and Murder
betweenbooksandkitsch's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
janaesynai's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying and Vomit
vettechmama3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
5.0
Archer and Bree's life stories are absolutely heartbreaking but their journey towards healing was beautiful, sad, and inspiring all in one. I couldn't put this book down. It consumed me wholly. 🥹 Sometimes all it takes is one person to see you and believe in you to change your entire world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Medical trauma
Minor: Drug abuse, Blood, Car accident, and Pregnancy
saraah07's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
This book will make you laugh and cry and feel love for certain characters. Not to give anything away but the characters have gone through so much in their past and they see themselves as broken. One of the main characters are running away from the hardship thay they have experienced because they dont want to face it. And the other main characterhas kept themselvesin isolation, not wanting to be social and just wants to hide from everyone. I would consider some aspects of the book quite relatable when it comes to self doubt and needing reassurance from the people you love and care about. But then it's so beautiful because it shows you that love has no bounds or limits. And that you shouldn't settle for less. And I think Mia Sheridan,author, really made that clear with her chatacyer development of Archer and Bree. (main characters)
Also you will get to a part of the book where you don't want to read it anymore. Like you will put the book down and say no. But trust me finish the book. It's so worth it.
Also you will get to a part of the book where you don't want to read it anymore. Like you will put the book down and say no. But trust me finish the book. It's so worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
c_marie226's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders