finnickdeservedbetter's review
- 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
For readers who like:
• celebrity romance
• fake identity
• dislike to lovers
• biracial (asian/white) MC
• first gen Canadian MC
The book was like a breathe of fresh air. I was kinda putting it off in favour of other books but I wish I hadn't. The characters are ao well-rounded and dimensional. They had flaws of course but I could relate to each one and honestly, see myself being friends with any of them.
This touched on a few big topics (like identity- being biracial and the child of an immigrant, mental health, and sexual harrassment to name a few) but all in a very accessible and approachable way.
The only reason I didn't give it 5☆ is the unnecessary (isn't it always?)
Other than that tho, I really enjoyed this book and got through it all in one sitting. This is my first book by Lily Chu but it definitely won't be my last.
Graphic: Dementia, Mental illness, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Child abuse
_alyssar_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Racism, Mental illness, Dementia, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Cancer, and Death of parent
annabananadel'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? No
3.75
"Why is it so hard to say no to everyone except myself?"
Phillipa Soo once again delivered one of the best audiobook out there. She as the narrator is definitely a must hear! Her feelings whenever she delivers a line of Gracie's and even how she voices both Sam and Fangli! Especially Sam! With the British accent to boot!
The story is good but nothing that would make me rate it high since it doesn't have that much staying power. Although I did enjoy this after the half mark, that's for sure. It's somewhat different from the current trends since it's about impersonating someone that looks like you (although plot twist:
It's more about family than it is romance for me, which I have nothing against since it's a good balance between the two topics. I love the relationship between Grace and Fangli a little bit more than Grace and Sam, although it's only a little bit! I love seeing friendship bloom especially if the other half is an actress.
Graphic: Gaslighting and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Abandonment and Sexual content
juliacsmith'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
4.5
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual harassment, Dementia, Mental illness, and Sexism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Grief, and Xenophobia
emfass'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
4.5
This was a closed-door romance which I usually do not go in for (personal preference only, happy for those that like it/don't mind it!), but the writing was so freaking great.
I had some issues with parts of the plot
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Abandonment, and Dementia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Mental illness, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Death of parent and Miscarriage
aprilefoster's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Abandonment
hayjay'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
4.75
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual harassment, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent, Alcohol, Child death, Racism, and Abandonment
paneblue's review against another edition
4.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism and Abandonment
_neverendingstory's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Racism and Dementia
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Miscarriage
heather_harrison'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? It's complicated
4.25
Mental health & Racism surprisingly well touched on.
Moderate: Racism, Mental illness, Dementia, and Abandonment