Reviews with content warning for Chronic illness - You'll Be the Death of Me

If I was rating this solely based off enjoyment, it would be 5 stars. There were some definite issues with quality that meant I felt I should dock it a full star. But first, the positives! It was incredibly fast-paced and gripping, taking place over just a day (to this end, I thought it lived up to the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off gone wrong premise). Actual investigation took place, and the romance was actually believable (unlike the other two romances I’ve read of McManus). Finally, the situations and subsequent developments of the characters were really strong.

In terms of negatives, the character personalities (despite their diverse circumstances) were all fairly generic. More significantly, it was a little messy.

Spoiler

For example, it didn’t really tie up who the Coach got to kill Brian.

Finally, while I didn’t hate the resolution, I didn’t love it either.

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leahmaslin's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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beckyremillard's review

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adventurous mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.75

Ivy, Mateo, and Cal used to be best friends. Several years later they find themselves skipping school together and it’s a lot more than they bargained for.

I was immediately hooked by this book, through the perspective of all three friends. There was a bit where I was a bit annoyed at their choices, but they are high schoolers and aren’t expected to make smart decisions all the time.

I didn’t expect this story to primarily take place in one day, but I thought it added to the story that there was kind of a “deadline” at the end of the day.

I thought it was going to wrap up vaguely neatly; not perfectly but most ducks in a row. However, after finishing it I’m really hoping for a sequel.

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quillify_'s review

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challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

As always, McManus's books are phenomenal. Can always rely on them to pull me out of a reading slump. I adored the main trio of characters. Their struggles and secrets and character development made this story all the more interesting. The pacing of this was phenomenal (better than OoUiL, sorryyy), which explains why I finished this in mere hours. Ivy and her overachieving struggles, her fear of rejection really resonated with me. Also appreciate how the book touched upon the topic of female predators and how they are let off easier than their male counterparts. I am so glad that Cal is doing better by the end and is finally happy. Same goes for Mateo; his sense of duty, streak of stubbornness and fear of failure also struck a chord. Excellent book honestly.

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froggybex's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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? Yes

3.75

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hanna's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging reflective 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

3.0

An interesting enough story but one that sadly just didn't grip me enough. After not liking "The Cousins" too, I'm thinking this will be it for me and McManus.

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