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inamerata's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
A cute little romance.
The writing is firmly average; it's more tell than show, and suffers from major insta-love despite the characters' professed hesitation. The author also used some garbage terminology (including quiltbag), and she is not a good enough writer for me to look past having a lesbian so excited at the novelty of dancing with men, either.
However, the characters and their relationships are charming. I like Tina and Joe individually, and as a couple despite them having the stupidest fights. When they're good, they've very sweet. It was fun to see Tina connect with new friends and explore a new hobby after her divorce, and seeing her relationships with the other characters was also rewarding. Even when the writing tackled more serious topics, it is a cozy little read. The part where Tina inspires trans kids to come to her bouts was especially cute. :)
The writing is firmly average; it's more tell than show, and suffers from major insta-love despite the characters' professed hesitation. The author also used some garbage terminology (including quiltbag), and she is not a good enough writer for me to look past having a lesbian so excited at the novelty of dancing with men, either.
However, the characters and their relationships are charming. I like Tina and Joe individually, and as a couple despite them having the stupidest fights. When they're good, they've very sweet. It was fun to see Tina connect with new friends and explore a new hobby after her divorce, and seeing her relationships with the other characters was also rewarding. Even when the writing tackled more serious topics, it is a cozy little read. The part where Tina inspires trans kids to come to her bouts was especially cute. :)
Minor: Eating disorder and Transphobia
One of Tina's gym clients has an eating disorder that is mentioned or shown in several scenes. It is not detailed, but it is severe enoughhelen's review against another edition
3.0
F/F contemporary where one of the MCs, Tina, is in her late 30s and trans. She meets plumber Joe who invites her to try-out for the local roller derby team.
I really liked that Tina being trans is a part of the story, but isn’t a factor in any romantic conflict. I also really liked the focus on how roller derby gives Tina the chance to have a group of female friends for the first time.
I didn’t believe the bleak moment because it felt contrived and melodramatic, but otherwise it was an enjoyable read – sweet and hot. And I learned about roller derby! (I watched Whip It for the first time after reading too)
I really liked that Tina being trans is a part of the story, but isn’t a factor in any romantic conflict. I also really liked the focus on how roller derby gives Tina the chance to have a group of female friends for the first time.
I didn’t believe the bleak moment because it felt contrived and melodramatic, but otherwise it was an enjoyable read – sweet and hot. And I learned about roller derby! (I watched Whip It for the first time after reading too)
Minor: Eating disorder
Other content warnings: one instance of migendering, mentions of divorce
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