Reviews with content warning for Drug use - Lilac

I think I struggle to relate to the stereotypical FMC who cannot communicate...
It takes me out of the story. I wanted a simple, easy read, and this was just poorly written angst wrapped in a reverse harem plot.
The booktok account who suggested this to me made it sounds exciting, but it was predictable and not overly enjoyable. The story had a lot of opportunity to delve into some world building, setting up some more complex scenarios and instead it was just some characters which were average at best having a lot of sex. I am all for sex in a book, but I want to earn the smut, you know?
Anyway, would not reccommend.

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bookwxrmvictoria's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

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

4.5

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tianabooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

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

3.25

I had a complicated journey with this book. I picked this up because I've been in a big RH binge and, even more so, rockstar romances tend to almost always work for me.

The beginning was anticipated and I immediately appreciated how headstrong Braxton was; the clash between her and the guys brought a lot of tension and created interesting banter. I mean, the dudes were awful to her at first but we all know this was going to change eventually. Although there seemed to be an 'insta-lust' component, it didn't really bother me. The more mature scenes were done well; a lot of steam and multiple explicit scenes. I liked the synesthetic part - it was an interesting take on the condition and the descriptions were done well. The significance of the title was pretty sweet as well as well as the epilogue! An epilogue after some time, beautiful.

The issues for me were more dynamic and structure based. Even though there are three (3) guys, emphasis seemed to be primarily on one of them, with the other two feeling more like extra features instead of solid parts of the 'harem' dynamic. For example, the large conflict at the later part of the book revolved around that guy. On top of it, we got the backstory of one of the guys at the 90% point of the book, AFTER the resolution of the twist/main issue. It didn't feel as significant at that point, which is a sad thing to say because it was pretty serious. There was SO much miscommunication, lack of willingness to discuss anything, tantrums thrown by multiple characters. It became a tad bit 'too much'.
I would've also liked to see more of the concert atmosphere, the audience vibes, the adrenaline rush since it is a rockstar-romance book. But that is a more personal preference.

In general, the writing was good and I know there are people who loved this, which is absolutely fine! I just had some issues with it. :)

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bbygirl21's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

4.0

Wow this was a pretty heavy book. Each one of the characters had something happen in their past which makes them somewhat "broken" in a way. Which I think makes them connect on a deeper level.

I really enjoyed seeing the ups and down of all their relationships and seeing the three guys start connecting again. I think Braxton is just what Houston, Loren, and Jericho (Rich) needed to make them come together again as friends.

Braxton is a very strong independent and badass woman who took none of the crap the guys through at her. She gave as good as she got. And I guess that could stem from the past abuse she got from her parents and their church.

I'm glad Braxton was able to get out of that life once she had come of age where she didn't have to listen to her parents anymore.

The ending of this story couldn't have been more perfect. This was a very beautiful and sexy read. I highly enjoyed it.

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kirkevincent's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the reveal for what the title of this book meant and, though it wasn’t perfect and some things didn’t mesh 100%, there was realism too the narrative. All the characters have their own unique lives and secrets and they have to find a way to bring themselves together when those are revealed. Some of the sex was a little unrealistic, but that’s what fiction and fantasy are for lol.

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