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allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
The span of this story is from the start of the first book in this series, through the second book in the series, and even beyond that. Yet I’d still say you can read this one without reading those two books. The other characters are in and out of this story, but their backstories are not needed to be fully immersed in this book.
That being said, some things happened in the last book, Pucking Wild, that gave a peek at the polyamorous relationship of Poppy, Lukas, and Colton and I couldn’t wait to find out how it all came to be and how it would play out. Lukas has not been what I would consider a likable character throughout the series. He likes to snipe at everyone, especially Colton. He teases Poppy relentlessly as if they’re in kindergarten and never seems to take anything seriously. Of course, that is all to keep everyone at arm’s length. Lukas cannot afford to form attachments to anyone as he knows those attachments are never real and never last.
Colton is such a lovely laid-back person who is fantastic at being the glue to the frenetic energy of Poppy and Lukas. I love the way he loves them. Not that he doesn’t need affection and care, too. Poppy knows this and eventually so does Lukas. This trio doesn’t work on paper. But when they are alone, when the walls are down, they are perfect. Lukas allows himself to be vulnerable, Colton allows himself to exert his powerful nature, and Poppy gives over her need for control. It works for them. If only they can realize that it can work just as well outside of their secret bubble.
Although Poppy has a lot to deal with in her family and Lukas had a terrible upbringing, there isn’t the same level of angst in this book as there is in the previous stories. There is conflict and confusion and many things to work out, but there never seems to be despair even when things look grim. There is great chemistry all around and I was always rooting for them to find their way to each other.
One final note that is specific to the audiobook: up to this point I have only heard Sean Crisden narrate the Icehome series by Ruby Dixon. In other words, I have only heard him be an alien. It was a joy to hear his voice in another context. I will admit that when Colton would get gravelly I’d think of those aliens! That’s not a bad thing though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
kristanjenkins's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Moderate: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
tguccione's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Terminal illness, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment