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bekacrook's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Talia Hibbert just knows how to write complex, interesting characters that you like because of their differences (and not in spite of their differences). Ruth felt authentic and I liked that Evan took the time to know her and notice her ways of displaying emotions, he never viewed her badly or assumed that she should respond in the way he would, instead he was intrigued by her and willing to learn her. Although they were quite different characters, they understood each other and were well matched, I liked them together.
It took time to build a clear picture of the events that occured in the very first chapter (prologue) but this was done well, it was drip fed to us so that we made the same assumptions as Evan. Some characters really grew, Ruth in particular around her confidence and self-belief, and some showed the beginnings of change like Mr Burne and Laura which felt honest and realistic - people don't change completely overnight after all.
Although some bits were difficult to read, I felt like the content was all handled well and respectfully while still being inkeeping with how the characters would speak about/handle different situations.
The epilogue was so well done, so realistic for the amount of time that had passed and again showed the progression of Ruth and Evan's relationship.
It took time to build a clear picture of the events that occured in the very first chapter (prologue) but this was done well, it was drip fed to us so that we made the same assumptions as Evan. Some characters really grew, Ruth in particular around her confidence and self-belief, and some showed the beginnings of change like Mr Burne and Laura which felt honest and realistic - people don't change completely overnight after all.
Although some bits were difficult to read, I felt like the content was all handled well and respectfully while still being inkeeping with how the characters would speak about/handle different situations.
The epilogue was so well done, so realistic for the amount of time that had passed and again showed the progression of Ruth and Evan's relationship.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Cancer, Racism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Death of parent
nenaveenstra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Talia Hibbert never lets me down. Her romance novels - a genre ridden with clichés and tropes - always feel so immensely real. The characters, the relationships, the sex… It always feels like I’m right there, like it could be my own life I’m reading about. Especially since she writes autistic women so well.
I had trouble getting into this book, though, because Evan’s character seemed to change suddenly as soon as Ruth took an interest in him. And the epilogue also wasn’t my favourite (I simply don’t consider getting pregnant a ‘happy ending’, but that’s just me). However, everything in between was perfect. Ruth’s character development, learning to trust other people and daring to put herself out there again after traumatic events… It made me feel so emotional, and I would die for her, I think.
This book doesn’t top the Brown Sisters-trilogy for me, but boy, does it get close. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Ableism, Violence, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
megnut's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Death of parent
pinesandpages's review against another edition
3.5
This was fine! I don’t really enjoy the plot device where a woman’s mysterious and abusive past is hinted at obliquely for the bulk of the book, and then in one pivotal dramatic scene it all comes out. This book wasn’t as funny or snarky as Hibbert’s usually are, so I missed that aspect. Certainly spicy enough tho. I do wish Evan had a personality other than being extremely good looking, loving to cook for Ruth, and a slight savior complex. We brushed by most of his background, as he was mostly there to be the perfect partner.
Again, this was not bad, but probably my least favorite of Hibbert’s work that I’ve read thus far.
Again, this was not bad, but probably my least favorite of Hibbert’s work that I’ve read thus far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
chronicacademia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Stalking, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
nitya's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
Spent my entire day reading this, no regrets
Although knowing about Trevor's racism has me side-eyeing his redemption in Damaged Goods.
Also Evan Miller is the BEST book boyfriend, fight me
Although knowing about Trevor's racism has me side-eyeing his redemption in Damaged Goods.
Also Evan Miller is the BEST book boyfriend, fight me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Stalking
loveisthething's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
So this is the third time I've tried to read this book and this time I made it through and thoroughly enjoyed it. I flew through this book wanting to know more about the characters and their stories. I love how Hibbert writes her romances because there is so much more to the characters than finding love.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse and Stalking
skaurgo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Ableism, Racism, Rape, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
elykeepthefaith's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Talia Hibbert’s writing never fails to be witty and relatable. I loved Ruth and Evan. Ruth was so relatable, especially with her comic book obsession. Evan was absolutely charming and is totally head over heals for Ruth. I really liked the mysterious aspect of Ruth’s backstory. Rather than giving all the details at a time, Hibbert slowly releases tiny tidbits. It made it feel like you the reader were part of the Ravenswood rumor mill.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer
toffishay's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
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? No
3.5
I enjoyed the characters and the bones of this story, but the plot felt a little rushed to me. Evan also feels a little flat as a love interest and the romance feels like it develops really quickly. I love how Ruth grows through the book and the love that Evan has for her, really bolsters her too which is beautiful to see. We don't have to heal alone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Stalking and Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming, Racism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism