rosiebp's review against another edition
emotional
informative
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
4.25
gamarosa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
magnoliapigeonbookblurbs's review against another edition
2.0
I had such high hopes for this book because I love a good academia based plot - but this fell so short for me. It read like a YA novel (while the characters were in Grad School they acted & spoke like they were in 9th grade) and honestly it seemed to make excuses for abusive/manipulative behavior.
Without spoiling the book I just want to add to anyone who happens to read this:
PLEASE do not ever make yourself small for the benefit of someone else. Just because someone has trauma does not mean they can walk all over you, manipulate you or take credit for ideas that are yours. Trauma is valid but it is not a excuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Without spoiling the book I just want to add to anyone who happens to read this:
PLEASE do not ever make yourself small for the benefit of someone else. Just because someone has trauma does not mean they can walk all over you, manipulate you or take credit for ideas that are yours. Trauma is valid but it is not a excuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
kledvina's review against another edition
3.0
This second chance romance focuses on Allison Avery, a dedicated PhD Candidate in Medieval Literature who’s just begun studying under her academic hero. Her hard work is paying off and everything is falling into place… until she discovers that her ex-boyfriend and ex-rival from college is back and causing more trouble than ever. She doesn’t have time to deal with him, especially while managing a difficult relationship with her father and feeling estranged from her best friend. While I found it a bit difficult to really get invested in the plot there were some things I loved: a plus sized protagonist, so many lit references, and real talk about challenging familial issues.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!
Content Warnings: Body Shaming,, Grief, Emotional Abuse
Categories: Fiction, Romance, Comedy
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!
Content Warnings: Body Shaming,
Spoiler
Death of a parentCategories: Fiction, Romance, Comedy
space_corgi's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Maaaaan there was some out of pocket content in this book. Let’s just say whoever edited this thing let some crazy sh*t ride. Some totally f’d lines are in this. Sorry I’m just stream of consciousness typing rn. Okay on to the real review.
Where to even start??
1) If you are not familiar with medieval lit you will struggle to get the references.
2) 1D villains
3) mediocre sex scenes that are awkwardly timed (including the out of pocket lines I referenced earlier and regret having to use my actual, human eyes to read)
4) A cohort that seems actually interesting but we don’t get to explore these ppl bc our MC is extremely caught up in her own perception of the world. She is permanently a victim and jumps to conclusions 9 times /10. So frustrating to read.
5) there was content in this book that was unfortunately triggering for me (but let me be 100% clear that this is not influencing my review). I felt like said content did end up serving a higher purpose in the book and that’s probably the best component - you don’t always have to accept/forgive/love the people society/parents expect you to. Great, loved this one aspect.
6) Allison’s relationships with everyone but herself are underdeveloped. Again, she only cares about how other’s actions around her impact her own life. She never grows through this trait and the book ends in the same manner it began. Meaning, Allison’s focus is Allison and she does not care how other ppl feel about that for better or for worse.
7) Messy, messy ending on top of everything. Loose ends tied up like a kid learning how to tie their laces for the first time.
RIP
Where to even start??
1) If you are not familiar with medieval lit you will struggle to get the references.
2) 1D villains
3) mediocre sex scenes that are awkwardly timed (including the out of pocket lines I referenced earlier and regret having to use my actual, human eyes to read)
4) A cohort that seems actually interesting but we don’t get to explore these ppl bc our MC is extremely caught up in her own perception of the world. She is permanently a victim and jumps to conclusions 9 times /10. So frustrating to read.
5) there was content in this book that was unfortunately triggering for me (but let me be 100% clear that this is not influencing my review). I felt like said content did end up serving a higher purpose in the book and that’s probably the best component - you don’t always have to accept/forgive/love the people society/parents expect you to. Great, loved this one aspect.
6) Allison’s relationships with everyone but herself are underdeveloped. Again, she only cares about how other’s actions around her impact her own life. She never grows through this trait and the book ends in the same manner it began. Meaning, Allison’s focus is Allison and she does not care how other ppl feel about that for better or for worse.
7) Messy, messy ending on top of everything. Loose ends tied up like a kid learning how to tie their laces for the first time.
RIP
kristinshires's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
3.75
loved the characters & the storyline! im not a big second chance romance person, and i hold grudges toooooo much sometimes for these books but i really enjoyed it!!
kirbaee's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of my favorite audiobooks that I've listened to in awhile. It was a perfect mix of Ali Hazelwood+Olivia Dade. Plus size girl in academia giving a boy who doesn't deserve it another shot. The plot twist had me ROILING (& wanting to throw hands) but I absolutely adored Colin's profession of love/apology at the end.
This book also had my favorite (mild) spicy scene to date. It was so sensual and full of love that I cried at how beautiful it was.
This book also had my favorite (mild) spicy scene to date. It was so sensual and full of love that I cried at how beautiful it was.