Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

First Down: Special Edition by Grace Reilly

5 reviews

ynaiita_5896's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

🏈 While transfering to McKee University for his senior year, quarterback James Callahan promises himself and his father that unlike last time, he will not get distracted by anything that can cost his NFL future. However, he cannot play if he doesn't retake and pass the writing class he failed at his last college. Beckett Wood is desperate to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend who is not leaving her alone. When James asks Beckett to be his tutor, she agrees in exchange for one thing — for him to pretend to be her boyfriend.

🏈 The premise of this book is engaging, and I was immediately drawn to the idea of a fake dating sports romance. James and Bex quickly emerge as endearing characters, and their chemistry practically leaps off the page. However, the fake dating trope, which initially intrigued me, felt underdeveloped and unconvincing throughout the novel. The story might have benefited from a slower burn, which could have better complemented the central relationship. Unfortunately, as the narrative progressed, the characters' behavior began to feel inconsistent and increasingly frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment

aratinthesky's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Addiction

Minor: Suicide attempt

ambercunningham's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Addiction and Miscarriage

vj_thompson's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My. Flipping. Heart. ❤️

Literally obsessed with this book, the writing, and the characters 🥹 I binge this book in one day. Personally, I think this was better than Icebreaker by Hannah Grace which is a college sports romance. First Down is a perfect mix of spice, drama, and fake dating romance!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Suicide attempt

Minor: Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol

prettynerdy3's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail