Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers

2 reviews

larpar's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful fast-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

4.0

 Book swap is a romance with a fun bookish premise. Tessa Bickers perfectly captures the moments of finding someone who loves books in the same way that you do--a reading soulmate if you will. She also captures those early dating nerves that are similar to online dating–when will they write back?! Will they like me back?!

The novel flipped from the present to the past. Those scenes were tough at times. The reader need context for why James and Erin have cut each other out of their lives. However, these scenes depicted graphic bullying and scary situations. It was a lot for a book that seems to be marketed as a romcom by the description and cover art. 

The Book Swap delivers a bookish romance that is full of hope. If you are in need of a frothy, fluffy romcom I dont think this would be a good pick for you given the heavy topics of bullying, mental illness, and grief. But, if you are looking for a romance full of depth, reconciliation, love and compassion, then look no further! 
 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lalalaretta's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I read through this in a day and have so many thoughts but I'll just share my immediately reaction here. I'm seeing a lot of criticism that this wasn't a cutesy romcom and it's not. But every romance book I've read for years lays the trauma on thick but oh well, resolves it, teehee and isn't that sweet? Here, I feel like the reactions of the characters are proportionate to what they experienced and resolution requires real work from everyone. Social media users love to talk about mental health but really struggle with characters they deem unlikable who are actually in the midst of a major depression. The Book Swap is a nuanced and accurate take on mental health struggles, still leaving us with hope.

I thought the dialogue was accurate and fun, the growth in characters was inspiring, and the therapy was not trite. 

I will be recommending this to my friends, for sure. Looking forward to reading more from Tessa Bickers.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...