thanys_thoughts's review
4.0
More of a 4.5.
This is a small town, age gap romance between Zach and Rae. Zach is demisexual, and I loved the representation of that. They decide to fake date for Rae's book convention as she will run into her ex-husband and his new wife.
In typical Talia Hibbert fashion, I loved this. I love the connection between Zach and Rae. I loved the fake dating and how quickly it became real. I skipped book 2 for this book, and it can be read as a stand alone but it helps to read the other books in the series.
I think I wanted a little bit more development between the two of them.
(spoilery discussion ahead)
How Zach rejects her earlier on and then 50 pages later realizes he is attracted to her. There's 2 weeks in between that incident, and I feel like I needed more development between the two of them, especially with him as a demisexual.
(end spoiler).
But overall, still really enjoyed. And I definitely need more books with demisexual rep.
This is a small town, age gap romance between Zach and Rae. Zach is demisexual, and I loved the representation of that. They decide to fake date for Rae's book convention as she will run into her ex-husband and his new wife.
In typical Talia Hibbert fashion, I loved this. I love the connection between Zach and Rae. I loved the fake dating and how quickly it became real. I skipped book 2 for this book, and it can be read as a stand alone but it helps to read the other books in the series.
I think I wanted a little bit more development between the two of them.
(spoilery discussion ahead)
How Zach rejects her earlier on and then 50 pages later realizes he is attracted to her. There's 2 weeks in between that incident, and I feel like I needed more development between the two of them, especially with him as a demisexual.
(end spoiler).
But overall, still really enjoyed. And I definitely need more books with demisexual rep.
livreads16's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
This was good, not my favorite ravenswood book at all but good. But the epilogue was very cute.
Spoiler
Third act breakup scene was atrocious. Litterally so obvious that Rae wrote that book I mean come on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Body horror, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Injury/injury detail
bookish_spoonie's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
I loved this series! I was so happy to finally read Zach's story and I love Rae so much as well. It was a perfect friends to lovers book and I absolutely devoured it! Can't wait to read more by Talia!
I loved this series! I was so happy to finally read Zach's story and I love Rae so much as well. It was a perfect friends to lovers book and I absolutely devoured it! Can't wait to read more by Talia!
gwensreading's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC from the author and I am happy to give my honest review.
To be honest, I pledged the author my first born child if she'd give me an early copy of this book. Because I love everything she writes and I needed to know more about Rae. The first two books in this series show Rae as a mysterious older single woman who gives no cares about the world. I loved her instantly. This book expanded on her character and made me love her even more.
Rae is a divorced professional author. She relishes in living her best life in Ravenswood but definitely has some hang ups from her previous life. She is nominated for an award for her work and ultimately asks Zach to be her support buddy at the convention and awards ceremony.
Zach is Nate's brother from the second book. It was apparent that he was going through some stuff, especially with their mom being sick and trying to cope with a limited support system. Things started to get better when his brother moved home and I was so glad to see him as the hero of this book.
The thing I like most about Talia Hibbert's writing is that she challenges me. Many readers may not think romance books are necessarily challenging. Talia brings me out of my comfort zone and exposes me to different types of characters and ways of living. The first book in this series featured a woman on the autistic spectrum. This book portrays Zach as demisexual. I had to google it. Except that I didn't because Talia did such a beautiful job showing what demisexual meant and how it affected Zach's life. One of my criteria for a "damn good book" is if I talk to my husband about this. We had a long and complex discussion about demisexuality and I cherish that more any enjoyment I can get out of a book.
This isn't one to pass up. It's slow burn, friends to lover, low angst, and with a beautiful realization of feelings. I loved everything about it and I am looking forward to reading it again very soon.
To be honest, I pledged the author my first born child if she'd give me an early copy of this book. Because I love everything she writes and I needed to know more about Rae. The first two books in this series show Rae as a mysterious older single woman who gives no cares about the world. I loved her instantly. This book expanded on her character and made me love her even more.
Rae is a divorced professional author. She relishes in living her best life in Ravenswood but definitely has some hang ups from her previous life. She is nominated for an award for her work and ultimately asks Zach to be her support buddy at the convention and awards ceremony.
Zach is Nate's brother from the second book. It was apparent that he was going through some stuff, especially with their mom being sick and trying to cope with a limited support system. Things started to get better when his brother moved home and I was so glad to see him as the hero of this book.
The thing I like most about Talia Hibbert's writing is that she challenges me. Many readers may not think romance books are necessarily challenging. Talia brings me out of my comfort zone and exposes me to different types of characters and ways of living. The first book in this series featured a woman on the autistic spectrum. This book portrays Zach as demisexual. I had to google it. Except that I didn't because Talia did such a beautiful job showing what demisexual meant and how it affected Zach's life. One of my criteria for a "damn good book" is if I talk to my husband about this. We had a long and complex discussion about demisexuality and I cherish that more any enjoyment I can get out of a book.
This isn't one to pass up. It's slow burn, friends to lover, low angst, and with a beautiful realization of feelings. I loved everything about it and I am looking forward to reading it again very soon.
mishelleday's review against another edition
4.0
such a slay yas cunting story. talia hibbert never fails to deliver.
ashleycmms's review
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy
catra121's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book in the series. If you like the first 2 books in the series you will enjoy this one as well.
jessicarosem's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I have just discovered Tahlia Hibbert and have devoured this series in days. Honestly can’t get enough of her writing. So impressed with her character diversity and having main characters with autism and neurodivergence.
I will be a avid reader of hers going forward.
Also the spice… OMG *drools* she gets it!! Especially in this book!
I will be a avid reader of hers going forward.
Also the spice… OMG *drools* she gets it!! Especially in this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
nicole_nicole's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
4pawsandabook's review
5.0
Are we surprised at another 5 star book by Talia? Not at all. Did I know this had Demi rep in it? I did not. Was it amazing? Yes. Yes it was.
Okay I’ll stop being annoying now. While I’m not demi so this isn’t an own voices review, I think this handled that topic so well. It wasn’t just a box to check for diversity, it was really a big part of who he was.
Okay I’ll stop being annoying now. While I’m not demi so this isn’t an own voices review, I think this handled that topic so well. It wasn’t just a box to check for diversity, it was really a big part of who he was.