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samnreader's review
3.5
The surrounding friends are interesting, but other than an exception or two are not fully fleshed other than to support the principals. This is what I found most disappointing, they seemed to be a means to an end for the couple, highly centered on everything having to do with them and not just smaller characters that support the overall story.
So while there is some great stuff here, the bones still felt a little underdeveloped. It's forced proximity with a whole cast, but they aren't really that interesting in their own right. The romance did it's job, for sure, but the rest was filler and a lot of the filler was rough and expositional. This is why I liked when the author wrote from Henry's point of view. He often had to show, because of his anxiety and tendency to freeze with new people and his overall reticence. Other chapters held details but they weren't feeling details always-they were often telling details.
I will say I also enjoyed Lanza's dialogue though. It was a pleasant surprise and why I kept reading after the initial pages-that's where the book seems to hit its stride. It also had good exploration of severe endometriosis, but I hope readers go into this with awareness of the chronic health, mental health and other possible triggers. While it read pretty lighthearted overall, it did get gritty from a few angles.
I recommend this with reservations (and with full content warning awareness), and I'd rate it between a 3&4. It mostly appealed to me for the unique composer spin and a couple of subplot threads that I thought were handled deftly.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
izziepng's review against another edition
- 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
I just finished it like 15 minutes ago and I can’t even collect my thoughts because I love it so much. I love Lucy and Henry (total get henry’s anxiety i have the same issues just less severe) I love Rowan (cutest thing ever) and Graham and Jayce and Preston and Adamma.
I love found family it makes me feel so cozy and as someone who basically has a fear of making friends (i’m not even gonna get into it) it’s hard to make me actually yearn to make friends but i wish i had the HAAAM group in my life.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Chronic illness, and Infertility
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, and Sexual content
novellybritt's review
- 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
Graphic: Infertility, Chronic illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Sexual content, and Child abuse
readwatchcrochet's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
The perfect book boyfriend (so thoughtful and cute) and a fast paced romance that I never wanted to end (I’ve basically highlighted the whole book). This was just such a cosy read, had me laughing out loud and then crying at the end. I’m going to try my best to articulate how much I loved this book but it’s one I’ll be buying for friends to read.
“Girl starting over after a devastating breakup suddenly winds up living in a mansion with five gorgeous men. One who happens to be the celebrity crush she never knew she’s had for years”.
Personally this book and Lucy’s story just resonated with me so much.
There are a lot of things people go through quietly that are often difficult to talk about & often people will never know about.
This story just hit very close to home. And it explored the fears and struggles so well.
The meet cute was great and loved the bond that Lucy & Henry shared throughout the book. They just seemed to really compliment each other.
Sarah & Jack. Just horrible people all round. I think it is also a talent to write characters that readers can despise so much.
However, loved Graham, Jayce, Preston & Adama. Good when there are actually decent people in Lucy’s life and the dynamics between them all was spot on. Plus, there is a cute dog who gets up to lots of mischief.
“You’ve had an extra-thick, double-knotted, dipped-tar string of bad luck”
• second chance romance
• finding your family
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Please check the TW before reading.
Thanks to the publisher, author & NetGalley for this arc in exchange for this honest review.
Graphic: Mental illness and Infertility
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse
bookswithca's review
- 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
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Infertility, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Medical content, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity and Child abuse
katebrownreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Gaslighting, Ableism, Chronic illness, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Child abuse
izzyf16's review
5.0
Graphic: Infertility
Minor: Child abuse and Infidelity