Reviews

Don't Hate the Player by Alexis Nedd

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nitya_a's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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? Yes

2.75

mdettmann's review against another edition

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3.0

A gamer love story with dual POV, I thought the gamer jargon and scenes were a little too heavy to make it very readable during those parts. Overall it was cute, and the takes on women in gamer culture were interesting, but just an okay read for me.

vickycbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

actually so good it hit every mark and did not miss!!!

jaiden_f4309's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bleep_bloop's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring tense 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

4.75

Okay, let me break this down, my review has multiple spoilers, so spoiler text will be put.

I will be rating a few different categories on a scale 0-10.

1. Language

7, strong language used throughout the book, used by minors. A 7 because it’s used in situations that don’t need it, only adding added exaggeration. A few derogatory words, and intent. Def not PG-13.

Romance

4, pretty dull for the first 200 pages, romance between minors. Damn, let me just say the way Alexis Nedd described hormonal teenagers was spot on, she made it, funny, lustful, and emotionally rewarding. A little awkward at times, but did not fail to make me kick my feet.

Plot

5, Slow-paced, long scenes, and no cliffhanger. I feel like she set it up for a second book, but also didn't leave us hanging, the end was very cute, but a second book, while they're on tour, would be dope, with new competitors and drama. Had to get that out of the way. The pace is slow most of the time but gets fast at other times, so medium medium-paced. I feel like the part where they are playing the video games was amazing, and you could really imagine it, and what was going on, I loved the descriptions of those scenes. My favorite parts had to be the moment when they were in the hall, when they kissed, and when she bumped into him. EPIC.

The plot was thorough and had minimal holes in it.

Relationships

3, very few. I loved the queer representation, the trans, and gay/lesbian, and the mention of bisexuals. I liked how Matt (the best one) had a crush (ig) on the gay girl in Team Uniity, I thought that was cute, but I'm also confused about why Matt and Penny didn't get together. Low-key confused. I mean they were lined up, I get why they didn't, but the author could've at least given them a chance. And Connor being super possessing, and clingy, def not a shocker. I feel like the relationship between Emilia and Jake was mapped out perfectly, I mean it could've been done better but.🤷‍♀️

Character development

5, the development on Emilia’s part was minor but due to there being 2 main characters I am splitting it. So for Jake, he had a lot of development, he went from thinking he was invisible, and stupid, to changing his whole demeanor, the ending when he said that he wouldn't walk into doors when Emilia smiled or something really showed how he became more comfortable, and he didn't have to rely on reverting back to feeling dumb, and like a burden. The development for Emilia was more minor, she realized that everybody wouldn't hate her when they found out that she played video games, being in that world, gaming being her world. She was still a little mean, and slowly stopped pushing people away, although that doesn't seem like much, and I'm no expert, but that must be very overwhelming, to just let people in.

Overall this is a heartwarming, charming, funny, delightfully entertaining romance that gamers and non-gamers alike will enjoy.

(Source: School Library book.)