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the_rabble's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.
But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.
Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.
Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.
Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Lauren
This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
pandalesque's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Didn't really enjoy that the she was described as soft and pillow-y by the love intrest 1000 times and that that's attractive... In the sense that a fat person's body is hot because it gives somebody the feeling of comfort and softness... I don't know if I can explain it well... I just noticed it after the fifth time and then it kinda bothered me.
I really liked the discussions about fatphobia, fame, domesitic abuse, therapy, ADHD, decision making, consent, sacrifices, fanfiction, insecurities, protectiveness, fame, morals, family, avocating for yourself...
I also liked, that the characters grew into their power and worked on their self worth.
Didn't like:
- I thought it was weird that he was almost in his 40s. based on how he acted and talked, but maybe they thought since he has ADHD he would think, act, talk less ?mature? I guess. Unfortunately his humor wasn't "my humor" as well so I also thought it was over the top.
- And unfortunately I didn't quite get the romantic attraction, but the physical attraction and friendship. I guess because she sometimes felt like his therapist and again didn't find his humor charming or that they had a special rapport.... Just they kinda tolerated each other/ lived with each other, spent time together in a time where they were lonely and the other was just what they needed for that moment and found each other hot.
- I thought it was weird that he didn't have a bodyguard or other security personell to deal with...
Smut: 3/5 🔥
Would recommend it though and maybe pick up another book of Olivia Dade.
Graphic: Bullying and Fatphobia
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Violence
cheye13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Ableism, Death, Drug use, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
I really loved the first in this series and was really excited to read this follow-up. I love books that feature fat characters and this one did it really well. It was a good read, but nothing really special. It's probably not one I'll re-read again and again. But I did enjoy it.
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Fatphobia
vaguely_pink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Grief
Minor: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Vomit, and Alcohol
shaipanda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I could not put it down and I loved their dynamic and stuff so much
Literally enjoyed so so much and I’m so glad I saw this mentioned on booktok and randomly decided to pick it up when I was at the library the other week
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Abandonment
tiannakelly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Medical content, and Medical trauma
purplepenning's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism
bi_n_large's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual harassment
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Sexual harassment