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lisa_m's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Before I start my review I have to give the fair warning that I watched the series first and I really liked it. I probably wouldn't ever have read this book if it wasn't for the series and I also think I wouldn't have liked this book as much without watching it first.
Okay so now that we're on the same page, I have to say I did have fun reading this book. I haven't read a German book in a while and it took some getting used to. I pretty much skipped the entire smut scene because it was just too weird for me (because of the language, not the writing) which wasn't as easy as just skimming beause I listened to the audiobook.
What I really liked about this book is that we got both Ruby and James' perspective. Anyone who knows me knows i LOVE multiple POVs and especially getting both POVs in romance books. This also really helped because James is SUCH a frustrating character and I don't think I would like him if I didn't get acess to his POV.
Generally this books is very tropey. It's a pretty average enemies-to-lovers book with a rich bad-boy love-interest who is struggling under his fathers expectations and a super smart, ambitious, gorgous, poor, nerd female protagonist who doesn't take anyones shit which makes her special. It's nothing you haven't seen before but it's done well. Sometimes I just feel like reading something that feels very familiar but isn't a re-read and this book gave me that feeling. For anyone saying this book is very Dramione coded, I agree.
The book is surprisingly similar to the series, except for the ending. I have no doubt that the ending of book 1 is going to be the start of season 2 though because this is a very important thing for the story. If I read this book before the rest of the series was out I would be very very mad and probably not continue reading. Since I read this book in the first place because I wanted to find out what happens to Ruby and James next, I probably will continue with the audiobooks. Imo these audiobooks are great for while you're doing something else since it's not a big issue if you miss small things. But right now I'm mad and disappointed in James and not sure if the next book can make me like him again. Because if it's just trying to make me feel bad for him that won't change me not liking him. I feel very bad and sad for him but I still don't like him because yes, I can have two feelings at the same time.
All in all I would recommend it as a casual fun read that you will probably like if you like tropey romance and/or if you enjoyed watching the series. As long as your expectations aren't too high you can definitely have a fun time reading this book.
Okay so now that we're on the same page, I have to say I did have fun reading this book. I haven't read a German book in a while and it took some getting used to. I pretty much skipped the entire smut scene because it was just too weird for me (because of the language, not the writing) which wasn't as easy as just skimming beause I listened to the audiobook.
What I really liked about this book is that we got both Ruby and James' perspective. Anyone who knows me knows i LOVE multiple POVs and especially getting both POVs in romance books. This also really helped because James is SUCH a frustrating character and I don't think I would like him if I didn't get acess to his POV.
Generally this books is very tropey. It's a pretty average enemies-to-lovers book with a rich bad-boy love-interest who is struggling under his fathers expectations and a super smart, ambitious, gorgous, poor, nerd female protagonist who doesn't take anyones shit which makes her special. It's nothing you haven't seen before but it's done well. Sometimes I just feel like reading something that feels very familiar but isn't a re-read and this book gave me that feeling. For anyone saying this book is very Dramione coded, I agree.
The book is surprisingly similar to the series, except for the ending. I have no doubt that the ending of book 1 is going to be the start of season 2 though because this is a very important thing for the story. If I read this book before the rest of the series was out I would be very very mad and probably not continue reading. Since I read this book in the first place because I wanted to find out what happens to Ruby and James next, I probably will continue with the audiobooks. Imo these audiobooks are great for while you're doing something else since it's not a big issue if you miss small things. But right now I'm mad and disappointed in James and not sure if the next book can make me like him again. Because if it's just trying to make me feel bad for him that won't change me not liking him. I feel very bad and sad for him but I still don't like him because yes, I can have two feelings at the same time.
All in all I would recommend it as a casual fun read that you will probably like if you like tropey romance and/or if you enjoyed watching the series. As long as your expectations aren't too high you can definitely have a fun time reading this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Vomit, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
singingshooter's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
linnylionheart's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Addiction
bookthief7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia, Vomit, Medical content, and Alcohol
Minor: Outing
sophilozophy's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.25
Enemies-to-lovers/Opposite attracts set against the backdrop of a prestigious High School where the abundance of luxury rivals the drama.
Ruby Bell just wants to graduate from the renowned Maxton Hall and achieve her dream of going to Oxford. Unlike her wealthy classmates, she's a scholarship student and not from the same world. Like the colours of the categories in her planner–school and family never mix. All she wants is to keep her head down, check off her many to-do lists and get one step closer to reaching her goals in life. On her way to tick off one of those checkboxes, she is caught in the crossfire of James Beaufort. That plan to stay under the radar just went out the window.
If Maxton Hall was a monarchy, James Beaufort would be its king. He's rich, attractive and arrogant as hell. This is his last year and he wants to make it his best before the expectations of his family dynasty take over his life. He has always known what his path in life would be but never expected someone like Ruby would cross it. For the first time, he has met someone who is not interested in getting closer to him and his family but can't seem to get away from him fast enough. In his mind, there has to be an ulterior motive beneath Ruby's altruistic act and he is going to find out what it is.
I felt exasperated for Ruby being put in situations that make her life more difficult by people who seem to enjoy it. There are multiple incidences where she is just in the wrong place at the wrong time and disliked for no other reason. They expect loyalty but don't give her a chance and simultaneously think it's smart to be mean and disrespectful which could push a person to hit back. She is genuinely sweet. While we learn more about James and the reasons behind his actions, I still think she deserves better. Proximity to him comes with a price too high in my opinion. He has been through things and I do feel compassion for him. The kind moments are few and far between in comparison to the chances he will become destructive. The saying hurt people hurt people applies to James and his friends.
The writing style was easy to follow and stay engaged with until the end.
With alternating POVs that help create a complete picture, Save Me proves all that glitters are is gold. Knowing yourself and forming real connections–especially in times of turmoil–are priceless.
Ruby Bell just wants to graduate from the renowned Maxton Hall and achieve her dream of going to Oxford. Unlike her wealthy classmates, she's a scholarship student and not from the same world. Like the colours of the categories in her planner–school and family never mix. All she wants is to keep her head down, check off her many to-do lists and get one step closer to reaching her goals in life. On her way to tick off one of those checkboxes, she is caught in the crossfire of James Beaufort. That plan to stay under the radar just went out the window.
If Maxton Hall was a monarchy, James Beaufort would be its king. He's rich, attractive and arrogant as hell. This is his last year and he wants to make it his best before the expectations of his family dynasty take over his life. He has always known what his path in life would be but never expected someone like Ruby would cross it. For the first time, he has met someone who is not interested in getting closer to him and his family but can't seem to get away from him fast enough. In his mind, there has to be an ulterior motive beneath Ruby's altruistic act and he is going to find out what it is.
I felt exasperated for Ruby being put in situations that make her life more difficult by people who seem to enjoy it. There are multiple incidences where she is just in the wrong place at the wrong time and disliked for no other reason. They expect loyalty but don't give her a chance and simultaneously think it's smart to be mean and disrespectful which could push a person to hit back. She is genuinely sweet. While we learn more about James and the reasons behind his actions, I still think she deserves better. Proximity to him comes with a price too high in my opinion. He has been through things and I do feel compassion for him. The kind moments are few and far between in comparison to the chances he will become destructive. The saying hurt people hurt people applies to James and his friends.
The writing style was easy to follow and stay engaged with until the end.
With alternating POVs that help create a complete picture, Save Me proves all that glitters are is gold. Knowing yourself and forming real connections–especially in times of turmoil–are priceless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
tessamcevan's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism
booksplantsandchai's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
solasbuchladen's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Classism
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