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mcrosby11's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
This book had a slow start, but once it picked up, I couldn't put it down. The characters are endearing, lovable, and relatable, making it a delightful one-sitting read. I'm eagerly anticipating more from this author, as the emotional rollercoaster and the slow burn kept me hooked. The first kiss even gave me butterflies, and I couldn't help but audibly squeal. It's a heartfelt story that strikes the perfect balance between cheesy and genuinely touching.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Terminal illness, Death, Alcohol, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Ableism, Biphobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Mental illness
turnthepages_nl's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book was healing and kind. Sweet and spicy. I loveeee the communication but also the banter.
I was scared this would be a Bergman Brothers wannabe situation. But Katie really found their own voice and made her own story. Yes, it also surrounds a family with chaotic siblings and has lots of disability representation. But it really stands on it's own and that makes me so happy! I got to read an eARC early and absolutely fell in love with Nic & Josh.
This was the first book I read with spicy lessons. And I was scared it would be 'too spicy' for my taste. But honestly I loved it. Because it wasn't just physical sex. It was emotional vulnerability. And it was beautiful. And the conversations about consent, protection, preferences, wants and needs?!! Ughhhhhhh AMAZING!
Nic is Autistic, Josh has PTSD. And both were handled with such care. I may not have autism, but I recognized a lot in Nic, because ADHD has a lot of similarities. And the way Josh was there for her when she got overwhelmed or had a shutdown/meltdown. It made me cry. I wish more people acted like Josh. Absolute husband material tbh. Not just boyfriend, he is Husband material!!! (Give me someone to calm my nervous system the way Josh calmes Nic by laying on her like a big weighted blanket, PLEASE! as long as it is with consent ofcource)
And they were both queer. And there were other queer characters. My Bisexual heart was so so happy. Nic is Bi, Josh doesn't label himself. They had conversations about both aesthetically/physically feeling attraction to a person and truly my Bi heart burst with joy. These conversations are so healing and wholesome. Being able to talk about these things with no shame or fear and with someone who gets it, it's amazing. No biphobic comments, just joy about the other person being able to appreciate someones looks and sharing in that joy with them. No cheating remarks. Just joy and love.
I don't know if anything I just said made sense. But this book means so so much to me. It healed a piece of me I didn't know needed healing. It was so wholesome. Filled with love and respect and joy and communication. Ofcourse mixed in with some lovely tropes like grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), enemies to lovers, sex lessons, found family and a big chaotic loving family. It has amazing disability representation, Bisexual and Queer rep and both MCs are fat.
I fell in love with Katies writing, loved their characters even more and cannot wait to read her next book, coming summer 2024!!!
I was scared this would be a Bergman Brothers wannabe situation. But Katie really found their own voice and made her own story. Yes, it also surrounds a family with chaotic siblings and has lots of disability representation. But it really stands on it's own and that makes me so happy! I got to read an eARC early and absolutely fell in love with Nic & Josh.
This was the first book I read with spicy lessons. And I was scared it would be 'too spicy' for my taste. But honestly I loved it. Because it wasn't just physical sex. It was emotional vulnerability. And it was beautiful. And the conversations about consent, protection, preferences, wants and needs?!! Ughhhhhhh AMAZING!
Nic is Autistic, Josh has PTSD. And both were handled with such care. I may not have autism, but I recognized a lot in Nic, because ADHD has a lot of similarities. And the way Josh was there for her when she got overwhelmed or had a shutdown/meltdown. It made me cry. I wish more people acted like Josh. Absolute husband material tbh. Not just boyfriend, he is Husband material!!! (Give me someone to calm my nervous system the way Josh calmes Nic by laying on her like a big weighted blanket, PLEASE! as long as it is with consent ofcource)
And they were both queer. And there were other queer characters. My Bisexual heart was so so happy. Nic is Bi, Josh doesn't label himself. They had conversations about both aesthetically/physically feeling attraction to a person and truly my Bi heart burst with joy. These conversations are so healing and wholesome. Being able to talk about these things with no shame or fear and with someone who gets it, it's amazing. No biphobic comments, just joy about the other person being able to appreciate someones looks and sharing in that joy with them. No cheating remarks. Just joy and love.
I don't know if anything I just said made sense. But this book means so so much to me. It healed a piece of me I didn't know needed healing. It was so wholesome. Filled with love and respect and joy and communication. Ofcourse mixed in with some lovely tropes like grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), enemies to lovers, sex lessons, found family and a big chaotic loving family. It has amazing disability representation, Bisexual and Queer rep and both MCs are fat.
I fell in love with Katies writing, loved their characters even more and cannot wait to read her next book, coming summer 2024!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Ableism, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Transphobia, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Bullying, Alcohol, and Fatphobia
Uncle/father of a sidecharacrer is homophobic/transphobic.
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