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andreasbooknook's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taylorw94's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
tracymksmith's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
klkachur_11's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brittanyreadsbooks's review
4.0
I enjoyed this one. There were a couple things in the first like 15% that I didn't love, which is the discussion of the MMC's sexual past by a group of people who had all hooked up with him?? One of whom openly said she tried to get her current partner to do something he had done to her but that her current partner was unable to do it. Which was just super icky to me. BUT I decided to continue and see if it got better/moved past that and I'm glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also understand that the conversation FMC overheard was pivotal in the story I just felt like it could have been a little different? I think having a group of people discuss hooking up with MMC in the past at his home and then discussing his prowess while some were in other committed relationships was just a little over the top-- especially when they're talking about hooking up with him years ago.
I did enjoy the book a LOT overall, I did dock it down a star for that because I did feel like the discussion above it took away from my reading experience for a bit. BUT overall I loved it, the fat rep, the autism rep, the PTSD rep, the LGBTQ rep, all of it was great. The writing was great, the diversity of the characters was amazing, the dynamics, and just the development of all the characters was great.
I really look forward to the rest of the books in the series, I was actually kind of devastated to find out I have to wait to read the rest LMAO.
I would highly recommend-- especially for fans of Chloe Liese!!
I did enjoy the book a LOT overall, I did dock it down a star for that because I did feel like the discussion above it took away from my reading experience for a bit. BUT overall I loved it, the fat rep, the autism rep, the PTSD rep, the LGBTQ rep, all of it was great. The writing was great, the diversity of the characters was amazing, the dynamics, and just the development of all the characters was great.
I really look forward to the rest of the books in the series, I was actually kind of devastated to find out I have to wait to read the rest LMAO.
I would highly recommend-- especially for fans of Chloe Liese!!
jadeejf's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very spicy little romance with an autistic lead (one of my favorite genres I guess?). My brain has not been well enough for reading deeper stuff, and when I'm struggling, fun, interesting romance novels seem to get me back on track. It was good! Appreciated the queer representation and having a lead that was a big dude, too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
bookishkate28's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katiedermody's review
This is simultaneously one of the horniest and softest book I've read recently and I really liked it! Tropes: enemies (ish) to lovers, teach me. Rep: bi; queer; fat; autistic MC; MC with PTSD. I loved the antagonistic (but is it really?), reluctant (but is it really?) sex lessons, the we hate each other so we don't have to worry about feelings (ha!) mentality, and the way they genuinely care about one another and strive to prove it through encouragement and support. The progression of their relationship felt realistic and sweet, and overall the story felt very rom-commy (could see it as a movie). Also love that there is a great chance there will be seven more books if each Quinn sibling gets a story (the series is called Quiblings, after all).
beansbookclub's review
4.0
Wow. What a debut. From the Start is full of spice, yes--but it is chock full of so. much. more.
Readers watch as Nic launches herself onto a journey of self-discovery, by launching herself at Josh in the hopes that he'll help guide her along said journey. Together, the two explore the dynamics of pleasure, figuring out what Nic is comfortable with, what makes her tick--sexually, but also mentally and emotionally.
Nic, headstrong and independent and fresh off of an autism diagnosis, is a force to be reckoned with. Josh, kind and passionate and avoidant of falling in love, is a natural teacher.
Watching the two communicate in such a healthy manner, fill out sex surveys and open up with each other about matters of the heart, had me blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl.
As much as I loved Nic, Josh Henry...Katie Duggan has created the perfect book boyfriend. This man wanted to make sure that Nic felt fully comfortable at his apartment and in his presence as they explored each other's bodies and minds--and to do so, he stocked the fuc* up. Josh bought a weighted blanket for her to use when she was over, he made sure to always have chocolate oatmilk ready, he stocked his bathroom with lavendar scented bubble bath...SHALL I GO ON?
AND THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN? Josh's dirty talk had ME squirming. Phew. I'm sweating just remembering some of the things he said to Nic in their intimate moments.
All of that being said, this story was such a sweet exploration of what it means to be human, living the human experience, and learning all that that means. It was a story of two people opening up to each other, however tentatively at first, healing each other, and being there for the other unconditionally. It was so so sweet, and so so spicy, and I loved it. Thank you, Katie, for the ARC.
***
...He’s just Josh, the man who, since coming back into my life, only touches me like I’m worth handling with care.
"I think I'm going to kiss you now, Josh Henry." His breath hitches.
"Why?" I look back at him, meeting his soft blue eyes. "Because I'm safe."
"This is your journey, and even though it doesn't match what you expected, it doesn't mean it's wrong." He leans down and presses his forehead to mine, his eyes fluttering shut. "I'm simply grateful to witness it."
***
Readers watch as Nic launches herself onto a journey of self-discovery, by launching herself at Josh in the hopes that he'll help guide her along said journey. Together, the two explore the dynamics of pleasure, figuring out what Nic is comfortable with, what makes her tick--sexually, but also mentally and emotionally.
Nic, headstrong and independent and fresh off of an autism diagnosis, is a force to be reckoned with. Josh, kind and passionate and avoidant of falling in love, is a natural teacher.
Watching the two communicate in such a healthy manner, fill out sex surveys and open up with each other about matters of the heart, had me blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl.
As much as I loved Nic, Josh Henry...Katie Duggan has created the perfect book boyfriend. This man wanted to make sure that Nic felt fully comfortable at his apartment and in his presence as they explored each other's bodies and minds--and to do so, he stocked the fuc* up. Josh bought a weighted blanket for her to use when she was over, he made sure to always have chocolate oatmilk ready, he stocked his bathroom with lavendar scented bubble bath...SHALL I GO ON?
AND THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN? Josh's dirty talk had ME squirming. Phew. I'm sweating just remembering some of the things he said to Nic in their intimate moments.
All of that being said, this story was such a sweet exploration of what it means to be human, living the human experience, and learning all that that means. It was a story of two people opening up to each other, however tentatively at first, healing each other, and being there for the other unconditionally. It was so so sweet, and so so spicy, and I loved it. Thank you, Katie, for the ARC.
***
...He’s just Josh, the man who, since coming back into my life, only touches me like I’m worth handling with care.
"I think I'm going to kiss you now, Josh Henry." His breath hitches.
"Why?" I look back at him, meeting his soft blue eyes. "Because I'm safe."
"This is your journey, and even though it doesn't match what you expected, it doesn't mean it's wrong." He leans down and presses his forehead to mine, his eyes fluttering shut. "I'm simply grateful to witness it."
***