Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

13 reviews

alainareading's review against another edition

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tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

Please carefully read through the TWs in this review. 

This was honestly such an uncomfortable read that I have to write down my thoughts. I couldn’t believe the casual misogyny, slut-shaming, and degradation throughout the book from both MCs. Like, Hannah labels the women that Garrett has hooked up with as “floozies” and puts herself way above every single woman since she’s just sooo different — her “panties” don’t “melt away” every time she looks at him. And Garrett isn’t any better! He says the grossest things about women, like how Hannah will be seen as “higher status” if she sleeps with him or if people think she’s sleeping with him, and therefore more desirable to men.

Also I couldn’t get over how no one talks like these characters, let alone college juniors. Who says “douchecanoe” and “tough cookie” and thinks those terms are hilarious?! I’d also like to share this excerpt that I cringed at while reading:

“I happen to be a fantastic kisser. Sadly, you will never get to find out.”
“Never say never,” he answers in a singsong voice.
“Thanks for that, Justin Bieber.”

Like, in what world would any twenty year old say that??


I genuinely thought this book was written in the 2000s or early 2010s but then the MC mentions the show Ted Lasso.

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idajoh's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

Very quick and fun read. Got it for free on kindle and finished it in a couple of days.
However, it had very wattpad, pick-me, "i'm not like other girls" vibe (which was very common in 2015, i'll admit that). 
Obviously, Hannah is a beautiful girl who does not know she is pretty and looks down on "dumber" girls who sleep around. Ugh, snore

It also annoyed me that the characters were PERFECT. They always did "the right thing" in every situation, and were perfect for each other. Obviously. Additionally, their flaws weren't really flaws at all and mostly brought on by external factors. Which brings me to my next point...

The inclusion of serious topics did not add depth to their characters, and everything the author said about it, has been said before. Luckily, I have not gone through any of those things, but I would not recommend this book to someone who has. The handling of the topics felt very superficial and a lousy attempt to add some profound meaning to an otherwise average, smutty book. It honestly could've gone without.

Minor issue, but i was so annoyed about why garrett couldn't come with her for christmas. Although, they were broken up at the time. Still, the reasoning that he had a game right after she left and before she came home did not hold up for me. If she was home for three weeks, they didn't exactly need to leave at the exact same dates.

Also hated the part about their breakup. She was so sure he would sacrifice his future for a girl he had been dating for two months?? Girl, who do you think you are?

Finally, the Logan liking Hannah part irked me as well. It was unnescessary for the plot, and thrown in at random. The first comment was fine, but he didn't actually need to fall in love with her properly. It didn't actualy add anything. Unless it's relevant for the second book, which I am not going to read.

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liafiles's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0


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