The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
brinotbrie's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Outing, Sexism, Racism, and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent
panthalassa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol, Homophobia, and Sexism
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Racism
saojimenez's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, and Misogyny
storykath's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
First of all, it was super refreshing to read a queer romance where the queerness is (almost) never the focus. Taking away the queer aspect would change the story significantly, but there's next to no conflict regarding coming out, homophobia, etc. Wilsner did a great job balancing a distinctly WLW story with the necessary lightheartedness of a romance novel.
The alternating perspectives provided an effective insight into the protagonists' inner thoughts and feelings, while also amping up the frustration with every miscommunication and missed opportunity. Their inner monologues were realistic and relatable, if a bit repetitive. Then again, who doesn't mull over the same worries over and over in their mind? Jo and Emma were equal parts endearing, sympathetic, and agonizingly frustrating as they tried to understand themselves and each other - that is to say, they're typical romance novel characters and typical human beings.
The focus of the story was absolutely on the characters and their growth, which left the setting as more of an afterthought. Descriptions of the award shows, business trips, and day-to-day demands of the television industry fell flat, and it was hard to tell if they were unrealistic or just poorly fleshed out. While Jo and Emma's relationship is, of course, top priority, it would have been a nice touch to have more details about the characters' workplaces and homes to round out the story.
Altogether, as a general avoider of romance novels, I came for the queer representation, I stayed for the sympathetic characters, and I only sometimes wished for a more literary experience.
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Alcohol, Racism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Outing, Cancer, Cursing, Lesbophobia, and Medical content
sonia_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I don't normally pick up books with age gaps, but I decided to make an exception because I read the book's description and knew that I had to read this. What I wasn't expecting was for this book to be such a slow burn, it took almost 300 pages for them to kiss but when they did it was worth the wait. It had a good and unfortunately realistic depiction of how women are treated in the tv and film industry. I'm also a huge sucker for tabloid/social media kind of stories which was one of the biggest reasons that I decided to read the book in the first place. The reason why I gave this 4 stars was because of the miscommunication, it was a recurring thing and I personally don't like that trope but I can definitely see how others could enjoy it. While this wasn't a life-changing read, it doesn't have to be, it's just a super cute sapphic romance!
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexism, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
eamily's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexism, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, Cancer, Cursing, Death of parent, and Medical content