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town_scar's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Infertility and Mental illness
dlrosebyh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Infertility and Sexism
emma985's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infertility and Sexism
ecobookworm's review against another edition
- 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
I have to admit that the first half or so of the book had me cringing a bit. Their relationship starts off so toxic, with a huge lack of communication and being downright awful to each other. It is kind of hilarious at times as the prank wars escalate, but it was also a bit sad - I skipped ahead to the end to reassure myself it would be fine at one point. However, once they start to soften up to each other it more than makes up for it.
I really appreciated how this book explored the realities of long-term relationships, how we tend to hide our inner self and vulnerabilities and the parts we dislike or are ashamed of. Seeing Nicholas and Naomi slowly start to trust each other again, support and validate and do nice things for each other, was truly a joy to see unfold. This is a medium-low steam book (one explicit scene), but the tension and physical aspect of their relationship is incorporated so well. You really get their tenderness for each other, and their relationship comes out even stronger for choosing each other all over again. I also appreciated how the book explores the stresses of an (unnecessary and unwanted) big wedding, the pressures toxic family members can put on a relationship, and the importance of prioritizing and standing up for your partner. Nicholas' mother is an absolute terror. That being said, the side characters are lovely, and I enjoyed Naomi's workplace dynamics and the subplot of her employment troubles. The ending was absolutely satisfying, and so well done. Go check out the illustrated epilogue on the author's insta!
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming and Toxic friendship
Minor: Infertility and Sexual harassment
Heat level: medium-lownahlasbooknook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Infertility, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
entanglednovels's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
Trying to pinpoint a word to describe how this book made me feel is so difficult since there were so many emotions I felt during it. The closest I can come to I think is satisfaction. But it feels like so much more than that. Like watching double planets that have been knocked out of their orbit come back to each other. Their orbit isn't quite the same, and neither are they, but the gravitational pull is stronger than ever.
The journey that Nicholas and Naomi go on throughout this book is quite astronomical. It almost doesn't feel doable as you're reading it, but it is. I'm still finding it difficult to reconcile the Nicholas from the start of the book with the Nicholas from the end. Because they are like two completely different people. I think what makes it possible is that the growth is actually there. You can actually track it on each page in both characters. Yes, there are a few things I wish it had shown them discussing more, but we can assume not everything is brought to the table - or page, I guess.
It's also important that our MC, Naomi, isn't necessarily a likeable character. In fact, there are quite a few things she does that are not kind or things I agree with (although some take place before the book and are recalled). But to see her acknowledgement on the page, of how she hasn't been a supportive, loving partner either is so important. Realizing that in the same way Nicholas has been failing her, Naomi had been failing him. Now, trust me, I understand that there's only so much you can provide to a relationship that isn't reciprocated. There has to be support and give on both sides. Sometimes without the expectation of receiving back. Watching Naomi come to this realization was a breathe of fresh air, and her growth is amazing. I've found the lack of growth in the MC of some romance books is what doesn't give me that full satisfaction in reading. A lot of them are all about how the love interest needs to grow and adapt, and the MC is left waning and a little bit behind. Not Naomi.
I haven't genuinely laughed at a book like this in a long time. It's definitely not everyone's sense of humour, but some of it was brilliant. Despite some of the not nice things Naomi says, she is an absolute star when it comes to destroying Deborah, Nicholas's mother (who rightfully deserves to be destroyed). I'm not sure I've ever loathed a character in a romance book as much as I did Deborah. God, just thinking about her makes me angry. She is the embodiment of that white woman gif freaking out at the window and ripping down the curtains. Like for the ever loving FUCK Deborah, you don't need to be involved in every aspect of your adult son's life. Please, get your own goddamn life. She deserves every bit of the vitriolic responses Nicholas and Naomi give her.
Deborah aside, I've found a new favourite and I'm so excited to see what else Sarah Hogle writes. It'll be hard to live up to the spot Nicholas and Naomi now hold in my heart.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Cursing
Minor: Infertility, Toxic relationship, and Medical content