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nmf16's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The book isn’t for the prudish as there are quite vividly written sexual scenes relating to BDSM and kink, which at first seemed quite funny but as the storyline progresses, become more uncomfortable to read.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Self harm and Suicide attempt
nectarb's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
catherinerowland's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
sassylk's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I asked the lady in Gays the Word for a book that was about unapologetic queer joy - i’m not sure this exactly met that request, but it was a fun read nonetheless. I don’t think I expected quite as many sex descriptions (don’t read this on the tube!!), but I guess I learned a lot.
It was a very delicate portrait of a descent into an abusive relationship, told in a very realistic and nuanced way. However, did I like Julia that much? Not particularly… She was really quite self-centered, barely listening to all her friends who seemed to relentlessly care about her even though she treated them like shit most of the time, quite frankly. Also, although obviously Sam is the bad guy here, Julia had been told that she was non-monogamous from the very beginning, so I don’t understand why she was so upset when Sam was non-monogamous? Also - how did she come to terms with her sexuality SO FAST?? She literally had one night of sex with a woman and immediately knew she was a lesbian, when I feel like it barely works like that in real life.
Okay, now the complaints are over - this was a funny, light read that also covered an issue that isn’t often spoke about - abusive wlw relationships are very much real and more light should be shed on the dynamics of them. There were some great similes in here, and the motif of the letter writing was very sweet. A clear 3 stars!
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
decklededgess's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first five chapters of this book imply it's going to be a hilarious comedic romance instead it turns out to be a self discovery book revolving around an abusive relationship with hilarious elements that you feel bad for laughing at.
One point of contention in the plot is that a romantic partner is polyamorous and the main character has an issue with that. In certain situations it certainly could read as misrepresenting polyamorous relationships, maybe even villainizing. As an outsider to the community it didn't read as such because this was hundred percent more about the partner being a vile person when not getting their way instead of like...normalizing a poly relationship. Every subcommunity has their good and bad aspects and this book simply represents one of the bad aspects.
As long as you go into this book with the awareness that what is being represented isn't a reflection of the community as a whole or a statement on polyamory as a whole then you're good to go. It's well written, it's nuanced in its understanding of abusive relationships, and does a stellar job of indicating that the issue that is marked as "cheating" can be addressed by the MC advocating for her needs in her relationship (with the explicit understanding that the relationship is abusive and therefore there are some exceptions to conflict resolution here).
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol