A review by nisha_nee
Him by Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

For such a highly-rated and well-loved book, I'm a bit disappointed--scratch that, not just a bit but fully disappointed. I'm writing this review ten days after I've read this book and not one scene came to mind. My mind was just blank because the characters were so forgettable. I may have liked Jamie better than Ryan because he was less annoying and was more proactive in terms of figuring things about himself and mending their relationship. But what I really didn't like was the final conflict and that's where Ryan totally ruined his character for me.  And as for the LGBTQ+ representation, there are a lot of better M/M and LGBTQ+ books out there with better plot and well-rounded characters. This book, while trying to represent a queer relationship detailing out some of the couples' experiences with homophobia which I understand, have biphobic undertones in the writing and thinking of the characters themselves. This was what brought down the star rating for me, for reasons I won't say because spoiler, duh. Ryan Wesley does so very jerky, rude, rascal move and he got off from all the emotional and mental consequences he brought on to Jamie, scot-free. No groveling. No hard effort. Nothing. AND I CAN'T ABIDE BY THAT !!!
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