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A review by what_karla_reads
As Long As You Love Me by Marianna Leal
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5/5 stars
1/5 spice
I really enjoyed everything about this book. The tension and angst were on point, and I was rooting for Catalina and Gabriel the whole time.
Tropes:
College romance
Rivals to lovers
Opposites attract
Fake dating
Latinx representation
Found family
He falls first
Single POV
Oh my goodness, was I not expecting the emotional roller coaster with this one. The cover is deceiving! I thought I was getting a cozy fake dating romance, but it's sooooo much more than that. The opening chapter of this book really does set a darker undertone to the story that isn't usually present in a story like this. But it worked out so well, and you really understood from the beginning why Catalina had her trust issues and fierce determination to be so independent. As for Gabriel... goodness... you think you're getting your typical playboy, but he's so much more than that superficial persona. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing the he falls first/it was always you trope... because it's just soooo much angst. I love it. What I didn't like was very minimal compared to what I loved. So, for personal preference, I would have liked to see more spice. There was so much build-up for it, and I was a bit disappointed that there was none. But that's just me being picky and smutty 😂😉 There were some nice makeout sessions, though 🙌🏽
Overall, be prepared for a lot of emotions to be thrown your way in this one. But also, check trigger warnings before starting this because it does touch on some very heavy topics. I highly recommend this book for people who want to see a fake dating, college romance that is clean and has some depth/plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Immigration, revolution/war, death of family member, toxic relationship (not MCs), racism, explicit language
1/5 spice
I really enjoyed everything about this book. The tension and angst were on point, and I was rooting for Catalina and Gabriel the whole time.
Tropes:
College romance
Rivals to lovers
Opposites attract
Fake dating
Latinx representation
Found family
He falls first
Single POV
Oh my goodness, was I not expecting the emotional roller coaster with this one. The cover is deceiving! I thought I was getting a cozy fake dating romance, but it's sooooo much more than that. The opening chapter of this book really does set a darker undertone to the story that isn't usually present in a story like this. But it worked out so well, and you really understood from the beginning why Catalina had her trust issues and fierce determination to be so independent. As for Gabriel... goodness... you think you're getting your typical playboy, but he's so much more than that superficial persona. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing the he falls first/it was always you trope... because it's just soooo much angst. I love it. What I didn't like was very minimal compared to what I loved. So, for personal preference, I would have liked to see more spice. There was so much build-up for it, and I was a bit disappointed that there was none. But that's just me being picky and smutty 😂😉 There were some nice makeout sessions, though 🙌🏽
Overall, be prepared for a lot of emotions to be thrown your way in this one. But also, check trigger warnings before starting this because it does touch on some very heavy topics. I highly recommend this book for people who want to see a fake dating, college romance that is clean and has some depth/plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Immigration, revolution/war, death of family member, toxic relationship (not MCs), racism, explicit language
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Racism, and Grief
Minor: Death, Toxic relationship, and War