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A review by betweentheshelves
Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
When David quit his band in high school, he never imagined the fame his ex-best friends would achieve. Now he's living a normal high school live while Chance, the ex-best friend, lives a life of stardom and fame.
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual content