A review by jenn_alwaysreading
From the Start by Katie Duggan

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

As a spicy, contemporary romance this was a fun read. For a childhood enemies to lovers, I liked that the characters met again immediately as the book opens and that their characters were clearly outlined and given context from the start. Independently and together I loved both main characters and enjoyed their journey from enemies to friends and lovers while also growing independently. And the sex lessons with conversations regarding consent, safety ( physical and emotional), and intimacy were done very well. There is a lot of representation in this book including autism, mental health, queer, and fat. At times the discussions regarding each felt a little too dialogue focused/ cliche and that maybe less would have been more. Though a high page count for a contemporary I felt overall that it was paced well and I read through it quickly. It takes a lot of vulnerability to write a story with all of these elements combined and I appreciate Katie undertaking the task. I look forward to seeing what she does next! 

I received this book as an eARC, all opinions are honest and my own.