A review by eclecstasy
Bunny Hearts Bear by C.J. Oliver, V. Vaughn
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book was really cute! I was really happy that there was no third act breakup trope or even any miscommunications between the two main love interests. The guy seemed to really sincerely know he messed up in the past and found a good balance between pursuing and wooing the girl while still giving her space and time out of respect for the pain he caused her long ago and the fears she had about getting back with him.
I felt the pacing of them getting back together and him making up for what he did was decent, maybe a touch too fast, but still fine considering the conflict wasn't over him being dishonest, cheating, or anything like that, it was more just about them both being young when he messed up and not thinking through all the implications of his actions. I don't think it's as simple as he chose his football career over her, had commitment issues, or didn't love her enough when he decided to leave her behind. If that was the case he would have rarely thought of her after leaving the town and still would've slept around with other people. I also disagree with the idea that he only came back to her because he became out of commission with his leg. I think he would've always eventually ended up coming back whether his career ended or not, it just would've took longer. I felt like the way the author wrote it was refreshing in that respect compared to similar stories where the guy feels entitled to follow his dreams and was embarrassed to have the girl around for the journey, which is not how it's expressed our MMC handled it.
Lastly, I thought it was funny and sweet how the characters' shifter animals acted as separate entities from them and that they constantly had to argue with the animals' "just get it on already!" attitude because they didn't care how long it had been or why they separated, they just wanted to be mates and make love together already without any consideration for their human hosts.
Overall this is a fluffy, minimal conflict story that is sweet and breezy to read.
I felt the pacing of them getting back together and him making up for what he did was decent, maybe a touch too fast, but still fine considering the conflict wasn't over him being dishonest, cheating, or anything like that, it was more just about them both being young when he messed up and not thinking through all the implications of his actions. I don't think it's as simple as he chose his football career over her, had commitment issues, or didn't love her enough when he decided to leave her behind. If that was the case he would have rarely thought of her after leaving the town and still would've slept around with other people. I also disagree with the idea that he only came back to her because he became out of commission with his leg. I think he would've always eventually ended up coming back whether his career ended or not, it just would've took longer. I felt like the way the author wrote it was refreshing in that respect compared to similar stories where the guy feels entitled to follow his dreams and was embarrassed to have the girl around for the journey, which is not how it's expressed our MMC handled it.
Lastly, I thought it was funny and sweet how the characters' shifter animals acted as separate entities from them and that they constantly had to argue with the animals' "just get it on already!" attitude because they didn't care how long it had been or why they separated, they just wanted to be mates and make love together already without any consideration for their human hosts.
Overall this is a fluffy, minimal conflict story that is sweet and breezy to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment