Scan barcode
turnthepages_nl's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE THIS BOOK. This story has such a special place in my heart. A demi girl with ADHD, a complex guy with migraines. I wanted to post about this book as soon as I finished it. But had zero concentration, thanks ADHD.
You all know I LOVE everything Chloe Liese writes. Heck I would read her grocery list and not in a creepy stalker way. But in a 'she has a way with words' way.
But this book. It was so special. The ADHD rep was so good. And also different from other books I've read. It was somehow more subtle. More masked maybe? Or just a different way ADHD presents itself in women. I sometimes struggle to connect to the superduper hyper ADHD girls. But Kate? We immediately clicked. I saw her. I knew her. Because she was me. And I cried in the first chapter because I already felt so seen. And that continued on. The restlessness and deep longing to belong. Isn't that what we all want? To belong somewhere? And if that is your thing, to belong with someone. (with, not to!) To be yourself amongst other people. To feel accepted and celebrated. To be free and be able to fall. To freefall and know you will be caught. That is what this book was to me. A place to be me. To see someone like me find their people. Find their person. People finding themselves and loving themselves. And to learn to love each other and communicate that in a healthy way the other will understand.
But the Demi rep was amazing too. I love how freely Kate talked about her demisexuality. How it confused her, what made people talk so openly about sex. And not because she was raised not to talk about it. But because she is demi. Because she needs a deep emotional bond to be able to think about (enjoying) sex. I am so thankfull for the conversation this book starts. How it opens peoples minds. Demisexuality is a thing, and it's very real. And sadly is often met with judgement, dissapointment, a lack of patience and care. I loved how the story took its time. How Christopher took his time and waited for Kate to give the go ahead. He was very respectful did not judge her for having her attraction work differently. He did not took it personal but saw it for what is was. A sexuality. They were able to talk about it. Be mature about it. Have mutual respect and understanding about it. And I love that.
ADHD is often linked with impulsivity. And for a lot of people that includes impulsive sex. It was SO nice to see a romance story with a demisexual ADHD girl. Someone like me. Lot of neurodivergent people are also queer. But this combination is not talked about often. Demisexuality isn't talked about often. So I'm very very thankful to Chloe for including this in her book(s). Because you are not broken when your attraction works differently. And you deserve people who work with your sexuality, not pressure you into doing things you don't want. This story was all very consentual, respectful and thoughtful. And that made it all the more hot to be honest! Chloe Liese is the queen of spice rooted in emotional connection and I am HERE FOR IT!
This story is a loose retelling of 'The taming of the shrew'. I don't know that Shakespeare play. But I do know the movie '10 things I hate about you', the 90's romcom. Also based on that Shakespeare play. And I did see some similarities (although updated to be more inclusive and considerate) and LOVED IT!!
Lastly, the migraine rep. I don't know if the rep was good. I think it was. I loved the caretaking scènes. The need to hide is universal with chronic illnesses. But this specific rep is not something I can talk about (yet) because I simply don't know enough about it. But I wanted to mention the rep because I think that's important. Even if you don't know if it was good, at least mention the rep in your review so other people can find it and maybe see themselves reflected in fiction!
You all know I LOVE everything Chloe Liese writes. Heck I would read her grocery list and not in a creepy stalker way. But in a 'she has a way with words' way.
But this book. It was so special. The ADHD rep was so good. And also different from other books I've read. It was somehow more subtle. More masked maybe? Or just a different way ADHD presents itself in women. I sometimes struggle to connect to the superduper hyper ADHD girls. But Kate? We immediately clicked. I saw her. I knew her. Because she was me. And I cried in the first chapter because I already felt so seen. And that continued on. The restlessness and deep longing to belong. Isn't that what we all want? To belong somewhere? And if that is your thing, to belong with someone. (with, not to!) To be yourself amongst other people. To feel accepted and celebrated. To be free and be able to fall. To freefall and know you will be caught. That is what this book was to me. A place to be me. To see someone like me find their people. Find their person. People finding themselves and loving themselves. And to learn to love each other and communicate that in a healthy way the other will understand.
But the Demi rep was amazing too. I love how freely Kate talked about her demisexuality. How it confused her, what made people talk so openly about sex. And not because she was raised not to talk about it. But because she is demi. Because she needs a deep emotional bond to be able to think about (enjoying) sex. I am so thankfull for the conversation this book starts. How it opens peoples minds. Demisexuality is a thing, and it's very real. And sadly is often met with judgement, dissapointment, a lack of patience and care. I loved how the story took its time. How Christopher took his time and waited for Kate to give the go ahead. He was very respectful did not judge her for having her attraction work differently. He did not took it personal but saw it for what is was. A sexuality. They were able to talk about it. Be mature about it. Have mutual respect and understanding about it. And I love that.
ADHD is often linked with impulsivity. And for a lot of people that includes impulsive sex. It was SO nice to see a romance story with a demisexual ADHD girl. Someone like me. Lot of neurodivergent people are also queer. But this combination is not talked about often. Demisexuality isn't talked about often. So I'm very very thankful to Chloe for including this in her book(s). Because you are not broken when your attraction works differently. And you deserve people who work with your sexuality, not pressure you into doing things you don't want. This story was all very consentual, respectful and thoughtful. And that made it all the more hot to be honest! Chloe Liese is the queen of spice rooted in emotional connection and I am HERE FOR IT!
This story is a loose retelling of 'The taming of the shrew'. I don't know that Shakespeare play. But I do know the movie '10 things I hate about you', the 90's romcom. Also based on that Shakespeare play. And I did see some similarities (although updated to be more inclusive and considerate) and LOVED IT!!
Lastly, the migraine rep. I don't know if the rep was good. I think it was. I loved the caretaking scènes. The need to hide is universal with chronic illnesses. But this specific rep is not something I can talk about (yet) because I simply don't know enough about it. But I wanted to mention the rep because I think that's important. Even if you don't know if it was good, at least mention the rep in your review so other people can find it and maybe see themselves reflected in fiction!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Car accident, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Vomit
More...