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claireroad's review against another edition
I tried so hard to like this book, but the way Ariana treats Kinsley is disgusting. She constantly checks Kinsley out and when Kinsley calls her on it and says she's uncomfortable, Ariana denies she was looking, says Kinsley isn't her type, and implies Kinsley is homophobic for thinking Ariana was checking her out. When we're in Ariana's head and she was literally doing that. This is an awful beginning to a relationship, and while I wanted to carry on and give them a chance, I genuinely couldn't. Apparently literally everyone in Kinsley's life is emotionally abusive, including Ariana, and I just want her to get away from them and explore LA while living her best life. Kinsley deserves better.
Also, whatever was up with Stevie, Ariana's best friend, was not cute. I didn't read far enough to be sure, but I imagine there's probably a scene where Kinsley forgives her for literally hurling abuse at the poor woman the first time they meet just because Ariana thinks Kinsley is hot and can't use her words about it.
All in all, the premise was cute but the execution was not there.
Also, whatever was up with Stevie, Ariana's best friend, was not cute. I didn't read far enough to be sure, but I imagine there's probably a scene where Kinsley forgives her for literally hurling abuse at the poor woman the first time they meet just because Ariana thinks Kinsley is hot and can't use her words about it.
All in all, the premise was cute but the execution was not there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Homophobia
rickosborne's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Young woman moves to L.A. for a job, finding herself sharing a literal mansion with 4 other young women who are all bonded, falls for one who is decidedly off-limits, and then has to navigate how risky that is in her precarious life.
I admit, I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. The toxic friend (Stevie) is almost a cartoon villain ... but at the same time serves to underline the empathy and love her friend Ari is capable of. And while the train wreck is obvious and inevitable, the whole-hearted worldview of Kinsley makes it just wonderful to read.
It's definitely high on angst, miscommunication, and hot/cold, so it's not going to be for everyone.
Rep: a side character (the MMC from the previous book) is non-verbal
Sex:two R-rated scenes
Tags: #Awakening #ConfrontingHomophobia #DualPOV #FamilyIssues #FearfulNeutralPair #FirstPersonPOV #FishOutOfWater #ForcedProximity #NuisanceEx #WorkplaceEthics
I admit, I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. The toxic friend (Stevie) is almost a cartoon villain ... but at the same time serves to underline the empathy and love her friend Ari is capable of. And while the train wreck is obvious and inevitable, the whole-hearted worldview of Kinsley makes it just wonderful to read.
It's definitely high on angst, miscommunication, and hot/cold, so it's not going to be for everyone.
Rep: a side character (the MMC from the previous book) is non-verbal
Sex:
Tags: #Awakening #ConfrontingHomophobia #DualPOV #FamilyIssues #FearfulNeutralPair #FirstPersonPOV #FishOutOfWater #ForcedProximity #NuisanceEx #WorkplaceEthics
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
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