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jessgj's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Alas, not my favorite of this series thus far. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of slow burn romances and the working title for this book was "Slow Burn" so that's more on me. Your mileage might vary.
That said, I remember being excited to see Alex and Lauren fall in love while reading Spoiler Alert and this didn't disappoint. I really appreciate that Lauren isn't the "accepted" type of plus-sized, I.E. the hourglass-shaped vixen with a Jessica Rabbit-like bust-waist-hips ratio. Bodies come in different shapes and sizes and they're all valid and deserve our appreciation.
I also appreciate the depiction of Alex's ADHD. ADHD is often portrayed as this vapid, quirky, impulsive thing and Alex is very much seen that way in the public eye but we get to see the full picture of his love, his need for acceptance, his huge emotional range. We get to see the world through his eyes and it's so rich.
And Wren, ugh. She kept surprising me and her struggle with giving just so much of herself that she's burning out on all fronts is something I understand too well. Dade sucked punched me with that and the slow reveal of just how much Lauren does that. It's actually reminded me to take better care of myself so thank you, Olivia Dade for that one.
Overall, it wasn't the slam dunk I was hoping for but it's still a great time with a great cast.
TW: Mentions of domestic assault, fatphobia, panic attacks, some violence and bullying
That said, I remember being excited to see Alex and Lauren fall in love while reading Spoiler Alert and this didn't disappoint. I really appreciate that Lauren isn't the "accepted" type of plus-sized, I.E. the hourglass-shaped vixen with a Jessica Rabbit-like bust-waist-hips ratio. Bodies come in different shapes and sizes and they're all valid and deserve our appreciation.
I also appreciate the depiction of Alex's ADHD. ADHD is often portrayed as this vapid, quirky, impulsive thing and Alex is very much seen that way in the public eye but we get to see the full picture of his love, his need for acceptance, his huge emotional range. We get to see the world through his eyes and it's so rich.
And Wren, ugh. She kept surprising me and her struggle with giving just so much of herself that she's burning out on all fronts is something I understand too well. Dade sucked punched me with that and the slow reveal of just how much Lauren does that. It's actually reminded me to take better care of myself so thank you, Olivia Dade for that one.
Overall, it wasn't the slam dunk I was hoping for but it's still a great time with a great cast.
TW: Mentions of domestic assault, fatphobia, panic attacks, some violence and bullying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Toxic friendship
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