Scan barcode
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
circe813's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Fatphobia, Blood, and Grief
jamiejanae_6's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
occasionalyarnie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Firstly, I really appreciated that both leads were hockey players, and that it was something Gigi was serious about pursuing beyond college. It would have been easy to "feminize" her by making her less invested in the sport (or for her to only do it because her dad it), and I really loved that it wasn't taken that way. Overall, Gigi's character was really well-done; I liked that she was driven, introspective, and that she knew her value and stood up for herself when she needed to. Ryder's character was amazing, if frustrating at times. When his inability to communicate became an issue, it was pointed out as a problem and he actively worked on addressing it. I liked that he was quiet and secretly emotional. I liked them as a couple, too. It really made sense not only why they were into each other, by why they worked together.
The plot was pretty standard for a college sports romance. My biggest critique is that the write-up for the novel made it seem like the deal they make in the beginning of the book would play a larger role throughout, but it's largely forgotten after the first half (which is more a critique on the write-up than the book itself). At points, I also wished we actually saw more hockey. It's always there and they're often talking about it, but I would have liked to see more than the few games we got, especially for the women's team. But that's more of a personal preference thing and not something that I think detached from my overall enjoyment of the book. Major spoiler:
Lastly, I liked a lot of the Easter eggs and references to past characters and books in the Briar universe. They were incorporated well enough that they're fun for those of us who have read the books, but wouldn't leave new readers utterly confused by them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to adding it to my go-to rereads list. Fingers crossed that the next book in the series is just as good.
Graphic: Gun violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Grief and Sexual harassment
halia97's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
brookiebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder