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yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I raced through this. We've had so many glimpses of Violet and Sebastian through the first two books in the series, that I thought I might suspect what their story would feel like, and I was entirely wrong. This is a flawlessly executed childhood friends-to-lovers. And, surprisingly, it doesn't depend on flashbacks or dual timelines to build our faith in their bond, and manages to convey the depth and longevity of their friendship while staying entirely in the present. There are so many small details - their private code words, their secret paths between homes, their usual meeting places, their shared habits - that build the universe of their friendship and love for the reader so beautifully that it's hard to remember who else exists in their universe.
At the heart of their love story, though, is really bad timing and heaps of trauma. Violet's slow unburdening through the first half is painful to witness; this woman who has always been forthright and confident and independent in her previous cameos is so much more than we could have imagined. I was so surprised by how well the story's inverted structure worked, and while I don't want to spoil anything, readers who prefer external conflicts for the main couple will love how deeply respectful, sincere and communicative Violet and Sebastian are with one another from page one. This is a tender and redemptive love story that affords both characters second chances at life and individual happiness. I loved it.
At the heart of their love story, though, is really bad timing and heaps of trauma. Violet's slow unburdening through the first half is painful to witness; this woman who has always been forthright and confident and independent in her previous cameos is so much more than we could have imagined. I was so surprised by how well the story's inverted structure worked, and while I don't want to spoil anything, readers who prefer external conflicts for the main couple will love how deeply respectful, sincere and communicative Violet and Sebastian are with one another from page one. This is a tender and redemptive love story that affords both characters second chances at life and individual happiness. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Murder
While Violet's backstory involves significant physical, emotional and sexual trauma, all intimacy between the two main characters is consensual, with enthusiastic verbal consent throughout and on-page discussion of pregnancy prevention (and actions taken).unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wish the ratings went higher because this book deserves infinite stars. WHAT AN EMOTIONAL RIDE. The pining! The caretaking (emotional)! The absolute stunning supremacy of a friends to lovers plot! This book has it all as well as a scientific genius (not the one you think!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide and Sexual content
prettiestwhistles's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Suicide, Terminal illness, Sexual assault, Miscarriage, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Murder
jess_justmaybeperfect's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicide, Cursing, Grief, Medical trauma, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death, Medical content, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Emotional abuse
tak_everlasting's review against another edition
hopeful
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
Minor: Suicide
greymalkin's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this one! The characters were nuanced and had great chemistry. In particular I loved how the heroine felt like a brilliant scientist instead of a character who spouts some technical terms to sound "science-y". She actually thought about it at odd times, different moments would inspire new thoughts and solutions, her passion for the subject was clear. I also love the way the ending played out.
Courtney Milan neatly took the tired Noble Martyr trope and made a really satisfying story out of it. I also loved that the whole reason the heroine resisted their attraction was completely legitimate and not some manufactured miscommunication or "lost letter" or any one of a million typical romance plots for the "oh no we mustn't!" fluttering.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage
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