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batesbarb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Talia Hibbert strikes again. I've never read a book by her that I didn't love. I don't tend to be terribly enthusiastic about YA romances, since it's been a VERY long time since I was a teenager, and I don't always relate to the perspectives and dynamics. But, this book is an absolute masterpiece of characterization and even when I wanted to shake the various characters and encourage them to make better choices, everything that happened made perfect sense with what we know about the characters, and what they've done before.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Abandonment
onthesamepage's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:friends to hate to love
This was, indeed, unfairly cute, but also fun and real in a way I wasn't expecting.
When a YA book deals with two people that used to be friends but aren't anymore, I expect the reason to be something that's utterly ridiculous to me (as an adult, yes, but probably also if I was still a teen, because the reasons for the "feuds" are way out there most of the time). But I was surprised by the depth of Celine and Brad's relationship throughout. Turns out, the reason they broke apart is something teenagers regularly deal with, but also bad enough to actually cause a friendship to shatter. I liked that I didn't have to read through half a book of vague references to what happened, and that they confronted it sooner rather than later. I liked how their relationship continued to develop, and how the conflict that arises makes sense for them as characters. I liked both Brad and Celine—both have their issues, but they are easy to root for. Brad has OCD, and I thought that was especially well-written. The book has dual POV, so I got to be inside Brad's head during moments where he struggled with it, and I appreciated the way it was handled.
There were so many little moments that made me feel something for these characters. For example, there's one scene where Celine bunches Brad in the arm, and then reaches over to punch him in the other arm, to help him find the balance his OCD pushes for. Brad immediately knows why Celine is joining the survival course, but is also willing to point out to her that she's subconsciously letting her father steer her life. They both grow as individuals in a way that is clearly shown in how they act.
While I think Hibbert did a great job writing teen characters, there were a couple of moments where I felt that they were maybe too mature for their age, but that's a pretty minor gripe.
Tropes:
This was, indeed, unfairly cute, but also fun and real in a way I wasn't expecting.
When a YA book deals with two people that used to be friends but aren't anymore, I expect the reason to be something that's utterly ridiculous to me (as an adult, yes, but probably also if I was still a teen, because the reasons for the "feuds" are way out there most of the time). But I was surprised by the depth of Celine and Brad's relationship throughout. Turns out, the reason they broke apart is something teenagers regularly deal with, but also bad enough to actually cause a friendship to shatter. I liked that I didn't have to read through half a book of vague references to what happened, and that they confronted it sooner rather than later. I liked how their relationship continued to develop, and how the conflict that arises makes sense for them as characters. I liked both Brad and Celine—both have their issues, but they are easy to root for. Brad has OCD, and I thought that was especially well-written. The book has dual POV, so I got to be inside Brad's head during moments where he struggled with it, and I appreciated the way it was handled.
There were so many little moments that made me feel something for these characters. For example, there's one scene where Celine bunches Brad in the arm, and then reaches over to punch him in the other arm, to help him find the balance his OCD pushes for. Brad immediately knows why Celine is joining the survival course, but is also willing to point out to her that she's subconsciously letting her father steer her life. They both grow as individuals in a way that is clearly shown in how they act.
While I think Hibbert did a great job writing teen characters, there were a couple of moments where I felt that they were maybe too mature for their age, but that's a pretty minor gripe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
sailormegan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Medical content, and Mental illness
texcajunlibrarian's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I listened to this book as advanced copy from Libro.fm because I'm a big fan of Talia Hibbert's adult novels. I did not love this book but that is partly my fault because I hadnt realized it was a YA novel. I mostly didn't love the drawn out enemies to lovers plot. I found the story cute overall but less exciting than her other novels. Albeit I'm not the target audience of who YA is supposed to be written for, so that's worth considering.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Abandonment, Cursing, and Injury/Injury detail
jodierose14's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Abandonment
wii3rdo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS. BOOK. WAS. PERFECT. from the portrayal of these TEENAGERS BEING ACTUAL TEENAGERS, and the discovery of finding out who you want to be and what life path you want to be put on, IT WAS SPOT. FUCKING. ON!!
there were times when Celine made me want to throttle her. she had her own issues, that much she knew, but SHE WAS THE DRAMA IN HER LIFE. after i had all the details, i had to take a second to assess the fact that 1) Bradley never left her, SHE LEFT HIM, 2) my girl had major control issues, 3) she was in DIRE need of therapy, and 4) i wouldn’t have been as patient as Bradley. he was in love with her and her best friend and had a heart of pure gold. he’s 10x a better human than i would be because if i know your situation and you know mine and you THROW MY ISSUES BACK IN MY FACE because i want to branch out and be more than just half of a duo, girl you’re getting dropped faster than a blunt at a busted rave. I’M NOT EVEN SORRY!
why did it take her the ENTIRE BOOK to realize she was revolving her life’s plan around the loser that didn’t stick around and that she needed to be more in touch with actually feeling?? that’s how you know the read was good, cause Celine pissed me tf off, but i love her sm. AND BRADLEY, he’s such a puppy. what the hell???? HE’S TOO PURE FOR THIS WORLD PROTECT HIM
the representation of OCD, though i have no firsthand knowledge of dealing with it, seemed fucking spot on. i read the acknowledgment at the end and saw the author has OCD, and then it made sense why the portrayal was so accurate. i love it when authors put a vulnerable piece of themselves into their work. it’s so RAW, you can’t do anything but love it because it makes the work truly an extension of themselves.
i also wanna say, Neneh Bangura is a WOMAN. she was not worried about that coward at all, and for that loser to think that having an omg, it’s one of the daughters i left behind moment would’ve been something Celine even wanted after he was too PUSSY to even reach out (not that he should’ve). Bradley was right to give him the stink eye, and i'm OH SO GLAD he never showed his face again.
i know i keep talking about Bradley, but how in touch his character was with his emotions, and just HIM was so swoon-worthy (not in a weird creepy way cause he’s 17)! that’s my baby fr.
Celine and Bradley are the literal definitions of black cat gf x golden retriever bf. <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying and Cursing
Minor: Lesbophobia and Medical content
oliviapincin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Abandonment
midnightverde's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adored Celine and Bradley. It was nice to see a character who had intrusive thoughts because I have them too. Celine reminded me of a friend I had in high school, which was also really cool to see in a story. A really great romance that just makes you feel good and laugh a bit (the quick wit and humor were wonderful). I highly recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content, Cursing, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
mrsbodey's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Main character has obsessive compulsive disorder. It is covered realistically and respectfully but if you find detailed descriptions of people’s compulsions to be triggering, maybe skip this onebeautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Overall I enjoyed Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (HSAUC), although I did have a quite disjointed experience reading it.
First of all, it is very snappily written and well-paced, with a great sense of wit - some lines made me snort with laughter. Is this how teenagers talk to each other in real life? Or is it just in fiction? Who cares, it's good.
The main characters of Celine and Bradley were developed quite realistically - I thought Bradley's fears about his writing abilities were very well done, and I'm speaking as a wannabe published author myself here. Celine's desperation for academic perfection to rub her success in the face of her estranged father also felt believable.
I think my problem came with how their relationship developed, from enemies to friends to, finally, lovers. Even though once they got there I believed in it, I wasn't fully satisfied with how they got there. I feel like I missed something - I suspect it was because of what I said earlier about my experience reading it. Others may feel differently, and that's perfectly valid.
I had a good time reading this, I only wish I'd felt as fully invested from start to finish.
First of all, it is very snappily written and well-paced, with a great sense of wit - some lines made me snort with laughter. Is this how teenagers talk to each other in real life? Or is it just in fiction? Who cares, it's good.
The main characters of Celine and Bradley were developed quite realistically - I thought Bradley's fears about his writing abilities were very well done, and I'm speaking as a wannabe published author myself here. Celine's desperation for academic perfection
I think my problem came with how their relationship developed
I had a good time reading this, I only wish I'd felt as fully invested from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Abandonment, and Medical content
Minor: Cursing and Bullying
The MMC has a diagnosis of OCD.