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mouwuol's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Violence, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Cursing, Classism, Child death, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Hate crime, Grief, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Addiction, Blood, Alcohol, Bullying, Sexism, and Death
essie__reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
⚠️⚠️⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS⚠️⚠️⚠️
Minor critique - I hate the way she spelled both "Masen" and "Ryen."
Review:
When I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. Buttttt the more I thought about it, the less I liked it. For starters, I really wish these characters were college-aged and not in high school, but more on that later. 🥴 I could suspend reality for some of the plot lines, like the kid sleeping at an abandoned theme park and the constant vandalism at the school. But some of the plot just doesn't make sense. Like him getting a fake identity to come to a school 30 minutes down the road from where he lives...? 🙄 (Would his biological mom really not google his name and recognize him at all?!) The way she started vandalizing the school because her pen pal stopped writing her? Lmao...what? The fact that she was at an event to promote a local band at the beginning of the book and didn't know who the band was or who the band members were is also unrealistic. 🤦♀️
Misha's dad allowing his son to sleep outside his on a nightly basis and not freaking out and worrying about him also seemed very unrealistic. If Misha really came from such an affluent family, I highly doubt his go-to reaction at the loss of his sister would be to start acting like a homeless person. That was an unnecessary aspect of the book. It seemed like it was added so the cove hide-and-seek scene could play out.
My biggest qualm is the sex scenes. They're well written but extremely unrealistic for how inexperienced teenagers would talk and engage in sex. These sex scenes are written as if these are very experienced, older characters, and not horny teens. I also really wish they were older because it's cringey to go from sex scenes to petty high school events/drama and this is borderline a YA novel in my opinion, and I prefer not to read open door sex scenes about teenagers- ew! Also, Ryen, having the hots for "Masen" after knowing he broke into her house, seems unrealistic, too. That's borderline stalker behavior. The way the men talk to and about women is also unrealistic for teenagers and extremely misogynistic. The girls calling each other sluts and the way Ryen doesn't stand up for her friend Layla when she's being slut-shamed at school is not okay either. I know Ryen wasn't a genuine friend to Layla but still, that didn't make me, as a reader, like Ryen any more. I think Ten is the only likable and somewhat realistic character in this whole cast. She didn't hear from her pen pal for 3 months and despite being pen pals for several years and knowing his full name and address, she never once googled him?! Unbelievable 🫠
A student having a key to the high school and that not being investigated after weeks of consistent vandalism taking place? Also there were secutity gaurds at the school the night that Misha and Ryen fucked in the library. Where were those gaurds the night of the prom???
Okay not gonna lie I did NOT expect the principal to be Misha's mom, though. Penelope got me on that one lol. But Misha yelling at the principal for abandoning him and Annie and blaming her for Annie's death? That's ridiculous! Also the way this author writes about addiction is not the greatest. It seems like she uses it as a plot device, and the bit about Manny was so minor and felt unnecessary to the storyline. Douglas also doesn't include any content warnings or helpline info for readers who may be experiencing addiction issues, that seems like a basic courtesy that should be included at the beginning of the book when writing about the topic of addiction.
In a 10 month period he went on a short tour and recorded and released an album? His first album, that quickly? 🙄
Overall, I feel like Douglas couldn't decide how she wanted to write these characters, and due to that, they don't feel well fleshed out to me. I think this book could have been edited more, too. Hopefully, her writing has evolved as she has continued her career because she has a ton of potential. It just felt like too many ideas were thrown in. It wasn't edited well, and the character's identities/personalities were a bit all over the place. I'd definitely read more books by her, but I am not sure I would recommend this one.
Not her pregnant in the epilogue, too - bleh!
Minor critique - I hate the way she spelled both "Masen" and "Ryen."
Review:
When I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. Buttttt the more I thought about it, the less I liked it. For starters, I really wish these characters were college-aged and not in high school, but more on that later. 🥴 I could suspend reality for some of the plot lines, like the kid sleeping at an abandoned theme park and the constant vandalism at the school. But some of the plot just doesn't make sense. Like him getting a fake identity to come to a school 30 minutes down the road from where he lives...? 🙄 (Would his biological mom really not google his name and recognize him at all?!) The way she started vandalizing the school because her pen pal stopped writing her? Lmao...what? The fact that she was at an event to promote a local band at the beginning of the book and didn't know who the band was or who the band members were is also unrealistic. 🤦♀️
Misha's dad allowing his son to sleep outside his on a nightly basis and not freaking out and worrying about him also seemed very unrealistic. If Misha really came from such an affluent family, I highly doubt his go-to reaction at the loss of his sister would be to start acting like a homeless person. That was an unnecessary aspect of the book. It seemed like it was added so the cove hide-and-seek scene could play out.
My biggest qualm is the sex scenes. They're well written but extremely unrealistic for how inexperienced teenagers would talk and engage in sex. These sex scenes are written as if these are very experienced, older characters, and not horny teens. I also really wish they were older because it's cringey to go from sex scenes to petty high school events/drama and this is borderline a YA novel in my opinion, and I prefer not to read open door sex scenes about teenagers- ew! Also, Ryen, having the hots for "Masen" after knowing he broke into her house, seems unrealistic, too. That's borderline stalker behavior. The way the men talk to and about women is also unrealistic for teenagers and extremely misogynistic. The girls calling each other sluts and the way Ryen doesn't stand up for her friend Layla when she's being slut-shamed at school is not okay either. I know Ryen wasn't a genuine friend to Layla but still, that didn't make me, as a reader, like Ryen any more. I think Ten is the only likable and somewhat realistic character in this whole cast. She didn't hear from her pen pal for 3 months and despite being pen pals for several years and knowing his full name and address, she never once googled him?! Unbelievable 🫠
A student having a key to the high school and that not being investigated after weeks of consistent vandalism taking place? Also there were secutity gaurds at the school the night that Misha and Ryen fucked in the library. Where were those gaurds the night of the prom???
Okay not gonna lie I did NOT expect the principal to be Misha's mom, though. Penelope got me on that one lol. But Misha yelling at the principal for abandoning him and Annie and blaming her for Annie's death? That's ridiculous! Also the way this author writes about addiction is not the greatest. It seems like she uses it as a plot device, and the bit about Manny was so minor and felt unnecessary to the storyline. Douglas also doesn't include any content warnings or helpline info for readers who may be experiencing addiction issues, that seems like a basic courtesy that should be included at the beginning of the book when writing about the topic of addiction.
In a 10 month period he went on a short tour and recorded and released an album? His first album, that quickly? 🙄
Overall, I feel like Douglas couldn't decide how she wanted to write these characters, and due to that, they don't feel well fleshed out to me. I think this book could have been edited more, too. Hopefully, her writing has evolved as she has continued her career because she has a ton of potential. It just felt like too many ideas were thrown in. It wasn't edited well, and the character's identities/personalities were a bit all over the place. I'd definitely read more books by her, but I am not sure I would recommend this one.
Not her pregnant in the epilogue, too - bleh!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Alcohol, Misogyny, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, and Self harm
Minor: Alcohol, Stalking, and Pregnancy
maria_schnecki's review
2.5
why? Not gonna lie, it kept me entertained but I also kinda feel icky about that, so yeah.
I liked the premise - pen pals that are not sure their friendship would survive the switch from just communicating by letters to meeting in person. There was potential there. I also liked the idea of having a not super likeable mc that has a great personality development. However, that was just not it.
Why all the bullying? Why? I get it, insecurities are tough and lead to ugly behaviour in some people, but... that does not excuse what this story is portraying. Also, our male mcgoing the psycho route when finding out that said penpal is not a "nerdy loser" but a popular mean girl? Sorry, but whilst I might get being angry about being deceived for years (kinda), there is just no going back from that. The way Misha is overly possesive, brutal, mean and aggresive? Not something you can just have a good talk and be back to normal. But the author knows at least that, so what is the next best thing? Crime and very awkward hate-sex. Idk man but thats just not it. Also, albeit the not-so-great smut scenes, I did not hate this book by this point (mind you I also didn't enjoy it), but the ending??? What is going on? It would have been fine if Misha and Ryen had their happy ending, I get that, romance genre and all. But to have the audacity to assume the victim of years of bullying through the hands of Ryen (yes, standing by is, at the age of 18, something that you have to accept responsibility for) just joins their friend group for some fun times? Yeah no, you did the poor guy so dirty. At least leave him out of there. Most people deserve their happy ending, but not at the cost of other peoples well-being. Yikes
so yeah, yikes. Do not read if you get upset by bullying, aggressive behaviour, fighting ( both physical and verbal), sexual harassment and yeah like lots of bullying
I liked the premise - pen pals that are not sure their friendship would survive the switch from just communicating by letters to meeting in person. There was potential there. I also liked the idea of having a not super likeable mc that has a great personality development. However, that was just not it.
Why all the bullying? Why? I get it, insecurities are tough and lead to ugly behaviour in some people, but... that does not excuse what this story is portraying. Also, our male mc
so yeah, yikes. Do not read if you get upset by bullying, aggressive behaviour, fighting ( both physical and verbal), sexual harassment and yeah like lots of bullying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Death of parent, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Violence
beezinda's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Upon finishing this novel, I'm left with the overwhelming feeling "WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ???"
The pros, the positives of this novel...the author deftly handle that this book is simultaneously an enemies to laver and friend's to lover story woven tight together with dramatic irony. This author showed a masterful hand at creating and holding romantic tension and angst that drives the emotional heart of this story.
The romantic core of this story is solid as an old oak tree. We really have 2 character with 2 emotional arc and journey that are resolved by understanding their love for each other. When an author can nail that I'm turning pages. I blew through this novel.
Lastly, I was actually surprised by Misha's ending. I literally didn't see it coming. Which was refreshing as I thought I had everything pegged. It has been a long while since a plot line was actually laid in a romance that I didn't clock by the reveal. It was really refreshing. Felt intentional and well earned. Loved that.
The cons: I don't know if these are cons per se, but I personally don't like it. This is a bully romance. Idk if I'd have picked it up if I knew that going in. Not only do they bully each other, there a lot of nastiness in the novel. At times, it's genuinely off-putting. I know for some scissors to the throat, some of the rough handling, some of the words for each other and their classmates. Fucking crazy. Legit...triggerwarning bullying.
Secondly, call me a prude if you want, but I hate smut with high school students. I don't care that they're 18. That not some magical get out jail free card for me. They're literally school children. It's disturbing to me to be that graphic and then talk about 4th period. The sex was not only really graphic but shockingly adult. Then, the scene hard handled with maturity.
That anal scene - kind of horrifying. She immediately says she's not interested. They get busy. He flips her over and says you should trust - do you trust me? He is verbalizing consent, but it still feels tinged with coercion, and that grosses me out. There are more few instances in this novel where Misha/Masen pushes this girls sexual boundaries in a way I don't feel comfortable with.
For however complex Micha and Ryen are, Trey and Lyla are comically villainous to an 80s stereotype extreme. Hamming their action is distracting and ultimate detrimental to the novel.
Overall, there is a good romantic heart to this story, but a specific sub-genre of this novel isn't what I typically like to read. Let's be very aware that this book could be a poster or after-school special for dubious consent.
The pros, the positives of this novel...the author deftly handle that this book is simultaneously an enemies to laver and friend's to lover story woven tight together with dramatic irony. This author showed a masterful hand at creating and holding romantic tension and angst that drives the emotional heart of this story.
The romantic core of this story is solid as an old oak tree. We really have 2 character with 2 emotional arc and journey that are resolved by understanding their love for each other. When an author can nail that I'm turning pages. I blew through this novel.
Lastly, I was actually surprised by Misha's ending. I literally didn't see it coming. Which was refreshing as I thought I had everything pegged. It has been a long while since a plot line was actually laid in a romance that I didn't clock by the reveal. It was really refreshing. Felt intentional and well earned. Loved that.
The cons: I don't know if these are cons per se, but I personally don't like it. This is a bully romance. Idk if I'd have picked it up if I knew that going in. Not only do they bully each other, there a lot of nastiness in the novel. At times, it's genuinely off-putting. I know for some scissors to the throat, some of the rough handling, some of the words for each other and their classmates. Fucking crazy. Legit...triggerwarning bullying.
Secondly, call me a prude if you want, but I hate smut with high school students. I don't care that they're 18. That not some magical get out jail free card for me. They're literally school children. It's disturbing to me to be that graphic and then talk about 4th period. The sex was not only really graphic but shockingly adult. Then, the scene hard handled with maturity.
That anal scene - kind of horrifying. She immediately says she's not interested. They get busy. He flips her over and says you should trust - do you trust me? He is verbalizing consent, but it still feels tinged with coercion, and that grosses me out. There are more few instances in this novel where Misha/Masen pushes this girls sexual boundaries in a way I don't feel comfortable with.
For however complex Micha and Ryen are, Trey and Lyla are comically villainous to an 80s stereotype extreme. Hamming their action is distracting and ultimate detrimental to the novel.
Overall, there is a good romantic heart to this story, but a specific sub-genre of this novel isn't what I typically like to read. Let's be very aware that this book could be a poster or after-school special for dubious consent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Addiction, Grief, Bullying, Child death, and Homophobia
jesshart8's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Sexism, Death, Cursing, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
faith99's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexism, Pregnancy, and Drug use
yananhai's review
I can already tell the feminist in me will hate this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexism
lamprini_xx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
kaymari's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Homophobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Drug abuse
whosfernn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
This book feels like something straight from Wattpad, written by some 15 year old girl who's never experienced anything vaguely romantic in her life. Not a single one of the characters is likeable (except for Manny, who honestly deserves so much better). Misha serves to remind me of why I am terrified of men. His theme song might as well be Norman fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey. And oh my god, I can not read another 'romance' where the characters just hate-fuck a couple times and decide they're in love without sharing even a single positive moment with each other. I can't do it. I'm going insane.
It's a shame, because I wanted to like this book. I'd heard mixed things, but from what I'd heard about the plot it sounded like something I would enjoy, or at least be interested in. I was not interested. I was either annoyed or outright bored for at least 75% of this book, and that's being generous.
I do want to give the dark romance genre another shot though, so if anyone has any recommendations that are not as god awful as this book, send them my way.
It's a shame, because I wanted to like this book. I'd heard mixed things, but from what I'd heard about the plot it sounded like something I would enjoy, or at least be interested in. I was not interested. I was either annoyed or outright bored for at least 75% of this book, and that's being generous.
I do want to give the dark romance genre another shot though, so if anyone has any recommendations that are not as god awful as this book, send them my way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Abandonment, Mental illness, Sexism, Sexual violence, Grief, Misogyny, Blood, Bullying, Child death, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Body shaming, Drug use, Sexual assault, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Stalking
Minor: Eating disorder, Pregnancy, Drug abuse, and Rape