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zellm's review against another edition
2.0
I accidentally read the second book in the series first and really enjoyed it, so I came back to read this one and was unfortunately disappointed. I felt like it was forced, the plot points were cliche and fabricated, and I was really bummed that compared to The Hate Project there was no sex or real chemistry here. It felt like a cop out, especially as there was a throwaway line at the end about Sidney's dysphoria during sex, which could've been a great tender and touching moment during intimacy but was instead a one off line in the last chapter.
_ashton_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I LOVED the diversity in this, and it was such a nice, light-hearted romance that was great to pick up if you want a sweet and uncomplicated romance. This is also, sadly, why I couldn't give it above 3 stars.
I enjoyed the characters and the representation, I just felt like I wanted something...more. I didn't really believe the physical or emotional chemistry between Declan and Sidney. It seemed to happen very easily and organically, but without any type of spark or strong emotion (other than the expected curve ball of angst thrown in at the very end and then quickly resolved). I guess I just wanted more build up and connection between them. It wasn't a "bad" book by ANY means, it just left me feeling neutral. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, and I am so grateful for authors such as Ripper because the more LGBTQIA+ romance rep we can get, the better!
***Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review***
I enjoyed the characters and the representation, I just felt like I wanted something...more. I didn't really believe the physical or emotional chemistry between Declan and Sidney. It seemed to happen very easily and organically, but without any type of spark or strong emotion (other than the expected curve ball of angst thrown in at the very end and then quickly resolved). I guess I just wanted more build up and connection between them. It wasn't a "bad" book by ANY means, it just left me feeling neutral. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, and I am so grateful for authors such as Ripper because the more LGBTQIA+ romance rep we can get, the better!
***Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review***
books_and_cha's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.
_kayreads_'s review against another edition
challenging
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
adenise47's review against another edition
4.0
I had a hard time getting through this book. There were parts I enjoyed and other parts I barely could get through. I might would recommend this book.
marysaou's review against another edition
I really, really wanted to love this book. Queer representation is so important, and the group of friends in The Love Study had the makings of some great stuff. But our Declan was so debilitatingly accommodating and avoidant, it became too painful to keep reading.
Great premise, rich characters, but I couldn’t handle the MC’s flaws.
Great premise, rich characters, but I couldn’t handle the MC’s flaws.
zarahzoe's review against another edition
4.0
Re read 2022: I'm ramping this up to 4 stars. A book I've re-read and which I'm still thinking about a year later? Yeah it's got to mean something.
And I don't care what people say about giggling 30yo, I'm 30 and I definitely giggle. Also it's very funny in a weird way. Also I can relate to all that self deprecation. Also I'm in love with Sydney.
Also I've read a lot of romance recently and a lot of it barely scratches surfaces and/or is uncomfortable and way to fairytaley. This is nothing if the sort. So.
And I don't care what people say about giggling 30yo, I'm 30 and I definitely giggle. Also it's very funny in a weird way. Also I can relate to all that self deprecation. Also I'm in love with Sydney.
Also I've read a lot of romance recently and a lot of it barely scratches surfaces and/or is uncomfortable and way to fairytaley. This is nothing if the sort. So.
flapjacks's review
2.0
liked the genderqueer love interest, the friend group dynamics, the emphasis on the importance of communication in a relationship, and the conclusion that not all relationships have to be "romantic" or "traditional" but overall found it boring and wished there was more chemistry/build up between the leads
nixbix_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to Harlequin - Carina Press & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet read, & it is great to see romance novels that feature people of different races, sexualities & genders as the main characters, not just the sassy best friend. I liked the slow build to Declan & Sidney's relationship and how, after some angst, they formed a relationship that worked for them.
This was such a sweet read, & it is great to see romance novels that feature people of different races, sexualities & genders as the main characters, not just the sassy best friend. I liked the slow build to Declan & Sidney's relationship and how, after some angst, they formed a relationship that worked for them.
thebookconfessions's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such a delightful suprise for me!
It's sweet. It's fun. It's quirky.
What suprised me the most is how inclusive this story is. It gave me such a good insight into the LGBTQ community.
My only reason for giving it 4⭐ is that I wished there was a deeper look into queer dates. I was really hoping to learn more.
Aside that, this is such a cute story. I definitely recommend it.
It's sweet. It's fun. It's quirky.
What suprised me the most is how inclusive this story is. It gave me such a good insight into the LGBTQ community.
My only reason for giving it 4⭐ is that I wished there was a deeper look into queer dates. I was really hoping to learn more.
Aside that, this is such a cute story. I definitely recommend it.