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oliviajoreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Nevermore Bookstore is a quick and easy read for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy the grumpy meets sunshine trope in a slightly darker tone. I enjoyed the small town setting and the bookstore, however throughout the course of the book, we only ever visted 3/4 different locations which was a shame as it would have been nice to see other parts of the town and explore the lives of the other residents - particularly those in the book club.
While this book touched on the topics of PTSD and ankylosing spondylitis (which was refreshing to see in a book as I suffer from an autoimmune condition myself) at some points the portrayal felt widely unrealistic - for example the whole living in a cave situation because of inner-conflict, and how abusing consent and boundaries seemed to be the theme of how emotional attachment was shown. I felt that the daily struggles with living with a chronic illness was depicted well, especially how it appeared to be varying degrees day to day. The main love interests severe PTSD felt a little out of touch and intense at times which I was confused about as the book appeared to be more marketed as a 'cosy paranormal romance' and not as a 'darker romance'.
I did enjoy the sex scenes and the witty banter between the characters though and felt that this was what kept me interested throughout. Overall this was a very character-driven book.
I am curious to check out the next book in the series, Brewbies, which I believe comes out later this year.
While this book touched on the topics of PTSD and ankylosing spondylitis (which was refreshing to see in a book as I suffer from an autoimmune condition myself) at some points the portrayal felt widely unrealistic - for example the whole living in a cave situation because of inner-conflict, and how abusing consent and boundaries seemed to be the theme of how emotional attachment was shown. I felt that the daily struggles with living with a chronic illness was depicted well, especially how it appeared to be varying degrees day to day. The main love interests severe PTSD felt a little out of touch and intense at times which I was confused about as the book appeared to be more marketed as a 'cosy paranormal romance' and not as a 'darker romance'.
I did enjoy the sex scenes and the witty banter between the characters though and felt that this was what kept me interested throughout. Overall this was a very character-driven book.
I am curious to check out the next book in the series, Brewbies, which I believe comes out later this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Chronic illness, Stalking, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent
roget's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.0
This book gives the tale of a bookstore owner who falls for the mysterious man who calls her store once a week.
This was truthfully a one-star read for me, but I appreciated the development and care given to the depiction of chronic physical and mental illnesses.
Unfortunately, Fox’s behavior was often toxic, creepy, and incredibly violating (secretly watching the heroine in her room from the woods with binoculars???) and the boundaries of consent were not treated with respect in this book.
I also hated how the protagonist describes herself as “big,” and the book makes a big deal about her round shape and body positivity, yet the cover shows a completely average, small to mid-sized woman. Absolutely not a fan of that design choice.
In short: This one wasn’t for me. :(
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was truthfully a one-star read for me, but I appreciated the development and care given to the depiction of chronic physical and mental illnesses.
Unfortunately, Fox’s behavior was often toxic, creepy, and incredibly violating (secretly watching the heroine in her room from the woods with binoculars???) and the boundaries of consent were not treated with respect in this book.
I also hated how the protagonist describes herself as “big,” and the book makes a big deal about her round shape and body positivity, yet the cover shows a completely average, small to mid-sized woman. Absolutely not a fan of that design choice.
In short: This one wasn’t for me. :(
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Drug use
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Torture, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, War, and Cancer
rhiannoncox's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
4.25
A big thank you to NetGalley and the authors for approving me for an ARC.
Okay, first chapter and the style of writing already had me hooked. Plus, a mysterious guy with a sexy voice? Sold. He really give ‘touch her of you die’ vibes.. no, not vibes, literally says he’ll kill someone for her… but in a good way obviously.
Loved the definitions at the start of each chapter, they sort of served as a forewarning of what the chapter would be about.
Honestly, what a great read. There was a plot and a fair bit of spice at the same time. I always like there to be a plot somewhere in the background. I really enjoyed the humorous/satirical style of writing which was also somehow full of tension.there are also a number of spicy scenes. It’s relevant with hints of modern themes without focussing too much on them.
The characters are great and have so much diversity and inclusion. The main character has a chronic health condition, the best friend has ADHD, and the love interest has PTSD.
I’m not sure if it’s just my love of retold fairytales but this felt very inspired by Beauty and the Beast! The two main characters of course but then the menagerie of friends paralleled the animated furniture and the ‘beast’ underwent and physical and emotional transformation.
Definitely worth the read!!
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Grief, Sexual content, and Chronic illness
tarabeyer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Death, and Torture
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