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a_ab's review
slow-paced
2.0
This book is a very mixed bag, which summed up to a 'meh' reaction from me.
The story has interesting representation, which was, unfortunately, oversimplified.
I was also bothered by the overbloated writing — the book could easily lose ~100 pages just by tightening the prose and going through basic scene editing.
The plot was way too convenient, and yet, even with those opportunities working in their favor, the characters spent 95% of the book with their heads snuggly lodged up their butts. To the point that my sympathy for them almost completely deteriorated by the end.
Another point of irritation: there is all this posturing about treating women with respect, and yet the main guy is jealousy-prone, possessive and dictatorial towards all women in his life, which is never really confronted or addressed. Apparently, he gets a pass just because he is attractive and the heroine likes him (for some unfathomable reasons — I couldn't come up with any beyond physical appeal, geographical proximity and convenience of shared family history, i.e. out of habit).
The story has interesting representation, which was, unfortunately, oversimplified.
I was also bothered by the overbloated writing — the book could easily lose ~100 pages just by tightening the prose and going through basic scene editing.
The plot was way too convenient, and yet, even with those opportunities working in their favor, the characters spent 95% of the book with their heads snuggly lodged up their butts. To the point that my sympathy for them almost completely deteriorated by the end.
Another point of irritation: there is all this posturing about treating women with respect, and yet the main guy is jealousy-prone, possessive and dictatorial towards all women in his life, which is never really confronted or addressed. Apparently, he gets a pass just because he is attractive and the heroine likes him (for some unfathomable reasons — I couldn't come up with any beyond physical appeal, geographical proximity and convenience of shared family history, i.e. out of habit).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, and Death of parent
elisabutter's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
prapti's review
1.0
boring. Writing was jerky. Maybe the firefighting trope isn’t for me, yeah I’m talking about the terrible c-drama that is “fireworks of my heart”
eshamod's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-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
rooseokwan's review
4.0
i love the south asian representation, and i love the characters. I love the communication even though it took a while for them to go through everything and then finally communicate. i wish there was more of hetal and jeff though
cowmingo's review
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
ndschmidt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.0
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
The Second First Chance is a slow-burn romance that starts when Dhillon and Riya are children. It does take a break in the middle, but the reason for that break is so very emotional. It does take them a bit to find their footing, mostly due to some miscommunication and their different ways of handling their grief. Miscommunication usually isn't a favorite for me, but it's understandable given the circumstances, and these characters are so easy to root for. This isn't my first read by Mona Shroff, but it's one of the best in my opinion. Does it tug at the heartstrings? Definitely, but it does some healing as well.
annarella's review
5.0
I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and then I fell hard for this poignant and gripping story that made me cry bucket.
Great characters, excellent storytelling, a well plotted story that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great characters, excellent storytelling, a well plotted story that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine