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hellowildflower's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
ourxstorybegins's review against another edition
3.5
First of all, this book is so heartwarming, such a treat! I loved both characters (even though Thomas drove me a little bonkers) and I think that the romance was super cute. The different islands and the reality TV setting were a really fun touch, and as a fan of Olivia Dade’s other books, the Tess cameo and Renaissance Island made me super happy!
Most of my issues of this book come from the fact that it’s a novella, which doesn’t feel fair. I usually love a novella, but in this particular case it just felt like something was missing? Things moved just a little more quickly than I would’ve liked? I really liked the set up that the author provided for conflict between Callie and Thomas, but because it all had to be handled within nine chapters, it just didn’t feel like enough of a resolution to be as believable as her usual books.
Most of my issues of this book come from the fact that it’s a novella, which doesn’t feel fair. I usually love a novella, but in this particular case it just felt like something was missing? Things moved just a little more quickly than I would’ve liked? I really liked the set up that the author provided for conflict between Callie and Thomas, but because it all had to be handled within nine chapters, it just didn’t feel like enough of a resolution to be as believable as her usual books.
kimalah's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea is a book about taking responsibility for your actions and how they affect others, taking responsibility for your inaction and how it affects others, and accepting love. A lovely book.
agruettli's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
monkeymagee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bridgetangelina's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
labraden's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.0
Callie Adesso has been selected as a guest on an episode of HATV's show, Island Match. Unfortunately Callie is supposed to appear with her boyfriend who has just dumped her. Callie is desperate for the vacation that the show will provide, so she volunteers her nemesis at the library where she works, Thomas McKinney. Thomas has made her life at the library difficult for the 6 months that she has been working there, so she is surprised when he not only accepts her offer, but he seems to relish the idea. Little does Callie know that Thomas has been harboring a secret from her for the last 6 months.
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea suffers from the same issue that plagues most novellas; they are just too short. In this novel, the fact that Callie has hated Thomas with a passion for months and now is willing to spend her vacation with him, comes across as pretty improbable. However, the plot does include issues of neurodiversity, but I'm not sure how well the representation is presented. Callie and Thomas are likable characters, but their lack of communication is disturbing. Overall, Desire and the Deep Blue Sea is a cute story that doesn't take enough time to tackle the serious issues addressed in the time offered in a novella.
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea suffers from the same issue that plagues most novellas; they are just too short. In this novel, the fact that Callie has hated Thomas with a passion for months and now is willing to spend her vacation with him, comes across as pretty improbable. However, the plot does include issues of neurodiversity, but I'm not sure how well the representation is presented. Callie and Thomas are likable characters, but their lack of communication is disturbing. Overall, Desire and the Deep Blue Sea is a cute story that doesn't take enough time to tackle the serious issues addressed in the time offered in a novella.
kinereads's review against another edition
1.0
This book sounded like a great idea, something short and fast. I always love a fake relationship plot, but I did not like the characters at all. Thomas was too much, and the chemistry felt rushed and weird.
I wouldn’t really recommend it, plot was rushed and the TV show? It didn’t really make any sense tbh. A lot was missing.
I wouldn’t really recommend it, plot was rushed and the TV show? It didn’t really make any sense tbh. A lot was missing.
xeniba's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cute, but I wasn’t able to get immersed in it. The premise felt unbelievable (compared to the author’s later books which also had unbelievable premises, but were written so well I ended up fully immersed).