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literarypenguin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adored the relationship between Dani & Zafir, how sweet their friendship is before leading into an even sweeter romance. At first it seems like the two of them are so different but as you read more you begin to see that they may be more similar then you first thought. I loved the dynamic between the jaded anti romance woman with the hopeless romantic big gruff guy! It was so cute and the chemistry they had was off the charts! The banter was very entertaining and I liked how they could tease each other and hit back with a witty comment.
One thing I really appreciated was Zafir's willingness to talk about mental health and to help other young men to talk about their feelings and struggles. That was so refreshing to see a male character be so open to talking about mental health and wanting to help others with it as well. Zafir's own mental health struggles with depression and anxiety was very well portrayed and it was fantastic to see a character in a book that was going through those illnesses like so many other people go through every day. I liked Zafir's love for his family especially his bond with his niece. I thought it was so cool how he was a good uncle to her.
Dani's bisexuality was another thing I liked, how even though she was beginning to be involved with a man she still is attracted to woman. She was still involved with women in the past. How anyone who identifys with whatever identity feels right to them can still be validated and have their identity not be questioned. Also Dani's interest in spiritualism was another interesting part of her character along with her friendship with her friend. Her bond with her sisters was so heartwarming and how her sisters could see through her act to who she was. That bond was a thing I adored from the first and I am happy to see it once again here!
As with the last book there is a conflict in the third act, this one is more believable then the last one. It resolved itself quickly and in a more realistic way which I appreciated. I have to say I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the last book to see where the trilogy takes me!
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
belle13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
❤️Bi Rep
❤️Plus-Size Rep
❤️Anxiety and Grief Represented Well
❤️Friends with Benefits
❤️Loveable Supporting Characters
❤️Academia (Specifically Women)
Amount of spice:🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was really sexy, really funny and incredibly sweet and cosy. There was a whole lot of fantastic representation and I especially loved the discussions about mental health for men. Zaf is described as grumpy but he’s actually such a gentle, kind guy and he cares so much for Dani and Dani is an absolute witchy goddess - together they make for such a gorgeous couple.
I listened to this as an audio book and the only thing I really had an issue with is that I wish that this had been dual narration and I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. I think this might have been a five star if I had read it as a physical copy.
I would recommend it if you’re looking for something cosy and sweet with a lot of great representation and loads of funny banter.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
teddi's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
Minor: Gaslighting and Grief
frantic_vampire's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Grief, and Death
Death of a sibling should also be taggedmj_86's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
readingwithcoffee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
Positive: I like how hibbert treats side characters and uses them to flesh out the world they’re writing, the main characters and the side characters themselves. I like how all the women are 3D and funny while keeping them existing in their own life’s even as they support either main character they’re primarily attached to. I loved that Jo got an apology u was worried she wouldn’t.
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Toxic relationship
immdanii's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Grief
lrose02's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
softboiledegg's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
auteaandtales's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Firstly, one of my favourite things in romance books is when each love interest is developed as a full individual. They feel fully formed, as people, rather than something that only exists as one half of a relationship. This is probably helped by this people dual-POV (which I don’t normally like, but I did like in this). Zaf has his own family dynamics and it felt so whole, it had those things I always imagine close families do where they have inside jokes and their own banter. His relationship with his niece, Fatima, in particular was incredibly wholesome. Zaf’s best friend was involved in the story, too, which I loved. Dani was the same, of course, as this series focuses on each one of the Brown sisters so their dynamic is centric to the story. It also involved Dani’s best friend, and an ex-girlfriend. There was a lot of their characters already fleshed out, which for me always adds to the romance and makes it that much better.
Dani is so confident, but still had underlying insecurities, and Zaf is a hopeless romantic that struggles with anxiety. It was layered, and I love the way that anxiety was handled as someone who has anxiety themselves. I felt like they balanced each other out so well, they complimented each other and fit very well together. The banter and the chemistry between them was all the more improved because of it.
There was also so much love, kindness and supportive friendship/family in the background, and within the relationship itself. It felt like reading a warm hug.
The effortless diversity was a plus, as well, and I can never go wrong with fake dating.
A++, another masterpiece on romance that I know will stay with me for a while.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship, Grief, Death, and Car accident