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occasionalyarnie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
But first, the good: I enjoyed Hazel and Rory as leads. Their individual arcs were well-executed, with Hazel finally reaching a place in her life where she could start work on her lifelong dream, and Rory learning that there's more to hockey than being the superstar. The family dynamics in the book were interesting, too; it was so different to see Hazel struggle with the way her mom would put herself down, and it was refreshing that Rory
As for the issues... Firstly, I had some minor complaints about the romance between Rory and Hazel. We're told that they knew each other relatively well in high school, and that Rory was interested in Hazel at the time but didn't pursue anything because she was seeing someone else. I would have appreciated more details, maybe some conversations or memories they had of the time, to make that aspect of the story more concrete. As it is, we get thrown into an established relationship right off the bat (which is kind of disorienting), and Rory is basically in love with Hazel from the start (which I'm not necessarily against, but without the context of their prior relationship is a little off-putting).
Another issue I had was the portrayal of their jobs. We rarely see Hazel in her role as a physio for the team; it's not even really mentioned as something that happens off-page, which is a little disappointing. But I was more frustrated with Rory's job (though it is mostly just me being very nit-picky as a real-life hockey fan). A lot of Rory's arc revolves around him learning that he doesn't have to be the one scoring goals to make a difference on the team, and while that's certainly true, his dad and parts of the plot make it seem like he's less valuable for evolving into a better playmaker, which is stupid. (It's also frustrating that this evolution is not only so quick it's basically overnight, but that Rory is great at it from the start and never makes any mistakes.) Also, the story makes the team's coach kind of the end-all-be-all controller of the organization, which isn't how it works. For example,
The last complaint I have is kind of the overlap of two smaller issues: Rory's character as a romantic lead and plot points that seemingly exist for the sole purpose of showcasing Rory's "perfection". For example, at one point the team is hanging out at a bar,
Overall, this essay might make it seem like I really didn't like this book. And while I'll definitely say I preferred the first in the series, I don't think this was a bad addition to it. Maybe a reread down the road will change my mind. I'm still looking forward to the next book.
Moderate: Body shaming and Sexual harassment
aimee_not_amy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The best part is
Minor: Body shaming, Sexual harassment, and Eating disorder
naysia_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
soniajoy98's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Abandonment, and Eating disorder
Minor: Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, and Body shaming
3readingcircus's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Eating disorder, Infidelity, and Body shaming
memoirsofabooklover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Dysphoria, Eating disorder, Cursing, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Minor: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault