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amanda_reads13'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
4.0
This was a cute and sweet story. The summer camp setting was a fun angle.
The first half of the book had a lot of miscommunication and unnecessary drama. Instead of talking to each other like adults, both Aurora and Russ made assumptions about each other which made their situation super awkward.
Russ and Aurara come from different worlds, but are both dealing with similar trauma. Daddy issues. Aurara's dad is a rich asshole who completely ignores her until he needs a photo opp, where as Russ' dad is gambling addict who has put him down his whole life. Aurara's reaction was to act out, where as Russ' was to make himself small. Aurara is loud and pushes the limits, where as Russ' is a shy rule follower who lacks confidence.
I love how much these two grow and heal together. It takes a lot for Russ to open up and trust, he hates people knowing about his family situation. Aurora is so patient with him and pushes him to step out of his comfort zone. Russ is a definition golden retriever boyfriend (with a dirty mouth). He is incredibly kind, empathetic, and considerate. He is there for her as she struggles through her complicated relationship with her family and is there to support her at every turn. I adore these two together.
One thing I love about this series is the friend group. They add so much to the story. They aren't what your expect from the typical "hockey boys". Yes, they tease and razz each other, but also show up for each other in the best possible way.
Tropes: forced proximity, university, hockey player, opposites attract, found family
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
kharri13's review
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
kayji's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The conversations seemed too unrealistic between the couple, especially during "deep", "emotional" or "romantic" moments. I wish Honey Acres as a setting was explored more alongside the whole camp atmosphere.
The side characters also deserved more moments to shine, as I really loved Xanders banter with the other characters.
Some moments in the book gave me whiplash just from how quickly the scenes and conversation topics were changing. Some moments and conversations also felt like they finished too abruptly before moving on.
TDLR: Great setting, funny side characters, unrealistic mmc and fmc.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Medical content, Medical trauma, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
amberpatel's review
- 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: Addiction, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
readyforit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really liked this book and I loved getting to know Russ better. I found myself actually loling many times throughout the book, which isn’t normal for me! I liked the narrators as well, I thought they fit their personalities. There was a minor miscommunication trope but nothing that derailed the plot, in fact the two main characters often discuss how they don’t want to miscommunicate again. I read icebreaker last year and I think I liked that a little bit more, maybe because it focused more on their found hockey family and we missed a lot of that in this book. I liked the friend group at summer camp well enough, especially Xander, but I guess I found myself not getting too attached since I know he wouldn’t be back at school with the two MC. I think I found icebreaker to be a little spicier, which makes sense since the plot of this book is that Aurora and Russ can’t fraternize while working at camp together, but there’s plenty of tension. I might reread in a few years but it’s not going to be one I gravitate toward unless I forget the plot.
Graphic: Addiction, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Excrement and Vomit
We know this from icebreaker, but Russ’s dad struggles with a gambling addiction and it’s a main plot point.lisamarie2193's review
- 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
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
edietz22's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
hannah_lilli's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Vomit
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
idowns11's review
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism and Cursing
kawaii_rose's review
- 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: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol