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cassidy's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I mean... it's exactly what you would expect from a book called meant to be and a bit of a an addictive romance. I think the whole premise of the book -- that Joe is such a saint for wanting to date someone who is not from the same class background as him is kind of wild. I know the Kingsleys are based on the Kennedys and this took place in the 70s-90s but still. Additionally the way Cate's background is handled and her reaction to growing up in an abusive home and her relationship to her mother all feels a little trite. It's like someone took a generalized experience or trope and wrote exactly that... even the shame that Cate experience felt unauthentic, where is the nuance?
Lastly, there's so much talk about how Cate and Joe have so much in common and that even though they come from somewhat different backgrounds they're soulmates and meant to be... but it really seems like the main thing that they have in common is that they're both super attractive.
So I found it a little reductive and the characters pretty one dimensional, but still enjoyable to read.
Lastly, there's so much talk about how Cate and Joe have so much in common and that even though they come from somewhat different backgrounds they're soulmates and meant to be... but it really seems like the main thing that they have in common is that they're both super attractive.
So I found it a little reductive and the characters pretty one dimensional, but still enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
amy_sutt's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Good for fans of JFK Jr/Camelot
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Child abuse
Female lead comes from abusive home. Her mom experiences off page physical and verbal abuse and our lead experiences primarily verbal abuse.
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