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chanlo1994's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I think my main reason for rating it so low was because of the narration. It was... not my favorite. Debated several times dnf-ing this book mainly for the narrator, but I got through it lol. The story was kinda cute. I think the dialogue was too robotic sometimes. I get the author was trying to depict corporate and professional lifestyle, or maybe it was with the combination of the narrator? Not sure. I have a feeling j would have liked this book a little better if I read the physical book. The last thing is disliked was the heavy trope of lying. It was like too obvious how this book was going to turn out by chapter 2. I think I'm personally at the age where I'm over this kind of trope.
What I did appreciate about the book is that the author used her own experiences as a native American trying to navigate the job market in corporate America. It's unfair what minorities are forced to go through. I never realized it was such a problem, especially since I work for a company whose goal is to hire and promote and X amount of minorities and am surrounded by these coworkers, but also it was based on a legal ruling, soo.........
What I did appreciate about the book is that the author used her own experiences as a native American trying to navigate the job market in corporate America. It's unfair what minorities are forced to go through. I never realized it was such a problem, especially since I work for a company whose goal is to hire and promote and X amount of minorities and am surrounded by these coworkers, but also it was based on a legal ruling, soo.........
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Abandonment
Toxic workplaceanabookadventures's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
Let me just say first . . . Danuwoa Colson is one of my favorite male love interests to date!
I really enjoyed the characters in this one, and the tension between Ember and Danuwoa was chef’s kiss! This was funny and swoony, but also handled some very real topics especially around how indigenous people are treated and the state of racist ass corporate America. The representation of indigenous characters is something we need more of in the rom com space so I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with next!
The only thing keeping me from a 5 star is the premise of the story, which is lies snowballing. Genuinely so stress inducing; but I do feel like I would have enjoyed this more if the lying was only specific in the workplace, and not also between our love interests because it takes away from the connection for me.
Outside of that preference, this story really worked for me and I will be thinking about Danuwoa for a minute!
Also I really loved that the author included a dictionary at the end to give definitions and pronunciations for the indigenous words used throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one, and the tension between Ember and Danuwoa was chef’s kiss! This was funny and swoony, but also handled some very real topics especially around how indigenous people are treated and the state of racist ass corporate America. The representation of indigenous characters is something we need more of in the rom com space so I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with next!
The only thing keeping me from a 5 star is the premise of the story, which is lies snowballing. Genuinely so stress inducing; but I do feel like I would have enjoyed this more if the lying was only specific in the workplace, and not also between our love interests because it takes away from the connection for me.
Outside of that preference, this story really worked for me and I will be thinking about Danuwoa for a minute!
Also I really loved that the author included a dictionary at the end to give definitions and pronunciations for the indigenous words used throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent, and Abandonment
liamliayaum's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
kylieqrada's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
I could feel the heart of this book and I really loved that. The execution was hit or miss for me and the sex scenes were a big no. I’m excited to see what else this author comes out with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexism, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was so funny. I enjoyed the author's voice and look forward to more from her. I've never read any romance novels with non-stereotypical depictions of native romantic leads, and I've only heard of a few others, so I'm glad this exists.
Ember was a little annoying as a character because of all her lies, many of which were completely unnecessary, but I understand that part of her character growth was realizing how unnecessary those lies were. Donoa on the other hand seems to have absolutely no flaws, which is fun to fantasize about, but obviously stretches credulity. Unlike some other romance novels, this book only tells the story from the point of view of one of the romantic leads. I wonder if there would be more character development if the chapters alternated between perspectives.
Ember was a little annoying as a character because of all her lies, many of which were completely unnecessary, but I understand that part of her character growth was realizing how unnecessary those lies were. Donoa on the other hand seems to have absolutely no flaws, which is fun to fantasize about, but obviously stretches credulity. Unlike some other romance novels, this book only tells the story from the point of view of one of the romantic leads. I wonder if there would be more character development if the chapters alternated between perspectives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
Minor: Ableism, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
poisoned_icecream's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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
I don't read romantic comedies that much, so this was out of my comfort zone but I actually ended up liking it. It is about Ember Lee Cardinal and the lies she uses in an attempt to get ahead, such as answering white instead of Native American in a job application to be an accountant. Before the interview she meets Danuwoa Colson, who she's instantly attracted to and turns out to be an IT guy at the place she applies at and ends up. Their work has a no-dating policy so Ember comes up with more lies to hide that she is having sex and dating Danuwoa.
Ember's lies made me so anxious and there were several moments where I had to temporarily put the book down. However I can't blame her for lying due to how hostile the corporate world can be for people for anyone who doesn't fit the norm. Also really appreciated how she has a supportive community who help her just because they believe in uplifting each other.
The things I didn't like in this book though is that the word and phrases "pregnant pause" (used twice), "just friends" and "prude" are used. None of those are necessary even in a romance novel. It would also have been nice to have some chapters with Danuwoa's perspective. Despite these few flaws, this is still a good debut and I will read more from Danica Nava.
Ember's lies made me so anxious and there were several moments where I had to temporarily put the book down. However I can't blame her for lying due to how hostile the corporate world can be for people for anyone who doesn't fit the norm. Also really appreciated how she has a supportive community who help her just because they believe in uplifting each other.
The things I didn't like in this book though is that the word and phrases "pregnant pause" (used twice), "just friends" and "prude" are used. None of those are necessary even in a romance novel. It would also have been nice to have some chapters with Danuwoa's perspective. Despite these few flaws, this is still a good debut and I will read more from Danica Nava.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
swand1ve's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
4.0
I’m not a romance reader and Ember’s decisions stressed me out, but this was overall a fun read and so great for Native representation in a more lighthearted workplace love story context. It didn’t insult my intelligence the way I find so much of the genre does. It felt very real!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Minor: Cultural appropriation
binevolentbookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
if you don't mind messy, mostly unlikeable women who are just trying to make it in the world (think '01 Bridget Jones in all her glory) then you might just gobble this one up, however if the entire premise of a book relies on bending and breaking truths is not for you, just go ahead and skip this one.
Ember states her lies are not pathological in the beginning of the story, but lemme tell ya, the sheer number of tall tales by 60% is giving pathological! compulsive! and raised my blood pressure, making it extremely difficult to enjoy this book as much as i thought i would.
Ember's personality often reads more like a YA lead than an adult in a contemporary romance. she is supposed to be the one (out of all her family and friends) who is getting her life together, though her immaturity in almost all situations, makes that a hard sell.
that said, why is it that men written by women are just so... *shakes fist* much better! i mostly loved the sexy, hot IT man, Danuwoa, and the fact that he from the get seemed to have caught a whiff of Ember’s bullshit, and still makes an effort to move past the barriers (lies) she's built to get to the real her had me swooning. his compassion mixed with incessant teasing is exactly what was needed to find balance in their story.
finally, i am flabbergasted that there was not a single scene in which D asks “have you tried turning it off and back on again?” followed by E: “no, but you can turn me on” - a true missed opportunity!!!!!!!!
Nava does include a lot of truths in this book (despite Ember’s defining characteristic being deceitful) about Native people, especially women, and their experiences in the U.S. her authors note at the end really sold me on the importance of this story, even if the premise wasn’t entirely for me. i think Nava has established herself as a bright new voice in romance, and i’m excited to read her next release and see how she’s grown.
p.s. biphobia:
i did struggle with the depiction of Ember’s best friend, whose main character traits were being an artist who is overly loud when she’s drunk and overly sexual, having a constant rotation of partners. though not malicious in intent, the delivery was still harmful in its representation of bi characters.
Ember states her lies are not pathological in the beginning of the story, but lemme tell ya, the sheer number of tall tales by 60% is giving pathological! compulsive! and raised my blood pressure, making it extremely difficult to enjoy this book as much as i thought i would.
Ember's personality often reads more like a YA lead than an adult in a contemporary romance. she is supposed to be the one (out of all her family and friends) who is getting her life together, though her immaturity in almost all situations, makes that a hard sell.
that said, why is it that men written by women are just so... *shakes fist* much better! i mostly loved the sexy, hot IT man, Danuwoa, and the fact that he from the get seemed to have caught a whiff of Ember’s bullshit, and still makes an effort to move past the barriers (lies) she's built to get to the real her had me swooning. his compassion mixed with incessant teasing is exactly what was needed to find balance in their story.
finally, i am flabbergasted that there was not a single scene in which D asks “have you tried turning it off and back on again?” followed by E: “no, but you can turn me on” - a true missed opportunity!!!!!!!!
Nava does include a lot of truths in this book (despite Ember’s defining characteristic being deceitful) about Native people, especially women, and their experiences in the U.S. her authors note at the end really sold me on the importance of this story, even if the premise wasn’t entirely for me. i think Nava has established herself as a bright new voice in romance, and i’m excited to read her next release and see how she’s grown.
p.s. biphobia:
i did struggle with the depiction of Ember’s best friend, whose main character traits were being an artist who is overly loud when she’s drunk and overly sexual, having a constant rotation of partners. though not malicious in intent, the delivery was still harmful in its representation of bi characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
Minor: Biphobia and Death of parent
maregred's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation and Alcohol
elizabeth_lepore's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Racial slurs and Cultural appropriation