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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
hilary89's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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
I mostly loved this book! Though I won't deny, I spent most of it anxiously waiting for the ball to drop on all of Ember's lies. That said, she was absolutely hilarious and I admired her drive (despite all her lies) to rise above her circumstances and make it in the cutthroat corporate world.
The one thing I felt like was missing was a bit more depth to Donuwoa's character. Though he was definitely swoon-worthy, he was written a bit like a "Gary Stu" without any real flaws or missteps. While Ember was deeply human and thoroughly flawed, it felt like Donuwoa existed mainly to be the "perfect native" counterpart to Ember's chaotic energy. I still found their chemistry to be super hot and convincing - I just wish he had been given a complex characterization like Ember had been.
All that said, as someone who lives in Oklahoma myself, this book delivered on much more than just romance. It left me contemplating the struggles Native Americans have trying to get a foot in the door of predominantly white spaces and all the racist micro/macro-aggressions they often face on the daily. Because of this, I'd recommend this book to both romance readers and any readers interested in learning about the Native American experience alike.
The one thing I felt like was missing was a bit more depth to Donuwoa's character. Though he was definitely swoon-worthy, he was written a bit like a "Gary Stu" without any real flaws or missteps. While Ember was deeply human and thoroughly flawed, it felt like Donuwoa existed mainly to be the "perfect native" counterpart to Ember's chaotic energy. I still found their chemistry to be super hot and convincing - I just wish he had been given a complex characterization like Ember had been.
All that said, as someone who lives in Oklahoma myself, this book delivered on much more than just romance. It left me contemplating the struggles Native Americans have trying to get a foot in the door of predominantly white spaces and all the racist micro/macro-aggressions they often face on the daily. Because of this, I'd recommend this book to both romance readers and any readers interested in learning about the Native American experience alike.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Xenophobia
amberlfaris's review
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
princessdana36's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Although the writing was a little cliche and immature at times the romance parts and the whole racial inequity things were spot on. This book really grew on me and the rating did too as I finished it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia