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anabookadventures'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
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
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
metaphorsandmisc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Cultural appropriation, and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
just_one_more_paige's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I always have a romance or two on hand for traveling - they are just great for escapist reading that also doesn't take a lot of concentration (perfect for plane rides and airports and quick pick-up/put-down situations). This was my most recent choice for that exact situation, courtesy of NetGalley.
Ember has been turned down from a lot of jobs, so...she decides to get a little creative with her experience and race/ethnicity. And it works - she lands a perfect job. But after a meet cute with the hot IT guy, Danuwoa, she realizes that maintaining those "lies," while also trying to develop a real relationship, is a bit fraught. And then...between a coworker catching the two in a compromising position and using that to blackmail Ember, family problems (her troublesome brother is back and just can't seem to get his life together), and trying to figure out how to compromise her own life/personal goals with some of the "untruth" pickles she's gotten herself into, things are really about to come to a head for Ember. Can she handle all that and manage to save her relationship with Danuwoa (the one very true thing she's got right now)?
Ok, let me just get this out of the way first. If I'm being honest, lying as a plot point stresses me. Like, a lot. To the point where I usually steer clear of it. However, I had seen good reviews and wanted to give this a go. So, it's a tough sell for me from that start, just to set expectations here at the beginning. That being said, the stress of this plot, the corporate blackmail and lying, truly is soooo stressful. And it's not just the external stuff. The author parallels it (nicely, as far as writing and character development), with Ember lying to herself too. It applies to her interactions with both her brother and what the actuality is of the feelings between her and Danuwoa. And it extends, deeply, into her work thinking too. She keeps saying “just this one more thing and it’ll go away” to herself and I just...how does she not see that eventually she’s crossed so many work legal/ethic lines that being fired for dating a coworker would actually be the better outcome?? Like some of the stuff she's doing has legit legal consequences, not just a workplace HR issue. I know she felt like she was between a rock and a hard place, but it was just difficult to swallow. On that note, I just don’t love the extremity of her “I don’t need to ask for help” - not just in her, but really in any characters that have this trait to an extreme - because there were multiple people she could have gone to for help, not even all with power imbalances to overcome either, and she chose to just dig herself deeper and hope it would go away. Overall, not my favorite type of character.
And yet...I didn't dislike Ember herself. I actually found her "hot and cold" on Danuwoa, her (low key deserved) grudge holding her back from forgiving her brother, the general direction and situation of her life/job, etc. was all super relatable. She’s prickly and unsure, but her heart is in the right place and her frustrations are all based in very real unfair life situations, and that’s so real. Ember's entire storyline was a really unique coming of age. One that highlights taking life one step at a time, making (and being proud of) achievable goals, and remembering you have a community around you (even if that hurts/has tough memories sometimes too), so you don’t have to do everything alone. It's accessible and, again, super relatable, in a way that not all romcom leads' stories are. For real, the 'learning to ask for help' piece alone was really impactful, and an important lesson for many to learn. I thought her general arc was fantastic. On the other hand, our male MC, Danuwoa, was a bit flat. Maybe too easy? He's a cinnamon roll, which I love, but he could have used maybe just a bit more depth? There wasn't anything wrong, necessarily, I just felt like, for how good Ember's character development was (and really, her brother Sage's as well), his was lacking something.
Last couple thoughts. There was an absolutely hilarious poking at corporate and professional culture BS. Like, how degrees and connections are required for basic level jobs that with reasonable training, literally anyone can competently do (even without the degrees and definitely without the connections). Lolz. Also, the authors note at the end is stunning. Seeing where Nava pulled from her own experiences to craft this story, and seeing where the fire and heart and fight for a happy ending that Ember had was crafted out of, adds such power to the messages in the narrative you just finished. The messages were already strong and necessary, so the added emphasis and strength was extra in the best, intense, way.
I'm coming away from this a fan of Nava's writing and definitely interested in more! While some tropes/plot devices weren't my personal favorite, the effect of the whole overcame that (which possibly makes it even more impressive).
"I was just Ember Lee Cardinal, a sometimes liar, but mostly an overall good person."
"I wanted to feel bad about the lying, but really, I was more worried about getting caught in the lies. It was hard to feel bad about gaming a system that was designed to put people like me down."
"That was the problem with hope. It created expectations, and when they weren't met, you were left feeling crushed."
"That's the way it was for women. We had to suck it up and accept misogyny and sexism so we could get through our business."
"I want you to have all my ugly truths."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual content, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
First: props to Danica Nava for writing the riskiest premise for a debut rom com I've ever seen - in a market that is unkind to "unlikeable" female main characters and constantly maligns miscommunication-style plot devices, she delivers a female main character who builds a skyscraper of lies for 95% of the book. It's a bold choice, and I applaud her for it. And while I didn't mind the lies as much as I thought I might (Ember's got her reasons, and the author's note adds a lot of context here), I did find the workplace conflicts - specifically the spot-on depiction of corporate politics - incredibly anxiety-inducing. I actually set this down for days with no intention of returning to it, simply because I was stressed for Ember. That said, I ultimately pushed through, and I'm SO glad I did, because Nava rounds out this conflict so well, and delivers a resolution that feels very authentic for these characters.
I really can't get past the workplace scenes. Nava's depiction of corporate life is so surreally accurate - satirized possibly at a few points, but only barely - that I felt both deeply validated and deeply angry reading it. Also noteworthy is how rare it is to actually see working class main characters - in a market where so many of the stand-out rom coms literally feature lake houses (why?!), a female main character with her TV propped on a cardboard box and a job working at the bowling alley is so REAL. We need more!!
This isn't going to be for everyone - the conflicts are stressful and the inner monologue leans cheesy, but I'm so grateful it exists - for its representation of Indigenous main characters, working class people, corporate chaos, and so much more.
I really can't get past the workplace scenes. Nava's depiction of corporate life is so surreally accurate - satirized possibly at a few points, but only barely - that I felt both deeply validated and deeply angry reading it. Also noteworthy is how rare it is to actually see working class main characters - in a market where so many of the stand-out rom coms literally feature lake houses (why?!), a female main character with her TV propped on a cardboard box and a job working at the bowling alley is so REAL. We need more!!
This isn't going to be for everyone - the conflicts are stressful and the inner monologue leans cheesy, but I'm so grateful it exists - for its representation of Indigenous main characters, working class people, corporate chaos, and so much more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Addiction and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent
Note: workplace racism, misogyny, blackmail and harassment.pitbulls_and_prose's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Ember Lee Cardinal cannot seem to get a job. When she gets rejected for the 37th time, she decides to get creative with her resume. She fluffs up some of her experience and decides to check off “white” for ethnicity. When she presented herself as Native American, Chickasaw to be exact, no one gave her the time of day. Presenting as white, Ember gets a call back immediately. At her new job she meets Danuwoa, IT guy and fellow Native. They hit it off instantly but will her continuous lies ruin their relationship?
I really liked this one! I always a big fan of a good workplace romance. Danuwoa is an A+ love interest and exactly the type of guy I would’ve gone for in the past. Ember is instantly lovable even if some of her later lies annoyed me at times! This book was funny, sweet, and lighthearted AT THE SAME TIME as being an examination on racism in the workplace (specifically towards Indigenous folks), classism, and misogyny. I will definitely be picking up this author’s next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexism, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
meghansarmiento97's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Alcohol
lex_is_bookish's review
funny
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Racial slurs
Minor: Death of parent