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zombiezami's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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
ninebookishlives's review
3.5
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Sexual harassment
rheagoveas'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? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment
rachelfayreads's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Cultural appropriation, and Sexual harassment
au_conn1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, and Classism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol
readingwithkaitlyn's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol
Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Terminal illness, Violence, Excrement, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
browningwithabook'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
4.0
I have seen much mention of Danica Nava being the first traditionally published indigenous woman in the romance genre which peaked my interest and simultaneously caused me to shake my head because in the 21st century, this type of "first" should've happened a long time ago. I think Nava represented this first well as this was a very enjoyable debut.
The premise of the story-Ember's lying and the reason she does it- is set up early in a way that most people can likely relate to i.e. lying to protect a loved one's feelings, omitting parts of the truth in situations that tend to impact certain groups more than others. I was vested from early on. Coupled with the layering/reveal of the challenges Ember has been faced with as the story progresses, I found myself both anxious at how the lies would catch up with her and empathetic toward her and her reasoning for why the lying was necessary (notwithstanding, some of it was unnecessary but if everything was completely logical in stories we wouldn't have the sauce for the drama now would we?).
I liked how Nava included insights into the challenges Indigenous people face in the workplace and in everyday life. This provided a welcome complement to both Ember and Danuwoa's (the MMC) backstory. This is one of the qualities I especially appreciate about the romance genre- that unique ability to deliver insight into a lived experience wrapped up in swoon, banter and butterflies. The "supporting cast" of characters were developed in a way that allowed for me to glean a better understanding of who Ember was and by extension Danuwoa, outside of their relationship with each other, along with making me want to dig a little more into their own lives (especially Ember's best friend, Joanna).
I did find myself hoping for a chapter or two from Danuwoa's perspective but that was more due to my ideal preference for a dual POV in the romances I read. Also, while I appreciate a textbook specimen of a MMC as much as the next girl, I did chuckle and shake my head a bit at the eight-pack abs and hint at the large "package".
Additionally, on reflection of the timeline, I would've welcomed a bit more development of their relationship post-their initial hookup especially given Ember noting that she had not been in a meaningful romantic relationship (but I am mindful that the author was already carrying a lot with the other plot points).
That being said, I thought this was solid debut and I am certainly looking forward to seeing what Danica Nava does next!
Special thanks to Berkley for facilitating an ARC of this story (and I hope you will continue to meaningfully facilitate diversity in the romances published).
Moderate: Racism and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent