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ashtont's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Self harm, Drug use, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, and Addiction
Moderate: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Biphobia, and Toxic relationship
erickaonpaper's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
this one's left me feeling a little empty. i'm running off of my late night herbal tea but also some disappointment. this book seems to be a therapist's wet dream, in the sense that so much of the language, behavior choices, etc., seem to be picked straight out of my late afternoon monday sessions. it's brought me to question writing craft and why we tell the stories we tell. if you're looking for a lighthearted romp with queer characters, this might not be for you. if you're looking for high doses of trauma embedded into queer characters experience with loving each other, then hey - maybe this is your book!
a few standouts: kacen callender is so careful to call out the harsher truths in the book. one of the characters experienced and experiences some really debilitating things and while braves through it, it can be heavy to sit with. i also really appreciated kacen's questioning of how much fandom affects celebrity and how much we, as consumers and self-proclaimed critics, interact with celebrity gossip, dating lives, and everything else tied to hollyweird.
a few standouts: kacen callender is so careful to call out the harsher truths in the book. one of the characters experienced and experiences some really debilitating things and while braves through it, it can be heavy to sit with. i also really appreciated kacen's questioning of how much fandom affects celebrity and how much we, as consumers and self-proclaimed critics, interact with celebrity gossip, dating lives, and everything else tied to hollyweird.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Blood, Alcohol, Biphobia, Death of parent, Drug use, and Rape
moendchen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wer lustige, knisternde Dialoge erwartet, ist hier falsch. Wer jedoch von verdienten und emotional aufrichtigen Beziehungen lesen möchte, könnte etwas Besonderes gefunden haben.
Diese berührende Geschichte lässt einen in das weltfremde Hollywood schnuppern, stellen einem vielversprechende und komplizierte Charaktere vor und lockern selbst die ernsteren und angespannten Phasen mittels Presseausschnitte, Fanfictionausschnitte (persönliches Highlight!) und Therapieberichten auf. Die versprochene Romanze rutscht gerade in der zweiten Hälfte eher in den Hintergrund und die persönliche Wandlung und Verarbeitung von schwierigen Themen nehmen Vorrang.
Mittels dem angenehmen und lockeren Schreibstil der Autorin lassen sich die Seiten verschlingen.
Witzige und charmante Dialoge und knisternde Stimmung fehlen jedoch leider. Die Charaktere erwähnen öfters, dass jemand flirten würde, dass eine gewisse Stimmung und Anspannung herrschen würde, diese Szenen lesen sich jedoch für Romance-Veteranen vollkommen neutral und nüchtern.
Zudem ist Logans Charakter und innerem Tumult sehr viel mehr Zeit gewidmet als Matties, was schade ist angesichts der Thematik der Scham und Freiheit.
Gelegentlich fühlt es sich wie eine aufgezwungene Therapiesitzung mit fehlender Subtilität an. Die Charaktere wirken zudem oftmals allwissend. Einige Phrasen und Gedankengänge werden so oft wiederholt und eingehämmert, dass es sich Seiten repetitiv anfühlen können.
Das heißt jedoch keines falls, dass die Geschichte an Charme, Wirkung und Unterhaltung verliert. Die Beziehung und die persönlichen Charakterwandlungen sind wunderschön mitzuverfolgen und man hofft von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite, dass diese zwei außergewöhnlich gewöhnlichen Männer ihr Happy End erhalten. Ich freue mich, dieses Buch in paar Monaten erneut zu lesen.
Diese berührende Geschichte lässt einen in das weltfremde Hollywood schnuppern, stellen einem vielversprechende und komplizierte Charaktere vor und lockern selbst die ernsteren und angespannten Phasen mittels Presseausschnitte, Fanfictionausschnitte (persönliches Highlight!) und Therapieberichten auf. Die versprochene Romanze rutscht gerade in der zweiten Hälfte eher in den Hintergrund und die persönliche Wandlung und Verarbeitung von schwierigen Themen nehmen Vorrang.
Mittels dem angenehmen und lockeren Schreibstil der Autorin lassen sich die Seiten verschlingen.
Witzige und charmante Dialoge und knisternde Stimmung fehlen jedoch leider. Die Charaktere erwähnen öfters, dass jemand flirten würde, dass eine gewisse Stimmung und Anspannung herrschen würde, diese Szenen lesen sich jedoch für Romance-Veteranen vollkommen neutral und nüchtern.
Zudem ist Logans Charakter und innerem Tumult sehr viel mehr Zeit gewidmet als Matties, was schade ist angesichts der Thematik der Scham und Freiheit.
Gelegentlich fühlt es sich wie eine aufgezwungene Therapiesitzung mit fehlender Subtilität an. Die Charaktere wirken zudem oftmals allwissend. Einige Phrasen und Gedankengänge werden so oft wiederholt und eingehämmert, dass es sich Seiten repetitiv anfühlen können.
Das heißt jedoch keines falls, dass die Geschichte an Charme, Wirkung und Unterhaltung verliert. Die Beziehung und die persönlichen Charakterwandlungen sind wunderschön mitzuverfolgen und man hofft von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite, dass diese zwei außergewöhnlich gewöhnlichen Männer ihr Happy End erhalten. Ich freue mich, dieses Buch in paar Monaten erneut zu lesen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Infidelity, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Drug use, Rape, and Toxic friendship
chantelbecky's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Like many of the reviews say, this book tackles A Lot of heavy topics, and it does so with a level of compassion and honesty that I've never seen before.
As I got to know the characters and the complexities of their lives, the lines of right and wrong became as blurred for me as they were for the characters. This book gives voice to the ugly grey corners of the humanity, and isn't afraid to explore the fact that the bad people and parts of our lives are never as simple as we think. This book doesn't shy away from harsh, complicated subjects and gives an honest portrayal of recovery. My only complaint is that the book ended when it did. I've grown to love these characters and wish I could follow them throughout their entire lives.
Needless to say, I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time.
As I got to know the characters and the complexities of their lives, the lines of right and wrong became as blurred for me as they were for the characters. This book gives voice to the ugly grey corners of the humanity, and isn't afraid to explore the fact that the bad people and parts of our lives are never as simple as we think. This book doesn't shy away from harsh, complicated subjects and gives an honest portrayal of recovery. My only complaint is that the book ended when it did. I've grown to love these characters and wish I could follow them throughout their entire lives.
Needless to say, I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Drug use, Drug abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
danireadsbooks1's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This novel was so much more than I ever thought it would be, in a deep, emotional, and difficult way. I will say this: there are some serious trigger warnings that I did review but, thinking this would be a light little contemporary romance, should’ve taken way more seriously.
One major trigger warning is for parents and people with childhood trauma: there is not only parental neglect but purposeful parental negligence leading to repeated child rape that is not on the page but is referenced and discussed (not in-depth). It’s not easy to read or experience even fictionally that a parent would do that on purpose to their child, even at a high level and without details.
I enjoyed this novel, but it was hard to read. It’s a range of emotions and the author masterfully crafted this to sway the way you think and feel about characters as they yank your heartstrings right out of your chest. They answered questions before I had a chance to ask them and addressed situations incredibly well.
Yes, we get a wonderful celebrity gay romance with tons of depth and really important discussion of racism, colorism, childhood trauma, social expectations and the expectations put onto people in the public eye, but also a great discussion of the expectations we put onto others in our personal lives and whether that is justified or warranted.
I will say this is a solid, enjoyable novel, but damn was the ending really tough to read. Logan's trauma was tough to read about and work through. It was hard, but his journey is beautiful in the way he perseveres.
I think this novel is a reminder that you just never know what anyone else is going through or what they have experienced and have to work through. A reminder we all need.
I definitely recommend this book, but just know that you're in for an emotional journey.
One major trigger warning is for parents and people with childhood trauma: there is not only parental neglect but purposeful parental negligence leading to repeated child rape that is not on the page but is referenced and discussed (not in-depth). It’s not easy to read or experience even fictionally that a parent would do that on purpose to their child, even at a high level and without details.
I enjoyed this novel, but it was hard to read. It’s a range of emotions and the author masterfully crafted this to sway the way you think and feel about characters as they yank your heartstrings right out of your chest. They answered questions before I had a chance to ask them and addressed situations incredibly well.
Yes, we get a wonderful celebrity gay romance with tons of depth and really important discussion of racism, colorism, childhood trauma, social expectations and the expectations put onto people in the public eye, but also a great discussion of the expectations we put onto others in our personal lives and whether that is justified or warranted.
I will say this is a solid, enjoyable novel, but damn was the ending really tough to read. Logan's trauma was tough to read about and work through. It was hard, but his journey is beautiful in the way he perseveres.
I think this novel is a reminder that you just never know what anyone else is going through or what they have experienced and have to work through. A reminder we all need.
I definitely recommend this book, but just know that you're in for an emotional journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Racism, Racial slurs, Mental illness, Infidelity, Addiction, Grief, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.25
I love a good fake dating trope and make it with celebrities who are starring in the same movie with each other?! Sign me up. Logan and Mattie are total opposites, and they relate a little too close to their characters in the film, but they slowly fall in love and that definitely isn’t fake. Mattie truly tries so hard to listen to Logan and help him through his addictions and struggles, but there’s comes a point where the only person that can truly accept the help is the one who needs it the most.
I really enjoyed how they didn’t continue to stay together. The break that they have from one another was so needed, and it gave them the time to heal and grow in their own ways. The ending of this book made me very emotional 😭
I really enjoyed how they didn’t continue to stay together. The break that they have from one another was so needed, and it gave them the time to heal and grow in their own ways. The ending of this book made me very emotional 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Drug use and Adult/minor relationship
melissamarie's review
emotional
sad
fast-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Homophobia, and Biphobia
jennp28's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh I love love loved this. I binged it in one day. I’ve liked and appreciated Kacen Callendar’s YA books but this one was next level. The characters are not just reduced to tropes, no one magically fixes another person, and like one character says, there’s no forced happily ever after that feels fake (if temporarily satisfying) in a lighter, more traditional romance. Huge trigger warnings for sure and this will not be for everyone. I cried through the last quarter of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Biphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, and Panic attacks/disorders
pagesandtales's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Drug use and Adult/minor relationship
this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Listened to this one and I highly recommend the audiobook! It was done with a full cast and I loved the background and setting sounds they used to differentiate what we were listening to.
This book was great. I went into it with zero expectations because I knew nothing about the premise other than it handles tough subjects. But Kacen once again delivered. Logan's character was so heartbreakingly beautiful, I had tears in my eyes on multiple occasions. I loved seeing both his and Matty's character arcs, the way the grew together and apart. I appreciated that this was technically a romance but it had a very tragic feel to it because, sometimes, that's life. The unpacking of trauma throughout is so important for a romance because it allows readers to grasp the understanding that sometimes love truly isn't enough - sometimes, you have to want to do better no matter how much you love the other person.
Highly recommend this one!
This book was great. I went into it with zero expectations because I knew nothing about the premise other than it handles tough subjects. But Kacen once again delivered. Logan's character was so heartbreakingly beautiful, I had tears in my eyes on multiple occasions. I loved seeing both his and Matty's character arcs, the way the grew together and apart. I appreciated that this was technically a romance but it had a very tragic feel to it because, sometimes, that's life. The unpacking of trauma throughout is so important for a romance because it allows readers to grasp the understanding that sometimes love truly isn't enough - sometimes, you have to want to do better no matter how much you love the other person.
Highly recommend this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Homophobia, Biphobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Drug use