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maria_schnecki's review against another edition
2.5
why? Not gonna lie, it kept me entertained but I also kinda feel icky about that, so yeah.
I liked the premise - pen pals that are not sure their friendship would survive the switch from just communicating by letters to meeting in person. There was potential there. I also liked the idea of having a not super likeable mc that has a great personality development. However, that was just not it.
Why all the bullying? Why? I get it, insecurities are tough and lead to ugly behaviour in some people, but... that does not excuse what this story is portraying. Also, our male mcgoing the psycho route when finding out that said penpal is not a "nerdy loser" but a popular mean girl? Sorry, but whilst I might get being angry about being deceived for years (kinda), there is just no going back from that. The way Misha is overly possesive, brutal, mean and aggresive? Not something you can just have a good talk and be back to normal. But the author knows at least that, so what is the next best thing? Crime and very awkward hate-sex. Idk man but thats just not it. Also, albeit the not-so-great smut scenes, I did not hate this book by this point (mind you I also didn't enjoy it), but the ending??? What is going on? It would have been fine if Misha and Ryen had their happy ending, I get that, romance genre and all. But to have the audacity to assume the victim of years of bullying through the hands of Ryen (yes, standing by is, at the age of 18, something that you have to accept responsibility for) just joins their friend group for some fun times? Yeah no, you did the poor guy so dirty. At least leave him out of there. Most people deserve their happy ending, but not at the cost of other peoples well-being. Yikes
so yeah, yikes. Do not read if you get upset by bullying, aggressive behaviour, fighting ( both physical and verbal), sexual harassment and yeah like lots of bullying
I liked the premise - pen pals that are not sure their friendship would survive the switch from just communicating by letters to meeting in person. There was potential there. I also liked the idea of having a not super likeable mc that has a great personality development. However, that was just not it.
Why all the bullying? Why? I get it, insecurities are tough and lead to ugly behaviour in some people, but... that does not excuse what this story is portraying. Also, our male mc
so yeah, yikes. Do not read if you get upset by bullying, aggressive behaviour, fighting ( both physical and verbal), sexual harassment and yeah like lots of bullying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Death of parent, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Violence
darkromancefiend08's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book... was everything the first time I read it. I loved it. I'll always be a little bit biased towards Penelope Douglas anyway because she knows how to write a female main character that I won't completely hate. The MMC, Misha, was a dark, tattooed broody soul. He definitely gave me butterflies and fanny flutters. I can get behind the FMC, Ryen, after a couple chapters. Her character development was absolutely gorgeous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Grief, Death, and Cursing
anitarose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Overall I enjoyed this book. I found it interesting and there were a handful of events/ turns that I didn’t expect. Penelope Douglas really knows how to write sizzling chemistry between the main characters.
The songs were an interesting touch too. I had a hard time picturing them in my head as a song, but they read like poetry.
The bullying aspect of this book was kinda hard to read and made me feel really sad. Although it was an important aspect in the book that allowed me to better understand their struggles and personal issues. I am glad that the characters were able to reflect on it and develop in the book.
I put “it’s complicated” for if I found the characters lovable. I felt like I could relate to Ryen with her feelings of not fitting in and I liked her character, and I did like Misha too, but I absolutely hated Trey.
I was upset with how long it took Misha to tell Ryen the truth, but it kept me engaged in the story.
The songs were an interesting touch too. I had a hard time picturing them in my head as a song, but they read like poetry.
The bullying aspect of this book was kinda hard to read and made me feel really sad. Although it was an important aspect in the book that allowed me to better understand their struggles and personal issues. I am glad that the characters were able to reflect on it and develop in the book.
I put “it’s complicated” for if I found the characters lovable. I felt like I could relate to Ryen with her feelings of not fitting in and I liked her character, and I did like Misha too, but I absolutely hated Trey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Bullying
Minor: Homophobia
beezinda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Upon finishing this novel, I'm left with the overwhelming feeling "WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ???"
The pros, the positives of this novel...the author deftly handle that this book is simultaneously an enemies to laver and friend's to lover story woven tight together with dramatic irony. This author showed a masterful hand at creating and holding romantic tension and angst that drives the emotional heart of this story.
The romantic core of this story is solid as an old oak tree. We really have 2 character with 2 emotional arc and journey that are resolved by understanding their love for each other. When an author can nail that I'm turning pages. I blew through this novel.
Lastly, I was actually surprised by Misha's ending. I literally didn't see it coming. Which was refreshing as I thought I had everything pegged. It has been a long while since a plot line was actually laid in a romance that I didn't clock by the reveal. It was really refreshing. Felt intentional and well earned. Loved that.
The cons: I don't know if these are cons per se, but I personally don't like it. This is a bully romance. Idk if I'd have picked it up if I knew that going in. Not only do they bully each other, there a lot of nastiness in the novel. At times, it's genuinely off-putting. I know for some scissors to the throat, some of the rough handling, some of the words for each other and their classmates. Fucking crazy. Legit...triggerwarning bullying.
Secondly, call me a prude if you want, but I hate smut with high school students. I don't care that they're 18. That not some magical get out jail free card for me. They're literally school children. It's disturbing to me to be that graphic and then talk about 4th period. The sex was not only really graphic but shockingly adult. Then, the scene hard handled with maturity.
That anal scene - kind of horrifying. She immediately says she's not interested. They get busy. He flips her over and says you should trust - do you trust me? He is verbalizing consent, but it still feels tinged with coercion, and that grosses me out. There are more few instances in this novel where Misha/Masen pushes this girls sexual boundaries in a way I don't feel comfortable with.
For however complex Micha and Ryen are, Trey and Lyla are comically villainous to an 80s stereotype extreme. Hamming their action is distracting and ultimate detrimental to the novel.
Overall, there is a good romantic heart to this story, but a specific sub-genre of this novel isn't what I typically like to read. Let's be very aware that this book could be a poster or after-school special for dubious consent.
The pros, the positives of this novel...the author deftly handle that this book is simultaneously an enemies to laver and friend's to lover story woven tight together with dramatic irony. This author showed a masterful hand at creating and holding romantic tension and angst that drives the emotional heart of this story.
The romantic core of this story is solid as an old oak tree. We really have 2 character with 2 emotional arc and journey that are resolved by understanding their love for each other. When an author can nail that I'm turning pages. I blew through this novel.
Lastly, I was actually surprised by Misha's ending. I literally didn't see it coming. Which was refreshing as I thought I had everything pegged. It has been a long while since a plot line was actually laid in a romance that I didn't clock by the reveal. It was really refreshing. Felt intentional and well earned. Loved that.
The cons: I don't know if these are cons per se, but I personally don't like it. This is a bully romance. Idk if I'd have picked it up if I knew that going in. Not only do they bully each other, there a lot of nastiness in the novel. At times, it's genuinely off-putting. I know for some scissors to the throat, some of the rough handling, some of the words for each other and their classmates. Fucking crazy. Legit...triggerwarning bullying.
Secondly, call me a prude if you want, but I hate smut with high school students. I don't care that they're 18. That not some magical get out jail free card for me. They're literally school children. It's disturbing to me to be that graphic and then talk about 4th period. The sex was not only really graphic but shockingly adult. Then, the scene hard handled with maturity.
That anal scene - kind of horrifying. She immediately says she's not interested. They get busy. He flips her over and says you should trust - do you trust me? He is verbalizing consent, but it still feels tinged with coercion, and that grosses me out. There are more few instances in this novel where Misha/Masen pushes this girls sexual boundaries in a way I don't feel comfortable with.
For however complex Micha and Ryen are, Trey and Lyla are comically villainous to an 80s stereotype extreme. Hamming their action is distracting and ultimate detrimental to the novel.
Overall, there is a good romantic heart to this story, but a specific sub-genre of this novel isn't what I typically like to read. Let's be very aware that this book could be a poster or after-school special for dubious consent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Addiction, Grief, Bullying, Child death, and Homophobia
nineinchnails's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
----
reread: 8/1/2024
i actually enjoyed this about as much as i did the first time i read it (possibly more because devil's night crumbs) but i just don't rate purely for enjoyment anymore. i stand by what i said in 2020 it's still really refreshing to have an objectively flawed heroine in this subgenre and while most of the other characters were very one dimensional, the main characters were still interesting and likeable!
----
first read: 27/12/2020
i actually really enjoyed this book it was hot n the pacing was really good!! ryen’s character was so refreshing it’s nice to read about a romance heroine having a flaw that isn’t ‘too nice’. also the actual premise was kinda unique! However it is a little cringy at some points especially the epilogue with him being a famous rockstar but i guess that comes with having the male lead be a musician
reread: 8/1/2024
i actually enjoyed this about as much as i did the first time i read it (possibly more because devil's night crumbs) but i just don't rate purely for enjoyment anymore. i stand by what i said in 2020 it's still really refreshing to have an objectively flawed heroine in this subgenre and while most of the other characters were very one dimensional, the main characters were still interesting and likeable!
----
first read: 27/12/2020
i actually really enjoyed this book it was hot n the pacing was really good!! ryen’s character was so refreshing it’s nice to read about a romance heroine having a flaw that isn’t ‘too nice’. also the actual premise was kinda unique! However it is a little cringy at some points especially the epilogue with him being a famous rockstar but i guess that comes with having the male lead be a musician
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Grief, and Homophobia
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, and Addiction
jesshart8's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Sexism, Death, Cursing, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
madeleineelr's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
this book was just… not good??? like i can get all giddy with booktok-romances but this was just outright bad
ALSO THE EPILOGUE IS SO CRINGE!!!
ALSO THE EPILOGUE IS SO CRINGE!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault and Death
maximillyrock's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It’s really cheesy dialogue. Scenes are diverse? Not yet explored? Something like that. Nothing like a good chase sex scene.
The sub-plot is so mid tho, the whole bullying thing is so extra. I wish it was more epistolary it would seem more intimate but oh well.
Honestly I have a lot to say about the initial abuse. Like I know Penelope was like I don’t want to make likeable characters but there’s a difference between flawed characters and fully abusive characters. Does he get better at the end? Yes. But if someone I know that I was teasing pulled me into their lap in public and licked my neck then said I tasted like shit… yeah no. I would never do what she did however what he did was not matching the energy. Also I don’t think she consented to most of the dynamic.
The sub-plot is so mid tho, the whole bullying thing is so extra. I wish it was more epistolary it would seem more intimate but oh well.
Honestly I have a lot to say about the initial abuse. Like I know Penelope was like I don’t want to make likeable characters but there’s a difference between flawed characters and fully abusive characters. Does he get better at the end? Yes. But if someone I know that I was teasing pulled me into their lap in public and licked my neck then said I tasted like shit… yeah no. I would never do what she did however what he did was not matching the energy. Also I don’t think she consented to most of the dynamic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Bullying
Minor: Blood
mikaylamills's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Love love love this book! I was absolutely rooting for Misha and Ryen the whole book. The spice was great, the character development was great, and I just loved the storyline. Penelope Douglas is one of my favorite authors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death and Homophobia
willowmcquerry's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia
Homophobic remarks are made. Kids kept calling a boy “fag” and “faggot” which can be very triggering.