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garbutch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.25
This was very sweet and had a wonderful premise. If you're looking for something steamy or diverse, this is neither. I liked the personalities of the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent
wheeliebridge's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
This was such a great premise that was completely ruined by turning all of the antagonists into ridiculously evil people and trying to redeem them in like two seconds as well as using the miscommunication trope far too many times. I wanted to smack the main character many times because she was just being so dumb. Her family was made out to be comically evil and uncaring towards her, but then suddenly her sister gains a conscience because she got dumped?? It doesn’t even make sense, nor does it actually redeem her character at all. In conclusion, would not recommend at all. This book could’ve used a lot of cutting of characters and reworking of scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Infidelity
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
2.75
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute, closed-door romance set in the world of a small publisher. The environment of the publishing house was really interesting to me and I wish the story focused more on that aspect than the really random and unnecessary aspect of fatphobia and body shaming that the two sisters focused on throughout the "fitness" challenge. The family toxicity also really threw me off and they all really need a lot of therapy.
The romance was paced well, even though the male MC did feel a little stalky in the beginning, always showing up where she was and popping in to take her places, even though he's her boss.
This was a cute, closed-door romance set in the world of a small publisher. The environment of the publishing house was really interesting to me and I wish the story focused more on that aspect than the really random and unnecessary aspect of fatphobia and body shaming that the two sisters focused on throughout the "fitness" challenge. The family toxicity also really threw me off and they all really need a lot of therapy.
The romance was paced well, even though the male MC did feel a little stalky in the beginning, always showing up where she was and popping in to take her places, even though he's her boss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Bullying, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual harassment
water_violin's review
lighthearted
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
2.5
Much like the main character’s first draft of her own manuscript, the premise of the story was better than the execution. I loved the idea of a writer and editor exchanging anonymous notes and feedback through a secret room, falling in love without ever seeing one another, but unfortunately the novel itself fell rather short for me. The characters were fairly bland and the main character kept mentioning how kind she is while demonstrating things that were somewhat mean and self-centered. The love interest was fine, if somewhat underdeveloped. I wish the book had telegraphed things a bit less. As it was, it felt like the only possible person who DIDN’T know what was going on was the main character herself. All that being said, there were some very charming moments and there was some nice character growth by the end of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, and Infidelity
cassielaj's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. The characters were delightful; the story was fun and uplifting and not too predictable.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual harassment
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