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dummehure's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the gay trans romance we all needed!! Finally a gay romance who's main conflict isn't homophobia. This book depicts the flaws within the LGBTQIA+ community and the struggles trans and non binary people face and how they overlap and differ. The complicated Family dynamic that often occur even if you do have accepting parents are depicted realistically and giving the appropriate amount of weight. I really enjoyed this book!! but also ew straight gays and soccer
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Outing, and Dysphoria
emmaward55's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A solid YA romance that would have worked better for me if I were at all interested in football!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Blood and Outing
A minor character reveals that someone they knew died of a drug overdose, but this happens before the book is set. It's just one brief mention.l_353's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying
elwirax's review
challenging
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Rep- Black queer trans MC, Gay LI, non-binary SC, Black autistic SC, bi SC.
"Whether you come out tomorrow or in five years, or thirty years, I guarantee that the fight will still be going on in some form or another. And I promise that when you join us, we’ll welcome you with open arms.”
This book dealt with many difficult issues namely transphobia, homophobia and religious bigotry but it also chose to focus on moments of queer/ trans joy and acceptance which was such a great message, LGBTQIA+ youth deserve happy stories.
However, this was very clearly a debut, the juvenile writing style often conflicted with some of the more serious themes in this book. Though, I don't think that it was necessarily poorly written as I still enjoyed how easy it was to get into and through the book.
I think that Spencer's crush on Justice was a bit insta-lovey but the romance itself was a slow burn which I was glad for. I though their love was sweet and I appreciated seeing consent especially in a book of the YA category. However, I do think that the victim blaming was an aspect where their relationship wasn't as well represented as it could've been. It was a shame to see Spencer breaking up with Justice over not standing up to his homophobic family. I feel like it could've been handled in a healthier and more sympathetic manner.
The friendship/ family dynamics in this book were good and I was glad that Spencer's teammates not only had his back in football but also outside of it (Macintosh and Coach Schilling were great). I do wish that some of the secondary characters such as Theo where a bit more developed. I though that he was used as more of a tool to make Spencer seem like a better character rather than a person in his own right. Hence, his representation as an autistic individual may not be as authentic as it should have been.
Overall, this was a good book, not particularly memorable in terms of plot but very much so in terms of transgender representation. I'm glad that trans individuals are receiving the representation they deserve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Deadnaming, and Drug abuse
readingrowan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
Save my queer heart- nevermind, it's already dead. I think this is the best book I've read all year and I devoured -weird word for a book but okay- this in a day. Justice's family suck but they also do show what it's like for some queer kids. This is most definitely going to be a comfort read. 10/5 would recommend to any rando in the gender neutral loos.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Religious bigotry
Minor: Gun violence
nightgoesblack's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Addiction and Drug abuse
sambesi's review against another edition
emotional
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? N/A
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming and Religious bigotry
hyacinthus_'s review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
saaraah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Religious bigotry
cryscries's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I felt this book was really well written and I felt in the end things were very resolved towards the end. Personally I always take notice how an author writes a character coming out and I appreciate the view of coming out when you’re ready and on your terms. Reading Spencer’s journey was a delight and him having both a supportive family but also a supportive team really warmed my heart. Even though Justice wasn’t the main focus I felt his perspective of being someone who may not have that much of a supportive environment to be so important and I was glad to see his character development and what he wants to do for himself without his strict family- and also a dash of how he values his found family the most. A very fun enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Religious bigotry