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catastrophiclyss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, Bullying, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
psdarlin's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcoholism, Stalking, Medical trauma, and Emotional abuse
readingwithmelodie's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3.25 stars
I liked the premise of this book, but it tried to do too much in too little words
the actual romance of this book is subpar at best (I don’t even ship??) and while everything else touched on some important topics, all of them is sorta glossed over other than dash’s addiction (which I think was the done the best out of everything)
I liked the premise of this book, but it tried to do too much in too little words
the actual romance of this book is subpar at best (I don’t even ship??) and while everything else touched on some important topics, all of them is sorta glossed over other than dash’s addiction (which I think was the done the best out of everything)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
meliroo's review against another edition
reflective
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.75
Content Warnings: Sexual content, alcoholism, addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, toxic relationships [both familial and romantic], Verbal and mental abuse, and constant feelings of inadequacy.
Mention of: cheating, ableism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment.
11/17/2023
Just as fantastic and beautiful as the first time I read it 🥰
4/1/2023
***I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley. I also submitted my TT handle to be one of the handles Erin used in the book. ***
The POV characters:
Sophie has never been in love...a romance author that's never experienced love. When she's struggling to write her second novel she decides that maybe the past can give her the knowledge to inspire her to finish her book ...and maybe find love in the future?
Dash is part of Hollywood royalty...his family is known far and wide for their acting. Dash leaned more into indie films but the stress of living up to his families image and constantly being compared to his older brother led him down a dark path of alcohol addiction. Now 18 months sober, which he still hasn't told his family about, he's found a love of crafting and has an anonymous Tiktok where he's able to share his love without judgement.
The story: Two people who've always felt not quite good enough team up to help each other. Though they struggle to share their real feelings and thoughts with their family and friends...there's just something about the ease of their friendship that allows them to share things free of judgement. Unable to deny their chemistry but feeling like a relationship is unwise they decide... FWB is okay right? [his main focus is his sobriety and he doesn't feel like he's ready for a relationship and she's looking for love...oh and he just happens to be her BFF's brother which would add another level of complications]
The relationship: I LOVE the relationship that Sophie and Dash form. It's so natural and judge free...something they both desperately need in their lives. Also the way that they care about each other and are constantly trying to encourage and support each other was so beautiful.
The spice: OMG THE SPICE! *fans face* Literally every sexual scene was AMAZING. I cannot wait until my friends get their hands on this book so I'll have someone to talk to about these scenes. *daydreams back to each scene*
My thoughts: I adore both Sophie and Dash and could relate to their feelings of inadequacy. There were so many moments that I just wanted to reach through the book and hug them and tell them they're amazing and wonderful just as they are. This will definitely be a book that I'll want to reread...between the emotions, self discovery, romance, and friendship...this will be a book I tell everyone about. 🥰
Mention of: cheating, ableism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment.
11/17/2023
Just as fantastic and beautiful as the first time I read it 🥰
4/1/2023
***I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley. I also submitted my TT handle to be one of the handles Erin used in the book. ***
The POV characters:
Sophie has never been in love...a romance author that's never experienced love. When she's struggling to write her second novel she decides that maybe the past can give her the knowledge to inspire her to finish her book ...and maybe find love in the future?
Dash is part of Hollywood royalty...his family is known far and wide for their acting. Dash leaned more into indie films but the stress of living up to his families image and constantly being compared to his older brother led him down a dark path of alcohol addiction. Now 18 months sober, which he still hasn't told his family about, he's found a love of crafting and has an anonymous Tiktok where he's able to share his love without judgement.
The story: Two people who've always felt not quite good enough team up to help each other. Though they struggle to share their real feelings and thoughts with their family and friends...there's just something about the ease of their friendship that allows them to share things free of judgement. Unable to deny their chemistry but feeling like a relationship is unwise they decide... FWB is okay right? [his main focus is his sobriety and he doesn't feel like he's ready for a relationship and she's looking for love...oh and he just happens to be her BFF's brother which would add another level of complications]
The relationship: I LOVE the relationship that Sophie and Dash form. It's so natural and judge free...something they both desperately need in their lives. Also the way that they care about each other and are constantly trying to encourage and support each other was so beautiful.
The spice: OMG THE SPICE! *fans face* Literally every sexual scene was AMAZING. I cannot wait until my friends get their hands on this book so I'll have someone to talk to about these scenes. *daydreams back to each scene*
My thoughts: I adore both Sophie and Dash and could relate to their feelings of inadequacy. There were so many moments that I just wanted to reach through the book and hug them and tell them they're amazing and wonderful just as they are. This will definitely be a book that I'll want to reread...between the emotions, self discovery, romance, and friendship...this will be a book I tell everyone about. 🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Stalking, and Grief
kaitlynkenny's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 ⭐️
romance that’s a bit more contemporary fiction is one of my fave kinds of books and Plot Twist delivered.
Soph is struggling to finish her sophomore novel and may have had a melt down gone viral about how she doesn’t believe in true love which isn’t a great look for a romance author. Enter Dash, the landlord/neighbor/former-hollywood-star who helps her document her journey of reconnecting with exes to see what her issue is. Along the way, the two learn important things about one another and themselves. Dash is struggling with his recovery of alcohol addiction and how to explain this to his parents and Soph is struggling with accepting she may not be ready for a real relationship despite wanting one.
I loved the depiction of serious topics in this book - the way addiction and recovery were handled with such grace and empathy was incredible. I also loved his ending and how it wasn’t 100% traditionally happy but it was perfect for him and his needs. Soph couldve used my character development because it felt like she wasn’t doing enough internal work about why her previous relationships failed. This book is also very heavy on prose but not in a way where I felt like pages could be cut. Overall, a solid 3.5 read and I would recommend to others.
CW: Alcoholism, Abusive Language, Stalking, Addiction, Emotional Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Panic Attacks, Cheating
thank you NetGalley for this ARC. happy pub day!!
romance that’s a bit more contemporary fiction is one of my fave kinds of books and Plot Twist delivered.
Soph is struggling to finish her sophomore novel and may have had a melt down gone viral about how she doesn’t believe in true love which isn’t a great look for a romance author. Enter Dash, the landlord/neighbor/former-hollywood-star who helps her document her journey of reconnecting with exes to see what her issue is. Along the way, the two learn important things about one another and themselves. Dash is struggling with his recovery of alcohol addiction and how to explain this to his parents and Soph is struggling with accepting she may not be ready for a real relationship despite wanting one.
I loved the depiction of serious topics in this book - the way addiction and recovery were handled with such grace and empathy was incredible. I also loved his ending and how it wasn’t 100% traditionally happy but it was perfect for him and his needs. Soph couldve used my character development because it felt like she wasn’t doing enough internal work about why her previous relationships failed. This book is also very heavy on prose but not in a way where I felt like pages could be cut. Overall, a solid 3.5 read and I would recommend to others.
CW: Alcoholism, Abusive Language, Stalking, Addiction, Emotional Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Panic Attacks, Cheating
thank you NetGalley for this ARC. happy pub day!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Sexual content, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
battyaboutbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
🦇 Plot Twist Book Review 🦇
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
❝ Sophie deserved perfectly bold love from someone who lit up a room just as easily as she did. But when Dash thought about being with Sophie, it was clear he was an eclipse of issues threatening to swallow her sunny warmth. ❞
❓ #QOTD Do you talk to any of your exes? Would you, if it helped you learn from your past? ❓
🦇 Struggling romance author Sophie Lyon is struggling to finish her second novel before her deadline. Too bad she's announced an ironic secret to the world: that, despite writing swoon-worthy romances, she's never fallen in love herself. After the video goes viral, she decides to explore her past relationships to determine why she hasn't fallen in love at the coaxing of her landlord and best friend's brother, Dash. Meanwhile, Dash Montrose (once an actor following in his father and brother's footsteps, now an anonymous online crafter) is trying to maintain his sobriety while keeping his addiction a secret. As Sophie and Dash grow closer, they discover they have a lot more in common (including some sizzling chemistry) than they ever realized.
💜 Erin La Rosa's writing is an enthralling delight. Her word choice invites readers into a story they can live through, with details that bring every page to life. The interactions between Sophie and Dash are full of wit and sass, making it an entertaining rom-com of dry humor. Sophie is beyond relatable, making it easy to sympathize with her struggles, while Dash dwells in his flaws. They both bring out the beauty and potential in one another, crafting a beautiful love story about navigating insecurities. Since Sophie is a romance writer, there's a bit of meta self-awareness as she realizes the romance tropes she's facing in real life. If you love a trope-filled rom-com, this one's for you!
🦇 Perhaps my biggest issue was how quickly big, important topics were brushed past in an effort to focus on the romance. There are mentions of addiction/alcoholism, a stalker, the passing of a parent. Even Sophie's eureka moment about why she's had an issue with past relationships feels out of place (her trust issues are mentioned more than once, and then all of a sudden she has a brief thought about her parents and it clicks for her). Sophie explores her past relationships to try and determine why she's never fallen in love, but the interactions feel empty and pointless. These are big themes that have shaped both characters, yet we only explore them on a surface level. If we as readers aren't delving into those themes, the characters aren't in an effort to learn and develop, either. Even the chemistry between the main characters feels rushed and sudden, which is a major issue if you want readers falling for their relationship. While there's plenty of heat in this book, the word choice during those spicy scenes makes it awkward and off-putting. There was a lot of potential here, especially exploring such big themes, but it lacked depth by skirting over such intense topics.
🦇 Recommended to anyone who loves romances filled to the brim with tropey goodness; namely, grumpy vs sunshine friends-with-benefits stories!
✨ The Vibes ✨
🩷 Pan FMC
🩷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷 Only One Bed
🩷 Best Friend's Brother
🩷 Writer FMC / Tattooed Actor MMC
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Friends-With-Benefits
⚠️ Addiction, Alcoholism, Relapse, IVF/Egg-Freezing, Dysfunctional Families, Stalking, Grief, Loss of a Parent
🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
❝ Sophie deserved perfectly bold love from someone who lit up a room just as easily as she did. But when Dash thought about being with Sophie, it was clear he was an eclipse of issues threatening to swallow her sunny warmth. ❞
❓ #QOTD Do you talk to any of your exes? Would you, if it helped you learn from your past? ❓
🦇 Struggling romance author Sophie Lyon is struggling to finish her second novel before her deadline. Too bad she's announced an ironic secret to the world: that, despite writing swoon-worthy romances, she's never fallen in love herself. After the video goes viral, she decides to explore her past relationships to determine why she hasn't fallen in love at the coaxing of her landlord and best friend's brother, Dash. Meanwhile, Dash Montrose (once an actor following in his father and brother's footsteps, now an anonymous online crafter) is trying to maintain his sobriety while keeping his addiction a secret. As Sophie and Dash grow closer, they discover they have a lot more in common (including some sizzling chemistry) than they ever realized.
💜 Erin La Rosa's writing is an enthralling delight. Her word choice invites readers into a story they can live through, with details that bring every page to life. The interactions between Sophie and Dash are full of wit and sass, making it an entertaining rom-com of dry humor. Sophie is beyond relatable, making it easy to sympathize with her struggles, while Dash dwells in his flaws. They both bring out the beauty and potential in one another, crafting a beautiful love story about navigating insecurities. Since Sophie is a romance writer, there's a bit of meta self-awareness as she realizes the romance tropes she's facing in real life. If you love a trope-filled rom-com, this one's for you!
🦇 Perhaps my biggest issue was how quickly big, important topics were brushed past in an effort to focus on the romance. There are mentions of addiction/alcoholism, a stalker, the passing of a parent. Even Sophie's eureka moment about why she's had an issue with past relationships feels out of place (her trust issues are mentioned more than once, and then all of a sudden she has a brief thought about her parents and it clicks for her). Sophie explores her past relationships to try and determine why she's never fallen in love, but the interactions feel empty and pointless. These are big themes that have shaped both characters, yet we only explore them on a surface level. If we as readers aren't delving into those themes, the characters aren't in an effort to learn and develop, either. Even the chemistry between the main characters feels rushed and sudden, which is a major issue if you want readers falling for their relationship. While there's plenty of heat in this book, the word choice during those spicy scenes makes it awkward and off-putting. There was a lot of potential here, especially exploring such big themes, but it lacked depth by skirting over such intense topics.
🦇 Recommended to anyone who loves romances filled to the brim with tropey goodness; namely, grumpy vs sunshine friends-with-benefits stories!
✨ The Vibes ✨
🩷 Pan FMC
🩷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷 Only One Bed
🩷 Best Friend's Brother
🩷 Writer FMC / Tattooed Actor MMC
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Friends-With-Benefits
⚠️ Addiction, Alcoholism, Relapse, IVF/Egg-Freezing, Dysfunctional Families, Stalking, Grief, Loss of a Parent
🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Addiction, Sexual content, and Alcoholism
booknerdxo88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5 stars
Romance author Sophie Lyon has gone viral after getting drunk and posting a video on TikTok about how she has never been in love. With a manuscript deadline looming, she makes an ambitious plan to overcome her writers block- reunite with her exes to learn why she’s never fallen in love. Oh and document the journey on TT for all of her new followers. Luckily, her best friend’s brother and landlord, Dash Montrose, and former teen heartthrob, has social media all figured out and offers to assist!
My thoughts:
I absolutely adored Plot Twist. It has some of my favorite tropes (Best Friend’s Brother, Grumpy x Sunshine, and One Bed) and representation! Sophie has a pacemaker, and she is bisexual. Dash has his baggage and has a pretty toxic family unit, but I loved how Sophie had his back and stayed with him even when Dash was at his lowest! Also the friendship between Dash and Chris was amazing!
PS: While Sophie could have handled situations better, I was not a fan of how Poppy treated her supposed best friend. Additionally, I loathe Dash’s mother and she deserves what she got.
Thank you so much Netgalley and publishers for giving me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
algeneral's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Plot Twist is a beautiful story of finding yourself and learning that you are worthy of love. Erin La Rosa’s story of two flawed but relatable characters stars writer Sophie and actor Dash; both trying to figure out who they are and trying to get our of the shadow of successful siblings. Sophie is struggling with writer’s block and the idea that she has never been in love and Dash is dealing with personal problems including an overbearing mother and Hollywood actor father and upcoming film star and director brother. There is heartbreak and betrayal, but also the story of finding the best of you even while going through the lowest of lows.
eArc received through NetGalley. Thank you to Harlequin Publishing for the eArc and Erin La Rosa for the wonderful story
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Addiction, Vomit, and Alcohol
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings: Sexual content, alcoholism, addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, toxic relationships [both familial and romantic], Verbal and mental abuse, and constant feelings of inadequacy.
Mention of: cheating, ableism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment.
***I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley. I also submitted my TT handle to be one of the handles Erin used in the book. ***
The POV characters:
Sophie has never been in love...a romance author that's never experienced love. When she's struggling to write her second novel she decides that maybe the past can give her the knowledge to inspire her to finish her book ...and maybe find love in the future?
Dash is part of Hollywood royalty...his family is known far and wide for their acting. Dash leaned more into indie films but the stress of living up to his families image and constantly being compared to his older brother led him down a dark path of alcohol addiction. Now 18 months sober, which he still hasn't told his family about, he's found a love of crafting and has an anonymous Tiktok where he's able to share his love without judgement.
The story: Two people who've always felt not quite good enough team up to help each other. Though they struggle to share their real feelings and thoughts with their family and friends...there's just something about the ease of their friendship that allows them to share things free of judgement. Unable to deny their chemistry but feeling like a relationship is unwise they decide... FWB is okay right? [his main focus is his sobriety and he doesn't feel like he's ready for a relationship and she's looking for love...oh and he just happens to be her BFF's brother which would add another level of complications]
The relationship: I LOVE the relationship that Sophie and Dash form. It's so natural and judge free...something they both desperately need in their lives. Also the way that they care about each other and are constantly trying to encourage and support each other was so beautiful.
The spice: OMG THE SPICE! *fans face* Literally every sexual scene was AMAZING. I cannot wait until my friends get their hands on this book so I'll have someone to talk to about these scenes. *daydreams back to each scene*
My thoughts: I adore both Sophie and Dash and could relate to their feelings of inadequacy. There were so many moments that I just wanted to reach through the book and hug them and tell them they're amazing and wonderful just as they are. This will definitely be a book that I'll want to reread...between the emotions, self discovery, romance, and friendship...this will be a book I tell everyone about. 🥰
Mention of: cheating, ableism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment.
***I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley. I also submitted my TT handle to be one of the handles Erin used in the book. ***
The POV characters:
Sophie has never been in love...a romance author that's never experienced love. When she's struggling to write her second novel she decides that maybe the past can give her the knowledge to inspire her to finish her book ...and maybe find love in the future?
Dash is part of Hollywood royalty...his family is known far and wide for their acting. Dash leaned more into indie films but the stress of living up to his families image and constantly being compared to his older brother led him down a dark path of alcohol addiction. Now 18 months sober, which he still hasn't told his family about, he's found a love of crafting and has an anonymous Tiktok where he's able to share his love without judgement.
The story: Two people who've always felt not quite good enough team up to help each other. Though they struggle to share their real feelings and thoughts with their family and friends...there's just something about the ease of their friendship that allows them to share things free of judgement. Unable to deny their chemistry but feeling like a relationship is unwise they decide... FWB is okay right? [his main focus is his sobriety and he doesn't feel like he's ready for a relationship and she's looking for love...oh and he just happens to be her BFF's brother which would add another level of complications]
The relationship: I LOVE the relationship that Sophie and Dash form. It's so natural and judge free...something they both desperately need in their lives. Also the way that they care about each other and are constantly trying to encourage and support each other was so beautiful.
The spice: OMG THE SPICE! *fans face* Literally every sexual scene was AMAZING. I cannot wait until my friends get their hands on this book so I'll have someone to talk to about these scenes. *daydreams back to each scene*
My thoughts: I adore both Sophie and Dash and could relate to their feelings of inadequacy. There were so many moments that I just wanted to reach through the book and hug them and tell them they're amazing and wonderful just as they are. This will definitely be a book that I'll want to reread...between the emotions, self discovery, romance, and friendship...this will be a book I tell everyone about. 🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Addiction
Minor: Infertility, Death of parent, Abandonment, Infidelity, and Ableism
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