Scan barcode
ephalent's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Car accident
litstyleguide's review against another edition
5.0
If you’re looking for a YA holiday romance featuring some SciFi elements like parallel universes and tons of anxiety representation, this is it, y’all. I loved reading this one so much.
This friends to lovers, slooooow burn scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I thought the writing was so well-done. Great banter, great tension, and I could feel our FMC, Paige’s, anxiety. I really related to her struggles. Loved the grounding techniques, and the fact that anxiety medication and therapy were discussed.
This was a unique story, and I really enjoyed reading it.
This friends to lovers, slooooow burn scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I thought the writing was so well-done. Great banter, great tension, and I could feel our FMC, Paige’s, anxiety. I really related to her struggles. Loved the grounding techniques, and the fact that anxiety medication and therapy were discussed.
This was a unique story, and I really enjoyed reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
tsundoku_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I didn't have high expectations for this book but it was better than I expected. The characters were annoying sometimes because they felt pretty immature and young but by the end I grew to love them. Some of the plot points could've been more developed but overall it was a cute book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Minor: Car accident
princess_peach's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A good job telling a story that deals with the main character Paige’s undiagnosed anxiety disorder. Really liked the “two fates,” which was a great reflection of Paige’s anxiety and fear.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Car accident
celine's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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 love this book so so much! The relationship is to die for and I was shipping them from start to end. I can't wait to reread it and see their love develop again. I am very excited for what else 2021 has in store for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I remember loving McDowell’s debut, Just for Clicks, when I read it a couple of years ago. One Way or Another has been on my tbr since it was announced, and I’m happy to say that McDowell is now two for two when it comes to amazing contemporaries with relatable characters and relationships you can’t help but root for, perfect to read in a single afternoon. I mean, I read this in two afternoons, but my point still stands.
I’ll admit, sometimes I found the concept of the two fates confusing. Which one was real? Were either of them real, or were they intricate imaginings of what could happen? Even after finishing the book, I’m not sure. But I can look past that because I thoroughly enjoyed Paige and Fitz’s story. I even grew to sort of like Harrison. Sure, there was some drama that seemed unnecessary, but that’s to be expected in this genre. I also don’t mind, given the good writing and the abundance of sweet moments, with and without kissing, we got to counterbalance the drama.
I truly believe Kara McDowell’s books deserve more love, and am baffled as to why they haven’t received more. I can confidently say she’s one of my top ten contemporary/romance writers. Pick up One Way or Another. Heck, I might again at some point while I wait for more from this author. It’s a fun, cute and cozy read despite its flaws.
Representation
I’ll admit, sometimes I found the concept of the two fates confusing. Which one was real? Were either of them real, or were they intricate imaginings of what could happen? Even after finishing the book, I’m not sure. But I can look past that because I thoroughly enjoyed Paige and Fitz’s story. I even grew to sort of like Harrison. Sure, there was some drama that seemed unnecessary, but that’s to be expected in this genre. I also don’t mind, given the good writing and the abundance of sweet moments, with and without kissing, we got to counterbalance the drama.
I truly believe Kara McDowell’s books deserve more love, and am baffled as to why they haven’t received more. I can confidently say she’s one of my top ten contemporary/romance writers. Pick up One Way or Another. Heck, I might again at some point while I wait for more from this author. It’s a fun, cute and cozy read despite its flaws.
Representation
- protagonist with generalized anxiety disorder
- married sapphic side character
- side character with multiple sclerosis
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
In the final chapters of the book there’s a brief car accident scene and subsequent hospitalization.marissasbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
More...