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jess_justmaybeperfect's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Pregnancy, Cancer, Child death, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Infidelity, and Pedophilia
k_winchester's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
In the beginning, I was a bit surprised where it started, only because I definitely expected when I picked it up for it start well after post breakup based on the premise. And while reading the first quarter or so, I did keep thinking okay but when do we get to the "good stuff" (ie the fake dating). That all being said, by the time I reached the last few chapters, everything came full circle SO nicely and I took back my feelings on the beginning. 😂
I really loved the way this grew - how the characters came together was so satisfying and so believable - almost slow burn. I found myself thinking about the characters a lot when I wasn't reading it, and I absolutely LOVED the utter Britishness of it.
I will say this is technically is 4.5 stars from me only because I wanted more humor and shenanigans to come with the fake dating trope, but I loved the realness of Laurie all around - her heartbreak, reasons for getting it the scheme, reasons for being mistrustful, her growth outside of Dan, friendship and relationship with Jamie, lady friendships, dynamics with her parents, her snark, all of it. 👌👌👌
(PS: 2)
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
Minor: Pedophilia
streetmuseums's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Infidelity
Minor: Pedophilia
usingatelescope's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Pedophilia, Child abuse, Sexism, Child death, and Pregnancy
schmoopyplanz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I wouldn't call it a romance as much as just general fiction.
The author writes *very* triggering material. A good writer, but trauma is never forewarned and always hits hard.
This is the most light hearted one, and my favourite despite that.
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Racism
Minor: Emotional abuse and Pedophilia
This is the least triggering Mhairi McFarlane book I've read. None of her books have warnings of sensitive subjects that readers may find harmful, but every other one needs it. This one is no exception.pagesand_polish's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Racism, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
tourthebookshelf's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Minor: Pedophilia
Minor spoiler in spoiler tags:rachminick's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
Minor: Cancer and Pedophilia
sesylea's review against another edition
3.0
Minor: Pedophilia and Child abuse
ablaine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I appreciate that McFarlane attempted to diversify her leading lady oeuvre as I acknowledge that I can’t speak to how well she did at portraying a Black woman’s experience in England. What I found difficult about the character was how uneven the development felt. I understand the importance of containing multitudes etc., but McFarlane seemed to paint her as both a domineering force with ambition while also being a sheltered wallflower. Her voice in the beginning was so clear but it became murkier as the story went on.
The romance seemed to primarily revolve around swapping traumatic childhood stories, which is fine, but not for me. I also didn’t buy the journey from polar opposites to people who thought, felted and acted the same.
The themes were all over the place, including an attempt at highlighting the enduring strength of female friendships. Sadly, it felt like an afterthought.
The ending felt so rushed and out of character for all parties involved, that I was truly baffled after having spent so many hours with them.
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Terminal illness, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Child death, and Pedophilia