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thatblondiebookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Why was this 500+ pages???? So much unnecessary fluff that I forgot what we were even doing
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
merlesstorys's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Okay, why are rich men, who adore their love interests so much that they buy them everything at the drop of a hat, so hot? That petty scene at the party where he buys her a house because her ex wanted it? Perfection.
Anyway, I really loved this book. There wasn’t a external conflict breaking them up, rather they stayed together and worked together on their flaws, which was so nice and healthy.
This book was so freaking wholesome in general, even though it dealt with some heavy topics like depression, stillbirths and more.
She was the grumpy one for once, he was the sunshine, but both weren’t just that. They had actual loveable layers that made them vulnerable.
Him going up from second to first choice in her contacts was my second-best revelation throughout this book.
Anyway, I really loved this book. There wasn’t a external conflict breaking them up, rather they stayed together and worked together on their flaws, which was so nice and healthy.
This book was so freaking wholesome in general, even though it dealt with some heavy topics like depression, stillbirths and more.
She was the grumpy one for once, he was the sunshine, but both weren’t just that. They had actual loveable layers that made them vulnerable.
Him going up from second to first choice in her contacts was my second-best revelation throughout this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Infertility, Medical content, Death of parent, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Miscarriage
domoniquesav's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Infertility
lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Booktok and Booktube saying that this is the best Lauren Asher book so far is a lie. I only read this because it is the book pick of the month for one of my Fable book clubs.
The only positive I had was the cameo of the characters from the Dreamland Billionaire series, but other than that, it gave me nothing.
The pranks Julian and Dahlia pull on each other are very childish, considering they are both 30-year-olds. As for the dialogue, some parts were too cringey, but I can admit that Julian had his moments when he made me swoon. As for the spice, I mostly skimmed them since I thought there were too many for a Lauren Asher book. At one point, I just got exhausted from the spicy scenes and was rolling my eyes.
The pacing was so off, and I'm facing the same issue as with Final Offer: it was longer than necessary. It was so long for no reason. It could have been 200 pages shorter, and the plot would not suffer. I didn't mind the numerous banter between the main characters because I understand that authors need the tension to make readers root for the couple. However, the constant reminder of how they had a falling out 10 years ago started to get annoying (as if it wasn't mentioned enough). It made me dread picking up this book and reading it because of how repetitive it was.
“Romance books don't need to be this long,” that's what we keep on saying. Please, listen to us.
The only positive I had was the cameo of the characters from the Dreamland Billionaire series, but other than that, it gave me nothing.
The pranks Julian and Dahlia pull on each other are very childish, considering they are both 30-year-olds. As for the dialogue, some parts were too cringey, but I can admit that Julian had his moments when he made me swoon. As for the spice, I mostly skimmed them since I thought there were too many for a Lauren Asher book. At one point, I just got exhausted from the spicy scenes and was rolling my eyes.
The pacing was so off, and I'm facing the same issue as with Final Offer: it was longer than necessary. It was so long for no reason. It could have been 200 pages shorter, and the plot would not suffer. I didn't mind the numerous banter between the main characters because I understand that authors need the tension to make readers root for the couple. However, the constant reminder of how they had a falling out 10 years ago started to get annoying (as if it wasn't mentioned enough). It made me dread picking up this book and reading it because of how repetitive it was.
“Romance books don't need to be this long,” that's what we keep on saying. Please, listen to us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Panic attacks/disorders
aaliyahhmcc23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
fangirlfelicia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
mariaa__joao's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.8 💫
Amei as tropes, fez-me rir muito e acho que nunca anotei tanto um livro.
Tou muito excited para o próximo!!
𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐣𝐢𝐬:🏘️📐🪚💸🤭🥵🥹
Amei as tropes, fez-me rir muito e acho que nunca anotei tanto um livro.
Tou muito excited para o próximo!!
𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐣𝐢𝐬:🏘️📐🪚💸🤭🥵🥹
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Infertility
nabaraditi'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was reluctant to read a romance novel of over 500 pages. But then I am a book club member of a YouTuber Destiny Sidwell so I decided to give this book a try and I’m glad I did. By the first chapter I was hooked. I love that there’s dual POV. I love knowing the male character’s feelings and thoughts. If I'd want a book boyfriend, it would be Julian. He is God made! Top tier!! I loved their banter with the back and forth! I loved the mental health representation of anxiety and depression in the book.
Although the book was 530 pages, once I started reading it, it didn't feel that long. There are multiple tropes in the book but all made perfect sense.
This book had some of my favorite tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Emotional Scars
Childhood friends to lovers
Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Emotional Scars
I think the only think I wasn't a fan of is the spice. I guess I like closed door romances or like a little ajar door romances hehe if that's a thing.
One beautiful quote from the book that will forever stay with me: "No one but you defines your life’s purpose.”
One beautiful quote from the book that will forever stay with me: "No one but you defines your life’s purpose.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Infertility, and Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness
emilytatum23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
ycelpaulino's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
Julian Lopez and dahlia are just so wholesome
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Death of parent, and Death