Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'

I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest

2 reviews

theespressoedition's review against another edition

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funny 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

3.5

I Wanna Be Where You Are is your run-of-the-mill YA enemies-to-lovers "romcom." Okay, so it's more like friends-to-maybe-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, but that gets a little confusing, let's be honest.

The main character has big dreams and she's willing to sacrifice her (very sweet albeit protective) mother's trust to go on a road trip with a guy she used to have a crush on and now hates... plus his dog. 

If we were supposed to feel swoony over the love interest, well, let's just say that was obliterated the second I found out he was a smoker. I could smell the ick as I was reading. He's also this very stereotypical "macho" kid who has to make the MC feel bad about every little thing - despite the fact that it's clear he's liked her for years and feels like he screwed up their would-be relationship and any friendship they could've had.

I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. They were so careless throughout the entire story - from spending copious amounts of money on car repairs without telling their parents what happened (okay truly, what 17-year-old is going to get in a car accident... something that already causes trauma... and not tell an adult it happened????) to driving all over like there's no one depending on them for anything. I don't know, it just felt off to me from the jump.

There were a few moments that I enjoyed as I was reading the book, but I don't think I'd ever pick it up again. I didn't feel any connection or care towards anyone, and that really affected my end rating. In fact, several weeks after listening to it, I'd even consider lowering the rating, since I can't seem to think of anything that actually made me like the book.

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ashleycmms's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense 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? No

3.0


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