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emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
This book was absolutely amazing! I thoroughly loved the Queer Poly that was happening. I loved that Glory was so strong, but when provided a soft place to land, she could do so without the guilt that black women often carry. I felt so tethered to glory as a character and could see and feel all the women Aria used to inspire her within the story. The love that Glory’s partners showed her and each other made this a genuine why choose compared to other Black Indie authors that I have read. My only critique was how suddenly the scenes changed without any apparent chapter transition. It was understandable when the point of view changed or the chapter changed, but when the same character was speaking, and then suddenly the scene changed without any forewarning or understanding of what was coming next. It was rather difficult to keep up at times.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
I just wasn’t feeling this book anymore. I felt like I was forcing myself to read it
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-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
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
Let’s process. Did I enjoy this book, yes I did! Did I see myself in each of the characters, yes i did. I also enjoyed the pace, the writing for the most part, and the storyline development. What I think could have been done better was the on page cultivation of Frankie and Cash’s relationship. I would have also loved to have seen Glory seek counseling because she had just as much trauma to unpack as Frankie did. And I wish the smex even in its frequency would have been more consistent in attention and detail. Not every scene needed to be but the first few set a precedent that wasn’t followed through on in a way that was as satisfying. Now do I think this story is for everyone?? No! Glory is a very special FMC and a lot of things about her especially in the beginning of this story is going to make a lot of readers uncomfortable. Also this is a little more women’s fiction than romance. Because the story is about the trails and tribulations, the process, the starts and stops of people learning and growing through love. So there isn’t the same tension and build up to the HEA, not in the typical romance formula. But for me the way everyone was loved on, validated, and cared for was amazing to read. So much about this story spoke to the things many of us, self included want for ourselves. But I enjoyed the sort of in-depth look at the relationship and personal growth. The preview at the end makes me glad I picked this book right as Burry The Hatchette (cute and creative title btw) is releasing!
challenging
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:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Let me start by saying this book is one of my favorite reads so far for the year of 2024. This is my first read by this author and I will be reading more books by his author. I love the character development in this book from Gloria not wanting to give up the single life to her relationship with Frankie and Cass. Gloria is such a relatable character because of her struggles with being a pastor child. I love the fact that Gloria finally got to stand in her truth and have her heart protected by those men. Frankie is also a relatable character especially with his relationship with his parents and the part with his mother towards the end of the book wow…..I was so happy that he found his voice and stood on business when he was talking to his mom. I couldn’t stand his uncle especially when he was mad at Frankie about his leave from work. I swear he only family I like in the book was Cass family. I love the fact that Cass family was supportive and loved them fully. The spice in this book was everything and the aftercare between the couple made me enjoy this book even more. I can not wait until the next book in this series comes out. Love this book down!!!!!!!!!!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, this is a very entertaining book. Towards the end it felt a little trauma-dumpy. Although the issues addressed are very real and potent within the black community, I don’t think it was necessary for the plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Sexual content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Vomit, Medical content, Gaslighting, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Physical abuse, Toxic relationship