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madanxiety's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overall a fine read. Funny premise--both with the fake dating and the scientific community feud. Ali Hazelwood certainly has her types π STEM academia petite woman + STEM academia large, marginally older man. I like how she makes a point to write adult characters who are inexperienced sexually and/or demisexual-coded. However, her portrayals are perhaps a bit too idealic; obviously romance is an idealic genre, but I like to see depictions of sex thats awkward, that doesn't lead to orgasms right away, etc. My biggest gripe with their first sexual exchange, however, was that Elsie went in for a kiss, and Jack's response was "we're not gonna fuck." It made me think of that Leith Ross lyric, "oh you kissed me, just to kiss me, not to take me home." Like why could they not just kiss? Why would going in for a kiss = let's fuck right now immediately. It could've still led to sex, I just didn't like the implication that initiating a first kiss signals an initiate for sex. Something I liked about the scene was how it finally touched on how Jack's quasi-mind-reading/expecting her not to voice her wants wasn't always in her best interest i.e. he attempted to make her own decision for her, removing her agency. All in all, it was exactly the romance fix I was craving. Though (well, idk if this is a caveat or not π), I had the thought while reading that these might be the most explicit sex scenes I've ever read in a book. So like, be forewarned lol.
As an aside, I'd like to see a romance novel that inverts this traditional hetero dynamic (inexperienced anxious woman narrator + learned, self-assured male love interest). I'm sure this traditional route appeals to many readers, but doesn't it get tired for anyone else?
As an aside, I'd like to see a romance novel that inverts this traditional hetero dynamic (inexperienced anxious woman narrator + learned, self-assured male love interest). I'm sure this traditional route appeals to many readers, but doesn't it get tired for anyone else?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
booklifeisthelife's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
Such a cute romance. I loved the emotionality of this book. The development of both main characters but especially the first. The journey was sad but moving and hopeful. I loved how Jack pushed her to grow, to be honest and herself. How he cared for her and making her feel wanted, loved, secure. That it was okay to want things for yourself, to not mold yourself around other people's ideal. I love that he he helped her get out of that mindset. I also love the women supporting other women. How they won't bash each other. How even if they failed they want the other to succeed. I loved the subtle lgbtqia+ rep, like with the demisexual and aromantic and women couples. I felt seen. I loved her finally telling her mom to shove it and her mom ends up trying to be better which is nice. the main thing I disliked was how hypocritical Jack was at the end, how he lied to her this whole time when he's been trying to get her to be completely honest yet not doing the same. But thats where we see some development from him. I like that he made it right in the science world though, both because of it being the right thing and overdue but also for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, Death of parent, and Acephobia/Arophobia
chireadsandchill's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
abbeyelizo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
not_so_sedentary_bookworm'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
unboundbooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
pianokeys's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
n_malin_p'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Gaslighting
lindseyathome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
One of my favorite Ali Hazelwood books. Following the MFC through her journey into unmasking herself and realizing people can like her for her own opinions and preferences instead of her bending to be what other want her to be. The MMC is a good strong influence for her to be not only herself but checking her when sheβs not being truthful.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Medical content
thebookfae's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting