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bree_h_reads's review against another edition
emotional
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
2.75
This book was largely what I expected. It wasn’t amazing and felt very much like a Hallmark movie (not that that’s a bad thing).
I think the book had strong aspects. Despite getting off on the wrong foot with the love interest, Jack, it did a good job endearing the reader to him. I was skeptical to have him as the love interest, but it didn’t take long for me to warm up to him. Which surprised me, especially considering how he came across early on. Overall I think the book did a good job of making you like the characters you were supposed to like and making you wary or skeptical of the characters you were meant to distrust, even if it could be a bit heavy handed at times. This skill at warming you up to characters also leant to a lot of likeable side characters and made it easy to care about them and their dynamics with the main characters.
Elise herself, as the main character, actually felt fleshed out and complex. I especially found her relatable as she filled the roll of the eldest daughter (though it felt unclear to me if she was older or younger than her brothers.) It was nice watching her grow and do things for herself instead of being a people pleaser all the time. Even if in some areas it felt a bit rushed and weak, especially why she was so set on being a people pleaser in some situations.
Outside of that, the book did actually get some laughs from me and felt actually funny. Which was a nice change in books in a more modern setting where it feels like they try to be funny and fall flat. OR try too hard to seem modern and date themselves.
However the book had several flaws that led to my lower rating. Jack himself felt rather flat as a character. His motivations and interest in Elise felt weak and I didn’t get some of his choices. It was like he was just supposed to be this perfect love interest who rarely made mistakes. It just left him feeling a bit bland. It also led to the chemistry between Jack and Elise feeling a bit bland or lacking. It was there, but it just didn’t wow me or feel particularly strong.
Finally, the writing style felt very juvenile and had a very strong fanfic feel. The two aren’t necessarily synonymous, there’s just a certain style to some fan fiction that this book had. Which wasn’t aided by the juvenile feeling of the writing. This, paired with the rushed feeling of the ending, didn’t give the book a feeling of quality. It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but the feeling of a lack of quality doesn’t make me likely to recommend the book.
Overall, it was just okay. If you’re looking for a simple romance that doesn’t require a lot of brain power to enjoy than this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
moonlitreading_'s review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
mzgeee53's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Bullying, Cursing, Classism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical content, Sexism, Chronic illness, Misogyny, and Outing
2busyreading's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
bookedandbusy's review against another edition
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? No
5.0
This was delightfully cute and swoon worthy. It was slow burn, but it was done so well, and I feel like it made me love the couple more! As always, Ali Hazelwood is a romance mastermind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia and Outing
ars410's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Very sweet and nerdy, and well-paced. I enjoyed getting to know the characters
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Outing
devilbunny6's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Mental illness
Minor: Outing, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
onefineelephant's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
10/10. This book was great. I devoured it and also stayed up late into the night reading it. It made me laugh, cry, and horny. My only small slight against the book is that it includes a lot of physics jargon - but not enough that the characters, plot, and romance are not entirely enjoyable. Also, as someone who hates physics (sorry physics lovers), I didn't mind the physics talk as much since the romance and writing was so good. I still love The Love Hypothesis better (no surprise) and it was so fun to have Olive and Adam cameo! Overall, I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Sexism
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Alcohol, and Outing
page_karla's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting and Misogyny
emmysforeverbooked's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
I honestly don't know if I have much other to say than that Ali Hazelwood has done it again. She's left my jaw on the floor and my heart in the hands of a handsome scientist man.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
Minor: Outing, Grief, Alcohol, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Medical content