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onegalonelife27's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming and Racism
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Despite not always liking Anna, I think the characters were well written and developed. I loved the discussions on mental health and therapy! It was such great rep and I enjoyed how open Anna and Ben were about their struggles.
Royal Holiday
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming and Racism
annahamburger's review
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Fatphobia, and Racism
zabeishumanish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The biggest problem I had with the book is actually how social responsible it is, the political correctness in this book feel over the top at times in a way that felt detrimental to the story. The book deal with both complex mental health issues and Blackness in media is notably responsible ways that felt beautifully integrated with the story. Where I started having problems was with the feminism and body positivity in the book. The book made it seem like one of the primary reasons that Anna was attracted to Ben, both physically and as a friend, was because of how he treated her femininity and fatness. Whether the book intended to or not I hated the way that it implies that most men will treat fat women poorly and that any male who treats a fat woman well is automatically datable. This is a pretty small complaint as this reason for Anna's attraction doesn't take up much page space (the book is much more plot based), but it really felt like Ben treating her well was the main reason for her attraction. It bothers me in a very pet-peeve type way that this book implies men treating women poorly is the norm. To be clear, I'm glad Ben treats Anna well, I just wish it wasn't so remarkable that he does.
Ultimately this is a good book with a fun plot, just not likely to make my favorites list.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Fatphobia, Racism, and Sexism
jen3699's review against another edition
The characters are great, the story has potential, it's just not what I expected.
I feel like the title and synopsis weren't accurate to the whole book. Like it's just a retelling of the beginning of the story and then the end bit for the conflict.
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Fatphobia and Racism
biblio_jordyn's review against another edition
- 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
Like most of the books in this universe, you don’t have to read it chronologically (I’ve only read 1-3) because each book is an off shoot of some minor character in the universe. I debated on waiting until I finished books 4 and 5, but I’m so glad I didn’t.
I read this book in one night and stayed up late to do so...that is how much I adored this book!
My love is because...
This book has a lot about mental health and it is done SO WELL. From talking about anxiety and anxiety/panic attacks, to normalizing the idea of males going to therapy on their own accord, while also talking about the stigma surrounding it? It was perfection for me, as a mental health professional and as someone who suffers from anxiety.
The flirting and banter starts right away, and I love when they get right to it.
Ben, the main man, is super charming and sweet.
Anna, the leading lady, is like most of Guillory’s leading ladies in the way that she has this undeniable strength, independence, and confidence (most of the time).
There is fat representation and body positivity.
There was more steam in this book than I think any of the others that I’ve read of hers, AND YOU ALL KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT STEAM.
Guillory continues to put sprinkles of/talk about subtle racism in places like the work place, medical setting, etc from the black perspective that I nodded my head to.
There are these reasons and so many more that I loved this book!
If you like books that have steam, have the fake dating trope (reminded me a bit of Dani Brown, but with the leading lady needing the press not the guy) and just need a happy and fun read? Definitely check this out.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy!
Graphic: Racism
meghanm404's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, and Medical content
zombiezami's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Medical content, and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Fatphobia, Racism, Sexism, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
dogbuttsandbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Racism
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
One thing I really enjoyed was how mental health was a big focus of the novel. Guillory handled topics like therapy, living with anxiety, access to mental health services, and other related topics very well and with grace. I think she highlighted some real issues while also normalizing people going to therapy and working through anxiety.
I did enjoy the romance between Ben and Anna. Their relationship felt like it took a really natural course and I liked reading about the times they spent together and how they interacted with one another. I also loved the Hollywood angle and thought that it was a lot of fun.
I don't know if I can really pinpoint what didn't work for me in this book. It just didn't hold the same sparkle that some of the other in the series have for me. If you enjoy her other books you should definitely read this one too because some of the past characters reappear and it's fun to see what they're up to now but you don't necessarily need to move it to the top of the TBR pile.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Racism