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thaliareads'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
I loved the idea of the celebrity and pro cooking contest and I enjoyed seeing Ashna work through the trauma she's grown into with the death of her father and the absence of her mother.
Graphic: Addiction, Death of parent, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Death, Domestic abuse, Car accident, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Classism, Grief, Physical abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
This book does have a very high amount of content warnings. Ashna's mother has had a very hard life dealing with bigotry, classism, and sexism from her father first and then the man she was forced to marry. He was emotionally abusive as well as physically abusive leading to domestic abuse and even marital rape. Ashna's father struggled with alcoholism his entire life and eventually that compounded and led to his eventual suicide leaving Ashna feeling the grief of the loss as well as the blame for not being able to prevent it, leading to the panic attacks she sometimes suffers when trying to cook. There are some mentions and discussions of how Rico lost his parents in a car accident when he was young.harperhoney's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Suicide, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Addiction, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
alexkudej's review
- 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
3.0
Moderate: Suicide, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
alycelarsson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Suicide, Mental illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Pregnancy
shaipanda'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? Yes
4.75
Literally read it in just over 24 hours lol so so so good but definitely be aware of content warnings because this book may be a romance but it’s really dark and has a lot of heavy topics
Edit: switched it from 5 to 4.75 though bc I just remember like nothing about it lol and I can’t keep something rated 5 stars if i don’t remember anything about it
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Gun violence, Abandonment, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Suicide, Body horror, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Classism and Islamophobia
Minor: Abortion
allisonwonderlandreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This take on Persuasion has all the heart-wrenching second chance material you could ask for. The trope is handled so well, providing well-timed flashbacks to give us a sense of Ashna and Rico's teenage relationship and why it could haunt them twelve years later. Following the precedent set in the first book, family relationships are just as important to the story. Loyalty and unconditional love continue to be cornerstones of the Raje family, but this book also dives into some of the more twisted, uglier relationships. Flashbacks to Ashna's semi-estranged mother explain the tension in their relationship in 360°, inviting readers to dive deep into the complexity and understand why both characters are hurting. It makes seeing their journey that much more satisfying.
My only complaint has to do with pacing. The majority of the book is very fraught with minimal emotional progress as Ashna refuses overtures from both Rico and her mother to let go of the guilt and misery that define her existence. The pacing fit the gravity of the situation, and I respected the tone although the absurdities of the reality cooking show felt out of place to me in contrast (a personal first; I live for that shit). After all the pushback and struggle, I was surprised how quickly everything then resolved itself at the end and in totality. While I was certainly ready for things to progress, it was a bit of a shock to my system after the journey so far.
The Rajes hold a special place in my heart, and I love returning to this series. Second chance is not my favorite, but I think this take on Persuasion managed the characters' and my emotions beautifully. This is a weighty story, and I appreciate its unflinching look at important issues. I can't wait to read the next book.
Graphic: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Rape
Minor: Cancer, Pregnancy, Car accident, Classism, Sexual content, and Vomit
sandyd's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicide, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Rape