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cassielaj'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? Yes
5.0
As a side note, I love that it’s not a queer discovery story, but just a story about queer people falling in love
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, and Blood
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I love how Ashley Herring Blake explored the repercussions of the trauma of losing one's parent at such a young age, while tackling some of the awkward family dynamics of blended families, while balancing the deep seated prejudices that come with adolescent misunderstanding. Needless to say, this book covers some heavy baggage while still feeling breezy and fun. I especially loved the supportive female friendships that took center stage to this story. Astrid, Iris, and Claire being the best friends they can be to each other. Claire and Delilah growing closer through the story, bonding with their blossoming friendship and through Ruby's admiration of Delilah. Claire, Iris, and Delilah hatching a plan to get Astrid to call off the wedding to the absolute trash bag of a human that is her fiancé Spencer. And finally, the one that got me the most, Delilah and Astrid, reconciling after decades of misunderstanding and finally finding their path to forging their tentative sisterly bond.
I'm so glad I picked up this book after seeing it recommended time and time again on Bookstagram!
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Cancer
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Misogyny
frantically'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? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Bullying and Cancer
mjwhitlock18's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristen DiMercurio, and the narration was fantastic!
Graphic: Alcohol, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer
edict'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Death of parent
Minor: Sexism and Cancer
sonyareadsbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Cancer
lewnie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The female relationships, good and bad, are front and center here. I loved the exploration of female friendship, sisterhood, and the different iterations of mother-daughter relationships. While there is pain and toxicity in some of these relationships, there is also beauty, growth, empowerment, and love.
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Bullying, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Misogyny
Minor: Cancer, Classism, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Sexism
sembich1031's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
readandfindout's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity, Blood, and Cancer
theespressoedition'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? Yes
4.0
First and foremost, I loved the cast - the entire cast. Every single person was so valuable to the story and made it so interesting and balanced. There was no singular person who I thought could've been left out.
Secondly, the deeper conflicts in the book were just as excellent - if not more - than the romance itself. The fact that Delilah struggles throughout the book with her identity as a daughter and sister, despite being so confident in every other aspect of her life was so well done.
And on the other hand, there's Claire, a bi, single mom with the intense desire to make sure everyone around her is comfortable and happy - without really taking much care of herself and her own needs. She also struggles with raising her daughter, trusting her ex, and being happy with someone who her friends don't necessarily approve of.
There's a bit of a "forbidden love" vibe, which was almost addictive. The secret dating kept things steamy throughout the entire story, which was a lot of fun (especially at the spa *wink wink*). Even though the chemistry was there very early on, it was a slow burn but in the best way possible.
Of course, Astrid's story is a huge aspect of this book, which was a bit of a surprise. I figured the "get her away from her fiancé" thing wouldn't last super long, but it wound up being a really integral part. From what I've heard, the sequel is going to be primarily about Astrid, which I love. She was fascinating to me and I can't wait to see what happens in her life.
I would absolutely read this book again. It was cute and sweet but also had a ton of great depth!
Graphic: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer