Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Hello Stranger

I have such mixed feelings about this book! It started off rocky for me - I didn't really relate to the main character, her choices, and how she interacted with others, but over time things began to make more sense. There were still some awkward moments and almost-plot-holes that didn't quite add up, but honestly, her moments with Joe really won me over in the end.

Content Warnings

manaledi's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This was a fascinating premise that was an easy read where everything gets tied up neatly.

Content Warnings

seregelda's review

Go to review page

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

5.0

Loved it, but unfortunately it's published by St. Martin's Press (which I didn't realize until halfway through) whom we are boycotting.

One annoying thing though, a surgeon's daughter would/should know not to treat scrapes with hydrogen peroxide, that is old-timey first aid that leaves scars!

Content Warnings

milesandmiles's review

Go to review page

3.0

I liked so much about this book, Center writes her characters' emotions so you get swept up in them and the love interest ends up being sweet. But there are 3 themes that she really, really needs to give up in her books:

1) Workplace romances - Do not hit on your clients, service providers or coworkers. Seriously, it's in almost every one of her books. These dynamics are so much more likely to be problematic it really shouldn't be a consistent plot point.

2) Toxic family behaviors hide how much they love you! - I lost track of how many times our main character said no to her family and they just ignored her. But we're expected to believe that if you have enough empathy for them they're not so bad after all and maybe even know best! And having empathy for the people who consistently were awful to you is like the most admirable character trait.

3) Horrible, horrible things happen to our main characters but no one ever holds space for them or really listens - In this case, the bff keeps forgetting the the medical disaster that requires hospitalization, surgery, likely loss of career and a possible permanent disability. The family is worse. It's like Center believes that unless it's from the good graces of a man who will marry you, women need to be an island with their bad feelings and never truly grieve or they'll be sad sacks forever. That you need badgering and continuous tough love or false cheer to make progress.

Content Warnings

tiffanyfreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This was a cute little story. Things were predictable and I guessed what happened but it was still a fun read. I do prefer the bodyguard over this but it is still worth checking out if you want a rom com.

Content Warnings

More...