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bumblemee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I guess the most telling thing is that I paused this book for like a year, because I couldn't handle the thought of these two guys getting in even more emotional drama instead of just being happy together. I was too emotionally invested to suffer through that. This book is very .. exaggerated in a lot of ways, and I guess that either annoys you or sucks you in and makes everything feel way more intense than you anticipated. For me it was the latter. Luc and Oliver got me frustrated in the best way possible by being fucked up in ways that made everything so unnecessarily hard for them.
I think the author did a good job at writing these stubborn messes and their relationship and handled emotional situations with a lot of care. Oh, and all that while being very funny.
On the other hand, I think the amount of humor was a little much at times, especially with basically every character that wasn't Luc or Oliver. Yes, the side characters were loveable, but at the same time, they weren't given the depth they would've deserved. They each got their quirk and even when in serious situations, they had to be funny. Not that they didn't say important things and got good points across, but I don't know, I just feel like it wouldn't have been too much to ask to have them be totally serious for once, just to underline that they are in fact human beings. For some characters all I can say is that they were a little absurd. And I get that that was the point and you just had to go with it (which I did for the most part), but it was just a little much.
I would definitely recommend this book if you want a fast read (given you don't have to pause bc you got ridiculously emotional) with a lot of heartfelt and sweet moments. Would also recommend for hurt/comfort enthusiasts.
I think the author did a good job at writing these stubborn messes and their relationship and handled emotional situations with a lot of care. Oh, and all that while being very funny.
On the other hand, I think the amount of humor was a little much at times, especially with basically every character that wasn't Luc or Oliver. Yes, the side characters were loveable, but at the same time, they weren't given the depth they would've deserved. They each got their quirk and even when in serious situations, they had to be funny. Not that they didn't say important things and got good points across, but I don't know, I just feel like it wouldn't have been too much to ask to have them be totally serious for once, just to underline that they are in fact human beings. For some characters all I can say is that they were a little absurd. And I get that that was the point and you just had to go with it (which I did for the most part), but it was just a little much.
I would definitely recommend this book if you want a fast read (given you don't have to pause bc you got ridiculously emotional) with a lot of heartfelt and sweet moments. Would also recommend for hurt/comfort enthusiasts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Body shaming, and Cancer
Minor: Eating disorder
cheye13's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When one rereads a romance novel, it's usually simply to re-experience the lovely book they previously enjoyed. One does not necessarily expect to takeaway new analysis or even new life lessons. And yet.
I put off rereading this one for quite a bit, concerned that my current "favorite book" wouldn't live up to the hype in my head. But it did, and more. I love this book. Still.
I put off rereading this one for quite a bit, concerned that my current "favorite book" wouldn't live up to the hype in my head. But it did, and more. I love this book. Still.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Emotional abuse
traceyanderson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Classism, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
thetif's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
This book was wonderful! Alexis Hall really built main characters and a friend group that seem real, distinct, wonderful, and hilarious. It is a book that focus on the main characters flaws but in a growth way and not in a wallowing way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Eating disorder and Cancer
nataleaf's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
very bubbly and sweet but did go on a bit long
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Eating disorder
valpuri's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Homophobia, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism, Addiction, Eating disorder, Drug abuse, and Cancer
360loverpenguin's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder
kshertz's review against another edition
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
4.5
I definitely fell in love with Luc and Oliver. The fake dating trope was done well. I really loved how they were so different but also perfect for each other. It’s very lighthearted and the side characters are quirky and fantastic. I think it’s a great lighthearted read for when you need that kinda thing ❤️
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Sexual content
kirkspockreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, and Drug use
ludmireads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
on contrary to what the title says, neither Luc nor Oliver is boyfriend material.
it looked so promising at the beginning (when you don’t question the fact that Luc might get fired for being „the wrong kind of gay“) but it gradually got worse and worse.
my main problem was the main character Luc, he was selfish and whiny and just not a good person in general. he was mean to everyone and didn’t respect anyone’s choices and opinions. i was gonna blame it on his trauma and was sure we would get a great character development but that somehow didn’t happen, even though he was trying to convince us otherwise. and don’t get me started on him boasting how mature he is literally ten seconds after he shouted at his fake boyfriend’s parents (they were shit and deserved it, but common) and forcing Oliver to eat a bacon sandwich even though he knew very well that he is a vegetarian. as a vegetarian myself i was so excited to finally read about a vegetarian character but Luc’s inconsiderateness to this matter and a slight shaming towards vegetarians and vegans made me sick and that bacon scene was honestly my last straw. suggesting that Oliver has an eating disorder was very insensitive and felt a bit too much (I'm definitely not one to judge if the claim is right or not, the problem is that it wasn't handled in a more gentle way and rather served as a punchline).
Oliver seemed like the mature one at the beginning but it turned out he’s was not mentally okay (which we didn’t really learn until the third act break up yay. i think that a dual pov would make the book a bit better). he’s unable to call out homophobes and speak out for himself on this matter. and on one hand, i get it. his friends weren't exactly treating him well and his parents are just awful homophobes who use his queerness as a joke and a way to make fun of him a bit.
both of them were emotionally unavailable and not in a right place mentally and they probably should’ve tried going to therapy:)
the two stars are for Luc’s mother because she’s an icon, she’s a legend and she is the moment. she was the only character who was bearable.
it looked so promising at the beginning (when you don’t question the fact that Luc might get fired for being „the wrong kind of gay“) but it gradually got worse and worse.
my main problem was the main character Luc, he was selfish and whiny and just not a good person in general. he was mean to everyone and didn’t respect anyone’s choices and opinions. i was gonna blame it on his trauma and was sure we would get a great character development but that somehow didn’t happen, even though he was trying to convince us otherwise. and don’t get me started on him boasting how mature he is literally ten seconds after he shouted at his fake boyfriend’s parents (they were shit and deserved it, but common) and forcing Oliver to eat a bacon sandwich even though he knew very well that he is a vegetarian. as a vegetarian myself i was so excited to finally read about a vegetarian character but Luc’s inconsiderateness to this matter and a slight shaming towards vegetarians and vegans made me sick and that bacon scene was honestly my last straw. suggesting that Oliver has an eating disorder was very insensitive and felt a bit too much (I'm definitely not one to judge if the claim is right or not, the problem is that it wasn't handled in a more gentle way and rather served as a punchline).
Oliver seemed like the mature one at the beginning but it turned out he’s was not mentally okay (which we didn’t really learn until the third act break up yay. i think that a dual pov would make the book a bit better). he’s unable to call out homophobes and speak out for himself on this matter. and on one hand, i get it. his friends weren't exactly treating him well and his parents are just awful homophobes who use his queerness as a joke and a way to make fun of him a bit.
both of them were emotionally unavailable and not in a right place mentally and they probably should’ve tried going to therapy:)
the two stars are for Luc’s mother because she’s an icon, she’s a legend and she is the moment. she was the only character who was bearable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Homophobia
Minor: Cancer, Eating disorder, Toxic friendship, and Mental illness