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language_loving_amateur's review against another edition
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
4.75
This is a rom-com that did not give me second hand embarrassment. It is funny and sweet, and she had it bad from like chapter 3. It is all from Ruthie's POV, but readers get to know Teddy very well too. There was something that I saw coming from the very beginning, and something else that I only started hoping for about half way through, but it was so very satisfying.
Sex: basically one sex scene with euphemistic language. While technically open door, it is more like the door is cracked. There is general horny-ness throughout. Not granny approved, but not graphic.
Mental health topics, are brought up and I think they are handled well. The book doesn't give the characters diagnoses, but you can expect anxiety and difficulty leaving the property. Ruthie is a reverend's daughter and doesn't believe anymore, so there is some churchy stuff, but the prospective offered in the novel is interesting.
Sex: basically one sex scene with euphemistic language. While technically open door, it is more like the door is cracked. There is general horny-ness throughout. Not granny approved, but not graphic.
Mental health topics, are brought up and I think they are handled well. The book doesn't give the characters diagnoses, but you can expect anxiety and difficulty leaving the property. Ruthie is a reverend's daughter and doesn't believe anymore, so there is some churchy stuff, but the prospective offered in the novel is interesting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying and Sexual content
Childhood neglect, emotional neglectreadandfindout's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Style/writing: 3.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death, Body shaming, Homophobia, Gaslighting, Bullying, and Infidelity
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
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? Yes
This is a cute New Adult/Adult romance between Ruthie and Teddy (and maybe a few more) with exploration of careers, self-identity, family, and past traumas. I enjoyed this book for what it was - for the most part. One thing that really rubbed me the wrong way, however, was Ruthie's invasion of Teddy regarding why he was going to therapy. Multiple times she asked him bluntly to tell her why he was seeing a therapist and not until after about the third (3rd) or fourth (4th) time did he tell her. I just feel like that is not an appropriate way to have a conversation with someone about therapy, no matter how close you think you are to them.
I just have to say that I am so happy for Aggie and Renata. I had my suspicions that they were not sisters, and once Renata started talking about her tattoo I was pretty convinced that they were in a relationship together. It did not take away from the reveal of the moment or the dance floor scene! Fresh, new love encouraged by strong, consistent love.
I also just have to say that I was SHOCKED in the end to read that Renata was the one who passed before Aggie. Every time something would happen to Aggie in the story, my heart would get really sad, so I was definitely expecting her to be the one who passes. Either way, the love they showed for each other is beautiful, and I am so glad they were able to make peace with what they were forced to miss in high school.
Overall, I am satisfied with this book and would be interested in listening to more of Sally Thorne's books.
I also just have to say that I was SHOCKED in the end to read that Renata was the one who passed before Aggie. Every time something would happen to Aggie in the story, my heart would get really sad, so I was definitely expecting her to be the one who passes. Either way, the love they showed for each other is beautiful, and I am so glad they were able to make peace with what they were forced to miss in high school.
Overall, I am satisfied with this book and would be interested in listening to more of Sally Thorne's books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Classism and Grief
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
I feel really conflicted about this book.
On one hand, it completely moved me. I laughed, I cried and I genuinely felt for the characters. The story was engaging and I was invested right to the end.
On the other hand, I found many elements of the story to be unrealistic. The characters didn't feel like relatable people so much as caricatures, the romance chemistry felt a little out of nowhere and the ending of the book was really chaotic and rushed in its goal of tying up loose ends. You really have to suspend your disbelief for this read.
On one hand, it completely moved me. I laughed, I cried and I genuinely felt for the characters. The story was engaging and I was invested right to the end.
On the other hand, I found many elements of the story to be unrealistic. The characters didn't feel like relatable people so much as caricatures, the romance chemistry felt a little out of nowhere and the ending of the book was really chaotic and rushed in its goal of tying up loose ends. You really have to suspend your disbelief for this read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gaslighting
readergonewilde's review
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Mental illness, and Sexual harassment
_skyler's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
So stinking cute. I was not a fan of Sally Thorne’s other books so I was hesitant to read this one but it was so worth it. Ruthie and Teddy’s relationship is adorable and I loved Renata and Aggie’s antics. The only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars was because there were a few “twists” that were way too predictable. Would reread.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
sam_h's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexism
Minor: Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Child abuse
eligru's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Sally Thorne did it again. 4.5stars. I just love her romances. Hope the next one comes put soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
jenkneebee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Religious bigotry
liz_ann'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? N/A
4.25
This was a light, warm-hearted read! Cheesy? Maybe! But fun, warm and loveable nonetheless. I related to this book a lot as I am a very "sheltered" person who, just like Ruthie Midona, never really seemed to "fit-in" or get along with people her own age. Never really felt young. This is a predictable, yet very fun romance between the "good little church girl" and the "bad boy." There is depth, though, to Ruthie - an understanding of who she is that might not be translated just from the outside view. I will say, there was some information unearthed throughout the book that I was not expecting! Great lighthearted summer read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Mental illness, and Grief
Minor: Death