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bbygirl21's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
So I liked this book. But there was quite a bit a didn't enjoy. I didn't like the characters. They both irritated me.
I found it really difficult to get through the sex scenes. Honestly this book could've done without those two scenes. I never say that about scenes like that, but in this case, I would've preferred not to have read them.
The last 20% or so is in my opinion the best part. We actually find out what really went wrong in Cole's parents relationship/marriage(although I still wish there were more about that with how much it affected Cole).
Livvy also stands up for herself to her dad. But again, I wish we had seen more of how Livvy's parents(dad specifically) coped with Livvy straying from their church and looking for other churches. I would've liked to see which church she ended up choosing. And if she and her family stick together despite differences in religious opinions.
The bonus epilogue didn't really add much either. It wouldn't be necessary to get the epilogue since it's basically just an extra sex scene and definitely not needed.
I do plan on reading at least the second book at some point which follows Livvy's sister. The first book just wasn't for me. I don't think I'll be picking this book up again and I don't think I'll recommend it either.
I found it really difficult to get through the sex scenes. Honestly this book could've done without those two scenes. I never say that about scenes like that, but in this case, I would've preferred not to have read them.
The last 20% or so is in my opinion the best part. We actually find out what really went wrong in Cole's parents relationship/marriage(although I still wish there were more about that with how much it affected Cole).
Livvy also stands up for herself to her dad. But again, I wish we had seen more of how Livvy's parents(dad specifically) coped with Livvy straying from their church and looking for other churches. I would've liked to see which church she ended up choosing. And if she and her family stick together despite differences in religious opinions.
The bonus epilogue didn't really add much either. It wouldn't be necessary to get the epilogue since it's basically just an extra sex scene and definitely not needed.
I do plan on reading at least the second book at some point which follows Livvy's sister. The first book just wasn't for me. I don't think I'll be picking this book up again and I don't think I'll recommend it either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing and Mental illness
Minor: Infidelity and Body shaming
vasixox's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
kayaks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
2.75/5 ⭐️’s
I’m shaking. I’m actually shaking…from a kiss.
My relationship this book is a mess. One minute I like it the next I want to bang my head against the wall and throw my kindle. I came across Purity on Booktok yesterday and immediately downloaded it after reading a singular quote. I really need to start doing more research because I could have helped lower my expectations.
This whole book centers on purity culture. I’m an atheist who has never practiced religion so there was never that aspect of truly understanding what our main character Livvy was struggling with. Still, I understood the heart of what she was saying, that society is not only incredibly toxic but also loves a good double standard. Even while being non-religious there are so things on Libby’s ‘Summer before Senior year of college Impurity List’ that made me scratch my head but it wasn’t that big of deal since it wasn’t an important part of the plot.
My main disappointment and frustration with this book is that Livvy and Cole exhibited some of the best communication skills I’ve seen in a romance book while simultaneously never actually communicating about things that matter. There was a few times where I thought it was legit dream sequence because the things they were saying was far fetched (and no I’m not even talking about the spicy things, those were fine).
Cole…he is incredibly toxic and possessive. I like my heroes and heroines morally grey most of the time but he was getting on my nerves. As was Livvy. I was rooting for her to stand up for herself and stop being so passive—but when she did I still felt like could have done better. Same thing with Cole. He went through some development that I appreciated but it all felt too fast. I’ll excuse that because the book itself is only 200 pages but I just wish the pacing was more even.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the next book in the series—I believe it’s about Livvy’s younger sister Vanessa but who knows. The short chapters and writing makes reading a breeze but I’m worried that it’s just going to be a repeat of this book (innocent naive girl x playboy douche bag). That trope is a fun guilty pleasure but sadly this book wasn’t that fun.
The 🌶 was excellent though. Got a lot spicier than I thought it would. I also did genuinely like the characters together when they weren’t being idiots. There were a few adorable scenes between the pair and I wish that energy would have stayed for the rest of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness and Infidelity
potalian's review
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Infidelity and Mental illness
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