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teachreadrepeat's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was... underwhelming. I did like that it called out purity culture, but both Livvy and Cole made me angry. I don't mind friends-to-lovers, but this was more "we've secretly been in love with each other since the day we met but made up stupid internal excuses so we can't be together." That's not the same thing; it felt like one huge miscommunication trope tied to religious beliefs instead which I found incredibly frustrating. Also, there was only 1 real spicy section in the book... I don't NEED copious amounts of spice in a romance book, but the premise of this one kinda calls for it in my opinion. The divorce storyline with Cole's parents also felt odd and did not serve the purpose I think the author wanted it to. From a girl who turned her back on purity culture in her 20s at a private Christian university and really struggled with it, I was hoping for so much more agency from the FMC and fulfillment from both parties involved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexism, Sexual content, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Cursing, and Emotional abuse
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