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giulidrago's review
slow-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
"Gli alberi si vendicheranno, non passare nei boschi perché non sai come può reagire la natura a uno spreco di cellulosa di questo tipo" -cit. Michela Murgia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
sat0rii's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
1.0
Its prose is as compelling as a wet sock and its characters make about as much sense as an LSD-induced hallucination. Should you ever find yourself craving an offensively bland yet somehow outstandingly incompetent romance story, this book is one for your shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
Moderate: Rape and Addiction
Minor: Child abuse
leanniefae's review
emotional
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
3.0
This book sucked me in but it just wasn't as good as I'd heard. Gaslighting all over the place, but the final twist explained pretty much all of that. I don't think I'll read any of the sequels because I imagine I'd be furious with the main characters the entire time. Maybe once Todd finishes the graphic novels, I'll read those. The first one was good enough that I read the actual novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Violence
nat2008's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Bullying, and Mental illness
jennp28's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I hated this book so much. It was the longest 16 hours to slog through it and I only finished it because I was determined to check off the “started as fanfic” prompt in my reading challenge.
Their relationship is so, so toxic and there are so many red flags I can’t even begin to list them all. It worries me that teenagers are reading this and thinking how romantic it is that she’s the only one who can save him when really she should be running in the opposite direction. So many levels worse than 50 Shades. Do not recommend.
Their relationship is so, so toxic and there are so many red flags I can’t even begin to list them all. It worries me that teenagers are reading this and thinking how romantic it is that she’s the only one who can save him when really she should be running in the opposite direction. So many levels worse than 50 Shades. Do not recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Rape
viselik's review against another edition
Did not finish the book. Stopped at 36%.
I struggled even to get through the pages I did read, I should have not forced myself to read as far as I did. I read it after I saw how popular it was and was curious, well curiosity killed the cat, didn't it?
I wouldn't really recommend anyone get into this series as I don't personally see anything that is worth the price tag here. There are so much better fanfiction sites out there.
This used to be a Wattpad fanfic between a reader insert and Harry Styles, and it's still very obvious to be that! Even Hardin's tattoos are kept the same or are very similar. Do I have to remind people, by the time this book was originally written Harry Styles was a minor and the author was over 20?
The plenty of smut scenes from the small bit I read were rather boring, the level you would expect from a Wattpad fanfic.
Here are some of the notes on the bits I did read. Warning it's full of swearing and spoilers.
Tessa is a lot more judgemental than she seems to think she is.
- She is stuck up and looks down at people who have tattoos and piercings
- "he has destroyed his body with holes and tattoos" - Chapter 5
- Looked down at Hardin for liking books
- "There is no way a rude, disrespectful, tattooed jerk like Hardin could possibly enjoy those amazing works. The only thing I can picture him reading is the back of a beer bottle." - Chapter 10
- She is scarily naive.
- Hardin, is also a judgemental twat but he at least knows he is one.
- Doesn't really date but sleeps with girls constantly
- "No way. Hardin doesn’t date. He fucks with a lot of girls, but he doesn’t date anyone. Ever."
- Likes books.
- Is very active in the bedroom
- “Does Hardin have a lot of friends with benefits?” I don’t want to hear the answer, but I can’t help asking. She snorts and sits down on her bed across from me. “Yeah, he does. I mean, not like hundreds, but he’s a pretty . . . active guy.”
- The book's chapters are done in a really poor way, each chapter is like 2 pages long, and it feels like Wattpad fanfic still.
- I still cannot get over how this story was written when Harry Styles was <i>16 or 17 years old</i>.
- Chapter 18 has an attempted r*pe scene. Great.
- I don't remember if this book has a content warning for that.
- If not it really needs one.
- We kind of just move on from that as well.
- Chapter 19 is about making out with Hardin and starting to get more than just making out, Hardin is sucking on her neck, how cute Tessa is cheating on her boyfriend.
- Like she wasn't totally just nearly assaulted in the last chapter.
- She even forgets about her boyfriend for a bit.
- Girlfriend of the Year right here.
- Hardin has a boner from it but is hiding it.
I struggled even to get through the pages I did read, I should have not forced myself to read as far as I did. I read it after I saw how popular it was and was curious, well curiosity killed the cat, didn't it?
I wouldn't really recommend anyone get into this series as I don't personally see anything that is worth the price tag here. There are so much better fanfiction sites out there.
This used to be a Wattpad fanfic between a reader insert and Harry Styles, and it's still very obvious to be that! Even Hardin's tattoos are kept the same or are very similar. Do I have to remind people, by the time this book was originally written Harry Styles was a minor and the author was over 20?
The plenty of smut scenes from the small bit I read were rather boring, the level you would expect from a Wattpad fanfic.
Here are some of the notes on the bits I did read. Warning it's full of swearing and spoilers.
Tessa is a lot more judgemental than she seems to think she is.
- She is stuck up and looks down at people who have tattoos and piercings
- "he has destroyed his body with holes and tattoos" - Chapter 5
- Looked down at Hardin for liking books
- "There is no way a rude, disrespectful, tattooed jerk like Hardin could possibly enjoy those amazing works. The only thing I can picture him reading is the back of a beer bottle." - Chapter 10
- She is scarily naive.
- Hardin, is also a judgemental twat but he at least knows he is one.
- Doesn't really date but sleeps with girls constantly
- "No way. Hardin doesn’t date. He fucks with a lot of girls, but he doesn’t date anyone. Ever."
- Likes books.
- Is very active in the bedroom
- “Does Hardin have a lot of friends with benefits?” I don’t want to hear the answer, but I can’t help asking. She snorts and sits down on her bed across from me. “Yeah, he does. I mean, not like hundreds, but he’s a pretty . . . active guy.”
- The book's chapters are done in a really poor way, each chapter is like 2 pages long, and it feels like Wattpad fanfic still.
- I still cannot get over how this story was written when Harry Styles was <i>16 or 17 years old</i>.
- Chapter 18 has an attempted r*pe scene. Great.
- I don't remember if this book has a content warning for that.
- If not it really needs one.
- We kind of just move on from that as well.
- Chapter 19 is about making out with Hardin and starting to get more than just making out, Hardin is sucking on her neck, how cute Tessa is cheating on her boyfriend.
- Like she wasn't totally just nearly assaulted in the last chapter.
- She even forgets about her boyfriend for a bit.
- Girlfriend of the Year right here.
- Hardin has a boner from it but is hiding it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Body shaming, Rape, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, Violence, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Drug use
soriyah534's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Grief, Abandonment, Violence, Toxic friendship, Infertility, Rape, Alcohol, Child abuse, Suicide, Sexual content, Cursing, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
itsmemiana's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
disclaimer: I read this on Wattpad which is where the author first posted this book, and I heard the published edition is slightly different so this review is solely based of of the Wattpad edition.
I was really disappointed by this... specially since it's really popular... and I watched the first movie when it came out and I actually liked it (didn't love it but liked it yk)... but the book was just not it. In fact I really don't know if I wanna read the rest, I'm a little curious to what happens next because the book definitely got more interesting towards the end but still idk if I want to put myself through that, we'll see... they're all on Wattpad as far as I know so I can read them for free so we'll see if I decide to read at least one more.
the characters were very meh, and the main relationship was toxic as hell. for example Hardin had A LOT of red flags, like for every green flag he had, there were another 10 red flags. and I don't see many people talking about this because out of the two of them Hardin was definitely worst, but Tessa was toxic too.
this book constantly slut-shames (Tessa does that a lot) and basically makes it seem like virgins are better than everyone else (note that I actually am a virgin, and not ashamed, at the time I'm writing this review and I obviously didn't find this amusing at all).
and yeah the two main characters were cute sometimes but they always went back to being toxic, specially Hardin, I couldn't stand him most of the time.
if I do decide to read another one of these books I hope there's A LOT of character development, because it's very much needed.
I was really disappointed by this... specially since it's really popular... and I watched the first movie when it came out and I actually liked it (didn't love it but liked it yk)... but the book was just not it. In fact I really don't know if I wanna read the rest, I'm a little curious to what happens next because the book definitely got more interesting towards the end but still idk if I want to put myself through that, we'll see... they're all on Wattpad as far as I know so I can read them for free so we'll see if I decide to read at least one more.
the characters were very meh, and the main relationship was toxic as hell. for example Hardin had A LOT of red flags, like for every green flag he had, there were another 10 red flags. and I don't see many people talking about this because out of the two of them Hardin was definitely worst, but Tessa was toxic too.
this book constantly slut-shames (Tessa does that a lot) and basically makes it seem like virgins are better than everyone else (note that I actually am a virgin, and not ashamed, at the time I'm writing this review and I obviously didn't find this amusing at all).
and yeah the two main characters were cute sometimes but they always went back to being toxic, specially Hardin, I couldn't stand him most of the time.
if I do decide to read another one of these books I hope there's A LOT of character development, because it's very much needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Cursing, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault, Rape, and Vomit
andriaspyrou's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25
I read this book twice: once when I was 15 or 16 and once recently. When I read it, I instantly loved it and fell in love with both Hardin and Tessa. I still love this book, after so many years. It’s definitely one of my favorites, even though the writing isn’t great. Let’s be honest: the writing is probably horrible. There are so many unnecessary details at times and I’m sure if those were written off when edited, the book would be much more enjoyable and easier to read. But I understand that this was written on wattpad, so that’s why I didn’t expect much from the writing anyway.
I love the romance between Tessa and Hardin. It’s undeniably one of my favorite love stories. They have their ups and downs, they’re so different but somehow so perfect for each other.
Even though Hardin was a real prick with many issues, you just couldn’t not like him and sympathize with him. Yes, their relationship is very toxic and Hardin is basically a walking red flag, but you just can’t stop reading about their romance. I have to say that sometimes Tessa was in the wrong, it wasn’t always Hardin’s fault. But in comparison to how Hardin was behaving through the whole relationship, Tessa was an angel.
The ending had me in shock when I first read the book because for me it was quite unexpected. A major plot twist. I felt so sorry for Tessa and was so pissed at Hardin and basically everyone in that friend group (especially Steph). Very childish and cruel to do that to a person.
If the writing was better, it would be definitely be a 5⭐️ for me. But because I still love this book so much, I’m giving it a 4,5⭐️.
*Also have to mention that I was and still am a One Direction and Harry Styles fan so that’s basically the reason why I read this book. And probably the reason why I feel so attached to it*
I love the romance between Tessa and Hardin. It’s undeniably one of my favorite love stories. They have their ups and downs, they’re so different but somehow so perfect for each other.
Even though Hardin was a real prick with many issues, you just couldn’t not like him and sympathize with him. Yes, their relationship is very toxic and Hardin is basically a walking red flag, but you just can’t stop reading about their romance. I have to say that sometimes Tessa was in the wrong, it wasn’t always Hardin’s fault. But in comparison to how Hardin was behaving through the whole relationship, Tessa was an angel.
The ending had me in shock when I first read the book because for me it was quite unexpected. A major plot twist. I felt so sorry for Tessa and was so pissed at Hardin and basically everyone in that friend group (especially Steph). Very childish and cruel to do that to a person.
If the writing was better, it would be definitely be a 5⭐️ for me. But because I still love this book so much, I’m giving it a 4,5⭐️.
*Also have to mention that I was and still am a One Direction and Harry Styles fan so that’s basically the reason why I read this book. And probably the reason why I feel so attached to it*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Rape, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Addiction, Toxic relationship, and Violence
coffeewithsherry's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Based on One-direction fanfiction back in the days of Wattpad. I hadn't known that when I started this book. It is a typical story of bad boy meets good girl. However, I must say their relationship is quite uncomfortable and I truly believe they don't belong together as much as many others play out the characters.
Hardin is an extremely toxic character. On the other hand, Tessa cannot communicate at all. They simply don't belong together and some of the scenes inside this book are really uncomfortable. Yet it might be a fantasy for some teens but if anything treats each other like this in real life it is a run for the hills, please.
As always, Hardin has issues and Tessa is the girl that thinks she can fix him. A very stereotypical plotline but the execution was a miss for me. Especially this one scene that I find the most disturbing and disgusting.
The scene where he takes her virginity to win the bet and receive his money from his friends. Showed them the bloodstain on the bed sheets. This scene made me gag and so uncomfortable. You might say 'Oh but he needed the money or he wanted to show his friends for his ego boost'. It is disgusting and it is weirder than some people's fantasy of Hardin as a character. I am even more surprised they made a movie from this. I personally haven't watched it myself and do not plan to because of this scene in the book. Even after this scene, you would think she doesn't take him back but of course, she does!!! And she takes him back after a couple of pages!!!
Overall, did not enjoy it. Did not like. Dislike the characters. No character development. It is dark and emotionally exhausting. If I had a friend like the main character I would drop her as a friend. If I knew someone like Hardin, I would send him to therapy.
Hardin is an extremely toxic character. On the other hand, Tessa cannot communicate at all. They simply don't belong together and some of the scenes inside this book are really uncomfortable. Yet it might be a fantasy for some teens but if anything treats each other like this in real life it is a run for the hills, please.
As always, Hardin has issues and Tessa is the girl that thinks she can fix him. A very stereotypical plotline but the execution was a miss for me. Especially this one scene that I find the most disturbing and disgusting.
Overall, did not enjoy it. Did not like. Dislike the characters. No character development. It is dark and emotionally exhausting. If I had a friend like the main character I would drop her as a friend. If I knew someone like Hardin, I would send him to therapy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Rape