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sashreads's review
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
fossilreads's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy!
This was a beautiful story of coming back to the one you love and figuring out if you can be together after so many years and a whole lot of life in between.
Cassidy deals with infertility and though I can't relate to wanting children, she gave me a good look into how difficult it can be and how much it can mess up your life when having biological children is a big dream of yours. I was a little sad to see how bitter she ended up feeling toward other women and even their kids at times, but also recognize that everyone reacts differently and there are so many ways to grieve a life you've always wanted to have.
There was a bit more back and forth between Cal and Cass than I would've hoped, but their relationship is STEAMY, and Maisie sure threw in a whole different aspect to consider! I adore Cass and Maisie's relationship and how it evolves into something very beautiful.
I loved Cal's devotion and how he would do anything he could to show Cass how he felt. The anxiety and panic attacks were well described and I was happy to see how their support systems helped them through them, as a priority, putting everything else aside when needed.
Some of the side characters felt a little empty for me like they were sometimes there to only react in a certain way or cause an issue, just for the sake of having an issue. That felt minor though, so I did really enjoy the whole story. I kind of hoped there would've been a little more bodily diversity, but was happy there was at least some cultural diversity.
I NEED to know more about Amira and Noah! I want to know everything!
This was a beautiful story of coming back to the one you love and figuring out if you can be together after so many years and a whole lot of life in between.
Cassidy deals with infertility and though I can't relate to wanting children, she gave me a good look into how difficult it can be and how much it can mess up your life when having biological children is a big dream of yours. I was a little sad to see how bitter she ended up feeling toward other women and even their kids at times, but also recognize that everyone reacts differently and there are so many ways to grieve a life you've always wanted to have.
There was a bit more back and forth between Cal and Cass than I would've hoped, but their relationship is STEAMY, and Maisie sure threw in a whole different aspect to consider! I adore Cass and Maisie's relationship and how it evolves into something very beautiful.
I loved Cal's devotion and how he would do anything he could to show Cass how he felt. The anxiety and panic attacks were well described and I was happy to see how their support systems helped them through them, as a priority, putting everything else aside when needed.
Some of the side characters felt a little empty for me like they were sometimes there to only react in a certain way or cause an issue, just for the sake of having an issue. That felt minor though, so I did really enjoy the whole story. I kind of hoped there would've been a little more bodily diversity, but was happy there was at least some cultural diversity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Infertility
Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
crystalleighwrites's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Devon May's debut novel BECAUSE OF HER is a capably written debut from the Australian bookstagrammer turned writer. It follows the story of Cassidy and Callum, teenage friends who are reconnected after over a decade apart (and substantial life changes). While the spark returns between them quickly, they each have their own reasons to hesitate jumping back in so quickly.
Positives: May's writing gives clear pictures of the settings, backgrounds, and personalities of the characters. She handles the writing of Cassidy's lingering trauma around her struggles with fertility with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. It's quite unflinching and if you have experienced similar, I advise you to venture in carefully and with a self-care plan in place. The characters are charming, though some secondary characters could have been provided with a little more characterization. In particular, I really hope a novel featuring Cassidy's roommate Amira is in the plans for the future. The spicy scenes deliver, and while it's somewhat of a slow burn, just enough false starts are including to keep the reader from itching to get to the good stuff.
My main criticism of the book is that the complications that prevented Cassidy and Callum from coming together felt repetitive, which resulted in those sections of the book dragging some. I understood why, narratively, but it was frustrating as a reader.
You may like BECAUSE OF HER if you like:
- Carly Fortune, Colleen Hoover (but with less trauma)
- Dual first person POVs
- Second chance romance
- Friends to lovers
- Stories infused with real life problems and challenges
- Hunky single dads
- Forced-ish proximity
This review is of a pre-release ARC and may reference details that changed before publication. Thanks to Devon May for the ARC.
Positives: May's writing gives clear pictures of the settings, backgrounds, and personalities of the characters. She handles the writing of Cassidy's lingering trauma around her struggles with fertility with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. It's quite unflinching and if you have experienced similar, I advise you to venture in carefully and with a self-care plan in place. The characters are charming, though some secondary characters could have been provided with a little more characterization. In particular, I really hope a novel featuring Cassidy's roommate Amira is in the plans for the future. The spicy scenes deliver, and while it's somewhat of a slow burn, just enough false starts are including to keep the reader from itching to get to the good stuff.
My main criticism of the book is that the complications that prevented Cassidy and Callum from coming together felt repetitive, which resulted in those sections of the book dragging some. I understood why, narratively, but it was frustrating as a reader.
You may like BECAUSE OF HER if you like:
- Carly Fortune, Colleen Hoover (but with less trauma)
- Dual first person POVs
- Second chance romance
- Friends to lovers
- Stories infused with real life problems and challenges
- Hunky single dads
- Forced-ish proximity
This review is of a pre-release ARC and may reference details that changed before publication. Thanks to Devon May for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Abandonment, Mental illness, Medical content, and Miscarriage
Implied miscarriages during discussion of infertility.brittneyclosner's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
er_inreads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Trauma Rating: .5☠️
Because of her is a cute, contemporary second chance romance, built on the teenage love and regrets of our main characters, Cassidy and Callum.
Set in Melbourne, we follow Cassidy while she learns to accept herself and those around her, while battling some serious inner trauma and beliefs about her self and self-worth. We follow Callum as he learns the ropes of being a single dad, and trying to believe in feelings, hope and love for a second time.
Because of Her features mental health and infertility representation, it is important to read trigger warnings before you read as it may be triggering for some.
Over all I really enjoyed this story, it was quick, fun, and light. I loved Callum and Cassidy’s story and I love a cute second chance romance.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Trauma Rating: .5☠️
Because of her is a cute, contemporary second chance romance, built on the teenage love and regrets of our main characters, Cassidy and Callum.
Set in Melbourne, we follow Cassidy while she learns to accept herself and those around her, while battling some serious inner trauma and beliefs about her self and self-worth. We follow Callum as he learns the ropes of being a single dad, and trying to believe in feelings, hope and love for a second time.
Because of Her features mental health and infertility representation, it is important to read trigger warnings before you read as it may be triggering for some.
Over all I really enjoyed this story, it was quick, fun, and light. I loved Callum and Cassidy’s story and I love a cute second chance romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Infertility, and Miscarriage
charleysreadingcorner's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Because of her is a contemporary romance that contains:
🌸 forced proximity
☕️ friends to lovers
🌸 single dad
☕️ soul mates
🌸 he falls first
☕️ second chance love
🌸 dual POV
In my opinion because of her is a 4 star read. The slow burn was done so calculated it had me gnawing at the bit. I believe Devon has approached and incorporated challenging subjects like infertility and divorce very respectfully in this book.
Because of Her has dual POV alternating between Cassidy and Callum. Cassidy has given up on men and has decided to peruse/grow her business Betty’s blooms (flower shop). However all of that is about to change when Callum her best friend from 10yrs ago moves into the flat across from her.
While Callum, has just moved out of his home away from his daughter due to the divorce. He swears he is not interested in dating anyone and putting his number one girl first. During his move he is constantly battling his exwife for the agreed joint custody of their child. When he finds out Cassidy is across the haul he swears they’ll just be best friends again.
I must give credit where credit is due! The smutty scenes are mint.
If you’re looking into an introduction to contemporary romance and love friends to lovers this book is 100% for you.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility
pandorasboxofbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
bchristian541's review
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Cassidy is healing from a tough breakup, followed by bad date after bad date. Her and her roommate, Amira, reside in Melbourne on the third floor of an apartment complex. Callum is healing from a divorce and separation from his 5-year-old daughter, Maisie. Callum and Cassidy used to be co-workers and best friends, until one day they shared a kiss and their relationship turned awkward. So awkward they didn't see each other for 10 years, until Cassidy gets a new neighbor across the hall. Looking at the man from her balcony, she thinks she recognizes him but is unsure as to how. Unsure until she realizes that her new neighbor is Callum. Is it fate or is it coincidence? Find out in 'Because of Her'.
'Because of Her' is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that has some spiciness mixed within. The spiciness increases as the novel goes on. Callum and Cassidy go through relatable emotions and issues, some that can be triggering, such as infertility and anxiety/ panic attacks. There are even glimpses into Madison's life from 'Because of Us'.
If you are looking for a slow-burn, roller-coaster of a romance, with some spiciness and surprises, look no further. You can't go wrong with 'Because of Her'.
'Because of Her' is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that has some spiciness mixed within. The spiciness increases as the novel goes on. Callum and Cassidy go through relatable emotions and issues, some that can be triggering, such as infertility and anxiety/ panic attacks. There are even glimpses into Madison's life from 'Because of Us'.
If you are looking for a slow-burn, roller-coaster of a romance, with some spiciness and surprises, look no further. You can't go wrong with 'Because of Her'.
taybel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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? No
4.25