Reviews

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

ayamtshali_97's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

shailydc's review against another edition

2.0

I liked the Harlem Renaissance historical connections but couldn't get behind the insta-love nonsense with Ricki and Ezra. There was nothing between them - just a "connection" that equaled them being soulmates. Ricki's sisters were also written like caricatures that had me rolling my eyes. [b:Seven Days in June|55648820|Seven Days in June|Tia Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1621846249l/55648820._SY75_.jpg|86777128] was much better.

bigsleepie's review against another edition

Ironically, this did not have the magic that Seven Days in June did. I view Tia Williams' style as contrasting rich, moving moments with over the top silliness and heavy handed pop culture references, and pacing that shifts beat by beat depending on what is most convenient. It worked in Seven Days, for the most part, but here it was just so jarring. I LOVED the initial chapters set during the Harlem Renaissance, I thought that perspective was really well executed and interesting. And Ezra's character introduction was breathtaking. I would have liked to have spent more time in that time period getting to know him. But as the book goes on, you see that time period less and less, and when the Big Reveal comes (which isn't much of a reveal because it's easy to see coming) those flashbacks disappear entirely. You barely know Ezra as a person by the time the romance really kicks off, and it shows. Ricki and Ezra don't seem to have much in common (that we see) beyond the fact that they are linked by Fate and Destiny, and it just doesn't work. By the 70% mark I was bored and frustrated and had guessed the ending, so I went ahead and spoiled it for myself and called it there. I think Williams took some very big swings, which is commendable, but ultimately they don't feel very well thought out or satisfying. But honestly though I'm not sure how one could attempt this concept with more success, there's a lot going on here. 

kimskindlereads's review against another edition

5.0

This book gave me ALL the feels and i’m not even a “can’t eat, can’t sleep, over the moon, reach for the stars” type of romance girl but this book right here … I loved everything about it. This took soulmates to another level. The “magical realism”, the imagery and details of the Harlem Renaissance, the way Tia was able to create this beautiful story in kind of two different times is… amazing. For me, each character was perfect and they served their purposes. So many gems were dropped while the story was building. Some may call it a slow burn but not me — I enjoyed every detail that built this story.

It’s difficult to write the review I want to write without spoilers but just know that if you’re on the fence about this one or don’t think it’s your style, try it. It’s not my usual genre or my typical romance but I’m so glad that I gave this a shot. Ezra, Ricki and Della will be with me forever

bookish_meli's review against another edition

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

dionne_j's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

jeli_bean's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

blackgirlbujos's review against another edition

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Words cannot express how amazing this book is. Everyone should read it. Their romance is tragically beautiful. What do you say to the love of your life when their days are numbered?

brittany411's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

shannonpryor's review against another edition

emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0