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jessthanthree's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Biphobia and Death
readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
I absolutely LOVED this as everyone said I would. Fake dating is my JAM and this was one of the best instances I've read; the gradual, slow realisation that they weren't faking their feelings and were actually falling in love with each other was EXQUISITE. Dani and Zaf were so sweet and so considerate of each other's emotions and needs. We love a romantic relationship built on mutual trust and respect.
I adored Dani and Zaf's interactions with each other and the writing in this book was so snappy, witty and fun. Talia Hibbert truly is a master of her craft. It was great to see bi rep front and center and I know I'm going to be thinking about this book for a long time. (The only thing I'm not sure about is the Muslim rep, so I'd recommend checking out own voices reviews about that.)
Content warnings for confinement, panic attacks, discussions of anxiety, depression, racism, biphobia, loss of a family member, fatphobia.
I adored Dani and Zaf's interactions with each other and the writing in this book was so snappy, witty and fun. Talia Hibbert truly is a master of her craft. It was great to see bi rep front and center and I know I'm going to be thinking about this book for a long time. (The only thing I'm not sure about is the Muslim rep, so I'd recommend checking out own voices reviews about that.)
Content warnings for confinement, panic attacks, discussions of anxiety, depression, racism, biphobia, loss of a family member, fatphobia.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
Minor: Biphobia, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
liaandersson's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Biphobia
meghanm404's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Biphobia
biblioseph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Two things briefly: I am concerned with the Muslim rep and I am not a fan of the fake dating trope.
I think its best to refer to the post I saw which explains the severity of the depicting a Hijabi having sex outside of marriage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1kEiKgQlV/
As for my own thoughts: I paused when it was implied two unmarried, religious characters were sleeping together. I was a little concerned about Zaf touching his sister-in-law, but he referred to her as his sister, so I didn't think too hard about it, but as a rule: women and men who are not related do not touch. Finally... the acceptance of Dani's religion seems a bit too simple.
Where does this leave me in regards to the Muslim rep? Islam is not homogenous. The post linked comes from someone in the United Arab Emirates. The main characters are supposed to be Pakistani-English. There may be differences. However, its not like we learn what sect of Islam the Ansari's belong to. And I don't think its the place of a non-Muslim author to step into one of the discussions at the heart of reform within Islam. Or for a non-Muslim author to push the boundaries of what a Muslim can be like... especially in a story billed as feel-good romance.
I think its best to refer to the post I saw which explains the severity of the depicting a Hijabi having sex outside of marriage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1kEiKgQlV/
As for my own thoughts: I paused when it was implied two unmarried, religious characters were sleeping together. I was a little concerned about Zaf touching his sister-in-law, but he referred to her as his sister, so I didn't think too hard about it, but as a rule: women and men who are not related do not touch. Finally... the acceptance of Dani's religion seems a bit too simple.
Where does this leave me in regards to the Muslim rep? Islam is not homogenous. The post linked comes from someone in the United Arab Emirates. The main characters are supposed to be Pakistani-English. There may be differences. However, its not like we learn what sect of Islam the Ansari's belong to. And I don't think its the place of a non-Muslim author to step into one of the discussions at the heart of reform within Islam. Or for a non-Muslim author to push the boundaries of what a Muslim can be like... especially in a story billed as feel-good romance.
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Biphobia
mortonsspoon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Biphobia and Body shaming
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