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samcanuel's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was very conceptually interesting! I really enjoyed the interweaving plots and the corporate world of dating apps was fascinating. The two lead characters each had great backstories and were complex in their own right.
I’m typically not super into dual-POV books, but I appreciated the two perspectives this time! I liked the characters, but I didn’t love them, which is a reason for my rating. I was certainly rooting for them to get together.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique contemporary romance!
I’m typically not super into dual-POV books, but I appreciated the two perspectives this time! I liked the characters, but I didn’t love them, which is a reason for my rating. I was certainly rooting for them to get together.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique contemporary romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
annahamburger's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Sexual content, Death, Sexual harassment, Grief, Sexism, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Cursing
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
et3rnali33's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Focusing on modern romance through dating apps with poc characters and a stranger/enemies to lovers & second chance romance. With a little bit of spice! (;
I enjoyed seeing the romance build and I enjoyed seeing situations that call to having difficulties wanting a successful career versus wanting to commit and focus on someone romantically. While also seeing the impact previous relationships and situations has caused on people and how it affects their mindset entering new relationships.
I definitely laughed at things Rhi and Lakshmi discussed and loved the way Samson cared deeply for family and loved ones. It was wholesome.
So, I would pick this book up if you want a pick me up book thats fun, chemically intense, and hopeful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
lasafica_reads's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexism, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexual content and Racism
debby_caleb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Emotional abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Grief, Sexism, and Death
agnesbebon's review against another edition
4.0
This was stupidly sweet and surprisingly spicy! Both characters had well developed personal story lines in addition to their romantic one and the characters are diverse. I love a dude who pines, makes intentions clear, and puts the ball in the woman’s court and I love a strong woman who doesn’t compromise her goals. It was sometimes hard to tell when brief flashbacks end or when internal monologue ended and dialogue started in the audiobook. Overall really enjoyed this on audio!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Terminal illness, Dementia, Medical trauma, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism and Sexual assault
toffishay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
4.5
I really loved the central romance between Rhi and Samson and the spice is right! But you also get some great scenes of them away from each other that make them seem more real and you come to care about them and their relationship. I also appreciate the way that they handled some tough topics including workplace sexual harassment, the treatment of women in business and tech, the dangers of American football, grief and the power of family.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexism
elenamarmiroli's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
Dopo la mia parziale delusione con [book:The Spanish Love Deception|54189398], mi ero chiesta se mi stessi allontanando come gusti dai semplici romanzi rosa, ma questo libro mi ha fatto capire chiaramente che ciò non è caso.
Ho infatti gradito parecchio lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due protagonisti, soprattutto perché ognuno di loro è costretto a lavorare su sé stesso prima di poter intraprendere una relazione duratura con l'altro, cosa che gli permette di avere una buona identità propria al di fuori dell'altro.
Ma la cosa migliore è stata vedere la loro crescita finale dopo il loro ultimo litigio e come essa li porti a compiere delle scelte importantissime, che hanno anche un impatto positivo sugli altri .
E la loro riunione finale è stata molto dolce.
Aggiungo di aver ascoltato l'opera come audiolibro, cosa che ha decisamente aggiunto fascino al personaggio di lui perché ho trovato voce del narratore molto attraente.
Detto tutto ciò, questo libro si è rivelato la giusta lettura da poter apprezzare e per portare un po' di passione nella mia vita.
Ho infatti gradito parecchio lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due protagonisti, soprattutto perché ognuno di loro è costretto a lavorare su sé stesso prima di poter intraprendere una relazione duratura con l'altro, cosa che gli permette di avere una buona identità propria al di fuori dell'altro.
Ma la cosa migliore è stata vedere la loro crescita finale dopo
E la loro riunione finale è stata molto dolce.
Aggiungo di aver ascoltato l'opera come audiolibro, cosa che ha decisamente aggiunto fascino al personaggio di lui perché ho trovato voce del narratore molto attraente.
Detto tutto ciò, questo libro si è rivelato la giusta lettura da poter apprezzare e per portare un po' di passione nella mia vita.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
kfmcf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.25
This book has a solid balance between character and plot. I am someone who prefers weak plots over weak characters, but I also, of course, appreciate a happy medium.
I found both leads likeable and grounded. Samson was sweet but not so absurdly so it became unbelievable. Rhi was spunky and fiery but showed a vulnerability that rounded her character out well. I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the side characters. For how long this book was we got a lot of the leads (which isn't bad) but we didn't get much time with some of the compatriots like Lakshmi, Harris, etc. I don't mention Katrina on that list because I know she's the FL of book #2.
Plot-wise, I knew where the story was leading but it mostly made sense and had a few surprises thrown in. I won't go into detail for spoilers sake but the ending was expected but made sense. Also, I do want to mention that this is one of the only romance books without an epilogue that I've read where I still feel fulfilled by the plot and characters' arcs. I do want to commend Alisha Rai on that because it is usually a severe pet peeve of mine.
Lastly, I want to say that I greatly appreciated this book's focus on the brain effects of prolonged football playing. As someone who likes sports, football has always been infuriating to me because of the disturbingly high rates of brain injury and sustained aftereffects. This book doesn't beat around the bush about the issue but it also shows why players keep playing. Focusing on this topic made this book have a more solid footing, in my opinion.
Overall, I do recommend this book and look forward to reading the sequels!
I found both leads likeable and grounded. Samson was sweet but not so absurdly so it became unbelievable. Rhi was spunky and fiery but showed a vulnerability that rounded her character out well. I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the side characters. For how long this book was we got a lot of the leads (which isn't bad) but we didn't get much time with some of the compatriots like Lakshmi, Harris, etc. I don't mention Katrina on that list because I know she's the FL of book #2.
Plot-wise, I knew where the story was leading but it mostly made sense and had a few surprises thrown in. I won't go into detail for spoilers sake but the ending was expected but made sense. Also, I do want to mention that this is one of the only romance books without an epilogue that I've read where I still feel fulfilled by the plot and characters' arcs. I do want to commend Alisha Rai on that because it is usually a severe pet peeve of mine.
Lastly, I want to say that I greatly appreciated this book's focus on the brain effects of prolonged football playing. As someone who likes sports, football has always been infuriating to me because of the disturbingly high rates of brain injury and sustained aftereffects. This book doesn't beat around the bush about the issue but it also shows why players keep playing. Focusing on this topic made this book have a more solid footing, in my opinion.
Overall, I do recommend this book and look forward to reading the sequels!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol
tylerlee_readsnow's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny