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Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

I'm So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson

19 reviews

lizziealex's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Truly I wanted to like this but there are so many things I feel like I needed more context in. Hudson’s parents don’t really seem to like Kian, the reason for fake dating seems paper thin, and the wedding was so unimportant I forgot it was happening. Hudson was a walking red flag and I knew what was going to happen with Randall as soon as he was introduced. I usually love fake dating but this fell so flat. 

Also: there were SO MANY unnecessary pop culture references. True Blood, Twilight, Star Wars, Star Trek, Disney princesses, the list goes on. 

Kian deserved better.

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20sidedbi's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


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spookieboogie's review

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


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unwise_samwise's review against another edition

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emotional reflective 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? No

5.0


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k8iekat's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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


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llax11's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5

This is not your average rom/com! This MM romance goes so much deeper tackling topics of homophobia, nepotism, wealth distribution, black empowerment, and social responsibility throughout the plot. 

Next, let’s talk about the tropes.  It’s truly action packed - second chance romance, fake dating, forced proximity, one bed! Eek!

And the pop culture references were perfection! Buffy the vampire slayer. Celine Dion. GOT. So spot on! The dialogue is sharp and witty; I ate up the banter between Kian & Hudson.

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perpetualpages's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

CWs: references to anxiety and panic attacks; some explorations of emotional trauma, past underage drinking, alcoholism, and drunk driving; instances of homophobia and classism; some descriptions of blood, violence, and sexual harassment; HP references; and explicit sexual content

This is the first book I've read by Kosoko Jackson, but it certainly will not be my last, especially if he writes more adult rom-coms that are as delightful as this!

I'm So (Not) Over You is the absolutely chaotic, messy adult m/m romance I never knew I needed in my life. There’s a little bit of extravagance and fantasy to it, because it’s bordering on “billionaire romance,” but it also super funny, grounded, and authentic.

I would say my favorite part of this story is the main character, Kian, because he has such a strong, distinct narrative voice. He is an absolutely mess, and not only does he know it, but he fully embraces it. Kian really embodies what it means to be a broke millennial two bad choices away from absolute financial devastation, and I respect that he’s not too hung up on pride. He knows exactly what he wants and what he needs, and when it comes to securing those things, he’s absolutely shameless. I think we need more characters like that in fiction—characters who are hyper-aware of the barriers they’re up against, the way the world works, and who are not going to judge themselves for doing whatever they have to do to secure stability or “success.”

Another thing that really stood out to me is how these characters are not perfect and story doesn’t expect them to be either. As strange as it may be to say, the messiness between these characters is oddly refreshing. It's nice to have these two queer Black characters who are not sanitized, or "well-adjusted", or perfect. They make bad choices, they make mistakes, they don’t have the best judgment. Kian and Hudson are chaotic, reckless, horny, messy people who just want to be loved like so many other people do, and it's incredible that they don't have to be "perfect" in order to be deserving of that.

Going back to Kian as the main character, I love that he’s not afraid to just say whatever he’s thinking. He also really makes Hudson work for his second chance and holds him accountable for his past mistakes, and that while Kian may not be especially prideful, he still knows his limitations and reinforces them. Personally, I'm not into the whole “billionaire” thing, but I do think Kian does do a relatively good job of calling out Hudson and his family on their privilege and classism when it's needed.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. It’s funny, it’s voice-y, it’s in your face, it’s a super fast read and a solid second chance romance that doesn’t get hung up on arbitrary expectations, and it's definitely an entertaining read. I enjoy the time I spent with this book, and like I said, I would definitely read more! 

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readingrainbow_17's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


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antonique_reads's review

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challenging emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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