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mickraine's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, Bullying, Classism, Child abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
geagleson9's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Death, Cancer, Bullying, Alcohol, Blood, Vomit, Sexual content, and Cursing
msradiosilence's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Cursing, and Death of parent
trips's review
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was...ok.
Now, to note: I'm exploring romance in this year of 2023 but I am finding I'm super picky so what I may not like may be your cup of tea and by all means drink it cause I'm probably not going for seconds.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care, and the author really wants you to know, as various characters say it constantly throughout the book. She returns home to photograph her estranged step sisters wedding and ends up falling for her childhood crush, Claire, again along the way (and Claire is falling too oooo).
I was hoping for character growth and sweet moments between the love interests but Delilah spends so much time wallowing its hard to root for her. But the way the book is structured, it didn't feel like there was enough time spent to allow for Delilah to grow from her past trauma/pains/bullies as too much of the book was focused on her step sister and her shitty fiance. I get that the next book is in Astrid's POV but maybe save it for there? idk.
I liked Claire a lot, and I enjoyed her side of the story a lot more than Astrid's getting thrown in there (because she was the love interest and it made sense). Unfortunately the romance blossoming didn't feel much like romance to me, there were so many other things going on and instead of getting to know each other, the ladies were just boning a lot. Which is fine, in a longer book I would imagine they would have had their moments to connect more...
I'm going to stop because I'm just going to ramble for forever. I wish this was a 5 star book as I'm all for sapphic romance, but alas.
Now, to note: I'm exploring romance in this year of 2023 but I am finding I'm super picky so what I may not like may be your cup of tea and by all means drink it cause I'm probably not going for seconds.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care, and the author really wants you to know, as various characters say it constantly throughout the book. She returns home to photograph her estranged step sisters wedding and ends up falling for her childhood crush, Claire, again along the way (and Claire is falling too oooo).
I was hoping for character growth and sweet moments between the love interests but Delilah spends so much time wallowing its hard to root for her. But the way the book is structured, it didn't feel like there was enough time spent to allow for Delilah to grow from her past trauma/pains/bullies as too much of the book was focused on her step sister and her shitty fiance. I get that the next book is in Astrid's POV but maybe save it for there? idk.
I liked Claire a lot, and I enjoyed her side of the story a lot more than Astrid's getting thrown in there (because she was the love interest and it made sense). Unfortunately the romance blossoming didn't feel much like romance to me, there were so many other things going on and instead of getting to know each other, the ladies were just boning a lot. Which is fine, in a longer book I would imagine they would have had their moments to connect more...
I'm going to stop because I'm just going to ramble for forever. I wish this was a 5 star book as I'm all for sapphic romance, but alas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Such a fun, heartfelt queer romcom!
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how complex and nuanced the characters were. They felt like real, complicated people with real, complicated pasts. Even the side characters had complexity, especially Claire's daughter Ruby who is one of the most realistic child characters I've ever read. I found Delilah particularly relatable, in all of her spiky, petty glory. Claire was so lovely too, just a sweet woman trying to do the best for everyone and struggling with parenting. I loved how tender and vulnerable Claire and Delilah were with each other, even when they thought it was just temporary and casual. Surprisingly steamy for a romcom too, especially a sapphic one.
It was also interesting to see Delilah reexamine her memories of the past and realise they may just be a bit unreliable, that she and Astrid were just stuck in a loop of miscommunication and hurt feelings. I thought it was done really well (aside from the part where Delilah reads Astrid's diary — that felt like such a violation of her privacy).
There were a couple of things that bothered me — the diary reading, how much of the plot of this sapphic romance ultimately centred around a cishet man and a really terrible (borderline caricature-ish) one at that, the whole bet situation. But ultimately this was such a fantastic romance! Reminded me a lot of Book Lovers by Emily Henry with the small-town bookshop/sisters-at-odds vibes, but executed way better (in my opinion).
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how complex and nuanced the characters were. They felt like real, complicated people with real, complicated pasts. Even the side characters had complexity, especially Claire's daughter Ruby who is one of the most realistic child characters I've ever read. I found Delilah particularly relatable, in all of her spiky, petty glory. Claire was so lovely too, just a sweet woman trying to do the best for everyone and struggling with parenting. I loved how tender and vulnerable Claire and Delilah were with each other, even when they thought it was just temporary and casual. Surprisingly steamy for a romcom too, especially a sapphic one.
It was also interesting to see Delilah reexamine her memories of the past and realise they may just be a bit unreliable, that she and Astrid were just stuck in a loop of miscommunication and hurt feelings. I thought it was done really well (aside from the part where Delilah reads Astrid's diary — that felt like such a violation of her privacy).
There were a couple of things that bothered me — the diary reading, how much of the plot of this sapphic romance ultimately centred around a cishet man and a really terrible (borderline caricature-ish) one at that, the whole bet situation. But ultimately this was such a fantastic romance! Reminded me a lot of Book Lovers by Emily Henry with the small-town bookshop/sisters-at-odds vibes, but executed way better (in my opinion).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Blood, Pregnancy, Cancer, Violence, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
hobbithopeful's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
A charmingly delightful queer romantic comedy about learning to trust again, and what happens when you return to your home town. You guys this book had me all in my feels for real! (I ugly cried so much reading this!)
Delilah Green has made a life for herself in New York, and has gotten very practiced at casual hookups and flings, never one to try to have a real relationship after a bad heartbreak. With her stepsisters' wedding coming up, she must travel back to her hometown and confront her past in a place where she was never accepted.
Claire needs to get laid. Badly. The sexy lady she approaches at the bar is just what she needs, only it turns out she is none other than her best friend and bride to be, Astrid's, wicked stepsister, and so totally off limits.
Between wedding events and plotting over how to break up the bride and groom (yes really), the two begin to get very close. Seriously y'all...the SPICE in this book! Someone fetch me a fan and a glass of iced tea because it got steamy. The chemistry and banter between Claire and Delilah was so thrilling to read, and I loved watching their story evolve, as well as each of them grow.
Delilah so perfectly encapsulated the results of being misunderstood and neglected as a child. Astrid is on the other end of the spectrum, with her being the results of an overbearing and over critical Mother. Blake handled so well what happens when two siblings go through having a difficult childhood, and how resentment and misunderstanding can build over time into a twisted and ugly monstrosity.
My only complaint about this book is I wish someone had smacked around Isabel just a little bit. (Okay...a lot!) I wanted a full on rage scene with lots of slapping and maybe even some hitting with a fish.
A must read for lovers of queer books, or fans of a good love story. I can't wait to read the next book!
Delilah Green has made a life for herself in New York, and has gotten very practiced at casual hookups and flings, never one to try to have a real relationship after a bad heartbreak. With her stepsisters' wedding coming up, she must travel back to her hometown and confront her past in a place where she was never accepted.
Claire needs to get laid. Badly. The sexy lady she approaches at the bar is just what she needs, only it turns out she is none other than her best friend and bride to be, Astrid's, wicked stepsister, and so totally off limits.
Between wedding events and plotting over how to break up the bride and groom (yes really), the two begin to get very close. Seriously y'all...the SPICE in this book! Someone fetch me a fan and a glass of iced tea because it got steamy. The chemistry and banter between Claire and Delilah was so thrilling to read, and I loved watching their story evolve, as well as each of them grow.
Delilah so perfectly encapsulated the results of being misunderstood and neglected as a child. Astrid is on the other end of the spectrum, with her being the results of an overbearing and over critical Mother. Blake handled so well what happens when two siblings go through having a difficult childhood, and how resentment and misunderstanding can build over time into a twisted and ugly monstrosity.
My only complaint about this book is I wish someone had smacked around Isabel just a little bit. (Okay...a lot!) I wanted a full on rage scene with lots of slapping and maybe even some hitting with a fish.
A must read for lovers of queer books, or fans of a good love story. I can't wait to read the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Abandonment, and Infidelity
the_lesbrarian's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Misogyny, Bullying, and Cancer
moreadsnrambles's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Bullying, Cancer, and Death of parent
mx_sunshine's review
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute book!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I was surprised by Astrid’s relationship with her fiancé. It was triggering to read at times. I feel like this book used the abuse as a plot device to bring the characters together without acknowledging the abusive nature of the relationship. I was expecting a conversation from the characters about it. The signs of an abusive relationship were subtly threaded throughout the novel but it wasn’t explicitly stated. This might’ve been a deliberate choice to not isolate the audience.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, and Bullying