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misha_ali's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was super excited for this book because it sounded like a good old dose of angst and I am a sucker for that stuff. I also usually love Erica Lee's romances. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit short for me on a couple of counts:
Firstly, the whole dreaming about past events exactly as they happened in snatches during the present-day narrative didn't really work for me. I can see why it would have sounded like a cool idea in theory, given that the titular premise is about texting someone just before midnight and therefore you're likely to dream about them. I think this could have been more engaging as having a full narrative from TJ's childhood and then time skipping ahead in a second book. As it stands, we spend so much time with what starts to feel like trauma porn since it doesn't contribute much to the reasons Brooke and TJ broke up. The actual events where TJ wronged Brooke are rushed and sapped of any impact because it's so late in the book and feels so inconsequential after all that's already gone on.
Second, the whole "Good morning" thing was absolutely silly. I can't take it seriously, sorry. There's nothing inherently commitment-ish about wishing someone a good morning, we say it to coworkers and bus drivers every day so there's really no reason it should be such a big deal to say to someone you actually really like.
Third, I think my expectations were also a bit heightened because I read a book that has a vaguely similar basic premise but deals with it in a more fleshed-out and nuanced way ([b:The Flight Risk|134098419|The Flight Risk|Macon Leigh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682617884l/134098419._SY75_.jpg|151601572] is very good, by the way). Basically the idea of this commitment phobic and fucked up by the foster system kid who has to address her own issues before she can hurt the one woman she's known and loved since they were in the foster system together as kids.
Fourth, there is A LOT of TJ and Brooke just hanging out and never really getting over each other but resisting the temptation to get back together when both clearly want it desperately. There just doesn't feel like there's any reason for it when you minimize the impact of the actual hurtful stuff that went on for a year. Beyond that, we only have abandonment issues and internalised homophobia, which Brooke can absolutely not hold against TJ as a hurtful thing in her past.
Anyway, I had high expectations because I love Erica Lee's book but this one was not my cup of tea.
Firstly, the whole dreaming about past events exactly as they happened in snatches during the present-day narrative didn't really work for me. I can see why it would have sounded like a cool idea in theory, given that the titular premise is about texting someone just before midnight and therefore you're likely to dream about them. I think this could have been more engaging as having a full narrative from TJ's childhood and then time skipping ahead in a second book. As it stands, we spend so much time with what starts to feel like trauma porn since it doesn't contribute much to the reasons Brooke and TJ broke up. The actual events where TJ wronged Brooke are rushed and sapped of any impact because it's so late in the book and feels so inconsequential after all that's already gone on.
Second, the whole "Good morning" thing was absolutely silly. I can't take it seriously, sorry. There's nothing inherently commitment-ish about wishing someone a good morning, we say it to coworkers and bus drivers every day so there's really no reason it should be such a big deal to say to someone you actually really like.
Third, I think my expectations were also a bit heightened because I read a book that has a vaguely similar basic premise but deals with it in a more fleshed-out and nuanced way ([b:The Flight Risk|134098419|The Flight Risk|Macon Leigh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682617884l/134098419._SY75_.jpg|151601572] is very good, by the way). Basically the idea of this commitment phobic and fucked up by the foster system kid who has to address her own issues before she can hurt the one woman she's known and loved since they were in the foster system together as kids.
Fourth, there is A LOT of TJ and Brooke just hanging out and never really getting over each other but resisting the temptation to get back together when both clearly want it desperately. There just doesn't feel like there's any reason for it when you minimize the impact of the actual hurtful stuff that went on for a year. Beyond that, we only have abandonment issues and internalised homophobia, which Brooke can absolutely not hold against TJ as a hurtful thing in her past.
Anyway, I had high expectations because I love Erica Lee's book but this one was not my cup of tea.
gracerichards11's review
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
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