Reviews with content warning for Fire/Fire injury - If You Ask Me

SPOILERS AHEAD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I enjoyed this book and really have no notes tbh

Well except one and it was “damn your moving on quick ….. well i mean he moved on quicker technically” and that was after Violet and Dez kissed

( i think dez is a dumb name sorry to anyone names dez)

i say that as if anyone reads my review like girl calm down your talking to your self here

i told my mom i think the name dez is dumb (completely forgetting she has a coworker named dez) the conversation went like this
Me- the name dez is dumb
Mom-
Me-
Mom-
Me- ** realizes**
Mom- i’m telling her
Me- 😐🙁
Mom- Well is it short for Desiree
Me- No it’s just the dudes name D.E.Z
Mom- Well that’s a dumb name
Me- **Flabbergasted because i just said that and I WAS A BAD PERSON when i said it**

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decklededgess's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-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

trigger warnings: infidelity, emotional abuse, infertility, fire/fire injury, racism mention, toxic friendships and toxic relationships, alcohol use, estranged parent

First listen to Miranda Lambert's Mama's Broken Heart then read this book because I think you'll be set up perfectly for the emotional journey in this book.

Violet is a delightfully compelling lead and her heartbreak to healing self discovery journey was uplifting and encouraging to read. I loved her chaotic breakdown in the beginning but what I also loved were the justifiable consequences she had to deal with in the wake of her destructive behaviour. It made for a realistic journey of grief and healing from a terrible marriage. I loved her throughout.

Dez was such a sweet romantic love interest. He doesn't get a POV in the book but I think Violet's perception of him throughout the book does a great job of setting him up as a viable and adorable romantic lead.

This book is just incredibly adorable and heartwarming from beginning to end and I cannot wait to read more Libby Hubscher books.

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lnzava's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

If You Ask Me shines a light on a woman going through a major, life-altering transition. It's a shift that seems 100% terrible at its inception (the end of a 12 year marriage when Violet walks in on her husband and another woman), but ultimately leads to a lot of growth and even happiness. Violet's rage and letting go of her perfect, poised image was a freaking delight. She sets her cheating husband's valuables on fire in the street, rear ends her sanctimonious mother-in-law, and writes some biting responses in her advice column. She also makes some mistakes on her forced journey of self-discovery, ones that teach some valuable life lessons.

The book deals with some heavy topics from infidelity (of course) to infertility and miscarriage, loss of a sibling (in the past), panic attacks (on the page), sexual assault, and brief mentions of racism and homophobia. A big theme that I don't know how to sum up in one word is the pressure to have a picture perfect life, to seem happy, to look put together and rely on no one. These aspects of the book were thoughtfully addressed and had a satisfying arc as Violet comes to terms with toxic aspects of her life (very much so including her erstwhile husband) and looks to the future.

This is a romance novel, and there is an expected degree of attention given to that part of the story (fyi it's fade-to-black for those who shake their fists at such a tease). Dez is a kind and supportive love interest, a welcome change from Violet's past. This part of the story was perfectly fine but lacked the emotional oomph of the other story elements, in my opinion. It's a whirlwind romance, something that makes Violet uneasy at times because it's so unexpected, and largely uncomplicated despite the surrounding fallout of Violet's life. I didn't find anything problematic or upsetting (whew), but I didn't end up terribly attached to the love story.

This is a reflective piece of fiction depicting important challenges while offering a light at the end of the tunnel. It's a worthwhile read. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!

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nadiaherondale's review

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.75

I loved the mess that was Violet, and the fact that she had to apologize for her actions, sometimes protagonists get away with shit just because its their book. The setting was perfect, but as i'm not a big fan of 'insta love' or quick conections I felt like Violet and Dez's relationship was a little rushed. Overall a great read, the characters were the cutests and I loved the fact that the author didn't shy away from the darkness of some of the topics discussed in the book.

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