Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - 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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sharon_reads's review

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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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