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thefatpaperback's review
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Excrement
Minor: Death
miasreads's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, and Ableism
Minor: Excrement, Abandonment, and Body shaming
valeria_gzz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am kinda mad that there wasn’t a sort of epilogue in this book though because I wanted to know more about Olly’s book.
I loved reading this so so much, it was hot, it was cute and once again I LOVE IT. This was basically Ren and Frankie’s book but reverse the genders and add in a marriage of convenience. I love it when a couple is made up of an either quiet and/or introverted person and then an extroverted funny/popular/always happy person it’s my kryptonite
Graphic: Ableism and Chronic illness
decklededgess's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I have been waiting on a romance series that will put me in a chokehold a la Bridgertons but like /better/ and here we have it. Something about sibling dynamics throughout romance series where you get to anticipate future siblings finding their HEA and also seeing snippets of elder siblings living their loving HEA lives just UGHHHHH hits the spot.
Axel and Rooney were just chefs kiss. The marriage of convenience, there's only one bet, grumpy and sunshine, pet loving, smushy gushy idiots in love shit is jist SEfkjdhrgkjshelrgehrlg. It's really not something I can put into articulate words so y'all just gotta read it and join me in my cry fest of these soft baby Bergmans.
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Mental illness, and Ableism
Minor: Animal cruelty
kim03's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Next up I want to differentiate between what I liked about the book and what I disliked, minus the latter, because this book is simply flawless (my opinion).
“For the hearts that love differently, and the hearts that love them for it.” (Dedication)
“She was hurting. And I didn’t want her to hurt anymore. I didn’t want her to hurt ever.” (Chapter 4)
“He's still wearing his ring. And the hand that wears it is splayed wide, like a fist he just unclenched and flexed.” (Chapter 9; this is only here because of the Pride and Prejudice vibes)
“The deeper you love, the deeper the risk of disappointment, and hurt, and loss. The more you care, the more pain you might face. And yet, I hope you won’t always let that stop you. […] Fear of failure, fear of not living up to these standards you hold yourself to, which sound pretty damn high. Because… well, have you ever considered that the depth of feeling for the subject is the reason you´re the very best person to paint it?” (Chapter 9)
“Like I said, I know not everybody wants romance, and that’s valid, I just don’t want you denying yourself if that desire is there.” (Chapter 13)
“Just because you experience your emotions differently from other people, Axel, doesn’t mean that experience isn’t valid, or that someone can’t love you for it. With the right person, love is possible for any of us who want it.” (Chapter 13)
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Medical content, and Ableism
memorable's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved the way they were both portrayed and how they slowly but surely found their way to love each other.
And I gotta admit that I don’t want to wait until 2022 to read the next book!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Chronic illness
Minor: Ableism, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Medical content
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In terms of romance, Axel leaves Rooney these cute notes and doodles signed by the/his/their dog and I melted into a happy puddle at the mere idea of it. I dissolved into swoony sighs as both characters cared for each other during health scares and protected each other's hearts. I was left cackling over the couple's panicked attempts to hide their wedding rings when family came calling, trying to keep their secret, "nonromantic" partnership under wraps.
On a serious front, Liese always knows how to bring real-life struggles and inclusivity into her stories. This one covers body image, mental & physical health, neurodivergence, and kink with an emphasis on open communication and making sure everyone feels safe. In terms of body image, Rooney is what I can report 2000s-era Seventeen magazine would call a pear shape (same), which is not commonly considered ideal, so I loved seeing it recognized and appreciated on the page. Rooney's relationship with her body is also affected by her chronic pain from IBS. The narrative highlights the way society paints her condition as embarrassing or impolite, which is not only absurd but hurtful. Axel's needs and journey with self-acceptance as a person with autism also shine through.
This romance is a crackling fire on a crisp fall day, so grab a blanket, a warm beverage, and a snuggly animal to enjoy this book at its full potential. Thanks to Chloe Liese and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It's out now!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Mental illness