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dont_tell_mom69's review against another edition
4.0
Nate is living a perfectly okay life. He has his two best friends, a raging case of stage fright, and plans to spend two weeks in South Africa for his cousins wedding. Naturally things start to get complicated. His friendships are great, if you don’t count the small detail that he has a massive crush on his best friend Jai. This massive crush prompts him to come to Jai’s rescue and offer to be the lead singer of their band for an upcoming festival, stage fright be damned. In return Jai offers to come to South Africa as Nate’s plus one, that way he doesn’t have to face seeing his ex alone. Jai might have some anterior motives if his own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
amberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Grief
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Classism
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
So the blurb for this book is a bit misleading because it seems like it might be a battle of the bands kind of book. While that is an aspect of the story, it's definitely way more focused on Nate and Jai in South Africa for a wedding. Which is fine! I just think the summary could have been worded a bit better!
That being said, this is absolutely a fun rom-com kind of book, even if it has one of my least favorite romance tropes. Miscommunication (AKA noncommunication). This is definitely a trope employed in a lot of romance books, but it just drives me crazy. Stop assuming things and just talk! I was literally yelling that at the book as I was listening to it.
Nate was a pretty full developed character, I just wish some of the side characters had gotten the same treatment. Jai especially. We only really get to see one side of him, and I wish he could have been fleshed out a little more.
All in all, if you're looking for a fun summer read, this book is entertaining! Just be warned it might not be what you were expecting.
That being said, this is absolutely a fun rom-com kind of book, even if it has one of my least favorite romance tropes. Miscommunication (AKA noncommunication). This is definitely a trope employed in a lot of romance books, but it just drives me crazy. Stop assuming things and just talk! I was literally yelling that at the book as I was listening to it.
Nate was a pretty full developed character, I just wish some of the side characters had gotten the same treatment. Jai especially. We only really get to see one side of him, and I wish he could have been fleshed out a little more.
All in all, if you're looking for a fun summer read, this book is entertaining! Just be warned it might not be what you were expecting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Cursing, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Infidelity, and Alcohol
pey333's review against another edition
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for a copy of this book.
Nate Hargraves' looking forward to his cousin's wedding in South Africa until he learns that his ex-boyfriend Tommy will be there, and his mother can't travel with him. Luckily his friend (and crush) Jai Patel steps up and says he'll go as his plus one.
Meanwhile the lead-singer in Jai's band quits and betrays them just before a competition finale. Nate volunteers to take his place.
This is fun, easy to read, mainly lighthearted book, but it does deal with difficult topics at times. I loved seeing the relationship between Nate and his Ouma (grandmother). It's great to see a non-Western setting for a YA contemporary, I don't think this is something we see enough of.
My main critique of this book is that it's too short; I would really like to have seen more of a resolution of Tommy's story. The book felt like it ended too abruptly and could have used an epilogue.
Nate Hargraves' looking forward to his cousin's wedding in South Africa until he learns that his ex-boyfriend Tommy will be there, and his mother can't travel with him. Luckily his friend (and crush) Jai Patel steps up and says he'll go as his plus one.
Meanwhile the lead-singer in Jai's band quits and betrays them just before a competition finale. Nate volunteers to take his place.
This is fun, easy to read, mainly lighthearted book, but it does deal with difficult topics at times. I loved seeing the relationship between Nate and his Ouma (grandmother). It's great to see a non-Western setting for a YA contemporary, I don't think this is something we see enough of.
My main critique of this book is that it's too short; I would really like to have seen more of a resolution of Tommy's story. The book felt like it ended too abruptly and could have used an epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Alcohol