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kb33's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’m all for diverse books representing characters with mental illnesses, but not when a huge character in the book is a therapist/best friend and the authors have clearly not researched therapy for these conditions or had a therapist read the book and offer advice. He read more like the best girl friend encouraging the mfc to go for it over and over. This book contains advice by a “therapist” character that would be dangerous in real life. PSA: if you think someone might be considering suicide, please ask them about it but don’t ask leading questions like “you’re *not* considering suicide, are you?” In the USA 988 is a free crisis help line that anyone can call or text, 24 hours a day.
In addition, the mmc takes advantage of her anxiety and hesitation and pushes her to do things she’s stated she isn’t comfortable with. She says “no sex, let’s take it slow,” and he fills a bathtub for her and pushes her to let him join her in the bath. Honestly he wasn’t a good character and was written like a teenager might imagine a relationship before they know better.
In addition, the mmc takes advantage of her anxiety and hesitation and pushes her to do things she’s stated she isn’t comfortable with. She says “no sex, let’s take it slow,” and he fills a bathtub for her and pushes her to let him join her in the bath. Honestly he wasn’t a good character and was written like a teenager might imagine a relationship before they know better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Death, Abandonment, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Cancer
lilhappyhermit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute book. Following Griffin and Luca’s story from when they met as pen-pals in their childhood until present day as they rekindle, was such a heartfelt journey. Watching all that unfolds as they learn what they have missed in those years without contact was adorable and vulnerable. Through all that is brought to light, they love and accept one another no matter what.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death, Cancer, and Death of parent
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
book_worm_mama_bear's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is underrated and not talked about enough.
I will forsure be talking about this book on tiktok and in my book groups. This book was sad, funny and just overall emotional. I did listen to it on audiobook with KU so that may be why it was so amazing for me. I didn't want to put this book down/ stop listening to it. I personally did have a guy penpal from the U.K and to think of getting a letter from him today and something like what happens in this book going down is like a fairytale. This book deals with some mental health issues. The spice was at a 3/5 for me. Detailed but also not super focus on the spice. I loved all the characters and the plot, character development, emotional rollercoaster, and the part that really made me LOL. This is a book I will remember and give as rec. I will be checking out these authors in the future.
I will forsure be talking about this book on tiktok and in my book groups. This book was sad, funny and just overall emotional. I did listen to it on audiobook with KU so that may be why it was so amazing for me. I didn't want to put this book down/ stop listening to it. I personally did have a guy penpal from the U.K and to think of getting a letter from him today and something like what happens in this book going down is like a fairytale. This book deals with some mental health issues. The spice was at a 3/5 for me. Detailed but also not super focus on the spice. I loved all the characters and the plot, character development, emotional rollercoaster, and the part that really made me LOL. This is a book I will remember and give as rec. I will be checking out these authors in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, and Grief
saraohneh's review
emotional
sad
slow-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
3.5
don't let the title fool you bc it's not such a spicy book. it's actually rather emotional and sad as we join the heroine on her journey of living with agoraphobia and the losses in her life while finding love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent
marybsimp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Cancer, and Fire/Fire injury
taelorslibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Cancer
kathrinellis's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is not just another steamy romance. It contains many clichés, but there are important parts about mental health as well. I enjoyed the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Cursing, Animal death, Grief, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Pregnancy and Stalking
risseandshine's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars (for Hortensia the pig)
I find it so hard to say anything about this book because about 85% of time I was "meh" about it. I feel like I went into with expectations so high that I conditioned myself that I will eventually give this a 4+ stars. Yet, here we are.
Still, I appreciate the inclusion of mental health in the story. However, I can't speak of accuracy since I do not have firsthand experience with those present in the story (i.e. agoraphobia, fear of crowds). I appreciate how the hero accepted this in the heroine and didn't see it as a flaw by an means.
Overall, I don't hate this book at all. But I don't think I'll recommend it either. If you're a fan of this author duo, I think you'll be inclined to read this. Having read a few other of their works, I can say this is not one of their better creations.
I find it so hard to say anything about this book because about 85% of time I was "meh" about it. I feel like I went into with expectations so high that I conditioned myself that I will eventually give this a 4+ stars. Yet, here we are.
Still, I appreciate the inclusion of mental health in the story. However, I can't speak of accuracy since I do not have firsthand experience with those present in the story (i.e. agoraphobia, fear of crowds). I appreciate how the hero accepted this in the heroine and didn't see it as a flaw by an means.
Overall, I don't hate this book at all. But I don't think I'll recommend it either. If you're a fan of this author duo, I think you'll be inclined to read this. Having read a few other of their works, I can say this is not one of their better creations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Grief and Death
paperdreams's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Death
its_j's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Cursing