Reviews with content warning for Racism - Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss

9 reviews

annniina98's review against another edition

3.0

The beginnig (or 3/4) was annoying, because the characters were awful. Really just like "why are you friends?!". The non-white characters felt like a add on, just something to say that she can write POC characters without really doing it.

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theverycraftyvegan's review against another edition

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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

5.0

“I like books and tea more than I like clubs and margaritas.”

Nory, you are me and I am you.

While reading this book there were so many instances where I squealed with delight! It’s a wonderfully written closed door romance that takes place in a small English town. We follow Nory Noel and her group of friends while they are all busy falling in love and some of them making a real mess of it.

The book is very diverse with LGBTQIA+ characters, different ethnicities, and body types. A breath of fresh air. Thank you Jenny Bayliss for delivering once again.

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emilymax21's review

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emotional funny mysterious reflective 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

4.0

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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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2.5

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amberinpieces's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.25

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daniellesharp's review against another edition

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2.0

there were so many characters, and so many deep issues being tackled - a friend who had committed suicide, classism and class differences, racism, infidelity. None of them could get the full that they deserved.
I just wasn't a huge fan.

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juliabb's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cute read with not too high of stakes. Lovely cast of characters and has

a grand HEA for every single character

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chloearielle's review

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emotional relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This book had a lot of elements I usually would love — it was set in the British countryside in a castle, the main character owns a used book store, the main love interest is the cute gardener from her childhood — all great setup for a super cute little romance novel. However, there were some elements of the book that I found to be quite problematic. This book breezed over some heavy topics like abuse, racism, class, sexual assault, and suicide. [LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD]

The final straw for me was when a repeatedly abusive man became a secondary hero of the story. And everyone was just okay with it. Like he did one good deed and now he has been cured of his wily ways and deserves to be reunited with his wife and children. I didn’t believe that for a second. And hated that kind of character was given such a pass.

Overall, the setting and some of the imagery and artworks spoken about in the book were probably my favorite part. There were cute moments, but all of the cuteness was outshined by what I thought was poor handling of some very serious and important topics.

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alisonreadsitall's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-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

4.0

Thank you to Jenny Bayliss, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the chance to read this adorable rom-com as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

I LOVED The Twelve Dates of Christmas, and this comes in as a close second! I appreciate that this was more than just your typical romance, and had a lot of friendship dynamics and didn't stay away from some difficult topics. If you are looking for a lighthearted, steamy holiday read, this might not be the option for you. It takes place a couple of weeks before Christmas, so doesn't actual deal with the holidays, but how the name came about is one of my favorite things about this book! 🥰

Nory, a mid-30's secondhand bookshop owner from London, is visiting a castle near her hometown with her school friends for a week leading up to to the wedding, when she runs into a former crush. She hasn't had the best of luck with romance, but falls fairly quickly over adorable Isaac. Over the week leading up to the wedding, they get to spend quite a bit of time together. Mistakes are made, and trust is broken, but can that trust be repaired in the end?

Tropes: second chance, brother's friend

Trigger Warning: a friend's suicide, depression, infidelity, alcoholism, racism

There were a couple elements I found lacking, but overall a fun and swoon-y read! A solid 4 stars! This comes out September 27th so be sure to order a copy before the holidays!

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