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lizzie_b99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
It made me really uncomfortable that a meeting between a bunch of non-Indigenous people was referred to as a "powwow". How'd that get past a 2020 editing team? I also think Samiah forgave Daniel way too quickly at the end. That was a huge betrayal of trust, and it was treated like it was basically nothing.
I listened to the audio book for this, and mostly continued listening because I was interested in hearing the end of the mystery aspect of the novel, but was largely dissatisfied there. The resolution just wasn't what I was looking for. I'm also not a fan of epilogues that are mostly used to focus on characters that will be the focus of the sequel. I prefer when epilogues wrap up the main characters' stories rather than promote the next book.
I did enjoy the banter between Samiah, London, and Taylor, and Daniel and Samiah's relationship had a lot of cute moments. To be honest, though, even though I don't like the military or the police, I almost would rather have read about Daniel's parents' romance. That plot sounded a lot more interesting than this one.
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy and Car accident
jaz_gets_literary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I want to fight Craig because he had a lot of audacity. I’m glad that the ladies came together after that incident and leaned on each other to build each other up. That’s how it should be in those situations. I thought Samiah wouldn’t hear Daniel out but I’m happy that she did. So excited to get into the other ladies stories.
Graphic: Sexual content
pnonikki's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Minor: Sexual content
mikaelaandherbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, and Racism
Minor: Infidelity
sam_fielder_137's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
amberinpieces'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
3.75
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Car accident, Medical content, and Pregnancy
kyeruhh's review
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Racism and Misogyny
hellowildflower's review
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content and Racism
kjulie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I found this romance to be a very tender love story that unfurled at a slow but reasonable pace. One thing I appreciated was the way all the feelings came off as real and earnest rather than over-dramatized or unrealistically all-consuming. Both characters are level-headed, ambitious people, and you see that come across in the decisions they make in the story, even the romantic ones. I also like the emphasis on friendships, and the too relatable conversations around how hard it is to make adult friends, especially in a new city. There are other meaningful conversations around the extra work Samiah must put in to succeed as a Black woman in the tech industry, with all the extra hurdles and the pressure she feels to pave the way for those who would follow in her footsteps.
Although I enjoyed the book, I think the lack of tension holds me back from full enthusiasm. That covers a lot of categories. For example, the level-headed and sweet love story was almost a little too easygoing for my taste even as I respected that approach. Also, I was ready for more drama around the financial crimes and the scheming ex-boyfriend. However, both of these were treated more as character motivations than as full lines of plot in and of themselves. Finally, maybe this is my own workplace bitterness rising to the fore, but all the gushing about the company our two leads work at became a bit overdone for me.
I'm glad I read this and was introduced to this author. I look forward to returning to Austin in the sequels to see our other two fabulous ladies get their own happily ever afters.
Moderate: Alcohol, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Racism