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opheliabedilia's review
emotional
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? No
3.5
savoring_pages's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I actually dove into this series by starting with the second book. It was interesting to backtrack to the first book in the series and get to know Kit more intimately.
As a grad student, I have a weakness for books that accurately describe life in academia. But this book was so much more than a portrayal of a kickass heroine in the field of STEM. It was also an exploration of what it means to belong, to trust, to give, to care. In the midst of these themes, what really stuck out to me was how betrayals faced at the hands of caregivers can really impair one’s trust in others, and how even *one* trustworthy, loving presence in the life of a child can help counterbalance this with a sense of safety and security. The act of accepting someone and being present for them is a potent salve, and I appreciated being reminded of that.
I’m noticing Kate Clayborn excels at highlighting real struggles and traumas that her characters experience without debasing them into needless melodrama. And I’m so here for it!
As a grad student, I have a weakness for books that accurately describe life in academia. But this book was so much more than a portrayal of a kickass heroine in the field of STEM. It was also an exploration of what it means to belong, to trust, to give, to care. In the midst of these themes, what really stuck out to me was how betrayals faced at the hands of caregivers can really impair one’s trust in others, and how even *one* trustworthy, loving presence in the life of a child can help counterbalance this with a sense of safety and security. The act of accepting someone and being present for them is a potent salve, and I appreciated being reminded of that.
I’m noticing Kate Clayborn excels at highlighting real struggles and traumas that her characters experience without debasing them into needless melodrama. And I’m so here for it!
mimela78's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is not your typical rom-com in that the characters have to deal more fully with their trauma. It is a well-written book that tackles real issues of corporate recruiting, gambling and alcohol addiction, and the trauma a divorce can have on children that carry into adulthood. It is nice to see how the final solution occurs.
amlibera's review against another edition
4.0
As with the previous Kate Clayborn novel I read, there's a layered quality to the writing that I really appreciate - it's a romance but there's more detail to the characters and relationships and a sort of rootedness that I appreciate.
carebearmoseley's review
5.0
i didn’t want this book to end! no complaints here. the plot was unique and drew me right in!
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up Kate Clayborn's debut romance, Beginner's Luck, after spotting it on the "best of 2017" list of Emma Barry, an author for whose writing and blogging I hold a deep respect. When I first began reading, though, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed by Clayborn's tale.
(see the rest of the review at: http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2018/01/groveling-and-grand-gestures-kate.html)
(see the rest of the review at: http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2018/01/groveling-and-grand-gestures-kate.html)
sdemler14's review against another edition
5.0
It’s giving side characters for me
Seriously though! The side characters are what truly makes this book so damn good! The emotional arc between the two mcs is lovely, exactly what you want in a cozy enemies to lovers romance. But it’s the side characters, especially the mmc’s dad, that make you laugh and draw you in until you are invested in everyone’s hea.
Seriously though! The side characters are what truly makes this book so damn good! The emotional arc between the two mcs is lovely, exactly what you want in a cozy enemies to lovers romance. But it’s the side characters, especially the mmc’s dad, that make you laugh and draw you in until you are invested in everyone’s hea.
scribnerscenic's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75