Scan barcode
piperclover's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I didn't realize this was going to be a rivals/hate sex dynamic but I actually enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I also really enjoyed that this one doesn't involve a forced coming out or a big proclamation of love as a coming out at the end. Even though I really really love that trope and I love all of the angst it brings, I enjoyed that this one was solely about the sport and didn't rely on coming out as a source of tension. I really loved that Emmett as a character is incredibly self aware bc I find a lot of characters aren't especially in romance books so that was a really nice change of pace. I love the Ryu has a touch aversion that is discussed openly and Emmett asked for verbal consent before touching him. I also loved that the Japanese character, Ryu, is the dominant/top instead of playing into the "Asians are submissive" stereotype. And the kink. Oh the kink! Its rough but verbally enthusiastic, so perfect. I really want fewer sex scenes but this time I wanted more.
The thing that bothered me so much is that so many times women in this book are called girls which is demeaning.
The thing that bothered me so much is that so many times women in this book are called girls which is demeaning.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood
More...