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headachesince03's review
emotional
relaxing
fast-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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, Biphobia, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, Outing, Alcoholism, Classism, Racism, Abandonment, Child abuse, Cursing, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
galaxies's review
When I read the sample the first 20-30 pages had me enchanted but after starting the book properly it continued to nosedive from then on.
I appreciate that Cochrun tried to include diverse characters and mental health representation but it did not work for me at all. The characters were unlikeable/annoying (especially Dev who continually ignores or barrels past Charlie’s boundaries which is such a shitty thing to do), nearly all women in this are mean or harassers (except for Jules who has no personality whatsoever) and the romance I found plain unbelievable. I did not get at all why Charlie and Dev would fall for each other. And why did Cochrun make Dev Indian American? It’s like rep for rep’s sake because in the parts I read there was no inclusion of Indian culture for Dev. Other people have said it before but if you replaced his name with “Matt” for example it wouldn’t change a damned thing.
Plus the writing itself was often awkward and the humour was a miss for me. Did not laugh even once.
I appreciate that Cochrun tried to include diverse characters and mental health representation but it did not work for me at all. The characters were unlikeable/annoying (especially Dev who continually ignores or barrels past Charlie’s boundaries which is such a shitty thing to do), nearly all women in this are mean or harassers (except for Jules who has no personality whatsoever) and the romance I found plain unbelievable. I did not get at all why Charlie and Dev would fall for each other. And why did Cochrun make Dev Indian American? It’s like rep for rep’s sake because in the parts I read there was no inclusion of Indian culture for Dev. Other people have said it before but if you replaced his name with “Matt” for example it wouldn’t change a damned thing.
Plus the writing itself was often awkward and the humour was a miss for me. Did not laugh even once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Alcohol, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Vomit
jenny_librarian's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This is what One to Watch tried to achieve, with way more diversity at every level, and so much better done!
I loved absolutely everything about this book except one thing: the miscommunication. I know this is how this kind of book is supposed to go, but I just hate when conflict stems from the fact that the main characters won't just sit down and talk. And that's saying a lot, considering a lot of the time Charlie and Dev spend together is them talking...
But apart from that, the sheer amount of diversity in this book was so refreshing for this kind of romcom. We got multiple queer identities (including a whooping TWO characters under the asexual umbrella!!!), neurodivergence and mental health issues being discussed, characters of colour in the forefront of the story... It just felt so good to read!
I have to say, however, that the trigger warnings for OCD, anxiety/panic attacks and depression are major in this book. If this is triggering, better skip it altogether. They hit quick and they hit hard. One of Charlie's panic attack almost caused me to have one. Good writing, but very much triggering.
Everyone else, though: READ. THIS. BOOK!
I loved absolutely everything about this book except one thing: the miscommunication. I know this is how this kind of book is supposed to go, but I just hate when conflict stems from the fact that the main characters won't just sit down and talk. And that's saying a lot, considering a lot of the time Charlie and Dev spend together is them talking...
But apart from that, the sheer amount of diversity in this book was so refreshing for this kind of romcom. We got multiple queer identities (including a whooping TWO characters under the asexual umbrella!!!), neurodivergence and mental health issues being discussed, characters of colour in the forefront of the story... It just felt so good to read!
I have to say, however, that the trigger warnings for OCD, anxiety/panic attacks and depression are major in this book. If this is triggering, better skip it altogether. They hit quick and they hit hard. One of Charlie's panic attack almost caused me to have one. Good writing, but very much triggering.
Everyone else, though: READ. THIS. BOOK!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Vomit, Outing, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Acephobia/Arophobia, Biphobia, and Bullying
Minor: Cursing, Dysphoria, Sexual content, Body shaming, Alcohol, and Sexual assault
dalmavatai's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!! I probably can't even properly articulate how much I love this book but here's what I'll say - Dev and Charlie's relationship is amazing and beautiful and such a joy to read about. The mental illness representation is so nuanced and complex and heartbreaking at times, but overall the tone is pretty lighthearted. I ADORED that this book could've easily fallen into being casually misogynistic and sexist towards the women in the show (portraying them as superficial b*tches), but it didn't do that AT ALL, they were fully fleshed out and layered characters, and I appreciated it so much (and that ENDING!!!!) I also liked the representation of a variety of sexualities and the commentary on the toxicity of reality TV. Also Dev and Charlie grew so much throughout the book and their journey was very deeply psychologically explored which I loved.
Basically I adored everything about this book and it's exactly what I needed in exam term and it's my favorite book of the year so far 😭
Basically I adored everything about this book and it's exactly what I needed in exam term and it's my favorite book of the year so far 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, and Sexism
felixreads0321's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, Homophobia, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, Vomit, Biphobia, Blood, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexism
readinglikesappho's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
full transparency i went into this book just expecting a one-off simple romcom but it ended up being so much more than that and I loved it so much.
all cringe aside, this book is the embodiment of the 'we accept the love we think we deserve' quote.
this book made me want to watch a reality dating tv show, but only until I remembered that they all suck and are full of ugly straight people.
the way this book talks about and portrays mental health was one of the best I've read in a while. the way that Charlies OCD & anxiety and Devs depression are talked about and shown to us was so well done. the way that the severity and the dark ugly side of them are normalized and how the focus on therapy and taking care of yourself are emphasized?!?!?!? i cried.
also the way that we see comphet played out and described was so genuine and realistic i related to it so heavily.
Also was a huge fan of the way that Charlie decides he wants to exist outside a label but also being sure in his place on the ace spectrum. I think that people often think ace characters have to be sex-repulsed and timid and forget that asexuality exists on a spectrum so it was really refreshing to see Charlie express his feelings.
i related to Charlie on so many levels that it was genuinely concerning and I'm going to repress some stuff for a little while now but its okay!
even with the heavy themes this book is so much fun and its so cheesy and i loved it and if you're looking for a queer romcom with substance that tugs on your heartstrings in the right way while also giving you the right amount of yanking ur hair out in frustration; i highly HIGHLY recommend checking this book out.
tw// depictions of panic attacks, ableist language surrounding mental health, vomiting, sexism, racism & homophobia (in the context of Hollywood and reality television), heavy discussions about mental health (specifically OCD, anxiety & depression), slightly graphic sexual content, mentions and attempts of sexual assault (minor but still relevant).
all cringe aside, this book is the embodiment of the 'we accept the love we think we deserve' quote.
this book made me want to watch a reality dating tv show, but only until I remembered that they all suck and are full of ugly straight people.
the way this book talks about and portrays mental health was one of the best I've read in a while. the way that Charlies OCD & anxiety and Devs depression are talked about and shown to us was so well done. the way that the severity and the dark ugly side of them are normalized and how the focus on therapy and taking care of yourself are emphasized?!?!?!? i cried.
also the way that we see comphet played out and described was so genuine and realistic i related to it so heavily.
Also was a huge fan of the way that Charlie decides he wants to exist outside a label but also being sure in his place on the ace spectrum. I think that people often think ace characters have to be sex-repulsed and timid and forget that asexuality exists on a spectrum so it was really refreshing to see Charlie express his feelings.
i related to Charlie on so many levels that it was genuinely concerning and I'm going to repress some stuff for a little while now but its okay!
even with the heavy themes this book is so much fun and its so cheesy and i loved it and if you're looking for a queer romcom with substance that tugs on your heartstrings in the right way while also giving you the right amount of yanking ur hair out in frustration; i highly HIGHLY recommend checking this book out.
tw// depictions of panic attacks, ableist language surrounding mental health, vomiting, sexism, racism & homophobia (in the context of Hollywood and reality television), heavy discussions about mental health (specifically OCD, anxiety & depression), slightly graphic sexual content, mentions and attempts of sexual assault (minor but still relevant).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Ableism, Mental illness, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual assault
hmatt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
By the time this came up in my library holds, I had forgotten the context for why it was on my "to-read" list, besides the fact that it was a queer romance. I've been struggling to finish any books this month and snapped it up because I figured it would be a warm, fuzzy, fast read.
Well, it was. But also - it does such an incredible job of juggling all the things I want in a solid romance read:
Well, it was. But also - it does such an incredible job of juggling all the things I want in a solid romance read:
- reads like an adult novel, not YA
- realistic dialogue
- integrates intersectional issues without it feeling forced
- incorporates a diverse range of lovable/complex characters
- doesn't make anyone "the" villain!!!
Sure, it has a pretty cheesy premise that is not-quite realistic, but it was close enough given its other major sell (for me): I have literally never read a character whose queer identity/experience I can basically fully relate to. Full-stop, I've never seen myself in a fictional character in that way before Charlie. I really, really, appreciate the writing that is being done in YA, nonfiction, and fantasy (primarily) with regard to asexual representation, but I find that the most commonly repped aces are sex-repulsed and/or also aromantic, and I don't identify with either of those things. I've also never(? in memory) experienced a character express their discomfort with/preference not to use specific labels for their sexuality, so that was very cool.
I can see how this won't hit the spot for a 5-star with everyone, as it is suuuuper trope-y. I think it may not have made it that far with me if not for some of the nuanced dialogue (the sexuality stuff but also the recurring discussions of mental health issues). The comparison to Red, White & Royal Blue is apt, IMO, and not just because of the genres lining up. It really had the same kind of feel to the storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit and Biphobia
Minor: Sexism, Alcohol, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Homophobia
lnzava's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Homophobia, Biphobia, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Alcohol, Bullying, and Lesbophobia
dhwani's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
just finished this and am writing the review because yes i'm a huge forgetful mess and i know i would forget about it later. however, there is just so much that i want to talk about.
first of all, i don't know whether to rate it full 5 stars, keep it to 4.5 or reduce it to 4 altogether, so you might consider mine a 4.5 for now. of course, i would never hesitate to give a book 5/5 if i love it so much, but there is just something that i didn't completely like as well so yeah i'll be taking away a 0.5 for that.
before we proceed to the good part where i'll be GUSHING about this amazing book, i'd like to address something that i didn't find appealing. that is, Dev Deshpande as a character. as a person who is Marathi (Indian) (take this review as ownvoices), i didn't like how the character was portrayed with almost no part of him showing his (even the slightest) attachment to his desi-ness. His parents are said to be first gen immigrants, he says he wants to produce a desi queer romance and he's said to have brown skin and that's about it. and not to mention there is just ONE Indian food reference and it is vegetarian tikka masala.
although i know that maybe the character must not be having too close of a connection with his culture, i also think that as a POC main character, it was necessary to be shown. having a desi MAIN CHARACTER just for the name and not mentioning anything else about them is so meaningless. there were times when maybe if not constantly reminded of his skin colour, i would've completely forgotten that Dev was Indian. so what i've been trying to say here is that the author could've used some more research and i'll be happy if i get to see a better POC character in their future works.
coming to the part that i liked about the book, i have to say this has to be my most favourite queer joy book ever! i have not read a lot of them but my heart swells with love and yearning whenever i do and it's just to pure to know that being queer is amazing. i absolutely loved the ace-spec rep and the M/M romance, along with queer side characters and them getting stories of their own. there wasn't any character who was baseless or had no real role and was just standing by. NO. literally every character contributed to the story and i liked that so much!
ALSO DID I MENTION THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL YOU AREN'T READING?? i felt like i was there with the characters, feeling this attachment to them that i have rarely felt so strong.
also liked how the ex wasn't the evil doucheboy who loves to ruin his ex's stuff? at first when the ex was mentioned i was like ew here he comes he's going to ruin everything but by the end i ended up liking him too and understanding that some relationships don't work out and it's absolutely okay!
i liked the narrative based around mental health and how it is important and how loving someone else isn't going to magically cure you or make you healthy. the author intricately focused on how people view getting therapy or help as a weakness and how it has to change, i loved all of it so much.
in the end, i'm going to end this review while asking Parisa to be my life so yeah we'll probably end up falling in love, y'all have a good day though!
first of all, i don't know whether to rate it full 5 stars, keep it to 4.5 or reduce it to 4 altogether, so you might consider mine a 4.5 for now. of course, i would never hesitate to give a book 5/5 if i love it so much, but there is just something that i didn't completely like as well so yeah i'll be taking away a 0.5 for that.
before we proceed to the good part where i'll be GUSHING about this amazing book, i'd like to address something that i didn't find appealing. that is, Dev Deshpande as a character. as a person who is Marathi (Indian) (take this review as ownvoices), i didn't like how the character was portrayed with almost no part of him showing his (even the slightest) attachment to his desi-ness. His parents are said to be first gen immigrants, he says he wants to produce a desi queer romance and he's said to have brown skin and that's about it. and not to mention there is just ONE Indian food reference and it is vegetarian tikka masala.
although i know that maybe the character must not be having too close of a connection with his culture, i also think that as a POC main character, it was necessary to be shown. having a desi MAIN CHARACTER just for the name and not mentioning anything else about them is so meaningless. there were times when maybe if not constantly reminded of his skin colour, i would've completely forgotten that Dev was Indian. so what i've been trying to say here is that the author could've used some more research and i'll be happy if i get to see a better POC character in their future works.
coming to the part that i liked about the book, i have to say this has to be my most favourite queer joy book ever! i have not read a lot of them but my heart swells with love and yearning whenever i do and it's just to pure to know that being queer is amazing. i absolutely loved the ace-spec rep and the M/M romance, along with queer side characters and them getting stories of their own. there wasn't any character who was baseless or had no real role and was just standing by. NO. literally every character contributed to the story and i liked that so much!
ALSO DID I MENTION THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL YOU AREN'T READING?? i felt like i was there with the characters, feeling this attachment to them that i have rarely felt so strong.
also liked how the ex wasn't the evil doucheboy who loves to ruin his ex's stuff? at first when the ex was mentioned i was like ew here he comes he's going to ruin everything but by the end i ended up liking him too and understanding that some relationships don't work out and it's absolutely okay!
i liked the narrative based around mental health and how it is important and how loving someone else isn't going to magically cure you or make you healthy. the author intricately focused on how people view getting therapy or help as a weakness and how it has to change, i loved all of it so much.
in the end, i'm going to end this review while asking Parisa to be my life so yeah we'll probably end up falling in love, y'all have a good day though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, Biphobia, Cursing, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
mandaraffe's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Ableism, Alcohol, Biphobia, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship