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ayah_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
3.0
I feel like this started off way better than when it ended đ¤Łđ
I enjoyed this one, very easy to read and blew through it. I liked the writing, the characters, their relationship, and the rep, overall it's a solid romcom.
My main issue is two things. 1) It lacked a substantial plot - literally the blurb is basically a plot summary of all the major beats of the story (which is such bad marketing rip đ). 2) I felt like Crystal's overall arc and the book's message was a bit simplistic, it's not that I don't think it's a good message, but Crystal's development towards the end felt basic, I'd assumed that someone that's had her platform for 7 years would have already had these realistions?? Especially some of the things with racism and her conversation with her dad, like did she really think she was the only one to experience racism?? I think had there been a stronger plotline than this wouldn't have been as bad, but it's literally Crystal internal monologuing or having conversations with people that leads her to these simple realisations, it was too much tell not show for a growth arc and not enough depth to be meaningful generally.
I also wish her and Scott had stayed in the nemesis stage more, which yes I say because I'm enemies to lovers trash, but also I just can't with romcom couples saying I love you in less than three months like PLEASE.
Overall, enjoyed this and will probably pick up the second book in this companion series when I'm in the mood for a romcom.
I enjoyed this one, very easy to read and blew through it. I liked the writing, the characters, their relationship, and the rep, overall it's a solid romcom.
My main issue is two things. 1) It lacked a substantial plot - literally the blurb is basically a plot summary of all the major beats of the story (which is such bad marketing rip đ). 2) I felt like Crystal's overall arc and the book's message was a bit simplistic, it's not that I don't think it's a good message, but Crystal's development towards the end felt basic, I'd assumed that someone that's had her platform for 7 years would have already had these realistions?? Especially some of the things with racism and her conversation with her dad, like did she really think she was the only one to experience racism?? I think had there been a stronger plotline than this wouldn't have been as bad, but it's literally Crystal internal monologuing or having conversations with people that leads her to these simple realisations, it was too much tell not show for a growth arc and not enough depth to be meaningful generally.
I also wish her and Scott had stayed in the nemesis stage more, which yes I say because I'm enemies to lovers trash, but also I just can't with romcom couples saying I love you in less than three months like PLEASE.
Overall, enjoyed this and will probably pick up the second book in this companion series when I'm in the mood for a romcom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
amandalynnhuffman's review against another edition
4.0
This was pretty cute. Solid 4.5 stars.
Amy Lea is a new to me author and I was hooked from page 1. Her writing style and character development were both great. The plot seemed slightly unrelatable to me, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Admittedly, I donât love the influencer aspect. The job itself is fine, but I was not a huge fan of the social media posts and commentary throughout the book. It felt choppy. This is likely personal preference, and Iâm sure others would not be bothered by it. And not just that. Some of the thoughts in Crystalâs head and her dialogue were a littleâŚtrendy? It was her whole vibe. Iâm not sure how to describe it, but it wasnât my favorite. However, this was a minor issue and not enough to lower my rating.
Scott and Crystalâs bond was really sweet. I actually loved the slow-burn development of their relationship. With Scott being newly single, it would not have felt nearly as authentic without the time as friends first.
Scott was, of course, perfect and wonderful. Who doesnât love a hot firefighter who loves his family, helps others, and has a solid golden retriever energy? Who doesnât love a man who brings his woman her favorite food, loves her curves, and sticks up for her? He gets all the brownie points.
I genuinely was thinking 5 stars in my head for 85% is the bookâŚand thenâŚI was hit with yet ANOTHER completely pointless and forced third act breakup. What IS it with authors doing this? Itâs a trend that needs to stop and that is a hill Iâm willing to die on.
If there is a legitimate reason for a couple to break up, then okay. But all theseâmainly FMCs, letâs be honestâcharacters flying off the handle for literally no reason and ending their relationship entirely is just asinine. How about, âI need space,â or âI need some time alone.â Why is a complete breakup necessary? It is just a huge pet peeve for me and I automatically end up knocking off a star. I hate it that I let one element ruin an entire book, but it truly does alter my enjoyment and experience. We like what we like and we hate what we hate.
Other than that, this book was fun, light, had a solid message, and great characters. I will definitely pick up book two in the series!
Amy Lea is a new to me author and I was hooked from page 1. Her writing style and character development were both great. The plot seemed slightly unrelatable to me, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Admittedly, I donât love the influencer aspect. The job itself is fine, but I was not a huge fan of the social media posts and commentary throughout the book. It felt choppy. This is likely personal preference, and Iâm sure others would not be bothered by it. And not just that. Some of the thoughts in Crystalâs head and her dialogue were a littleâŚtrendy? It was her whole vibe. Iâm not sure how to describe it, but it wasnât my favorite. However, this was a minor issue and not enough to lower my rating.
Scott and Crystalâs bond was really sweet. I actually loved the slow-burn development of their relationship. With Scott being newly single, it would not have felt nearly as authentic without the time as friends first.
Scott was, of course, perfect and wonderful. Who doesnât love a hot firefighter who loves his family, helps others, and has a solid golden retriever energy? Who doesnât love a man who brings his woman her favorite food, loves her curves, and sticks up for her? He gets all the brownie points.
I genuinely was thinking 5 stars in my head for 85% is the bookâŚand thenâŚI was hit with yet ANOTHER completely pointless and forced third act breakup. What IS it with authors doing this? Itâs a trend that needs to stop and that is a hill Iâm willing to die on.
If there is a legitimate reason for a couple to break up, then okay. But all theseâmainly FMCs, letâs be honestâcharacters flying off the handle for literally no reason and ending their relationship entirely is just asinine. How about, âI need space,â or âI need some time alone.â Why is a complete breakup necessary? It is just a huge pet peeve for me and I automatically end up knocking off a star. I hate it that I let one element ruin an entire book, but it truly does alter my enjoyment and experience. We like what we like and we hate what we hate.
Other than that, this book was fun, light, had a solid message, and great characters. I will definitely pick up book two in the series!
aj5629's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mooshroomx's review against another edition
slow-paced
0.5
Dnf for me 200 pages in I got really bored
alex_munoz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
ines_semiona's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? N/A
4.25
I really liked this book. I was not expecting it to be that good. But I really enjoyed reading it. (The only reason why I don't give more stars to it, it's because they fight a lot, over things that I don't think are that important. )
lt_paula's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
one direction mentioned â¤ď¸đđť
mneves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
snap_dragon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.0