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atlab101's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mackenzie32's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
booklooksbyjenna's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
melissalivanos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
amieib's review against another edition
5.0
Not to be dramatic, but this might be one of the best books I have ever read in my life and it kills that it is not more popular. It was perfection and the kind of book that makes you question all the books you have given 5-stars to prior. I think it might deserve 10, quite frankly. The things I LOVED:
The Couple - The love between Andy and Nick jumped off the page from the start. Even before they got romantic, as just best friends, their love YELLED from the pages of the book. They are two people wholly devoted to one another, they respect the hell out of each other, they are both willing to go above and beyond to make sure that the other felt loved, accepted, valued and seen. Their connection was funny, warm and delicious. They're the kind of couple you want the best for and think they deserve each other wholeheartedly. They both had me on a chokehold from beginning to end and it's a testament to how good of a writer Cat Sebastian is. So sexy. So sweet. So swoony. So RIGHT. The way they would each melt whenever they cooked or got flowers for each other. OMG!! Also, the sexual acceptance and consent was clear to see and it did not at all take away from their more intimate moments together.
The Found Family - Both Andy and Nick had difficult upbringings in different ways. The family they found in Emily, Jeanne and their neighbours was amazing. You know you're a great author when your side characters are able to be flawed but ultimately lovable. I loved that they were able to find peace with several members of the families. The dinner party scene that they have towards the end will stick with me for a long time, I think. Also, I finished the book being a big fan of Andy's dad. He was so cool. Even if I had problems with his mother, I thought she was such a badass too.
The Queer Representation - As a straight woman who is Gen Z, I will never be able to understand what it was like to be a gay person in the 50s. Deeply worried about that every move you made could be the end of your life simply because you are attracted to someone of the same gender. Even if this book is technically historical fiction, it is still very relevant today and I could feel their fear in a very raw way. It would be interesting to see what other queer readers think but I was amazed by how it wasn't sugarcoated but never once felt jarring. It flowed so well and opened my eyes and I feel I am a better human being by consuming it.
This book is one of my all-time faves. I couldn't out it down. I stayed up reading it. I will be forever changed by it. What a time to be alive honestly.
The Couple - The love between Andy and Nick jumped off the page from the start. Even before they got romantic, as just best friends, their love YELLED from the pages of the book. They are two people wholly devoted to one another, they respect the hell out of each other, they are both willing to go above and beyond to make sure that the other felt loved, accepted, valued and seen. Their connection was funny, warm and delicious. They're the kind of couple you want the best for and think they deserve each other wholeheartedly. They both had me on a chokehold from beginning to end and it's a testament to how good of a writer Cat Sebastian is. So sexy. So sweet. So swoony. So RIGHT. The way they would each melt whenever they cooked or got flowers for each other. OMG!! Also, the sexual acceptance and consent was clear to see and it did not at all take away from their more intimate moments together.
The Found Family - Both Andy and Nick had difficult upbringings in different ways. The family they found in Emily, Jeanne and their neighbours was amazing. You know you're a great author when your side characters are able to be flawed but ultimately lovable. I loved that they were able to find peace with several members of the families. The dinner party scene that they have towards the end will stick with me for a long time, I think. Also, I finished the book being a big fan of Andy's dad. He was so cool. Even if I had problems with his mother, I thought she was such a badass too.
The Queer Representation - As a straight woman who is Gen Z, I will never be able to understand what it was like to be a gay person in the 50s. Deeply worried about that every move you made could be the end of your life simply because you are attracted to someone of the same gender. Even if this book is technically historical fiction, it is still very relevant today and I could feel their fear in a very raw way. It would be interesting to see what other queer readers think but I was amazed by how it wasn't sugarcoated but never once felt jarring. It flowed so well and opened my eyes and I feel I am a better human being by consuming it.
This book is one of my all-time faves. I couldn't out it down. I stayed up reading it. I will be forever changed by it. What a time to be alive honestly.
booksandbreadcrumbs's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely fantastic and the perfect first read of Pride Month. There's something about queer historical romance, but especially the sort that feels so grounded in the real world, not denying the hardships of the era, but centering this beautiful love story and all the way queer people have always existed and found happiness anyways.
drphillgucci's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
merricatfromblackwood's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
yellowswagger's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 Rounding up.
What this book does well:
- Bi representation
- Andy is unapologetic about his queer identity.
- Despite the not so light presence of police, this book doesn’t lean into copaganda, but rather openly acknowledges police corruption and the danger that police have and do pose on queer communities
- Part one starts off as a really well paced montage of events that really set the foundation for a romance between Nick and Andy. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy the ride of them being together, rather than that being the conclusion/final destination
- The cat
Where it falls flat
- Primary source of conflict is Nick being gay: Nick has to hide who he is and while I get the historical accuracy of it, I don’t think that storyline is for this book’s target audience. Nick would be relatable for so many discreet and closeted gay men, but this book isn’t marketed for them. In a world where LGBTQ rights and safety are constantly being threatened, I strongly feel that the source of conflict in (the limited selection of) queer stories shouldn’t be identity. It makes characters feel one dimensional. Nick’s biggest fear is being exposed as gay and it speaks louder than his love for Andy
What this book does well:
- Bi representation
- Andy is unapologetic about his queer identity.
- Despite the not so light presence of police, this book doesn’t lean into copaganda, but rather openly acknowledges police corruption and the danger that police have and do pose on queer communities
- Part one starts off as a really well paced montage of events that really set the foundation for a romance between Nick and Andy. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy the ride of them being together, rather than that being the conclusion/final destination
- The cat
Where it falls flat
- Primary source of conflict is Nick being gay: Nick has to hide who he is and while I get the historical accuracy of it, I don’t think that storyline is for this book’s target audience. Nick would be relatable for so many discreet and closeted gay men, but this book isn’t marketed for them. In a world where LGBTQ rights and safety are constantly being threatened, I strongly feel that the source of conflict in (the limited selection of) queer stories shouldn’t be identity. It makes characters feel one dimensional. Nick’s biggest fear is being exposed as gay and it speaks louder than his love for Andy
tnbeena's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5