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bookishllly's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a brilliant debut novel and the cover is beautiful. I loved how the past and present were mixed but yet distinct.
It was beautifully written and the author brilliantly captured the issues of race, gender and privilege and I connected with Kal on some level.
The story within the story (Danny’s parents’ love) was very good and interesting. The supporting characters were amazing, especially Bella and Neha and I hope they get their own stories.
As interesting as this was, I felt it was dragging on in some parts and all over the place. Both main characters were all over the place- blowing both hot and cold at the same time never quite reaching the temp to set the story on fire. Also, I would have loved Danny’s point of view.
If you love second chance romance, workplace romance with Hollywood background then you will enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Misogyny, and Bullying
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Grief
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is a second-chance romance between Kaliya and Daniel, as they reunite seven years after their college romance crashed and burned as quickly as it began. Daniel gives Kaliya a job on the set of his new film, as he is Hollywood's newest up-and-coming director-writer darling. Just as their romance crashed, this attempted job crashes too due to nepotism this time (yay Hollywood /sarcastic), so Daniel scrambles to find her another job since she already submitted her resignation to her current production company as their receptionist.
Daniel also has a celebrity girlfriend Celine, so as Kaliya confronts their painful past, she also must push aside any feelings as she knows Daniel is no longer a romantic option anyway! However, with close proximity, PR relationships, miscommunications, public pressures, and more, there may just be something simmering leftover from all those years ago!
I loved the writing and narrative voice of this book - it flowed really well, the pacing was perfect (to me), and I had so much fun getting to know the cast of characters. I giggled while reading this, and also felt like these characters were so real! MA fleshed out these characters' motivations, backgrounds, and dynamics with each other, that it was so easy to follow along and understand why these exes made certain decisions or where their anxieties stemmed from. I think Myah Ariel is such a talented writer, and I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work!
steam rating: 3 out of 5
This is a second-chance romance between Kaliya and Daniel, as they reunite seven years after their college romance crashed and burned as quickly as it began. Daniel gives Kaliya a job on the set of his new film, as he is Hollywood's newest up-and-coming director-writer darling. Just as their romance crashed, this attempted job crashes too due to nepotism this time (yay Hollywood /sarcastic), so Daniel scrambles to find her another job since she already submitted her resignation to her current production company as their receptionist.
Daniel also has a celebrity girlfriend Celine, so as Kaliya confronts their painful past, she also must push aside any feelings as she knows Daniel is no longer a romantic option anyway! However, with close proximity, PR relationships, miscommunications, public pressures, and more, there may just be something simmering leftover from all those years ago!
I loved the writing and narrative voice of this book - it flowed really well, the pacing was perfect (to me), and I had so much fun getting to know the cast of characters. I giggled while reading this, and also felt like these characters were so real! MA fleshed out these characters' motivations, backgrounds, and dynamics with each other, that it was so easy to follow along and understand why these exes made certain decisions or where their anxieties stemmed from. I think Myah Ariel is such a talented writer, and I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work!
steam rating: 3 out of 5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexism, Bullying, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
literaryintersections's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There was so much that I loved about this book. I really liked Kaliya and her experience working in film. The racism she experiences from literally everyone, the way she is already steps behind other people because of whiteness and nepotism. Danny bothered me a lot and I think this would’ve done better with a dual pov. Like if we got his pov to understand what’s going on in his head I think it would make him more sympathetic because the choices he makes seem dumb left and right.
Bella was a surprise for me. I was prepared for her to be a stinker and the big barrier for Kaliya but she was fabulous, funny, a true ally, and I want her book. I also want a Neha and Eric story.
Some of this was predictable (Celine sucks). Some I hated (I hate a current girlfriend to ex girlfriend sabotaging careers and Danny was with Celine for far too long). And the ending wrapped up a little too easily. But overall it was a good debut, had some swoony parts, and I can’t wait to see more from Myah.
Bella was a surprise for me. I was prepared for her to be a stinker and the big barrier for Kaliya but she was fabulous, funny, a true ally, and I want her book. I also want a Neha and Eric story.
Some of this was predictable (Celine sucks). Some I hated (I hate a current girlfriend to ex girlfriend sabotaging careers and Danny was with Celine for far too long). And the ending wrapped up a little too easily. But overall it was a good debut, had some swoony parts, and I can’t wait to see more from Myah.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Abandonment and Death of parent
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