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hdabru's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
She churns out book after book, and as many contemporary romances do, they all sort of follow the same formula. But throw in a new combo of tropes and some issues the couple has to overcome and you’re good. But some authors can throw together a bunch of tropes and leave you feel like it was just cheesy and contrived. Bailey absolutely crushes it at writing believable main characters with relatable issues and, as is her forte, extremely hot smut scenes.
I found Tallulah’s ptsd extremely relatable, though I thought she came to trust Burgess a little too soon. Given her history, his possessive nature seemed like it would scare her rather than endear her. Further, I thought he compromised on his own convictions a little too quickly. I enjoyed the various adventures the book took us on, but I don’t think he repented enough for what he did in the third act breakup to make her feel safe enough to get back together with him. So I’m conflicted as to whether to give this 3.5 stars or 4, which means I’ll round up to 4 with the caveat that some parts felt weak compared to her other books, including the first one in this series.
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping and Stalking
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
meganclaire7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Graphic: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
heather_harrison's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved the banter between the two MCs.
Tropes
🩵 Sports Romance
🩵 Grumpy/Sunshine
🩵 He falls first
🩵 Age Gap
🩵 Single Dad
🩵 “Who did this to you?”
I wasn’t a huge fall of the third act breakup, and would have liked to see more background about Tallulah’s Turkish background.
Didn’t stop me from absolutely devouring this over a weekend. I can’t wait for the next book, and hope it’s Chloe & Sig!
Graphic: Stalking and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying
beckyremillard's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s dual pov, age gap, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, protective MMC, and so many other great troupes.
I went into this pretty open minded. I really enjoy Tessa Bailey’s books, but they’re not all 5 stars for me. This one started uncertain. It felt almost cheesy for a chapter or two but wow I got into this quickly. This was one that made me want to kick my feet and not want to stop reading. I devoured this book.
I want to fully disclosed that I did not read the first book before reading this one. I’m definitely going to, but it’s still on hold at the library and I just couldn’t wait to read this one.
Definitely give this one a chance if you like any of Tessa Bailey’s books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a chance to read and review this eARC!
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying
spectacles_and_books's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
* 1 Tessa Bailey
* 1 Tallulah (possibly inspired in part by Tessa's love of Turkish Dramas?)
* 1 Burgess (single Dad hockey player)
* a few 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Method:
Mix together facing your fears, admitting your weaknesses and finding the one you can't live without.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of the Big Shots series. There were parts of Tallulah's backstory I found relatable, making the growth in her character so rewarding. Burgess was just the kind of MMC that Tessa writes so well. I call it, the 'enlightened caveman.' He can't help but be all broody and protective, but he's trying his very, very best to be a feminist too.
Perhaps, for me the third act wasn't quite what I was expecting plot wise. Overall though, it's up there with my favourites of hers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
hellowildflower's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Violence
shawniejo's review
4.0
Graphic: Kidnapping and Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking and Toxic relationship
sarahyjackson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Stalking