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muddymind'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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: War, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Chronic illness
Minor: Kidnapping
jei_reads_sometimes's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Grief, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Kidnapping, Ableism, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
mobymaize's review
- 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
Graphic: Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Death, Drug use, Dysphoria, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Blood, Bullying, Grief, Homophobia, Medical content, War, Classism, Death of parent, Outing, Sexual content, Deadnaming, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Ableism, Body shaming, Alcohol, Addiction, Child abuse, Infidelity, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Gun violence
btrz7's review against another edition
2.75
Moderate: Drug use, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Deadnaming
gogglor's review
- 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
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Drug abuse, Grief, and Kidnapping
Moderate: War, Deadnaming, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail, Infertility, and Vomit
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
The FMC being trans is handled with phenomenal aplomb, but from the nature of the story there is some non-cruelly-intended deadnaming. There’s a CW at the start of the book that discusses it. MMC does react with hurt when he finds out FMC is his trans former friend, but it’s to do with the lack of trust, not with her living as a woman. MMC has war-induced PTSD and has a flashback in the story. All in all there is a LOT of recovering from trauma and grief in this book, but it ends happily and everything seems to be handled well. I know it’s a lot of trigger warnings but I think it’s still a worthwhile read even if some of your triggers are listed.missbreathing's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
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This was an assigned reading, but I forgot I was meant to be reading it critically. It hooked me from the start and didn’t let go. It was just a delight!
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I really admire how Hall writes about a trans woman in a period piece. It’s hopeful and optimistic and joyful and mournful all at once. We get to see the full complexity of Viola’s experiences and emotions.
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Hall’s characteristic humor shines through, and the dialogue was delightfully witty. I also loved how much of a simp the MMC is. Gracewood is pretty much gone for Viola from the start and is not shy about telling her. Over and over again. He gave us so many sweet and decadently over the top lines! Had me giggling and kicking my feet. 🤭
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This was so much fun!
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Deadnaming, and Sexual content
Minor: War
lisacanteven's review
- 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
Here's where it didn't work for me: Almost 400 pages were telling a beautiful story with lovely writing and great character development. Then it took a hard left turn somewhere just south of page 400, and we were taken on a totally different ride on a trip I did not sign up for. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't the one I wanted to be on. Maybe another time I would have enjoyed the trip, but I was ready for the trip I already had to be finished. Ya getting me?
Then for a few pages just north of page 400 the story got a little patriarchal outta nowhere. I didn't really expect that one person to just excuse the other person's behavior like they used the wrong fork at fancy dinner. If you read it, think about it. How did they just get away with it, but that is kinda how it usually happens because patriarchy.
Just as I was building my case against the villain's terrible redemption arc, the ending came together in a way that did satisfy me. I mean no one took down patriarchy in this book, but maybe that wasn't the point.
Here's what did work for me: The trans representation was really nice and sweet. I thought it was the perfect blend of trans joy and trans realness. You do have to suspend your disbelief and let yourself enjoy the relationship, but experiencing the trans joy through the story is worth it. For that alone this book was worth the read despite its flaws.
TL;DR- The first 400 pages will seem very laborious, but the last 50 pages will flash before your eyes like you're fast forwarding a movie. Both these parts of the story are enjoyable in their own right, but when put together they make a confusing tale. The queer, specifically trans, representation only gave the story more depth and attachment. For that achievement this story has earned its place among must-read romance books.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Ableism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and War
sproutedpages's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Grief, Kidnapping, Drug abuse, Deadnaming, Transphobia, Alcoholism, War, Suicidal thoughts, Dysphoria, and Abandonment
Moderate: Blood and Body shaming
kylarenea_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcoholism, Mental illness, War, Death, Dysphoria, Grief, Infertility, and Kidnapping
thepoieszedlife's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Mental illness and Misogyny