Reviews with content warning for Hate crime - Vermelho, Branco e Sangue Azul

TikTok made me do it, I swear!

OK, before I go into what I think about this book, I really want to preface this by saying that this isn't a bad book, at all. At best, it might not have been 100% for me, because there are a few things I definitely didn't like.

First of all, this book is very much on a medium pace in terms of plot or lack thereof: things happen, for sure, sometimes even very emotional or somewhat tense! But the romance? It's very much linear from start to finish, and it's also incredibly fast. I wouldn't call this an insta-love, not at all, but it did seem like the Enemies to Lovers trope was included just to have something before the characters get together: from what I can tell, it was all a misunderstanding, which... OK? All I can say is that the first main moment in the relationship happens before the 1/3 mark. And that's usually pretty underwhelming for me, because I really enjoy the pining stage, but this wasn't really that? The moment happens, there's a little connecting scene before the next moment and that's it.

I did want the main characters to get together because they are very much loveable and likeable, however, as a reader, I'd much more rather have a few super special scenes that'll really stick with me for a long time than a bunch of... well, there's no other way to describe it, fluff moments that are sweet, sure, but they didn't read as that special because of their frequency, you know? There's only so much you can get out of two characters making out and/or having sex, in my opinion.

Granted, I was never bored! It read really nice and light - those kinds of scenes that make you feel warm inside, but if you ask me to tell you about a specific scene? I'm going to have to say that I truly remember none outside of the first moment and another one that's before a big moment in the book. Which brings me to my next point: I 100% understand that putting strain in a relationship is part of romance books. What I don't like is when that strain is used like I feel it was used in this book: to keep it going.

When you lean into the idea that there's always a new problem that's going to come down the road, it's hard for me to feel invested: Oh, yeah! They had a fight and they finally made up and they're on good terms again and really lovey-dovey, wow! I won't think that because if it's not the end of the book, I know something else will probably happen - and while other books usually have a plot to justify that, this one doesn't. It's usually misunderstandings or lack of communication - the one true strain I found compelling was the last one, because it was the only one that actually made me fear for the ending. It wasn't on the main ones themselves, but their surroundings.

I did like the ending - it's very hopeful, in my opinion. I enjoyed it. Just like I enjoyed this book, but I believe this could've been a way more entertaining read with:

a better set-up of the enemies to lovers thing;
a longer pining arc with an efusive, instead of jumping into the big moments (first kiss, confession, making out, sex, etc); The first moment was so anti-climatic.
I was going to say more outside conflict, but the truth is the final conflict could've definitely been stretched out for the whole book with the right mindset;

So, that's why I'm not giving it 4 full stars: I don't regret reading it, but I wish it was better.

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luluslittlelibrary's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I was really looking forward to reading this book because of all of the good things I have heard about it... but I was terribly disappointed. The idea for this book was great, but it wasn't executed very well. None of the plot points interested me very much and I struggled to connect to the characters. There was also no chemistry between the two main characters, Alex and Henry. Sure, it was a fine read. Good if you are looking for a cute romance that you can finish quickly, but there are many other books similar to this that are written much better.

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roxette's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

3.75

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emmaward55's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

Okay this book ended far too quickly and I need more wholesome gay content and friendship group antics <3

That being said, WHY did McQuiston use the name of a real prince for Henry's older brother?! I kept picturing old prince Phillip with his translucent skin and liver spots!

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