Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - 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.

Content Warnings

escapismforlife's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

First son Alex Claremont - Diaz and Prince Henry of England are the fantasy dream of what I wish had happened back in 2016. Their lives being public firgures sons were so fascinating to read about.

I couldn't even handle the relationship they had with their sisters, June and Bea. Like their were some scenes where I was balling my eyes out from laughter or tears with them. The support these sibling had for their relationship was so good. Not to mention Nora who saved them for them from the whole bad turn of events. And is the most loyal badass friend. Let alone side character who helps Alex out a lot and is hilarious.

Nothing but respect for Ellen Claremont. A fictional women of color president. And mom who could've been reality and history.

Content Warnings

chrisljm's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful

Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Disclaimer: I am incredibly wary of political figures. It’s fuck the British monarchy and I hate US democracy. I was pretty cynical from the beginning of this book because it seemed like a very much idealized version of political leaders, and I couldn’t help but be bitter. However, as more of the story unfolded, I became swept up in Alex and Henry’s story. The prose is so romantic, using just the right words that had me falling in love with Henry right alongside Alex. There were many moments where I was moved to tears, because Alex’s love is so immense. And since obviously they’re long distance, the pining is just.. so.. good. I loved seeing them come together and I wish I could protect them from all the bad things.

Most of the political aspects took a backseat in my brain majority of the time, but I was definitely less cynical and more hopeful in a way by the end. In the acknowledgements, the author describes the book as “escapist, trauma-soothing, alternate-but-realistic reality. Not a perfect world—one still believably fucked up, just a little better, a little more optimistic”, and I think they accomplished that, at least with me.

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louisa_pennyfeather2021's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

Content Warnings

readandfindout's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars

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