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bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.5
There is a lot going on in this book, so please be sure to check trigger warnings. Jude and Lauren are bestfriends who decide to move in together after being dealt a garbage hand by life. Jude is a social media influencer with manipulative mom, and Lauren is a single mom with manipulative Ex. Together, they try to rebuild their lives, but things do not go as planned. This book is relatively lighthearted, so it sounds strange when I say it ripped my heart out. The things Lauren is struggling with in regards to her Ex (I would love to punch him in the face!), and has struggled with in the past as a pregnant black woman (My stomach turned and I nearly cried) are so freaking real. Jude's experience with her mom and her reaction is so devastatingly authentic. There is a small romance sub-plot, but the friendship is truly central. Alexa Martin has managed to write a slice of life book that is captivating and meaningful, and is exactly the kind of book I want to write one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Cursing, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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
Gosh did I want to love this book. I don't know what it is about books with moms as protagonists but it is so hit or miss for me! With this book specifically, I wanted to SHAKE Lauren multiple times and tell her to grow a backbone. I wanted her to realize what was happening with Jude because it's obvious. I wanted to slap some sense into Jude as well! I also didn't really like that Lauren was the "does it all" mom because it's simply not realistic and sets high standards that are impossible to reach for many and lead to burnout for so many more. I wanted more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
Minor: Gaslighting and Death of parent
mlottermoser's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, and Toxic relationship
sleeson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
Cute audiobook about two best friends. It’s nice to have a book on just friendship. No falling in love with each other or fighting over a guy. This book is 90% friendship and 10% romance. The two women are complete opposite of one another but have great fun together. Mild swearing. No sexual content. I hope the author continues to share Jude and Lauren’s life adventures.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
walskishere's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
What a good way to start 2022--a five star read!
I really enjoyed this book. From the impeccable, funny writing, to the plot and the trials and tribulations that the main characters went through. I sort of wished that there was more of the actual podcast in the book, like more scenes of them filming, or the script/dialogue of the podcast (maybe written out like a play?). I liked that we got the emails Lauren was sending, but I feel like it could've elevated the story had an episode or two (or even snippets of them) been added to the book. Overall, that didn't really hurt my enjoyment of the book at all, especially since it wasn't really included in the selling points or synopsis of the book.
I would recommend this to pretty much anyone, but especially womxn/femmes, moms, friends of moms, adult children, etc.
I really enjoyed this book. From the impeccable, funny writing, to the plot and the trials and tribulations that the main characters went through. I sort of wished that there was more of the actual podcast in the book, like more scenes of them filming, or the script/dialogue of the podcast (maybe written out like a play?). I liked that we got the emails Lauren was sending, but I feel like it could've elevated the story had an episode or two (or even snippets of them) been added to the book. Overall, that didn't really hurt my enjoyment of the book at all, especially since it wasn't really included in the selling points or synopsis of the book.
I would recommend this to pretty much anyone, but especially womxn/femmes, moms, friends of moms, adult children, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Alcoholism and Gaslighting
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