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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Wow. Seriously wow. I put off this book for a while because I wasn’t sure how I felt about Sarina Bowen, nor how I would be able to connect with the hero/heroine in this book. It seemed like it was going to be a sob fest, which I have to be in a specific mood to read. But it was seriously perfect.
Firstly, sports and friends to lovers—the way to my heart, and this story executed them both perfectly.
The heroine was a perfect mix of upbeat, realistic, and heartbroken. She didn’t wallow, she lived her life, but she had moments of sadness and despair at what she’d lost. But all of these emotions were balanced so perfectly throughout the book to make her entire experience so realistic. It was so easy for me to relate to and be empathetic towards her. And her little hope fairy, so fucking cute. The best addition—always made me smile.
The hero was so good, although he created a bit of angst by creating a bit of a love triangle. However, the way he cared for Corey was just so apparent in the way he spoke to her, thought about her, and treated her that it was very hard to hold his indecision against him. And it was later explained in a somewhat understandable manner. He was just such a strong character and you could really really feel how much he cared for Corey, without having to be told. His actions throughout the story SHOWED it.
The absolute best part of this story? It was slow burn so so slow burn, but in a realistic way. It wasn’t slow burn just because of a bunch of unnecessary back and forth. No, the relationship trajectory was always moving forward in some way instead of becoming stagnant. I hate unnecessary drama, especially the obligatory drama that occurs at around 60% through a romance book right after a couple gets together to break them apart. Corey and Adam’s journey to reach the relationship was so slow and meaningful, that it would have felt especially contrived and really ruined the story to have that drama added in. But it wasn’t. Once they were in their relationship, everything just fell into place because they already cared so much for each other.
All the side characters were incredibly strong on their own too—three-dimensional, without taking away from the main story. Also, it was clear how much they cared for and got along with both the main characters, which was a small background way that Bowen reinforced/built the relationship/friendship between the two main characters. It showed (perfect example of show dont tell) how Adam and Corey fit into each other’s daily lives. The only complaint I have about this story is that it wrapped up a little quickly at the end, kind of tying up loose ends in a rushed manner, especially for a couple of the side characters.
Firstly, sports and friends to lovers—the way to my heart, and this story executed them both perfectly.
The heroine was a perfect mix of upbeat, realistic, and heartbroken. She didn’t wallow, she lived her life, but she had moments of sadness and despair at what she’d lost. But all of these emotions were balanced so perfectly throughout the book to make her entire experience so realistic. It was so easy for me to relate to and be empathetic towards her. And her little hope fairy, so fucking cute. The best addition—always made me smile.
The hero was so good, although he created a bit of angst by creating a bit of a love triangle. However, the way he cared for Corey was just so apparent in the way he spoke to her, thought about her, and treated her that it was very hard to hold his indecision against him. And it was later explained in a somewhat understandable manner. He was just such a strong character and you could really really feel how much he cared for Corey, without having to be told. His actions throughout the story SHOWED it.
The absolute best part of this story? It was slow burn so so slow burn, but in a realistic way. It wasn’t slow burn just because of a bunch of unnecessary back and forth. No, the relationship trajectory was always moving forward in some way instead of becoming stagnant. I hate unnecessary drama, especially the obligatory drama that occurs at around 60% through a romance book right after a couple gets together to break them apart. Corey and Adam’s journey to reach the relationship was so slow and meaningful, that it would have felt especially contrived and really ruined the story to have that drama added in. But it wasn’t. Once they were in their relationship, everything just fell into place because they already cared so much for each other.
All the side characters were incredibly strong on their own too—three-dimensional, without taking away from the main story. Also, it was clear how much they cared for and got along with both the main characters, which was a small background way that Bowen reinforced/built the relationship/friendship between the two main characters. It showed (perfect example of show dont tell) how Adam and Corey fit into each other’s daily lives. The only complaint I have about this story is that it wrapped up a little quickly at the end, kind of tying up loose ends in a rushed manner, especially for a couple of the side characters.
I am conflicted about rating this story. As a romance it didn't work for me at all (1*), because the heroine deserves so much better and I did not find any relationships in this book healthy or romantic.
But as a study on the unbelievable levels of stupidity that can and should generally be expected from college students, this book sort of works. In a "cautionary tale" way. Sadly, all men in this story spend practically the entirety of the book with their heads up their a**es. Even the adults. But some of them do have potential to eventually get better.
I read this book as a juxtaposition of physical limitations and emotional/psychological ones. The first are out in the open, while the later are just as, if not more, crippling, but much less obvious or accidental/excusable. And from that perspective the story works. (3*s?)
If the main couple stayed friends until the "hero" learned to be a better person, or if the "heroine" found a worthier romantic partner, this would have been a very enjoyable book. As it is, I spent a good chunk of the book too grossed out by the "hero" to enjoy the story.
But as a study on the unbelievable levels of stupidity that can and should generally be expected from college students, this book sort of works. In a "cautionary tale" way. Sadly, all men in this story spend practically the entirety of the book with their heads up their a**es. Even the adults. But some of them do have potential to eventually get better.
I read this book as a juxtaposition of physical limitations and emotional/psychological ones. The first are out in the open, while the later are just as, if not more, crippling, but much less obvious or accidental/excusable. And from that perspective the story works. (3*s?)
If the main couple stayed friends until the "hero" learned to be a better person, or if the "heroine" found a worthier romantic partner, this would have been a very enjoyable book. As it is, I spent a good chunk of the book too grossed out by the "hero" to enjoy the story.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved it ! Pure NA jewel !
I don't mind a love triangle when it's obvious that the 2 main characters are meant to be together - or that the actual girlfriend is a complete bitch (in this book she is) - or as long as the guy is not a total asshole (hum ok Hartley made some wrong choices and I found him a bit shallow)
But I loved Corey. Strong, likeable and feisty ! Everything I love in a female character.
I wanted more... I don't find "happily for now" very satisfying.
I don't mind a love triangle when it's obvious that the 2 main characters are meant to be together - or that the actual girlfriend is a complete bitch (in this book she is) - or as long as the guy is not a total asshole (hum ok Hartley made some wrong choices and I found him a bit shallow)
But I loved Corey. Strong, likeable and feisty ! Everything I love in a female character.
I wanted more... I don't find "happily for now" very satisfying.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated