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what_karla_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
4.25/5 stars
1/5 spice
This book surprised me. I thought with the fun cover, I'd get a romcom with a hint of conflict, but this book packed a punch. Some heavy topics were discussed, and I loved how the author was very realistic about the MCs healing process with similar losses.
Tropes:
Strangers to friends to lovers
Close proximity
Teacher FMC
NP/Medic MMC
BIPOC characters
Indian culture & family dynamics
Trauma/healing
3rd act break up
Dual POV
Daniel and Annika had some great chemistry. Even with the fade to black scenes, there was plenty of tension that built up between them. The Indian culture was very prominent and clear within the story. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook so I could hear how everything was pronounced. I could understand the strictness of the culture but was very happy to see that the family was more accepting of Daniel and Annika's relationship when it was clear how much they loved each other.
Since there was a lot going on internally with both characters, you do have to suffer through the 3rd act break up angst. But I liked how the author resolved it in a realistic way. With these heavy topics, please make sure to read the trigger warnings below and take care of your mental health.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of angsty romances with great family dynamics and drama. It's a fun read despite the heavy topics.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Miscarriage (off page), death of a child (off page), grief, depression, alcoholism, racism, injury details, violence/hate crime, school shooting/gun violence
1/5 spice
This book surprised me. I thought with the fun cover, I'd get a romcom with a hint of conflict, but this book packed a punch. Some heavy topics were discussed, and I loved how the author was very realistic about the MCs healing process with similar losses.
Tropes:
Strangers to friends to lovers
Close proximity
Teacher FMC
NP/Medic MMC
BIPOC characters
Indian culture & family dynamics
Trauma/healing
3rd act break up
Dual POV
Daniel and Annika had some great chemistry. Even with the fade to black scenes, there was plenty of tension that built up between them. The Indian culture was very prominent and clear within the story. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook so I could hear how everything was pronounced. I could understand the strictness of the culture but was very happy to see that the family was more accepting of Daniel and Annika's relationship when it was clear how much they loved each other.
Since there was a lot going on internally with both characters, you do have to suffer through the 3rd act break up angst. But I liked how the author resolved it in a realistic way. With these heavy topics, please make sure to read the trigger warnings below and take care of your mental health.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of angsty romances with great family dynamics and drama. It's a fun read despite the heavy topics.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Miscarriage (off page), death of a child (off page), grief, depression, alcoholism, racism, injury details, violence/hate crime, school shooting/gun violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Hate crime, and Grief
Minor: Child death, Mass/school shootings, Miscarriage, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, and Gun violence
aqtbenz's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Grief, Miscarriage, Child death, Gun violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Mass/school shootings, and Medical content
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