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krystalframe's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Racism and Police brutality
Minor: Gun violence
caroiline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Racism, Sexual violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Gun violence
courtneyvbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use and Rape
hannahmichele5's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcoholism and Vomit
sarahsbookstacks's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Racism, Racial slurs, Drug use, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Gun violence
monicasabi's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Police brutality, and Sexual assault
milymily22's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racism and Gun violence
this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I loved this book so much. I love how Kennedy masterfully weaves in social justice issues with romance and then ties it all together with steam. There is nuance to her writing and she is so good at drawing the reader in and making them fall in love with her characters and their growth. I adored the tension between Grip and Bristol, the myriad ways in which they ebbed and flowed. Eight years is a long time to pine for someone but damn if Grip doesn't make it seem effortless.
Most important in this book, though, is the underlying discussion of race, racism, police brutality, and white privilege. Through their relationship, the reader is able to enter Grip's world as he sees it, lives it, experiences it, thrives in it, struggles in it. As he's trying to teach Bristol, he is also teaching readers who may not be familiar with this lifestyle. Bristol is forced to not only confront her privileges but also admit that she needs to do something about them. The scene where Grip is stopped by police and he's guiding Bristol on how to behave? Powerful. His entire "Bruise" song? POETRY. This story is impactful, engaging, thought-provoking, and so damn sexy. It's a must-read.
Graphic: Racism and Police brutality
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse