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withlivjones's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I couldn’t get into it at all.
In terms of positives: I liked the celebration of South Asian culture, and I actually quite enjoyed Zara’s larger-than-life character - she was pretty funny with her tendency to overshare but also she really does care about people.
However, Zara’s personality doesn’t quite make up for Jay’s lack thereof. I get that what the author was going for was “brooding and grumpy ex-soldier with a heart of gold” but I’m honestly quite over the trope of characters who think they’re unlovable because of their trauma. Jay does get a few bonus points for getting therapy in the end, though.
Also, for a book that I initially thought was going to be about weddings, there wasn’t enough wedding content for me. The book appeared to turn into a legal drama for a moment towards the end which was entertaining if a little unexpected, and combined with many other moments in the plot that felt far too fantastical and cliche, as well as smut that was incredibly cringey (but thankfully not excessive), there were many times I wanted to put my copy down and go for a walk or something.
This might be your cup of tea if you enjoy very cheesy grumpy x sunshine romances, but it just wasn’t for me.
In terms of positives: I liked the celebration of South Asian culture, and I actually quite enjoyed Zara’s larger-than-life character - she was pretty funny with her tendency to overshare but also she really does care about people.
However, Zara’s personality doesn’t quite make up for Jay’s lack thereof. I get that what the author was going for was “brooding and grumpy ex-soldier with a heart of gold” but I’m honestly quite over the trope of characters who think they’re unlovable because of their trauma. Jay does get a few bonus points for getting therapy in the end, though.
Also, for a book that I initially thought was going to be about weddings, there wasn’t enough wedding content for me. The book appeared to turn into a legal drama for a moment towards the end which was entertaining if a little unexpected, and combined with many other moments in the plot that felt far too fantastical and cliche, as well as smut that was incredibly cringey (but thankfully not excessive), there were many times I wanted to put my copy down and go for a walk or something.
This might be your cup of tea if you enjoy very cheesy grumpy x sunshine romances, but it just wasn’t for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Car accident, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Animal death
merlesstorys'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, War, Blood, Death, Violence, Alcohol, Animal death, Car accident, Grief, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Sexual content
kdailyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Medical content
Moderate: Abandonment, Cancer, Bullying, Alcohol, Terminal illness, and Car accident
Minor: Animal death, Pregnancy, Blood, Vomit, and Drug use
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