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ezwolf's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I think my biggest downfall when it comes to romance books is that I expect there to be more of a focus on setting of the romance. In this case, I expected there to be more weightlifting involved and was disappointed there was very little.
The found/chosen family aspect and the idea of putting your needs and wants first sometimes was good and it had potential, it just came after I'd already decided I didn't like Cara or James. This book could have benefited from having alternating POVs which is not something I would usually say, but I think I would have liked Cara (and possibly James as well) more if I'd been able to see some of the story through her.
The found/chosen family aspect and the idea of putting your needs and wants first sometimes was good and it had potential, it just came after I'd already decided I didn't like Cara or James. This book could have benefited from having alternating POVs which is not something I would usually say, but I think I would have liked Cara (and possibly James as well) more if I'd been able to see some of the story through her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Minor: Addiction and Toxic friendship
alexfromistemor's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love Jennifer Dugan. She writes in the same way thoughts flow through my brain, which can seem somewhat chaotic at times, but it so familiar that her work always speaks to me.
Unfortunately, I apparently didn't finish my review when I initially read the book so it's not as fresh in my mind any longer (I'm writing this a month and a half later), and so I'll just say I loved this without details. Sorry. >.<
Unfortunately, I apparently didn't finish my review when I initially read the book so it's not as fresh in my mind any longer (I'm writing this a month and a half later), and so I'll just say I loved this without details. Sorry. >.<
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Alcoholism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use, Addiction, Alcohol, and Abandonment
a_rich_read's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Classism, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Bullying, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
merlesstorys's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was amazing, and if someone’s looking for a new adult/adult romance recommendation without much spice, I’d say this one as an answer.
I really like Jennifer Dugan’s writing style and her way to incorporate characters and motives in a ease that I wouldn’t mind that much either way (like I don’t even like the gym, but this one was amazing).
Also the trope “best friends sibling is the love interest” is so used up… but it was still very great here?
The characters in general felt so real, and I shed some real tears/was quite the wreck when the final blow up happened.
(And one last praise for the premise in general. A gym girl wrecking the best friend’s sister’s wedding by pep talking her out of the wedding? I love it.)
I really like Jennifer Dugan’s writing style and her way to incorporate characters and motives in a ease that I wouldn’t mind that much either way (like I don’t even like the gym, but this one was amazing).
Also the trope “best friends sibling is the love interest” is so used up… but it was still very great here?
The characters in general felt so real, and I shed some real tears/was quite the wreck when the final blow up happened.
(And one last praise for the premise in general. A gym girl wrecking the best friend’s sister’s wedding by pep talking her out of the wedding? I love it.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Drug abuse, Addiction, and Alcoholism
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