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thanmayi's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The diversity in this book was ASTRONOMICAL. There was POC rep and LGBTQIA+ rep that I was absolutely here for. The thing I loved the most about the book however was how both of the main characters were respectful of each other's space and understood each other and always asked for consent, something most authors out there ignore.
It was refreshing to see how the author portrayed the social norms for queers and how the main characters dealt with not fitting in and still being valid. The way panic attacks and anxiety weren't used as a prop for the plot and were actually a part of the character was nice to see.
As for the side characters, I would DIE for Mason. He is an absolute sweetheart and deserves the world. His character was so well planned and he knew exactly the right things to say in many instances. The rest of the mfkers were also a delight to get to know about in the book. Definitely thrilled about getting to know Oscar better in the next book.
With all that being said, I did want to dig myself a hole and disappear because of second-hand embarrassment for about the first 50 pages of the book but powering through it was definitely a good choice. If you want an emotional yet funny book with kickass characters then you should definitely pick this book up.
It was refreshing to see how the author portrayed the social norms for queers and how the main characters dealt with not fitting in and still being valid. The way panic attacks and anxiety weren't used as a prop for the plot and were actually a part of the character was nice to see.
As for the side characters, I would DIE for Mason. He is an absolute sweetheart and deserves the world. His character was so well planned and he knew exactly the right things to say in many instances. The rest of the mfkers were also a delight to get to know about in the book. Definitely thrilled about getting to know Oscar better in the next book.
With all that being said, I did want to dig myself a hole and disappear because of second-hand embarrassment for about the first 50 pages of the book but powering through it was definitely a good choice. If you want an emotional yet funny book with kickass characters then you should definitely pick this book up.
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
westcdf's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a surprisingly sweet story. I think it's a really interesting spin on a traditional romance novel and honestly made me think a lot about my own perceptions of romance and tradition. It was great representation of a genderqueer character which I loved. Sidney wasn't reduced to their genderqueerness, but it also wasn't something that was completely ignored. I would also say, though it wasn't explicitly stated, many of the characters read as neurodivergent and it was great to see characters act in a way outside of neurotypical thinking. Overall a really sweet book!
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Dysphoria
bellarinabookworm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Misogyny
Also some references to a house fire.qace90's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
I had been interested in this book from the moment I heard about it because I’m all-in for more romances starring nonbinary main characters and love interests, but due to focus issues I had trouble getting into it until I read a finished paperback. And this book is so adorable! I’m already recommending it to all my friends because Ripper includes such fantastic examinations of what makes a relationship work or not work, as well as showing exes who’ve found their way back to friendship. All around this was an absolute joy to read! And I adored the intimacy between Declan and Sidney. The scenes where they spend time together are just so sweet and gave me all kinds of warm-fuzzy feelings. And I appreciate, as an aromantic-spec reader, how in the end this is less a traditional romance and more two people being together in a way that works best for them. Despite my distaste for third-act-breakups, I gotta be honest, this is one instance where it worked for me given the context of the story and Declan’s personality, and the reconciliation was phenomenally done. Just, if you’re interested in non-traditional romance between a cis guy and a genderqueer person, check this book out! It’s so delightfully queer and great chosen family, and some of the sweetest scenes between the central couple!
I had been interested in this book from the moment I heard about it because I’m all-in for more romances starring nonbinary main characters and love interests, but due to focus issues I had trouble getting into it until I read a finished paperback. And this book is so adorable! I’m already recommending it to all my friends because Ripper includes such fantastic examinations of what makes a relationship work or not work, as well as showing exes who’ve found their way back to friendship. All around this was an absolute joy to read! And I adored the intimacy between Declan and Sidney. The scenes where they spend time together are just so sweet and gave me all kinds of warm-fuzzy feelings. And I appreciate, as an aromantic-spec reader, how in the end this is less a traditional romance and more two people being together in a way that works best for them. Despite my distaste for third-act-breakups, I gotta be honest, this is one instance where it worked for me given the context of the story and Declan’s personality, and the reconciliation was phenomenally done. Just, if you’re interested in non-traditional romance between a cis guy and a genderqueer person, check this book out! It’s so delightfully queer and great chosen family, and some of the sweetest scenes between the central couple!
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
memorable's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I really liked this book! Especially towards the end, when the way different kinds of relationships and the struggle of what is romance was discussed!
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders