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rillaarcania's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
inkstndfngrs's review
I *wanted* to really love this book. I did. But honestly...Sidney just wasn't interesting to me. As a fellow non-binary person, and knowing as many nonbinary people as I do, they were just...too neutral? One of the struggles of being nonbinary is that people often still perceive us as being male or female. Everyone in this book just seems to accept that they are completely androgynous?
Heck, I'm non-binary and *I* still do this to other non-binary people!!!!! It's an ingrained habit of years of living within the binary and many of us still sway to stereotypical sides. I know most people see me as female, even on my most masculine of days.
Admittedly, I only made it through about...three chapters? Up until Tyler got to Sidney's apartment for their first filming. And...I just pulled out the bookmark to use it in another book and said "Whoops...oh well." Maybe I'll try it again at some point, but it just wasn't what I wanted (or needed?) to read right now. Perhaps some of my "meh" feelings toward this are addressed later? It just all seems too "perfect world" to me.
Heck, I'm non-binary and *I* still do this to other non-binary people!!!!! It's an ingrained habit of years of living within the binary and many of us still sway to stereotypical sides. I know most people see me as female, even on my most masculine of days.
Admittedly, I only made it through about...three chapters? Up until Tyler got to Sidney's apartment for their first filming. And...I just pulled out the bookmark to use it in another book and said "Whoops...oh well." Maybe I'll try it again at some point, but it just wasn't what I wanted (or needed?) to read right now. Perhaps some of my "meh" feelings toward this are addressed later? It just all seems too "perfect world" to me.
onlyadream223's review
4.0
The Love Study by Kris Ripper was my first non-binary read. Quite honestly it took me a little bit to get used it. I had to remember that the use of they meant one person and not a group of people. Once I got past that, the premise behind this story was interesting and oozed comic relief and DRAMA.
This book was a whole movement. It read like a coming of age story, we except that the characters were grown. It wasn't so much the exploration piece, but the growing kind, the kind of story that really makes you think about your life and your choices.
The writing style makes it feel almost like a journal where I believe it would be easily enjoyed by teenagers.
I highly recommend this book if only to gain a different perspective and learn a few things.
Special thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review
This book was a whole movement. It read like a coming of age story, we except that the characters were grown. It wasn't so much the exploration piece, but the growing kind, the kind of story that really makes you think about your life and your choices.
The writing style makes it feel almost like a journal where I believe it would be easily enjoyed by teenagers.
I highly recommend this book if only to gain a different perspective and learn a few things.
Special thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review
trashpigeon's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
beck22e's review against another edition
2.0
A sweet book, good representation of queer romance, but not my type of book. I probably would have liked it less if it it wasn't gay.
readingwithstardust's review against another edition
3.0
I think this really stalled out after they ended the Love Study in favor of 'dating'. I appreciated all of the anxiety rep and this beautiful depiction of a non-traditional 'dating' relationship style. But it did drag in the second half.
allison_reads_87's review
DNF at 50% just couldn’t get into it. The writing was oddly repetitive and the dialogue didn’t work for me.
zellm's review
2.0
I accidentally read the second book in the series first and really enjoyed it, so I came back to read this one and was unfortunately disappointed. I felt like it was forced, the plot points were cliche and fabricated, and I was really bummed that compared to The Hate Project there was no sex or real chemistry here. It felt like a cop out, especially as there was a throwaway line at the end about Sidney's dysphoria during sex, which could've been a great tender and touching moment during intimacy but was instead a one off line in the last chapter.
_ashton_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I LOVED the diversity in this, and it was such a nice, light-hearted romance that was great to pick up if you want a sweet and uncomplicated romance. This is also, sadly, why I couldn't give it above 3 stars.
I enjoyed the characters and the representation, I just felt like I wanted something...more. I didn't really believe the physical or emotional chemistry between Declan and Sidney. It seemed to happen very easily and organically, but without any type of spark or strong emotion (other than the expected curve ball of angst thrown in at the very end and then quickly resolved). I guess I just wanted more build up and connection between them. It wasn't a "bad" book by ANY means, it just left me feeling neutral. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, and I am so grateful for authors such as Ripper because the more LGBTQIA+ romance rep we can get, the better!
***Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review***
I enjoyed the characters and the representation, I just felt like I wanted something...more. I didn't really believe the physical or emotional chemistry between Declan and Sidney. It seemed to happen very easily and organically, but without any type of spark or strong emotion (other than the expected curve ball of angst thrown in at the very end and then quickly resolved). I guess I just wanted more build up and connection between them. It wasn't a "bad" book by ANY means, it just left me feeling neutral. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, and I am so grateful for authors such as Ripper because the more LGBTQIA+ romance rep we can get, the better!
***Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review***
books_and_cha's review
3.0
3.5 stars
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.