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catherinedsharp's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A fun romantic comedy but it is quite tropey and also depicts a toxic relationship. The main tropes used are catfishing and miscommunication which can pretty much sum up the plot of this book. It was a good time and pretty enjoyable but was also highly predictable and had me cringing a lot. Would recommend as a book to not take too seriously but that’s all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Fatphobia
blackveilbeccy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've rounded this one up a little because it picked up towards the end, but I definitely think the first one was stronger. Part of that is I just didn't care at all for the main character. I liked her in the first book, but in this one she was whiny and spent a good deal of the plot wallowing in self-pity. It slowed the plot right down, especially in the middle, which was very repetitive.
The love interest for me was much more interesting - his motivations and backstory were more fleshed out compared to the MC and he was also more sympathetic - despite the twist in the story which some other reviewers have said turned them off. For me, the twist was not something I predicted, which actually made the plot have a little more interest.
I think this is likely to be a bridge between 1 and 3, and I'm hoping the third in the series will be better. It wasn't awful, but was let down by a female lead I just didn't like.
The love interest for me was much more interesting - his motivations and backstory were more fleshed out compared to the MC and he was also more sympathetic - despite the twist in the story which some other reviewers have said turned them off. For me, the twist was not something I predicted, which actually made the plot have a little more interest.
I think this is likely to be a bridge between 1 and 3, and I'm hoping the third in the series will be better. It wasn't awful, but was let down by a female lead I just didn't like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Medical trauma, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Gaslighting, and Medical content
Minor: Death of parent, Infertility, and Sexual harassment
beautyandthebeanboots's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship
andmaggie's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Chronic illness
Minor: Fatphobia, Medical trauma, Infertility, and Medical content
apoppyinthewind's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My favourite thing about this series has got to be the Renaissance Fair setting used in each book. Never been to one in my life because they are simply not a thing where I live so I’ve enjoyed the experience through the author’s worldbuilding. The story for this book is loosely based on the play Cyrano de Bergerac which is even named dropped in later chapters. It’s a modern take where the plot tool is catfishing, which the reader knows immediately thanks to the cover & the physical descriptions given of Dex & Daniel, Stacey’s love interests.
Stacey eventually figures out the ruse and I do appreciate that she figures it out on her own before she runs into Dex or Daniel in person. I did expect a little more conflict, especially later with Dex’s behaviour and it feels like it was played a little safe as if the author didn’t want to go full-on in with Dex’s asshole tendencies in case she wanted to use him in a later book for a love interest.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy style book, I’d recommend Well Played though I’d strongly suggest reading Well Met first. It’s slightly better though more importantly, it sets up all the characters involved in the series and the first couple, Emily & Simon, whose story is also continued in the background of Well Played. Reading Well Met first will make the Emily & Simon relationship in Well Played more enjoyable to follow.
Stacey eventually figures out the ruse and I do appreciate that she figures it out on her own before she runs into Dex or Daniel in person. I did expect a little more conflict, especially later with Dex’s behaviour and it feels like it was played a little safe as if the author didn’t want to go full-on in with Dex’s asshole tendencies in case she wanted to use him in a later book for a love interest.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy style book, I’d recommend Well Played though I’d strongly suggest reading Well Met first. It’s slightly better though more importantly, it sets up all the characters involved in the series and the first couple, Emily & Simon, whose story is also continued in the background of Well Played. Reading Well Met first will make the Emily & Simon relationship in Well Played more enjoyable to follow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
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