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markedwithanm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Infidelity
amandalorianxo's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I have never been to Portland (or anywhere in Oregon in general) but this book made me want to visit even more now. Plus, I love the idea of a meet cute at Powell’s. It’s nearly the perfect size to stumble on someone who also enjoys the same books you do (or any bookstore really) The representation spread throughout the entire book was lovely as always. I think my only concern was the dubious cheating /not cheating aspect? & how instead of waiting to hear Jac’s side, Ellie just rushed off? That didn’t really make sense to me. I also really wish we had a dual pov in this book but I would have liked to hear Jac’s side of the story when it came to the previous Christmas vs the present day. Ellie’s voice, while deeply personable and relatable, sometimes didn’t make me want to continue because it was …. a lot (especially when it came to failure & how deeply impacted the abandonment her mom + dad had on her.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Racism
hannahmichele5's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
I am not sure if I can put into words how GOOD this book is. KISS HER ONCE FOR ME has been on my radar since I read Alison's debut novel THE CHARM OFFENSIVE and I knew it was going to be amazing going in but KHOFM exceeded ALL of my expectations. This book is tender, charming, somber, kind, steamy, profound, SWEET, etc. etc. etc. all while set with a Christmas story backdrop.
Also, the TAYLOR SWIFT REFERENCES ARE IMMACULATE.
Thank you SO MUCH to Atria Books and for the advanced copy. KHOFM is OUT NOW and is THE Christmas book of the season so trust me when I say you need it.
Also, the TAYLOR SWIFT REFERENCES ARE IMMACULATE.
Thank you SO MUCH to Atria Books and for the advanced copy. KHOFM is OUT NOW and is THE Christmas book of the season so trust me when I say you need it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Sexual content
decklededgess's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
trigger warnings: infidelity (not referring to the polyamory mentioned in the book), sexual content, alcohol, anxiety and panic disorders, body shaming, emotional abuse, transphobia, lesbophobia, biphobia
Hoooooo boi was this book an emotional roller coaster. After The Charm Offensive, I’m wary of emotional devastation when it comes to Alison Cochrun and I WAS RIGHT. THIS BOOK WAS RUDE AS HELL. I finished it in a day.
Ellie and Jack are just something else. The tension, chemistry, yearning, HAVE MERCY. I also didn’t expect to care for Dylan and Andrew as much as I did. I was rooting for all for of these fools in their silly little self made love trapezoid of pain to figure shit out but nooooooooooo they just went and imploded on themselves. The four of them in their messiness had me wanting to yank my hair out.
This book is also stunning in its representation of generalised anxiety disorder. It’s respectful yet accountable for how the main character creates chaos for herself and others through her own pain. It also does a fabulous job of taking time in resolving the knot of hurt and working towards healing.
The queer representation was diverse and well thought out. I appreciated that there were two sides to polyamory represented. One where partners have to remove themselves from the relationship after realising polyamory was not for them and another for representing people who found happiness in polyamory. And no one was villainzed for those choices. It’s a small subplot but I found the care in that decision making really diplomatic and honest.
One of the most devastating third act break ups. EVER. But we get fed with some of the horniest smut ever too. So. Balance.
Hoooooo boi was this book an emotional roller coaster. After The Charm Offensive, I’m wary of emotional devastation when it comes to Alison Cochrun and I WAS RIGHT. THIS BOOK WAS RUDE AS HELL. I finished it in a day.
Ellie and Jack are just something else. The tension, chemistry, yearning, HAVE MERCY. I also didn’t expect to care for Dylan and Andrew as much as I did. I was rooting for all for of these fools in their silly little self made love trapezoid of pain to figure shit out but nooooooooooo they just went and imploded on themselves. The four of them in their messiness had me wanting to yank my hair out.
This book is also stunning in its representation of generalised anxiety disorder. It’s respectful yet accountable for how the main character creates chaos for herself and others through her own pain. It also does a fabulous job of taking time in resolving the knot of hurt and working towards healing.
The queer representation was diverse and well thought out. I appreciated that there were two sides to polyamory represented. One where partners have to remove themselves from the relationship after realising polyamory was not for them and another for representing people who found happiness in polyamory. And no one was villainzed for those choices. It’s a small subplot but I found the care in that decision making really diplomatic and honest.
One of the most devastating third act break ups. EVER. But we get fed with some of the horniest smut ever too. So. Balance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcohol, Biphobia, Body shaming, Cancer, Death, Transphobia, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Lesbophobia, Infidelity, and Homophobia
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