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zaesbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
That being said — I wish it dug just a bitdeeper than it did.
It’s not until almost halfway through the book that we really learn anything deep about Molly (other than that she’s extremely shy & socially anxious); but some hard information about Alex was given very early in the story. Honestly, I feel like this book would’ve been 5 stars if it were all told from Alex’s POV (and maybe a surprise chapter or two from Molly’s) because that’s pretty much how it felt like we were getting information — learning about Molly as Alex did. So it wouldn’t have felt as lopsided for me.
Also - sticking to the “this should’ve just been Alex POV - we get to see her life and the hardships she deals with more than Molly. Even after learning what Molly has dealt with, it’s pretty short, while Alex’s continue through the story.
Finally, I wish the pining started earlier. They both write each other off pretty early. I know they are both focused on their perspective partners — but I mean, come on, at least make it seem like they are initially physically attracted to one another??
All in all - this was a cute, fun book. I get why people really enjoy it - and I did - I just wanted a bit more detail to enjoy.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Addiction
Minor: Car accident and Racism
sonia_447's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol
beangirl7785's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Racism
doublebassgirl's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism and Addiction
aryelee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The secondary focus on mother-daughter relationships was very well written. Alex and her struggle with her mother's alcohol addiction added a lot of depth to her character and life, as well as a heartfelt depiction of how addiction can tear apart families and the strength it takes to seek help. And Molly! Her anxiety paired with her mother trying to take charge and accidentally controlling her life, smothering her, and making her feel shame for her Korean heritage -- the strength it takes to speak out against a beloved family member is treated well and I related a lot to her.
Also, the fake date? The coaching on flirting? The trust they feel when they get closer, feeling at home with each other? What a love story! I adore these two and it was so nice to read such a lighthearted and hopeful book.
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Toxic relationship
mightgosour's review
- 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
3.5
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Drug abuse, Racism, and Addiction
deleore's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcoholism and Addiction
Moderate: Car accident, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Xenophobia
lemonix_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Racism
celestialg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism and Emotional abuse
micaelacccc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Addiction, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident