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megs23's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
I really wanted to completely love this book. I loved a lot: the authentic mental health representation for both anxiety and ptsd, the normalization of therapy for both characters (although Walker didn’t have a current therapist the whole book), Aja as a leading character, how hard yet meaningful it is to make new friends as an adult, how 0% of the book was about Aja (or anyone else) trying to change her body in anyway, and actively felt countering fatphobia, interracial MCs, bingo, and the imagery. I struggled with the pace of the book. It moved slowly for me, and although that was on theme for the summer rural South Carolina setting, it took me much longer to finish than typical. I also struggled with the flow. It felt like there were several scenes that didn’t fully end before abruptly transitioning to the next chapter and a completely different scene. I would have loved to see more how the dinner party went, how the Fourth of July picnic was, and just in general have more complete scenes than the many snippets. Sweet read, good steam, great representation, and good epilogue to wrap up on Aja and Walker’s story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Addiction
Moderate: Drug abuse and Bullying
Minor: Self harm
asparagusisreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Walker gives me Chris Jamal Evans and Vishawn Jarvis (iykyk) vibes, especially with one of the beginning scenes with the peach cobbler (I imagined Chris Evans in the Vishawn sweater eating the peach cobbler and thinking about Aja OR devouring Aja like they devoured the cobbler), and I was LIVING for it.
The 3rd act conflict? Hated it. The resolution to the conflict? Loved it.
Tropes: meddling grandparents, friends-to-lovers
Representation: PTSD, panic attacks and anxiety
Content and Trigger Warnings: panic attacks and anxiety (on page), child endangerment (briefly mentioned in a discussion,) addiction, self-harm
The 3rd act conflict? Hated it. The resolution to the conflict? Loved it.
Tropes: meddling grandparents, friends-to-lovers
Representation: PTSD, panic attacks and anxiety
Content and Trigger Warnings: panic attacks and anxiety (on page), child endangerment (briefly mentioned in a discussion,) addiction, self-harm
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Addiction and Self harm
a_libra_library's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
4.75
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Griffin for this Audio Arc.
This book opens with a panic attack and has themes of Mental health and illnesses.
Heavy trigger warnings for PTSD, Anxiety disorders and panic attacks, self harm.
Aja, a young social media manager, who has just moved to the small town of Greenbelt meets the man of her dreams in the local supermarket in the midst of a panic attack.
This dreamy man, Walker Abbot, has just returned to Greenbelt to help with his grandmother after a minor accident. After a heated bingo game Aja and Walker decide to go into a hasty bingo sex pack - Because that would be better than admitting there could be more than just sexual attraction.
I love that this romance book focuses on the two people individually, their families, friendships and health then puts them together. AND THEY COMMUNICATE!
Walker deals with his childhood trauma and relationships with his hometown, father and grandmother.
Aja works with her social anxiety by making friends in a new town and looking for a fresh start.
This book is HOT 🔥 🥵 , I never knew bingo could be sexy!? A bingo sex pact, thats definely how I’m going to recommend this book. The banter, the relationship, friendships!? I loved every bit of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Alcoholism, Cursing, and Drug abuse
brazenbookbabe's review
emotional
funny
tense
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
The characters in this book where delightful and the story was extremely sweet and fun. But don’t mistake sweet for not spicy bc this book has the spice. I loved the character growth.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Abandonment, Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
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