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heather077's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Sexual content
princessgirlypop's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
I have pretty mixed feelings about this book, there were aspects I loved and aspects I hated. I’ll start by saying I wasn’t a fan of the writing style/prose. It felt quite repetitive and convoluted a lot of the time. I frankly think the book could’ve been a lot shorter if there wasn’t a description of Ivan’s eye color on every other page. However, I think that’s just my preference, other people might engage with it more than me. Also, for the first 30-40% of the book I did not vibe with Jasmine at all and found her pretty insufferable. Their banter (while good which I’ll get into in a moment) became extremely repetitive at times. Like “get in the car” “no I don’t want to” for literally like 2-3 pages.
Now onto what I did like! The romance and story itself were amazing and what pushed me to finish the book. Like I was giggling and getting butterflies from how romantic it was. The slow burn romance had a well-paced build up that kept me enticed and the awkward/cheesy situations that fueled the romance didn’t feel forced. Also, in the latter part of the book Jasmine really grew on me and after finishing it, despite her not really being my kind of person, I still like her a lot! Finally, a lot of their banter actually had me laughing out loud and was super enjoyable!
Overall, I don’t think it was as good as tiktok made it out to be, but if you like slow burn, lots of a banter, and a hot male lead I’d recommend this book!
Now onto what I did like! The romance and story itself were amazing and what pushed me to finish the book. Like I was giggling and getting butterflies from how romantic it was. The slow burn romance had a well-paced build up that kept me enticed and the awkward/cheesy situations that fueled the romance didn’t feel forced. Also, in the latter part of the book Jasmine really grew on me and after finishing it, despite her not really being my kind of person, I still like her a lot! Finally, a lot of their banter actually had me laughing out loud and was super enjoyable!
Overall, I don’t think it was as good as tiktok made it out to be, but if you like slow burn, lots of a banter, and a hot male lead I’d recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying
whatjasread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
• holy Lukov
• honestly just floored, maybe it’s a case of me being sad as hell and Ivan saying all the things I needed to hear right now but this was so good
• as a fat person myself I didn’t like all the comments about appearances and weight it just felt so unnecessary with no explanation *but* the book has just been amazing vibes for me which is why I haven’t knocked stars off
• my heart bleeds for jasmine so much I adore her
• the bracelet!!!!!
• the Hershey kisses!!!!!
• I lost it with the hair stroking and the nursing to health honestly on the floor sobbing
• so so good honestly I’ve loved both the zapata books I’ve read so far maybe they’re an autobuy author now???
TWs: fatphobia, mockery of learning disability, mention of racism, bullying, car accident (mother, off page), skating accident & injury, strained family relationships, burnout, social pressure, sexual harassment (mail, social media), mention of stalking
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, I see how they look at you, who did this to you, nursing to health, found family, celebrity romance
• honestly just floored, maybe it’s a case of me being sad as hell and Ivan saying all the things I needed to hear right now but this was so good
• as a fat person myself I didn’t like all the comments about appearances and weight it just felt so unnecessary with no explanation *but* the book has just been amazing vibes for me which is why I haven’t knocked stars off
• my heart bleeds for jasmine so much I adore her
• the bracelet!!!!!
• the Hershey kisses!!!!!
• I lost it with the hair stroking and the nursing to health honestly on the floor sobbing
• so so good honestly I’ve loved both the zapata books I’ve read so far maybe they’re an autobuy author now???
TWs: fatphobia, mockery of learning disability, mention of racism, bullying, car accident (mother, off page), skating accident & injury, strained family relationships, burnout, social pressure, sexual harassment (mail, social media), mention of stalking
Tropes: enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, I see how they look at you, who did this to you, nursing to health, found family, celebrity romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Stalking
Moderate: Bullying, Body shaming, Mental illness, and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism and Car accident
lisa_m's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Okay I have to say, this book was a disappointment. I didn't know how tho rate this book for quite a while.
The beginning was amazing. I liked the plot, I liked the characters and I liked the writing style. My favourite thing about this book is the humour. I laughed so so much while reading it! I absolutely loved the bickering and just the general dynamic between the main characters. It was fun to see them fighting in a sort of childlike manner even though they are 26 & 29.
Throughout about half of the book I really thought I would give this book a five star rating. It was funny and really fast paced. I didn't like the characters individually that much but as we got to know more about them I started to like them.
List of things I didn't like:
- Jasmines constant distrust and unability to communicate her feelings even though we as readers get to read them so they are obviously there
- All of the things that are brought up for no reason and then never explained:
Why did Lukov say he only wants to partner up with her for one year and thats it - even though we later find out that was never his plan? Why is Jasmine so disliked by the public? There are so many mentions and so little explanation. What did Peter say about her? Why did he choose another partner? What is up with the ugly costume Ivan got so protective about that initially started their bickering?
- The things that got explained and where just so underwhelming:
The reason they didn't talk about Mindy? - lame I expected something wayy jucier
The reason Ivan always had to go home? - Cute but he does mention that Ellie always comes by to feed them and take them for a walk so..?)
- That Lukovs sister who is supposed to be Jasmines best friend is only really mentioned once?
- I hated that they did not only make fun of each other for superficial reasons but also stuff they were really insecure about.
- Also consent is very much non existent in this world. She is always talking about how they don't have personal space because they are figureskaters. When he first kisses her she just 'lets him do it' since he was happy? Idk I just really didn't like that.
One of the biggest reasons I was disappointed by this book was Ivan Lukov though. He has such potential and I really liked him in the beginning. When he started to be super nice to her I liked him even more but then he just became a douchebag.
- He finds out Jasmine has a stalker AND GETS MAD AT HER? Why can't he just be supportive?
- He constantly makes her do things she doesn't want to do and EXPLICITLY TELLS him she doesn't want to do (Like the naked Fotoshoot or not wanting to go to his place etc)
- He makes fun of her for things she is already really insecure about and doesn't even stop that when he finds out why or she tells him she doesn't like it
- He calls her 'Meatball' which on it's one is one of the ugliest nicknames ever and I would hate to be called that even just once. And Jasmine obviously hates that Nickname to and tells him that but he still doesn't stop and even uses it during his proposal???
- Ivan is just so demanding all the time. I don't like it. ( His character is very inconsistent in my opinion)
I honestly just think it's a toxic or at least unhealthy relationship. They could have been really cute if they worked on their behaviour. If this book was about teenagers they could grow up, see their mistakes and have a healthy relationship but they didn't. They are already adults completely set in their ways and I don't like it.
Okay so that was a long rant about all the things I didn't like. Now to the things I enjoyed:
- I kind of liked the family dynamic
- I loved their bickering and the humour
- I loved the enemies-to-lovers aspect (even though like I said it was kind of toxic but it could have been so good!)
- I liked the 2 instructors
Yeah that's it. I can't find anything else I liked. I think his is a unpopular opinion but I think I'm just mad this book didn't like up to it's potential and my expectations.
I do 100% understand why people do like this book though. Like I said, I really enjoyed reading it but it just wasn't for me.
The beginning was amazing. I liked the plot, I liked the characters and I liked the writing style. My favourite thing about this book is the humour. I laughed so so much while reading it! I absolutely loved the bickering and just the general dynamic between the main characters. It was fun to see them fighting in a sort of childlike manner even though they are 26 & 29.
Throughout about half of the book I really thought I would give this book a five star rating. It was funny and really fast paced. I didn't like the characters individually that much but as we got to know more about them I started to like them.
List of things I didn't like:
- Jasmines constant distrust and unability to communicate her feelings even though we as readers get to read them so they are obviously there
- All of the things that are brought up for no reason and then never explained:
Why did Lukov say he only wants to partner up with her for one year and thats it - even though we later find out that was never his plan? Why is Jasmine so disliked by the public? There are so many mentions and so little explanation. What did Peter say about her? Why did he choose another partner? What is up with the ugly costume Ivan got so protective about that initially started their bickering?
- The things that got explained and where just so underwhelming:
The reason they didn't talk about Mindy? - lame I expected something wayy jucier
The reason Ivan always had to go home? - Cute but he does mention that Ellie always comes by to feed them and take them for a walk so..?)
- That Lukovs sister who is supposed to be Jasmines best friend is only really mentioned once?
- I hated that they did not only make fun of each other for superficial reasons but also stuff they were really insecure about.
- Also consent is very much non existent in this world. She is always talking about how they don't have personal space because they are figureskaters. When he first kisses her she just 'lets him do it' since he was happy? Idk I just really didn't like that.
One of the biggest reasons I was disappointed by this book was Ivan Lukov though. He has such potential and I really liked him in the beginning. When he started to be super nice to her I liked him even more but then he just became a douchebag.
- He finds out Jasmine has a stalker AND GETS MAD AT HER? Why can't he just be supportive?
- He constantly makes her do things she doesn't want to do and EXPLICITLY TELLS him she doesn't want to do (Like the naked Fotoshoot or not wanting to go to his place etc)
- He makes fun of her for things she is already really insecure about and doesn't even stop that when he finds out why or she tells him she doesn't like it
- He calls her 'Meatball' which on it's one is one of the ugliest nicknames ever and I would hate to be called that even just once. And Jasmine obviously hates that Nickname to and tells him that but he still doesn't stop and even uses it during his proposal???
- Ivan is just so demanding all the time. I don't like it. ( His character is very inconsistent in my opinion)
I honestly just think it's a toxic or at least unhealthy relationship. They could have been really cute if they worked on their behaviour. If this book was about teenagers they could grow up, see their mistakes and have a healthy relationship but they didn't. They are already adults completely set in their ways and I don't like it.
Okay so that was a long rant about all the things I didn't like. Now to the things I enjoyed:
- I kind of liked the family dynamic
- I loved their bickering and the humour
- I loved the enemies-to-lovers aspect (even though like I said it was kind of toxic but it could have been so good!)
- I liked the 2 instructors
Yeah that's it. I can't find anything else I liked. I think his is a unpopular opinion but I think I'm just mad this book didn't like up to it's potential and my expectations.
I do 100% understand why people do like this book though. Like I said, I really enjoyed reading it but it just wasn't for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Car accident, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Bullying, and Cursing
Minor: Cancer
lucy_36's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Fatphobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Stalking
moonbin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Cursing
Minor: Bullying, Car accident, Body shaming, and Racism
ludmireads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One thing: where can i get an Ivan Lukov? Asking for a friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying and Stalking
evavstheworld's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
3 stars.
I finally finished this and I'm very frustrated, and I realise I have such a love/hate relationship with this book...
On the one hand, I loved, absolutely <b>loved</b> Ivan and Jasmine, and the way their relationship evolved from <i>enemies</i> to <i>friends</i> to <i>best friends</i> to wayyyy more. And I know their love language/expressing affection for one another is basically insulting each other, I can get behind that <b>only</b> because at one point it does kind of become <i>their thing</i>, and it was natural given their strong characters and mutual hate for each other from the very beginning. I also loved reading about their practice, and I wish there was more of that in the book, as well as more of the actual tournament.
Now for the reasons this book makes me mad.
First of all, I can totally see where Elena Armas took her writing inspo from because the writing styles of MZ and EA feel almost exactly the same. <s>I just enjoyed this book a lot more than TSLD.</s>
There was:
- way too much repetition (how many times can someone say a character blinked? or how many times can the character say "no" and the other character tell them to do the thing anyway???)
- too much monologue... ffs this was a CHORE to read, to the point where I just skipped chunks of text and legit felt like I didn't miss anything... bet if this was edited better and cut down, the page count would go from 500 to around 350 easy
- not enough tournament and skiing content
- not enough Jasmine's friendship with Karina content!!! I wanted so much more!
- too much fat shaming, plus the nickname Meatball when Jasmine is literally battling body dysmorphia/body image issues was so unnecessary???
I think giving this 3 stars is still quite generous, but as I've mentioned TSLD before, which got 2 stars and which I enjoyed significantly less, I think it's a fair rating given my reasons for loving/hating this book. I fell head over heels for Ivan Lukov though, despite his shortcomings, but he shall forever remain one of my favourite book boyfriends.
I finally finished this and I'm very frustrated, and I realise I have such a love/hate relationship with this book...
On the one hand, I loved, absolutely <b>loved</b> Ivan and Jasmine, and the way their relationship evolved from <i>enemies</i> to <i>friends</i> to <i>best friends</i> to wayyyy more. And I know their love language/expressing affection for one another is basically insulting each other, I can get behind that <b>only</b> because at one point it does kind of become <i>their thing</i>, and it was natural given their strong characters and mutual hate for each other from the very beginning. I also loved reading about their practice, and I wish there was more of that in the book, as well as more of the actual tournament.
Now for the reasons this book makes me mad.
First of all, I can totally see where Elena Armas took her writing inspo from because the writing styles of MZ and EA feel almost exactly the same. <s>I just enjoyed this book a lot more than TSLD.</s>
There was:
- way too much repetition (how many times can someone say a character blinked? or how many times can the character say "no" and the other character tell them to do the thing anyway???)
- too much monologue... ffs this was a CHORE to read, to the point where I just skipped chunks of text and legit felt like I didn't miss anything... bet if this was edited better and cut down, the page count would go from 500 to around 350 easy
- not enough tournament and skiing content
- not enough Jasmine's friendship with Karina content!!! I wanted so much more!
- too much fat shaming, plus the nickname Meatball when Jasmine is literally battling body dysmorphia/body image issues was so unnecessary???
I think giving this 3 stars is still quite generous, but as I've mentioned TSLD before, which got 2 stars and which I enjoyed significantly less, I think it's a fair rating given my reasons for loving/hating this book. I fell head over heels for Ivan Lukov though, despite his shortcomings, but he shall forever remain one of my favourite book boyfriends.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Car accident, and Fatphobia
maggiewen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
anncatherine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
4.5
a good slow burn enemies to lovers.
“I love you so much I spend all day with you, and it still isn’t enough for me,” he kept going. I stopped breathing. “I love you so much, if I can’t skate with you, I don’t want to skate with anyone else. I love you so fucking much, Jasmine, that if I broke my ankle during a program, I would get up and finish it for you, to get you what you’ve always wanted."
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you’re always going to be my favorite person,” he finished. “Always. No matter what.”
“I believe in you. In us. Regardless of what happens, you will always be the best partner I’ve ever had. You’ll always be the hardest working person I’ve ever known. There will only ever be you.”
i am in love with ivannnnn.
“I love you so much I spend all day with you, and it still isn’t enough for me,” he kept going. I stopped breathing. “I love you so much, if I can’t skate with you, I don’t want to skate with anyone else. I love you so fucking much, Jasmine, that if I broke my ankle during a program, I would get up and finish it for you, to get you what you’ve always wanted."
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you’re always going to be my favorite person,” he finished. “Always. No matter what.”
“I believe in you. In us. Regardless of what happens, you will always be the best partner I’ve ever had. You’ll always be the hardest working person I’ve ever known. There will only ever be you.”
i am in love with ivannnnn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Stalking
Moderate: Body shaming and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying