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ursa_arlo's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Positives. This book was such a cheesy, by-the-book romcom but I'm glad it exists anyway. Because ace people deserve to see themselves in shitty romcoms too! The story itself had very little substance but it provides a nuanced view of what it is like to date while asexual. I think it may be relatable to a lot of people (even if I -an aro/ace person- do not see much overlap with my situation) and it does not gloss over the difficulties that come with dating as an ace person. It's nice to see a fictional character navigate their aceness in relation to partners and other loved ones.
Negatives. Something that irks me is that Feenie's anger was shown to be just as justified as Alice's anger and I do not agree with that. As an aro/ace person, the fact that relationships with partners will always be portrayed as something inherently more valuable than friendships has me fuming. Even Feenie's promise that she will always stay in contact with Alice when Ryan and she get married does not negate that. Alice naturally feels left out by Rayn and Feenie, and while she is in the wrong for not addressing the situation, I don't think she should have been the one to apologize.
Negatives. Something that irks me is that Feenie's anger was shown to be just as justified as Alice's anger and I do not agree with that. As an aro/ace person, the fact that relationships with partners will always be portrayed as something inherently more valuable than friendships has me fuming. Even Feenie's promise that she will always stay in contact with Alice when Ryan and she get married does not negate that. Alice naturally feels left out by Rayn and Feenie, and while she is in the wrong for not addressing the situation, I don't think she should have been the one to apologize.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Racism
thebiblioklept's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
specklecommittee's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Although the story is written with all the cringe and yearning of a YA novel, its message felt nuanced and refreshing. The asexual representation was written with a lot of care. The main character's conflict stemmed from not being seen or accepted by others. And the development of the love interest felt healthy, endearing, and pretty radical.
At the same time, the story felt written for younger audiences, but had adult themes that people under at least 17 wouldn’t connect with/be appropriate for.
At the same time, the story felt written for younger audiences, but had adult themes that people under at least 17 wouldn’t connect with/be appropriate for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, and Toxic friendship
bookish_maddie's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This was enjoyable, but hardly the best thing I’ve ever read. It was a cute romance and an interesting study of asexuality, but something about it just fell slightly flat.
This was enjoyable, but hardly the best thing I’ve ever read. It was a cute romance and an interesting study of asexuality, but something about it just fell slightly flat.
vael's review against another edition
The way it's written triggers me so much so I'm going to DNF this one, maybe another time
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia and Racial slurs
rakoerose's review against another edition
4.0
"If knowing you're asexual makes someone see you differently, then they don't deserve to be in your life."
This book made me have to come to terms with a lot of my own emotions as someone who is ace. That quote specifically took all the breath from my lungs when I read it. I always feel in the back of my mind that I'll be forever alone due to my lack of desire to have sex and lack of sexual attraction in general.
It both uplifted me and shattered me, but overall it's a must read for other ace-folk out there. I can't explain my feelings still, similar to Alice herself, but this book has helped me get there ever so slightly.
Alice is a well-rounded, queer, WoC, female lead who keeps things both lighthearted and deep at the same time. Takumi is the guy of my own dreams - someone who will eventually understand but never love you any less.
I loved this book. It's not a favorite, but I loved it nonetheless. When I come out to my mom (at some point), I'll probably give her this book because it will help her understand far better than I could word it myself.
This book made me have to come to terms with a lot of my own emotions as someone who is ace. That quote specifically took all the breath from my lungs when I read it. I always feel in the back of my mind that I'll be forever alone due to my lack of desire to have sex and lack of sexual attraction in general.
It both uplifted me and shattered me, but overall it's a must read for other ace-folk out there. I can't explain my feelings still, similar to Alice herself, but this book has helped me get there ever so slightly.
Alice is a well-rounded, queer, WoC, female lead who keeps things both lighthearted and deep at the same time. Takumi is the guy of my own dreams - someone who will eventually understand but never love you any less.
I loved this book. It's not a favorite, but I loved it nonetheless. When I come out to my mom (at some point), I'll probably give her this book because it will help her understand far better than I could word it myself.
zoot's review
5.0
I loved this book dearly. How great for Ace kids to read this depiction and I love the way Alice describes the way she loves and how often she reminds herself (and others) that there is nothing *wrong* with her. She doesn't need to apologize for who she is in her Ace identity. I truly fell in love with this book and while I checked it out from the library, it's one I now want to own one day.
pienella's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
apieceofjaaay's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was more coming of age than romance but still enjoyable. Alice is black, bi-romantic and ace and she’s trying to figure out what that means when she meets her hot new co-worker. The timeline of the book is realistic but it’s sometimes hard to know how much time has passed. A lot the dates are off page but I think it does a good job of showing romance when sex is the priority. All of the relationships in Alice’s life seem to be complicated but resolved in ways that realistic for a 19yo.
tropes/themes/rep
Black woman & asian man, workplace romance-ish, friends to lovers, college aged, complex familial relationships, third wheels
tropes/themes/rep
Black woman & asian man, workplace romance-ish, friends to lovers, college aged, complex familial relationships, third wheels