Reviews with content warning for Acephobia/Arophobia - Upside Down

Reviews tagging 'Acephobia/Arophobia'

kaygol's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

4.25

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megelizabeth's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

"He looked right at me, into me. His eyes were intent, searching, questioning, a little wary, but maybe there was a spark of something else there too. Something that looked like hope."

I absolutely adored this book and its characters. I didn't realise going in that it was a romance - I was expecting a contemporary story with maybe a very small dash of romance - but I didn't end up minding at all. The development of the central relationship is wonderful to witness, and there's a fabulous set of side characters too (and don't even get me started on how much I loved the found family element). There are also great conversations about asexuality and related societal expectations, and there was believable conflict and a good balance of the lighthearted and the serious.

I did find the writing a little clunky at times, and it also grated on me how a character's swearing is presented as such a big deal and significant personality trait and it seemed especially odd that older characters are presented as caring the way they do considering the character in question is in his mid-twenties. Ultimately, though, I just had such a great time reading this and truly fell in love with the story and characters, and so I'd still be keen to read more by the author.

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cheye13's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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betweentheshelves's review

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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

4.0

I will admit, it took me a little bit to get into this becuase the writing style wasn't quite what I'm used to. I'm not really sure I can put into words why, but it didn't really click with me until about halfway through the book. I loved that second half of the book, though! Once Jordan and Hennessy really start getting into the relationship stuff, that's what really pulled me in.

There is just something so incredibly validating about reading romance with asexual characters. Add in the fact that one of them is a librarian and I am sold. I loved getting to see the characters explore their relationship and explore what it means to be asexual, both in their own ways. There were some great side characters, too, even if I wish a few of them were developed a bit more.

All in all, this was the perfect read after reading two pretty heavy books in a row. I think I might have to continue with this cute romance theme until the end of the year, because it seems like a good note to end 2021 on.

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rey_therese07's review

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? No

2.25

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foreverinastory's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was a lot of fun!!

Rep: white gay ace questioning male MC with anxiety, white gay asexual male MC, lesbian female side character, bisexual male side character involved in a poly triad, side characters part of an aromantic and asexual support group.

CWs: Acephobia, arophobia, alcohol consumption, cursing, mental illness (anxiety), panic attacks. Moderate: past mentions of emotional abuse, homophobia, outing and toxic relationships.

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mybookishdelights's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad 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

5.0

Heat Level: Low

CW:

acephobia, profanity

This was just so f*cking wholesome! I loved the characters so much, the romance was beautiful, and the third act conflict wasn't over-the-top drama!

I mean it was kind of miscommunication, but really more of a miseducation for one of the characters who panics for good reason.

This has a lot of good information about asexuality and some parts did feel a little info-dumpy, but it wasn't a big enough deal to take away from my enjoyment. I loved the two main characters sooo much and I loved the side characters as well.

I'm not sure how I felt about Angus and his throuple relationship. Not because it was poly, but because it turned out to be Hennessey's friends. I kind of wish it wasn't that small of a world. I did like the inclusion of a poly relationship though. Also sweet and wholesome.

Since this is an asexual romance there is no smut obviously, so if you're looking for that this isn't it. If you're looking for a sweet romance though... ugh I don't know that it could get sweeter than this. It wasn't even cringy or too syrupy, which can sometimes be a problem for me in romances. Loved it!

CAWPILE Score: 9.00 = 5 stars
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 9

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