You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

239 reviews

adventurous emotional funny 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark funny reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Spoiler warning and content warnings for mention of BDSM and Kink culture.

I did enjoy this book. It was cute, and while Scarlett did present as a bit of a Mary Sue, she had enough issues to still be interesting.

For all that kink was mentioned, I kept reading waiting for ANY actual BDSM; cuffs, ties, flogger, maybe a crop? Except for a bit of rough sex, and light spanking, there was nothing. Housecoat belts work great to tie you to a headboard in a pinch!

I love that the List was a thing, and love they had a talk(s) about it. The actual discussion around consent, and that aspect was amazing. That Lukas never really broke trust in that regard was also amazing.

That being said, the list wasn't used. At all. Because if some light spanking and roleplaying is all BDSM is to you, I'm sorry, you are vanilla with 2 sprinkles. This cost the book a star for me, and I while I can understand wanting to bring it in, if you're going to touch on BDSM, PLEASE do it right. Don't dip your toe in and call it done. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

Going with my gut feeling of 5, mainly because certain plot points meant a lot to me and my own healing journey.  Definitely a decent amount of spice, so pay attention to the author’s note.  I copied her list from her website below.

Reading this made me want to reread Check & Mate again soon. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny medium-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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style a lot. 

Scarlett was very relatable to early 20s me. This story felt unique and genuine. I love the touch on friendship, too! 

Due to personal preferences that relate to the storyline, there were things I didn’t love or vibe with - and that’s okay! At times I felt like the kinks were made to be their personalities and it felt like a little much at a couple points. 

Mostly spicy 🌶️ but sweet ending! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No

Overall this was a cute and enjoyable read, but not as spicy as advertised. It's a very Ali Hazelwood take on kink. 

The third act conflict was ridiculous and unnecessary. Just immature drama and lack of communication. 

MMC really carried this novel. He's not without flaws, but he made the book fun to read.

FMC, on the other hand, was pretty annoying and unconvincing as a character. So many things about her didn't make sense.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings