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emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s not something I’ll ever take for granted, the ability to say no.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Physical abuse, Toxic friendship
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First book I finished since January. So I am quite happy; maybe my reading slump days are over now.
I like when characters experience intimacy, etc. But I don’t like smut. And after reading reviews about this book, I thought it would be filled with it. So I had no expectations for this book. If anything, I thought I might hate it. (Ali Hazelwood is an auto buy for me, though).
I am very happy to say that I loved this book. It was light, cozy and fluffy. It made me smile and laugh out loud. The banter was on point. The characters were adorable. I even related to the FMC regarding her issues with perfectionism. Honestly this book is probably in top 3 Ali Hazelwood romances now.
I like when characters experience intimacy, etc. But I don’t like smut. And after reading reviews about this book, I thought it would be filled with it. So I had no expectations for this book. If anything, I thought I might hate it. (Ali Hazelwood is an auto buy for me, though).
I am very happy to say that I loved this book. It was light, cozy and fluffy. It made me smile and laugh out loud. The banter was on point. The characters were adorable. I even related to the FMC regarding her issues with perfectionism. Honestly this book is probably in top 3 Ali Hazelwood romances now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse
Minor: Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual content
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Toxic friendship
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked that it was funny - a lot of Hazelwood’s writing is which I appreciate. The ending felt rushed though. But maybe it’s just because I wanted more of the characters!
I didn’t know this book has a BDSM-type, kinky relationship in it, so be aware of that! It was not anything triggering, though, in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My favorite Hazelwood book that I have read so far is Love on the Brain and I am incredibly excited to continue to delve into her catalog of work. I will tell you that if I was rating this book on vibes alone it would be a 5. I absolutely loved escaping into Scarlett and Lukas' world.
However, I had a few problems with the characters and the way that they interacted with one another.
I particularly had some issues with Penelope throughout the book. First, it's a bit weird that Penelope recently broke up with Lukas, and only after that event her and Scarlett become best friends. Second, why does it need to be continually referenced that Penelope and Scarlett look so much alike? It was truly creepy when Scarlett kept being mistaken for Penelope at parties which was so unsettling. Third, Penelope constantly goes off about how specific Scarlett's sexual preferences are, but then we learn later in the book that Penelope has had three ways. I am not knocking anyone's sexual preferences at all, but I did find it weird that Penelope is fixated on what Scarlett enjoys in bed and acts a bit like it's so specialized but Penelope is also exploring various aspects of her sexuality. It just felt like something that did not connect. Finally, what was with the plot line with the rival diver not liking Penelope? I would like to point out that to a certain extent, that character was correct given what happens later in the book, but why is it a fundamental part of Scarlett's personality that she must defend her friend with no evidence? This just felt a bit like infighting among very talented women for no reason.
I also wasn't particularly comfortable with the fact that Lukas and Scarlett were keeping their relationship a secret because Penelope wanted them to. I mean Penelope wanted to end her relationship with Lukas. Why did she not want people to know? We of course learn later that Penelope and or one of the other girls on the team thinks that they are destined to be together... so it makes things even worse. Please date my ex Scarlett you are well matched sexually, but don't catch feelings because really he's still mine was a little cringe.
This book is messy. So, if you love complicated group dynamics and relationship drama you will likely enjoy this book because it's got a lot of that going for it. The romance component is sweet in quite a few ways that give you what you want from a romance. Overall the vibes are fun.
However, I had a few problems with the characters and the way that they interacted with one another.
I also wasn't particularly comfortable with the fact that Lukas and Scarlett were keeping their relationship a secret because Penelope wanted them to. I mean Penelope wanted to end her relationship with Lukas. Why did she not want people to know? We of course learn later that Penelope and or one of the other girls on the team thinks that they are destined to be together... so it makes things even worse. Please date my ex Scarlett you are well matched sexually, but don't catch feelings because really he's still mine was a little cringe.
This book is messy. So, if you love complicated group dynamics and relationship drama you will likely enjoy this book because it's got a lot of that going for it. The romance component is sweet in quite a few ways that give you what you want from a romance. Overall the vibes are fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse