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thefatpaperback's review
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, and Misogyny
Minor: Antisemitism
jen1804's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the Roommate (which I rated really high at 4.5⭐️). It wasn’t that this was a bad book, I just simply didn’t vibe with it as much.
This book had an interesting plot with a romantic thread woven through a story which is centred around a synagogue and Judaism, together with seminars on modern intimacy. This was fresh and insightful because I’ve never read anything like that before. There were also some really beautiful quotes throughout this book which I loved and will write below. But at the same time I guess the plot was just not really my scene and I found it difficult to connect with the story.
Whilst I did like the characters in this book, I didn’t LOVE them, I didn’t find them, or the plot, as fun as the first. I think that’s because there’s less romance and less spice in this one, which in some aspects is cool because it gives the plot more depth and this book is way more profound. However I went into it expecting way more romance than I got I guess.
Satisfactory ending? Yes and no.
This book had an interesting plot with a romantic thread woven through a story which is centred around a synagogue and Judaism, together with seminars on modern intimacy. This was fresh and insightful because I’ve never read anything like that before. There were also some really beautiful quotes throughout this book which I loved and will write below. But at the same time I guess the plot was just not really my scene and I found it difficult to connect with the story.
Whilst I did like the characters in this book, I didn’t LOVE them, I didn’t find them, or the plot, as fun as the first. I think that’s because there’s less romance and less spice in this one, which in some aspects is cool because it gives the plot more depth and this book is way more profound. However I went into it expecting way more romance than I got I guess.
Satisfactory ending? Yes and no.
“All those lights” - he pointed unnecessarily - “coming and going, each one a person with a whole world inside their head. People don’t think about that enough. How everyone we pass on the street has just as much complexity, just as many aspirations and fear and failures, as we do.”
“I forgot that love is essential. That even in its absence, you occupy yourself with the lack of it.”
“…We get all these different perspectives in one room, and suddenly you realise that people are going through the same stuff you are, even though we’ve all got our own stories. I like being connected, and I thought I’d find more of that here.”
Tender like a promise. Tender like a sunrise. Tender like your key in the front door at midnight, letting you in, welcoming you home.
“I’ve been a social pariah for many years now, and I can tell you that it’s worth it to not spend a second of your precious time on earth worrying about what other people believe you should do, believe you should be. Your body is a gift. Your life is yours alone.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Death of parent
Minor: Biphobia
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
I love that this story is about a former porn star who now runs an explicit intimacy company and a rabbi. First, we do not get enough Jewish representation in Romance. Second, we do not get enough positive representation of sex workers in Romance (although this genre is MUCH more accepting than others). Pairing these two under-represented groups had me intrigued.
I absolutely loved this author’s debut, The Roommate. In fact, that is why it took me so long to get around to reading this book. I just didn’t know if it could live up to my expectations. In some ways it did, and in others, it didn’t.
Naomi came on the scene in that previous book. She was the ex-girlfriend, co-worker, and friend that I loved to hate, and eventually came to love. I was rooting for her to get her own story and a HEA herself. She’s just as tough and proud in this story, but that marshmallow inside is shown much more. Naomi might be tough, but once you’re let into her circle she loves hard and protects even harder. We should all try to be more like Naomi, without the chip on the shoulder part.
Sparks fly between Naomi and Ethan, the rabbi who asks her to do a lecture series at his synagogue to help his membership. I enjoyed their chemistry, but wish it wouldn’t have taken so long for them to give in to that pull. Part of me understands, but the romance reader in me wanted a little more giving into those desires earlier in the book than it happened.
As much as it’s obvious what will tear these two apart, it was beautiful to read it play out. Both the rending and the sewing back up. Naomi broke my heart with her stoicism. No, she doesn’t need another person to make her whole. But it was sure nice to have someone else to lean on for a while. The same can be said for Ethan, who plays the martyr a bit here. He has good intentions for his synagogue members and is just trying to do what he thinks others think is right.
Although this story didn’t quite live up to what I wanted, it was still immensely enjoyable and I would still recommend it to any romance reader.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
pippamillerxoxo_'s review
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Death of parent
naturally's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
adore the premise of this book, and the execution was strong! themes like sex, religion & science were explored in an insightful way without making the reader feel like they're being bashed over the head with a textbook, and naomi's seminars on intimacy were so thought-provoking. there's so much to enjoy about the intimacy experiment, and there's loads to learn as well!
naomi and ethan were a great couple - like, i was ALMOST sobbing over them. and it was nice to read a sex scene that integrates clitoral stimulation.
i felt that the reason for the 3rd act break up was valid and a refreshing change from The Evil Ex(tm) trope. however, the resolution was super quick, which threw off the pacing for me.
naomi and ethan were a great couple - like, i was ALMOST sobbing over them. and it was nice to read a sex scene that integrates clitoral stimulation.
i felt that the reason for the 3rd act break up was valid and a refreshing change from The Evil Ex(tm) trope. however, the resolution was super quick, which threw off the pacing for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence and Antisemitism
jdf1027's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Antisemitism, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
ecravens's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
fatkidatheartreads's review
emotional
slow-paced
4.0
A former porn star and a rabbi walk into a bar. Actually no, they walk into a synagogue to teach a seminar on intimacy! I came for the plot, stayed for the dating and relationship advice and the wholesomeness that was Ethan and Naomi's love life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Death of parent
hellowildflower's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Misogyny, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, and Death of parent
triple_m's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Pretty good, but not a knockout. As to be expected with Rosie Danan, the book was very sex positive and I also think Naomi’s relationship with Judaism was done with sensitivity and respect (though, I’m not Jewish so my perspective doesn’t matter much). I also just love Rosie’s writing.
Ethan and Naomi were both wonderful characters and I like that even though their mutual attraction was instant they took their time getting to know each other before things became romantic. No insta-love! That being said, also much less spice compared to The Roommate.
I found Naomi’s big speech at her high school to be awkward and out of place. I never really felt a big cathartic moment when the conflict was resolved. I’m also disappointed she didn’t start going by Hannah again, at least with Ethan. I just don’t think the book stuck the landing.
I kind of hate religion so I didn’t personally love the focus on it in the novel. In my jaded opinion, people should be leaving religion not rediscovering it lol.
Ethan and Naomi were both wonderful characters and I like that even though their mutual attraction was instant they took their time getting to know each other before things became romantic. No insta-love! That being said, also much less spice compared to The Roommate.
I found Naomi’s big speech at her high school to be awkward and out of place. I never really felt a big cathartic moment when the conflict was resolved. I’m also disappointed she didn’t start going by Hannah again, at least with Ethan. I just don’t think the book stuck the landing.
I kind of hate religion so I didn’t personally love the focus on it in the novel. In my jaded opinion, people should be leaving religion not rediscovering it lol.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent