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jg93's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I started out enjoying this, but unfortunately I think this book suffered from only having Kaliya’s first person POV. Pairing a single POV with a male lead (Danny) who feels like he’s constantly alternating between hot and cold towards Kaliya, made for a really frustrating read throughout. Danny also has a girlfriend for a good chunk (50%) of the book, who then falls into the "evil ex" category within the second half. Additionally, Kaliya being way too quick to forgive him every time he pushes her away really started to bother me as the book went on- unfortunately, she began to feel like a bit of a doormat until very late in the book.
There were so many miscommunications between the characters, and since we kept having the push-pull dynamic until very late in the bookalong with a third act breakup that, while it wasn't the worst I've read by far, I did feel like their relationship development would have been better served by them tackling the evil ex's scheming as a team, rather than having another period of them putting a stop to their relationship due to conflict. By the end, I kind of still felt like they could be looking at a very rocky future, since we never see them face a roadblock and work through the issue together.
I did enjoy a lot of the discussions between characters about race and privilege in Hollywood, and I would love to read his parent’s love story! The story within this story of them falling in love were some of my favourite parts of this book.
There were so many miscommunications between the characters, and since we kept having the push-pull dynamic until very late in the book
I did enjoy a lot of the discussions between characters about race and privilege in Hollywood, and I would love to read his parent’s love story! The story within this story of them falling in love were some of my favourite parts of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment
bookishllly's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a brilliant debut novel and the cover is beautiful. I loved how the past and present were mixed but yet distinct.
It was beautifully written and the author brilliantly captured the issues of race, gender and privilege and I connected with Kal on some level.
The story within the story (Danny’s parents’ love) was very good and interesting. The supporting characters were amazing, especially Bella and Neha and I hope they get their own stories.
As interesting as this was, I felt it was dragging on in some parts and all over the place. Both main characters were all over the place- blowing both hot and cold at the same time never quite reaching the temp to set the story on fire. Also, I would have loved Danny’s point of view.
If you love second chance romance, workplace romance with Hollywood background then you will enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Misogyny, and Bullying
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Grief
sdupont's review
emotional
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
4.0
I feel like this book could make a good limited series with all the drama and backdrop of the movie industry. I found Danny to be frustrating at times, he seemed so wishy washy and often did not think out how his actions or lack thereof would impact Kaliya. Equally as frustrating was the third act breakup. It was lengthy (unnecessarily) with quick resolution. I needed to see more work put in towards resolution as a couple so that it didn’t feel so rushed. That being said I did still enjoy reading this book. It is a solid romance by a debut author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Racism
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is a second-chance romance between Kaliya and Daniel, as they reunite seven years after their college romance crashed and burned as quickly as it began. Daniel gives Kaliya a job on the set of his new film, as he is Hollywood's newest up-and-coming director-writer darling. Just as their romance crashed, this attempted job crashes too due to nepotism this time (yay Hollywood /sarcastic), so Daniel scrambles to find her another job since she already submitted her resignation to her current production company as their receptionist.
Daniel also has a celebrity girlfriend Celine, so as Kaliya confronts their painful past, she also must push aside any feelings as she knows Daniel is no longer a romantic option anyway! However, with close proximity, PR relationships, miscommunications, public pressures, and more, there may just be something simmering leftover from all those years ago!
I loved the writing and narrative voice of this book - it flowed really well, the pacing was perfect (to me), and I had so much fun getting to know the cast of characters. I giggled while reading this, and also felt like these characters were so real! MA fleshed out these characters' motivations, backgrounds, and dynamics with each other, that it was so easy to follow along and understand why these exes made certain decisions or where their anxieties stemmed from. I think Myah Ariel is such a talented writer, and I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work!
steam rating: 3 out of 5
This is a second-chance romance between Kaliya and Daniel, as they reunite seven years after their college romance crashed and burned as quickly as it began. Daniel gives Kaliya a job on the set of his new film, as he is Hollywood's newest up-and-coming director-writer darling. Just as their romance crashed, this attempted job crashes too due to nepotism this time (yay Hollywood /sarcastic), so Daniel scrambles to find her another job since she already submitted her resignation to her current production company as their receptionist.
Daniel also has a celebrity girlfriend Celine, so as Kaliya confronts their painful past, she also must push aside any feelings as she knows Daniel is no longer a romantic option anyway! However, with close proximity, PR relationships, miscommunications, public pressures, and more, there may just be something simmering leftover from all those years ago!
I loved the writing and narrative voice of this book - it flowed really well, the pacing was perfect (to me), and I had so much fun getting to know the cast of characters. I giggled while reading this, and also felt like these characters were so real! MA fleshed out these characters' motivations, backgrounds, and dynamics with each other, that it was so easy to follow along and understand why these exes made certain decisions or where their anxieties stemmed from. I think Myah Ariel is such a talented writer, and I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work!
steam rating: 3 out of 5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexism, Bullying, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
befthhh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
*I received an eARC of this book from Berkeley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
My jaw (and tissues) are on the floor from how much I enjoyed (and cried over) this book. The emotional depth of Kaliyah and Danny’s relationship was so breathtaking. The way the kept losing then finding and fighting their way back to each other was heartbreaking and mending all at the same time.
The central plot of Danny trying to make a movie about his parents’ story was unique and beautifully told! I was just as sold on their relationship and am desperately seeking a prequel!
Kaliyah as a main character was compelling, relatable, strong, gorgeous, and so so lovable. I was rooting for her like she was my best friend!
When I Think of You is a beautiful, honest, and raw depiction of loving someone when the timing is wrong, right, and all the moments in between. I absolutely loved it!
My jaw (and tissues) are on the floor from how much I enjoyed (and cried over) this book. The emotional depth of Kaliyah and Danny’s relationship was so breathtaking. The way the kept losing then finding and fighting their way back to each other was heartbreaking and mending all at the same time.
The central plot of Danny trying to make a movie about his parents’ story was unique and beautifully told! I was just as sold on their relationship and am desperately seeking a prequel!
Kaliyah as a main character was compelling, relatable, strong, gorgeous, and so so lovable. I was rooting for her like she was my best friend!
When I Think of You is a beautiful, honest, and raw depiction of loving someone when the timing is wrong, right, and all the moments in between. I absolutely loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Racism
bosslady2at's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
simplysimone's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Beautiful Black love story set in modern Hollywood
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Classism
Minor: Sexual harassment
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