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chanlo1994's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
I loved all the characters. I wish I could know them in real life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, and Bullying
Moderate: Outing
soyb3an's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Outing, Cancer, and Death of parent
bzliz's review
hopeful
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? It's complicated
2.5
This was cute and cozy and completely forgettable. Before reading, I recommend you lower your expectations, then lower them some more. The characters are more like caricatures and speak in very similar ways but if you like surface level found family, you’ll enjoy this.
The worst part was the forced romance. Iris was right to be creeped out that Eli had essentially stalked her. They didn’t have any chemistry and the way their relationship began felt like when middle school kids “date” by randomly declaring they’re boyfriend/girlfriend.
On the plus side, there’s lots of representation for so many types of people, even cranky Karens next door. I did think the housemates were all sweet despite being one dimensional.
Content warnings:
Death of a parent (off page):Eli’s parents both die when he’s young so he’s raised by his ‘Gamma’
Homophobia, transphobia, outing (off page):Housemate Rowan is brought in to the group after they are outed to their parents. Out of concern for their safety, the crew rescues them and takes them in.
Stalking (on/off page):Eli checks up on Iris’ social media regularly and fails to come clean to her about his behavior at every opportunity.
Xenophobia (on page):The Karen next door sucks.
The worst part was the forced romance. Iris was right to be creeped out that Eli had essentially stalked her. They didn’t have any chemistry and the way their relationship began felt like when middle school kids “date” by randomly declaring they’re boyfriend/girlfriend.
On the plus side, there’s lots of representation for so many types of people, even cranky Karens next door. I did think the housemates were all sweet despite being one dimensional.
Content warnings:
Death of a parent (off page):
Homophobia, transphobia, outing (off page):
Stalking (on/off page):
Xenophobia (on page):
Content Warnings
Minor: Stalking, Outing, Transphobia, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
leeghlee's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Transphobia, Abandonment, Classism, Stalking, and Outing
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
beepbeep101's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Transphobia, Gaslighting, Grief, and Outing
adventuresinfictionland's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Outing
eicart_reads's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
This book was a cute, light, cozy fantasy romance. I did not know it was part of a series, and I don't think my experience suffered from not having read the previous books before this one.
My favorite part of this story was the found family that Iris gathered. At the beginning of the story, she's just inherited a run-down house from her recently departed great-aunt. Looking at this as an opportunity for a fresh start, she packs up and moves 6 hours away to live in the house. In desperate need of money, she decides to rent out rooms. Iris is a bit of a misfit (meant in a loving way,) and she rents rooms to people who are also misfits. It's lovely to witness how they come together, help each other, and become family.
There is a romance, between Iris and Eli, one of her housemates. I don't think I would call it the central part of the story though. At least for me, the friendships and family bonds between the housemates took center stage.
The plot and dialogue are a bit clunky at times, and the characters are rather one-dimensional, but I still enjoyed this. I would recommend if you're looking for a quick, light read. I give this three stars, which for me means I liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My favorite part of this story was the found family that Iris gathered. At the beginning of the story, she's just inherited a run-down house from her recently departed great-aunt. Looking at this as an opportunity for a fresh start, she packs up and moves 6 hours away to live in the house. In desperate need of money, she decides to rent out rooms. Iris is a bit of a misfit (meant in a loving way,) and she rents rooms to people who are also misfits. It's lovely to witness how they come together, help each other, and become family.
There is a romance, between Iris and Eli, one of her housemates. I don't think I would call it the central part of the story though. At least for me, the friendships and family bonds between the housemates took center stage.
The plot and dialogue are a bit clunky at times, and the characters are rather one-dimensional, but I still enjoyed this. I would recommend if you're looking for a quick, light read. I give this three stars, which for me means I liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, and Outing
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