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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
A cute story that does a great job incorporating the characters’ mental health concerns without making them caricatures or stereotypes.
Accurate portrayal of a woman with ADHD trying not to be a hot mess in life and love.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
CWs and rep: OCD, compulsions & intrusive thoughts; ADHD, including complications of
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
The insight and openness of her ADHD and his OCD was great. This was not your typical love story and I loved it. Very raw emotions, would definitely read again!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
My first romance of the year! I was needing something light and easy and the cover of this one really popped out at me. It wasn't until I got it home from the library that I realized it was part of a larger romance series... This thing is, after looking up the rest of it, I really didn't have any interest in reading the other ones. So, I decided to read this anyways, even midway through an interconnected set that I had no reference points for. And, while I am sure that I missed out on some “awwww, look at them now” moments, the kind you get when previous MC couples show up in later books, it otherwise didn't really affect my enjoyment of the story or general reading experience at all.
So this book jumped at me because honestly, my dream "imaginary" romance is meeting someone while traveling internationally and having a surprise whirlwind like this. (To be clear, I am quite happy in my real-life non-imaginary romance....but we can all dream.) Also, sitting in a cozy bar with a beer (the cover) is one of my favorite ways to spend time. And this book was the very literal personification of that cover, so it was exactly what I wanted. It was super cheesy and sweet and a bit lower spice than I would maybe have preferred, but the pining was great, so an overall win. Two other personal surface level things: I love tattoos (and people who have them) and I have a soft spot for the name Lorraine (and specifically with the nickname Raine) so I was even further predisposed to be emotionally invested in this story before it even started.
And a couple thematic notes. First, I do have some personal experience with close friends/family with ADHD, and some professional knowledge of OCD, and I appreciated the way they were portrayed here. They are part of what makes a person who they are, for better or worse, just like everything else that makes a person who they are. And the myriad aspects of how that plays out, including flares and the ever-present potential need for coping mechanisms, felt realistic. Every case is different of course, but this avoided some of the major pitfalls I've seen in other literature, especially the extremes that are often used for dramatic purposes but aren't truly representative (at least of the majority). Related, I *loved* the way this relationship was different from so many other "classic" HEAs. It's so important to see different kinds of healthy and successful relationships, because everyone is different and what works for them will be different, and there isn't a "right" way to have an HEA. We all deserve the one that's right for us. And in this case, it felt just right and super cuuuuuute.
This book delivered on exactly what I wanted, from the promise of the blurb and cover. Spot on vibes.
“There’s no room for that sort of doubt in the creative life. You’ve gotta believe in what you make, otherwise why would anyone else?”
“Useless and silly and important […] My favorite kind of beautiful.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated
I devoured this book so fast. I literally started it at breakfast and had it done by supper.
I loved Raine and Jack!!!! This romance was just a warm and cozy hug. Truly two people working through their own mental health while still loving each other.
Jack and his tattoos I was a goner. GOODNIGHT.
The writing was so great and easy to follow along with. I can’t wait to read the rest of her back list.
I loved Raine and Jack!!!! This romance was just a warm and cozy hug. Truly two people working through their own mental health while still loving each other.
Jack and his tattoos I was a goner. GOODNIGHT.
The writing was so great and easy to follow along with. I can’t wait to read the rest of her back list.
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
Great Mental Health Representation