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culzean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Stalking, Torture, Car accident, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Sexism, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Blood, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Body shaming, Alcohol, Gore, Kidnapping, Medical content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Classism, Murder, Suicide attempt, Vomit, Grief, and Bullying
plsnotanotherdamselindistress's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
2.0
Lots of drama at some point in my opinion unnecessary. The intercourse as once said by the mal MC is not sensual in any way which may not be everyones taste.
It is more a watching characters fall in love than a falling in love with the characters.
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, Sexism, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
weelasswithabook's review against another edition
- 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'm not gonna lie, I was a smidge worried going into it, from seeing the venomous interactions between Josh and Jules in the previous books that it might be too much enemies and not enough lovers, but my fears were assuaged by the romance that unfolded throughout the course of this book.
Both of our MCs have both very deeply rooted trust issues and issues with self worth (which leads to quite a big of negative self thought) due to past life experiences and the way in which they've historically been treated by those around them. Over the course of the book, we see these issues begin to come to the forefront and both characters grappling with this newfound sense of love and trust on such a subconscious level.
What I love about the subtlety in this (for example, Josh gradually refraining from referring to Jules as JR without any explicit effort) is that we have the privilege of witnessing the falling in love while they still have zero clue. I like seeing someone falling in love, rather than being told someone is falling in love and Ana Huang does this so well π
Moving on to the erm... Spicier aspects of the book. Does she know how to write a sex scene or what?? The hate sex in this... *chefs kiss* Often I find that using HS in a romance novel can really make me uncomfortable and authors can often blur that line to the point where it's just horrible to witness, but the vitriol they're throwing at each other through the scenes in here just added fuel to the fire π₯ Let's just say, some scenes will be living in my head rent free π
However, we do have a pretty much unforgivable act from our hero. There's enough context around it to understand his motives. She's basically confirmed every fear and he takes a cheap shot at her biggest insecurity. That doesn't make it okay, not at all, but instead of sweeping it under the carpet, he actually reflects on his actions and sees what he's done wrong and makes amends.
Also, special mention for the glimpses into the characters from the previous book's relationships without seeming forced in. Totally complimented the rest of the book. Alex and Josh's friendship coming into play. And can we talk about the ending with Alex and Ava. I sobbed!
Oh and the romantic first date with J and J? My heart squeezed so hard. Such a seemingly hard hearted bastard, and he managed to win me over. And I'm a firm stan of the cinnamon roll. Consider me floored.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Suicide
CW Slut shaming, revenge pornserenaasora's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Emotional abuse
Minor: Stalking and Suicide
finnickdeservedbetter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death, Stalking, Gun violence, Suicide, and Vomit