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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I loved Spoiler Alert so I decided to check out other books from Olivia Dade. I believe this is the first book she published so I started with this one. For an author’s debut book it was very good. I think I liked Spoiler Alert a little bit more, but still I really enjoyed this one. I like that the two main characters are older and that the female main character is plus size. They are both teachers and both have been through difficult divorces. The conflict wasn’t frustrating and the story was very believable. The communication was great. I liked how realistic the story and relationship felt, it was refreshing. I can’t wait to pick up more from Olivia Dade.
I really like Olivia Dade's heroes, but I got really tired of reading this book — this is a me problem, but I felt like Dade was writing to an audience that has no concept of feminism or privilege, and so all of the explanations she puts into the book feel heavy handed and afternoon school special-y. This is not my thing at all; it feels more fitting for an audience who are at the very beginning stages of understanding societal privilege.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Omg, sooo charming! I really enjoyed this book but have realized I really can't do contemporary het romances as romantic leads like this remind me they're supposed to be, like, the men around me and, I don't know, that grosses me out. Far more fun to daydream about a historical romantic lead.
Anyway, both Rose and Martin were lovely characters, and their chemistry felt so real and earned. Their happy ending was just what I needed, and Rose's cathartic. The only thing that was 'eh' for me was the
Anyway, I'm a Dade fangirl now so huzzah!
Anyway, both Rose and Martin were lovely characters, and their chemistry felt so real and earned. Their happy ending was just what I needed, and Rose's cathartic
Spoiler
moment of heartbreak and realization with her in-laws had me in tearsSpoiler
promposal. Whatever Martin needed in terms of public acknowledgment, that felt way too over-the-top and cartoonySpoiler
.Anyway, I'm a Dade fangirl now so huzzah!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute fluffy and sweet
Olivia Dade just doesn't miss when it comes to really well rounded and interesting characters who communicate effectively and are able to work through their trauma together, while also being really cute/hot. I also really love and appreciate that she writes older adults in romance, which adds to the maturity (both physically and emotionally) of the story.
3.5 stars. This didn't 100% work for me, but it was a very enjoyable read and there was a lot to like!
The good: 40+ year old leads, normalizing that fat women can be gorgeous and desirable, snappy banter, and tons of progressive values (supporting LGBTQIA youth, the immense value of good teachers, sexual consent, creating your own loving chosen family, etc.).
The less good: Dade is an earnest and well-intentioned writer, but some of her prose seems a bit forced or overwritten. I also wanted less telling and more showing, especially when it came to Rose and Martin's pasts and baggage. There were also a few moments that I found a little cheesy or overdone, although there were plenty of others that were spot-on in tone.
Overall, a charming read with kind, lovable characters! This would be a good pick if you want something sweet and stress-free.
The good: 40+ year old leads, normalizing that fat women can be gorgeous and desirable, snappy banter, and tons of progressive values (supporting LGBTQIA youth, the immense value of good teachers, sexual consent, creating your own loving chosen family, etc.).
The less good: Dade is an earnest and well-intentioned writer, but some of her prose seems a bit forced or overwritten. I also wanted less telling and more showing, especially when it came to Rose and Martin's pasts and baggage. There were also a few moments that I found a little cheesy or overdone, although there were plenty of others that were spot-on in tone.
Overall, a charming read with kind, lovable characters! This would be a good pick if you want something sweet and stress-free.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes