Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Maybe Not

I knew going into this I wasn’t going to love it or even like it that much, I will admit. But god this was a toxic book. I was uncomfortable from the outset.
Warren is dangerous and gross and rape-y and entitled and a bastard. Not in a hot way. At all. Every time he speaks badly of himself he’s right, until he takes this sharp left turn every time: I’m not crazy or purely horny, it must be the girl’s fault for being mean and hot. It’s her fault I want to stalk her and make her increasingly uncomfortable until she has no choice but to submit to my force and lust.
He has no patience or understanding for her upbringing/situation/etc. at all. He’s dismissive and shallow and rude. Bridgette is a “bitch” and the author does make her unlikeable. That’s for sure. She reaaallllyyy wants you to be on Warren’s side. Warren is just interested in fucking the hot girl, and Bridgette just wants to make everyone’s life miserable. They’re perfect together.
Sure, it’s a schlocky romance novella. You’re not supposed to think these people are real or honest depictions of a serious romance. I don’t care. This really bothered me, and just brushing this off as a silly romance doesn’t make lazy writing like this acceptable. Yes, I just read this to be annoyed a bit by a shitty little romance book and get a kick out of it, but I didn’t read this to be left uncomfortable and angry.
Is anyone sure Colleen Hoover has ever spoken to another woman? Let alone any person who partakes in safe! sexual power play?

Content Warnings

kjhg's review against another edition

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This book was a major disappointment. Trying to play off rape for romance is a hard no for me, and just perpetuates the problem that is rape culture. I liked Maybe Someday and seeing Warren’s perspective was a great idea, but this could’ve been done so differently. Or left out entirely.

Content Warnings

ronronbooktalk69's review against another edition

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funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

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lindsayvale's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

3.75

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laheath's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Funny and emotional origin story of a couple we met in Maybe Someday. I liked getting to read their story which helped to make sense of their relationship.

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jules_c's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

Content Warnings

ruth22's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

3.75

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