Scan barcode
rencollins's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Super super cute love story. I loved that disability and sex work were parts of the character's identities, but were not the ONLY thing we learned about them. They were super nuanced characters with a variety of perspectives on a variety of things.
It is a super adorable love story and the dirty bits feel the perfect amount of salacious. There were moments where the pace of the book felt a little fast in that it skipped weeks of time in a page, but this is necessary and adds to the realism of the story.
It is a super adorable love story and the dirty bits feel the perfect amount of salacious. There were moments where the pace of the book felt a little fast in that it skipped weeks of time in a page, but this is necessary and adds to the realism of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual assault
skupdawg426's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The book and story were just ok. It made a lot more sense once I read the author's note what she was going for, but I don't think it was successful.
The gender-swapped "Pretty Woman" plot was totally lost here, because the book didn't focus enough on him, and crucially, he didn't need to go through any social refinement to "fit in" to upperclass society. While you claim that's the punchline, he spends a lot of the book feeling sorry for himself and doesn't really have the necessary character arc of personal betterment to achieve the plot (even if he doesn't have to change, Stella should be showing him how he's good enough...this does not happen to a significant enough degree).
I am all for representation and own-voice stories, but the author seemed to use Stella's autism as a plot device - not a genuine dimension of her character. There was also a heavy does of "tell" instead of "show".
I really liked how Michael insisted on consent...until he didn't (most upsettingly, the bathroom scene after the incident with Philip).
The dirty talk also was weird to me and the writing of the sex scenes was not particularly good or satisfying, though that's more a matter of personal taste than literary criticism.
In all, I don't feel like we earned our HEA. It was just handed to us because that's the romance novel formula. There wasn't enough conflict (especially external conflict) to keep it interesting or make you root for them.
P.S. I hope Michael gets some therapy.
The gender-swapped "Pretty Woman" plot was totally lost here, because the book didn't focus enough on him, and crucially, he didn't need to go through any social refinement to "fit in" to upperclass society. While you claim that's the punchline, he spends a lot of the book feeling sorry for himself and doesn't really have the necessary character arc of personal betterment to achieve the plot (even if he doesn't have to change, Stella should be showing him how he's good enough...this does not happen to a significant enough degree).
I am all for representation and own-voice stories, but the author seemed to use Stella's autism as a plot device - not a genuine dimension of her character. There was also a heavy does of "tell" instead of "show".
I really liked how Michael insisted on consent...until he didn't (most upsettingly, the bathroom scene after the incident with Philip).
The dirty talk also was weird to me and the writing of the sex scenes was not particularly good or satisfying, though that's more a matter of personal taste than literary criticism.
In all, I don't feel like we earned our HEA. It was just handed to us because that's the romance novel formula. There wasn't enough conflict (especially external conflict) to keep it interesting or make you root for them.
P.S. I hope Michael gets some therapy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
skan's review against another edition
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer
rachelfayreads's review against another edition
emotional
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? N/A
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
friendofhayley's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
I could not put this book down! That says a lot. I loved it and the spice was amazing, even if it was het. There were some SA moments that made me queasy, but I mean, of course that means it was written well. I can't stop thinking and talking about this book and just found out it's a series! Seriously loved the Asian culture aspects, the autistic MC, and everything else!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
hayleyvem's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Ableism, Medical content, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Stalking and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Classism, and Pregnancy
brichneyfloss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Ableism
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexual assault
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
1.5
This book started out so well and was on the way to being a solid four-star read, but alas, did not work for me in the end. I enjoyed the autistic representation (written by an autistic author), Michael’s family and the portrayal of Vietnamese culture, and Stella. I loved her — she’s such a complex and unique character and had a great character arc. Hated the rest, lol. Stella and Michael’s attraction seemed almost purely physical; I wanted to see a stronger emotional connection, more substance. I was uncomfortable with the way that sex work and sex workers were portrayed at several points. I don’t think the topic of sexual assault was handled very well or really unpacked properly by Stella. Michael says his mother dying would ‘free’ him, framing sick/disabled people as burdens on their family (granted I have no experience with the American healthcare system but surely that’s the real issue here).
Mostly, though, it was Michael who ruined the book for me. He’s pushy, domineering, overly possessive, and can’t take no for an answer. He literally stalks Stella and follows her home, repeatedly goes after her and presses his romantic attentions on her after she turns him down and tells him to leave her alone MULTIPLE TIMES. That’s not sexy; it’s creepy and scary. Yet when another man won’t take no for an answer, he’s angry even though it’s a very similar kind of behaviour as his own. One is portrayed as wrong and the other OK purely based on who is perpetrating the behaviour. Make it make sense. Not only that but after being sexually assaulted which is obviously very upsetting for Stella, does he offer her support or comfort? No, he feels the need to ‘mark her as his’ as if she’s his property. She initially tells him no to kissing after such a traumatic event and is clearly uncomfortable with it but does he respect that? Of course not, he forces her into it anyway and then fucks her because HE needs it! Fuck Stella’s needs, I guess.
Of course, he knew she didn’t really want him to leave her alone because he knows better. Same with the sex scenes: he overrides her own wishes (that she states to him clearly) and pushes her into doing things she dislikes and feels uncomfortable with because he apparently knows better than her about her own body. He tells her to dress and do her hair how he likes it rather than how she prefers. She can’t even eat what she wants without him trying to control it. He knows she has a hard time in loud/social situations and she tells him she’d rather go home because she’s tired, but he forces her to go to his large, boisterous family’s house anyway. He’s just forever violating her boundaries even (and especially) when she says she’s uncomfortable with doing something. Yeah, he says all the right things about respecting her consent, but his actions and thoughts don’t line up so it just feels manipulative and patronising. He may be teaching her how to be in a relationship but it’s certainly not a healthy one. The controlling behaviour, questionable consent, and complete disregard for Stella’s agency really put me off and made me feel uneasy.
There were also a few things that bothered me in terms of writing. Michael is described as looking like a specific celebrity, which is not only a lazy way to describe someone but just something I despise, especially in romance. Much of Michael’s inner monologue comes off as immature with dude-bro style casual misogyny (e.g. ‘the only reason a woman should wear a pencil skirt is to show off her ass’). The book is laden with bizarre lines such as ‘a natural talent for fucking’ (LMAO) and ‘she had the kind of nipples men and babies dreamed about’ (what??). The dirty talk was... not good.
I can’t believe this book got recommended to me as having a kind, gentle hero and good consent. I am genuinely baffled. If that is what you want then this book is not it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Classism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Ableism, and Stalking
Moderate: Medical content, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Cancer
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Infidelity
anallama's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Easy 5 stars from me and going on my all-time favorites. This book had me absolutely captivated from the very first page, and for the next 2 days, I could not put it down.
I love Stella and how relatable she is as a neurodivergent character. I love how her autism isn’t “fixed” or even seen as a problem by those who truly love her.
I love Michael and how gentle and sweet and loyal (and hot lol) he is. The chokehold this man has on my heart omg. You can tell he was written by a woman, one who’s confident in herself and is living her best life, you just know. And he knows where the clit is, can cook and sew, has a dragon tattoo and dimples, and is just the sweetest soul??? Yes please!!!
All of the characters were so well written and almost all of them were extremely lovable. The writing style was humorous and vivid, the plot and character development were beautifully conveyed, and honestly, it’s like someone took my dream story and put it to paper.
I hope to be able to write like this author some day, but even if I don’t, I will happily settle for the honor to read her works. This was so beautifully written, and I’m honestly tempted to reread it even though I just finished.
Absolutely love love love this book. Highly recommend!
P.S. I was squealing and fangirling about this book to my friends lol. They understand
I love Stella and how relatable she is as a neurodivergent character. I love how her autism isn’t “fixed” or even seen as a problem by those who truly love her.
I love Michael and how gentle and sweet and loyal (and hot lol) he is. The chokehold this man has on my heart omg. You can tell he was written by a woman, one who’s confident in herself and is living her best life, you just know. And he knows where the clit is, can cook and sew, has a dragon tattoo and dimples, and is just the sweetest soul??? Yes please!!!
All of the characters were so well written and almost all of them were extremely lovable. The writing style was humorous and vivid, the plot and character development were beautifully conveyed, and honestly, it’s like someone took my dream story and put it to paper.
I hope to be able to write like this author some day, but even if I don’t, I will happily settle for the honor to read her works. This was so beautifully written, and I’m honestly tempted to reread it even though I just finished.
Absolutely love love love this book. Highly recommend!
P.S. I was squealing and fangirling about this book to my friends lol. They understand
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
Mentions of previous sexual experiences that did not sound fully consensualacebooknerd_07's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Sexual assault