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jenmcreads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.25
I liked this book for the most part, and at under 300 pages it was a quick read. I did feel the ending was abrupt - either that, or the meat of the story I’d really love would be a sequel to this.
The back blurb talks about this book as being “set against the backdrop of a post-#MeToo Hollywood” and that is apt, but despite hints throughout the text, it’s only explicitly discussed in the last 30 pages or so. The seed of the idea I would love to see explored further is a journalist warning Fiona about what she will face going public, and specifically how she isn’t the “perfect” victim that will have everyone on her side. This a true phenomenon and major problem (see Depp-Heard trials recently…), but it’s all backlash that Fiona will face after this book ends.
What I did like about the book was that the chemistry between the leads felt genuine, sweet, and palpable. I also felt like PTSD was portrayed with accuracy and for the most part, sensitivity. I enjoyed a lot about this book, I just found it left me wanting more.
The back blurb talks about this book as being “set against the backdrop of a post-#MeToo Hollywood” and that is apt, but despite hints throughout the text, it’s only explicitly discussed in the last 30 pages or so. The seed of the idea I would love to see explored further is a journalist warning Fiona about what she will face going public, and specifically how she isn’t the “perfect” victim that will have everyone on her side. This a true phenomenon and major problem (see Depp-Heard trials recently…), but it’s all backlash that Fiona will face after this book ends.
What I did like about the book was that the chemistry between the leads felt genuine, sweet, and palpable. I also felt like PTSD was portrayed with accuracy and for the most part, sensitivity. I enjoyed a lot about this book, I just found it left me wanting more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
Minor: Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Suicidal thoughts
noelleslays's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Cancer
leahrosereads's review
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
First, thank you to the publisher for providing me an ARC. As always, I absolutely appreciate it.
This was a very relevant and topical story surrounding Hollywood, the dark dealings that young stars deal with, and how femme folk are treated in Western society. I really liked those elements and thought the book could've just been that and may have been a tad stronger for it.
Then there was the romance. Of course, the readers don't see the whole past relationship but the characters have known each other for years, drifted apart and then came back together. Even so, the relationship felt a bit rushed. I didn't love Fiona and Sam together.
There's a lot that's not answered here and that's always a mix of enjoyment for readers. Didn't bother me too much, but I think that may disappoint some.
This was a very relevant and topical story surrounding Hollywood, the dark dealings that young stars deal with, and how femme folk are treated in Western society. I really liked those elements and thought the book could've just been that and may have been a tad stronger for it.
Then there was the romance. Of course, the readers don't see the whole past relationship but the characters have known each other for years, drifted apart and then came back together. Even so, the relationship felt a bit rushed. I didn't love Fiona and Sam together.
There's a lot that's not answered here and that's always a mix of enjoyment for readers. Didn't bother me too much, but I think that may disappoint some.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
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