Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.12 AVERAGE
3.12 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to like this. There are many good ideas, but this feels like a first draft where the author threw in whatever plot thread came to mind. So many characters and plot points could have been cut to give room to the romance. You know, the point of the book. Instead, it's very rushed and I don't even up liking either characters. Courtney should have fessed up to Sophie immediately. Not doing so was very, very immoral. I think the story awknowledges that but never really deals with the fall out. I mostly just feel bad for Sophie, who's biggest crime is being a pushover as a teen. She still doesn't have much personality. I don't care about any of the side characters, either.
None of this is helped by the very rushed ending.It feels like the abuse plotline was written into the story to distract the MCs from their conflict, so they'd fall in love despite never grappling with what caused the conflict to begin with.
I think I get some of what the book was trying to do. Multiple moments point to a general theme of "trust people to know their own lived experience better than you do". This works good with the asexual moments, as well as Sophie's Ex. However, I feel weird about where things go with the Hypochondriac plot.She ended up really being sick and now everyone feels bad for shitting on it. The problem is, health anxiety is a real thing. It's a real disorder. It's not only valid if something actually ends up being ill. I suffer from this, and it sucks. I've called my mom crying at 1am convinced I'd die in my sleep, and nothing was physically wrong. Do I only deserve sympathy if I'm actually dying? Or does the book mean to imply that my anxiety disorder is actually right and I should listen to that voice in my head insisting I have cancer because I feel tired one day? IDK. That just rubbed me the wrong way.
None of this is helped by the very rushed ending.
I think I get some of what the book was trying to do. Multiple moments point to a general theme of "trust people to know their own lived experience better than you do". This works good with the asexual moments, as well as Sophie's Ex. However, I feel weird about where things go with the Hypochondriac plot.
Could not get into the story. Appreciated the ace representation, but the relationship between the two MCs just wasn't for me
lighthearted
medium-paced
there were a lot of editing errors in this.
i was excited for a queer ace romance but this disappointed me. felt more about asexuality than the relationship. felt way more YA beginner intro to asexuality.
the plot just felt unnatural and some parts completely unnecessary.
i’m also so tired on the non consensual kisses. especially in an ace book, i’d expect boundaries and consent to be a bigger aspect.
i was excited for a queer ace romance but this disappointed me. felt more about asexuality than the relationship. felt way more YA beginner intro to asexuality.
the plot just felt unnatural and some parts completely unnecessary.
i’m also so tired on the non consensual kisses. especially in an ace book, i’d expect boundaries and consent to be a bigger aspect.
DNF. I wanted to like this so much, but the characters were just too immature.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't vibe with this. It was well-written in some places, but the premise wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't buy the romance well enough.
It’s Always Been You is a great romantic comedy for Ace readers. I don’t usually read romance novels, but this one was enjoyable. I can’t wait to read more books by Elin Annalise. I love how the books in the Aces in Love series can be read as stand alone books so I was able to read Book #3 without feeling lost.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing
Minor: Eating disorder, Death of parent