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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan is a sharp, emotionally resonant story about Max, a trans woman grappling with identity, love, and the pressure to have life figured out by thirty. I was completely enamored by Max’s dry, witty humor and the raw honesty of her voice. The characters are messy, flawed, and deeply human—refreshingly imperfect in a way that feels true to life. What deepens the story is the dual perspective, with Vincent’s past relationship with a trans woman presented alongside his current one with Max, creating a layered commentary on personal growth, guilt, and learning how to love better. Dinan captures the bittersweet reality of how friendships shift in adulthood and how healing doesn’t always come with the closure that we think we need. This book is funny, piercing, and I couldn’t put it down! This will definitely be a top 2025 read for me.
I did a tandem read of this book - digital & audio and highly recommend the audio!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC & PRH Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
I did a tandem read of this book - digital & audio and highly recommend the audio!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC & PRH Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Going into this one blind was a treat. The main character was very interesting to me, as was the relationship she had with her boyfriend. It wasn’t until later in the story when the title started to make sense to me, but once it did, it broke my heart. The way the MC navigates her life and relationship, especially once it starts to go downhill, kept my attention the entire time. I also very much enjoyed the writing style itself, and I’m interested to read more from this author!
Didn’t love the characters as much as Bellies but Nicola Dinan is easily a new fave author and I’ll read anything she writes!
This was a good book, but I felt like it was trying to be too much with the blends of romance, betrayal, and NUMEROUS societal observations and critiques.
I was drawn to this book for the trans romance and the difficulties within, which I felt the book started off on a strong foot with, but it got to be bogged down with too much as the book progressed, and never really finding any sense of conclusion with anything.
Also, you just start to not care about any of the characters as the book goes on; I don't think I liked a single person by the end. I was just finally glad to be done with the book. There's only so much bitching and moaning about your privileged life that I can sit through.
I was drawn to this book for the trans romance and the difficulties within, which I felt the book started off on a strong foot with, but it got to be bogged down with too much as the book progressed, and never really finding any sense of conclusion with anything.
Also, you just start to not care about any of the characters as the book goes on; I don't think I liked a single person by the end. I was just finally glad to be done with the book. There's only so much bitching and moaning about your privileged life that I can sit through.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC to read and review.
Tropes/Themes: Self-Reflection and Self- Acceptance, Gender Identity, Friendship
CW: Transphobia, Alcoholism, Racism, Abortion, Health Issues
I will start by saying I was scared to read this because it is WHOLEY outside my usual genre's, but I really enjoyed the story. It was gritty and relatable, and I enjoyed the growth of the characters throughout the book.
I enjoyed reading the family dynamics and how complex they were. The scene with Max and her dad was heartwarming. I also liked the discussion of the expectation for women to have children, and how a lot of times we are removed from the conversation. That came up a few times, and it is an important point because some people just assume everyone wants a kid at some point in their life or ask questions that aren't any of their business.
I really did not like Vincent's friend but I did enjoy the dual timeline POV with him reflecting on his behavior in the past.
I did the audio of the book and I highly recommend. If you enjoy stories of self exploration and the complexities of relationships I would suggest this one.
Tropes/Themes: Self-Reflection and Self- Acceptance, Gender Identity, Friendship
CW: Transphobia, Alcoholism, Racism, Abortion, Health Issues
I will start by saying I was scared to read this because it is WHOLEY outside my usual genre's, but I really enjoyed the story. It was gritty and relatable, and I enjoyed the growth of the characters throughout the book.
I enjoyed reading the family dynamics and how complex they were. The scene with Max and her dad was heartwarming. I also liked the discussion of the expectation for women to have children, and how a lot of times we are removed from the conversation. That came up a few times, and it is an important point because some people just assume everyone wants a kid at some point in their life or ask questions that aren't any of their business.
I really did not like Vincent's friend but I did enjoy the dual timeline POV with him reflecting on his behavior in the past.
I did the audio of the book and I highly recommend. If you enjoy stories of self exploration and the complexities of relationships I would suggest this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Medical content, Abortion
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am really going to read everything Nicola Dinan writes! Her characters are so compelling, and I just wanted to keep reading.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
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