You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.92 AVERAGE
2.92 AVERAGE
Oh my god! Loved soo much. SO happy they got together in the end!!
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🌶🌶
Vibes - Meh
Vibes - Meh
Purity culture is really messed up
I came across this on my FYP and added it to my TBR where I promptly forgot everything about it. I should have known going in that this wouldn't be for me. It's a college romance which always makes me feel old and creepy (I'm 33) and religion is a topic that always makes me uncomfy. As someone that is not religious at all and never has been, it's a topic that I find hard to navigate because I don't ever want to disrespect anyone's beliefs but some aspects, like purity culture, seem seriously fucked up to me. Livvy, while still being religious is trying to the purity culture that she has been taught her whole life. I liked her growth journey and her courage of conviction. Cole was a bit too controlling for my taste. He didn't even realise he was doing it most of the time but she eventually calls him out on it. I get that most everyone's first time is awkward but this wasn't meant to be and it just felt forced. I get that the people most likely to be kinky and those with religious trauma but this came across as put on and false. The whole thing just isn't my cuppa tea.
Tropes
Tropes
- Plus Size
- Friends To Lovers
I've discovered this book through an instagram reel and I have to say it's better than I expected. There are some things, still, that I don't like:
-like the idea that associates love and romantic attraction with sexual attraction (asexual and/or arromantic people exist);
-and the fact that Livvy thinks that being kind and sensitive is a weakness and symbol of submission during her process of breaking up with the old toxic patter she was taught;
-and the idea of getting drunk, having sex and losing her virginity as living a full live. I understand her background and the toxicity she grew up with, and that when someone is living in an extreme is easy to go to the other extreme, but, to be honest, majority of people live in between, even when you're a college student, majority of us are in between.
And I understand she's learning during her process and trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to be and have to live with the fear of being rejected because of her changes. But sometimes while reading it felt there weren't a in between.
On the other hand, I think the author and the book do a good job at showing how women are raised and taught in purity culture and the struggles they face, especially when it comes to sex and their bodies.
Finally, I liked Cole a lot. I've read some people calling him toxic, but to be honest I don't think he is. It is true that maybe he isn't the most assertive character and struggles with her best friend/the love of his life changing and with his complicated family. But he learns and he's aware of his own behaviour through the whole book and wants to take care of Livvy and protect her and tries to accept the changes she wants to do (if I had a friend that wants to change and go to the other extreme, I'd probably tell them to take their time and go step by step while I'm by their side through the whole process, just because they can be hurt).
My conclusion is: it is an interesting book to read (especially if you don't belong to this purity culture and wants to know a little more) with normal-people characters whe it comes to behaviour and a romance story; but there are some things that, as I said before, I didn't like it. Although if someone is interested in reading it, I encourage you to read it and create your own opinion.
-like the idea that associates love and romantic attraction with sexual attraction (asexual and/or arromantic people exist);
-and the fact that Livvy thinks that being kind and sensitive is a weakness and symbol of submission during her process of breaking up with the old toxic patter she was taught;
-and the idea of getting drunk, having sex and losing her virginity as living a full live. I understand her background and the toxicity she grew up with, and that when someone is living in an extreme is easy to go to the other extreme, but, to be honest, majority of people live in between, even when you're a college student, majority of us are in between.
And I understand she's learning during her process and trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to be and have to live with the fear of being rejected because of her changes. But sometimes while reading it felt there weren't a in between.
On the other hand, I think the author and the book do a good job at showing how women are raised and taught in purity culture and the struggles they face, especially when it comes to sex and their bodies.
Finally, I liked Cole a lot. I've read some people calling him toxic, but to be honest I don't think he is. It is true that maybe he isn't the most assertive character and struggles with her best friend/the love of his life changing and with his complicated family. But he learns and he's aware of his own behaviour through the whole book and wants to take care of Livvy and protect her and tries to accept the changes she wants to do (if I had a friend that wants to change and go to the other extreme, I'd probably tell them to take their time and go step by step while I'm by their side through the whole process, just because they can be hurt).
My conclusion is: it is an interesting book to read (especially if you don't belong to this purity culture and wants to know a little more) with normal-people characters whe it comes to behaviour and a romance story; but there are some things that, as I said before, I didn't like it. Although if someone is interested in reading it, I encourage you to read it and create your own opinion.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I could give this 0 stars I would. I literally had to force myself to finish the book. I may have vomited in my mouth a bit while reading. It was awful. Would not recommend.
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't mind the book. It just felt a little plotless. Good sexual tension and growing up in a purity culture I appreciate the character and her struggles. Overall okay.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Tik Tok FYP said “fy because you were in purity culture” and not “fy because you like good books.”
This was like watching a car wreck on the highway that could have easily been avoided if they just used turn signals, and instead of seeing it and driving by like a normal person I just stopped my car and thought “why didn’t they just use turn signals” for 2 hours.
This was like watching a car wreck on the highway that could have easily been avoided if they just used turn signals, and instead of seeing it and driving by like a normal person I just stopped my car and thought “why didn’t they just use turn signals” for 2 hours.