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2.92 AVERAGE
2.92 AVERAGE
I don't think it's a secret that I'm a HUGE Skyler Mason fan. I love her writing. I love her books. They are all so fun and different and tackle subjects that we don't normally see in romance books such as panic disorders and addiction. I don't think it's a secret that she tackles subjects that she herself has experienced but I feel Purity is the most personal look into her persona.
Livvy is such an interesting character. This was her book. I love how she realized that there are certain aspects of her religion that are toxic. How its male oriented and women are infantilized and are taught to feel shame about their bodies and desires. I identified with her because even though she broke out of that aspect of her religion, she's still a fierce believer and her faith is probably stronger for it. I loved how she stood up for herself and has an understated way of expressing her feelings and thoughts. She's so empathetic and considerate of her loved ones feelings. Was she a bit of a pushover? Absolutely but she has the self awareness to realize that this is one of her faults and takes steps to curb that behavior.
Cole has been completely in love with Livvy since the moment he met her. He lives and breathes for that girl. I also found Cole such an interesting character because besides thinking he's not the good Christian boy Livvy is looking for, he also has trauma where relationships, love and passion are concerned. So instead of trying to pursue a romantic relationship with Livvy where he believes won't last anyway, he remains just friends with her. Imagine his surprise when she approaches him with her impurity contract and the one item on her list of him taking her virginity. At first he is completely opposed to the idea but when he finally just gives in, all bets are off. All of his, and her, fantasies will be coming true and oh boy, those are some steamy fantasies and scenes. He is one hell of a dominant with a flair for the praise kink.
I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers and tend to steer clear from them. I find them too angsty for angst sake and the reasons the MCs can't be together absurd. However, I loved the twist of Livvy's faith being an obstacle for her and Cole not taking things beyond friendship. I love that the book is short and sweet and that Skyler just gets right into it. There's not too much angst and unnecessary drama. It feels realistic which is something I've always enjoyed in her writing and as with all her characters, they feel like people you know in your day-to-day life.
In some ways I had the same upbringing as Livvy and at times, have hang ups when it comes to my religious beliefs and sexuality but I've learned that the things I feel or fantasize about are not wrong. It took a long time to come to this realization and that many people have the same thoughts and feelings. I'm so glad this book exists. I feel like anyone that has experienced purity culture or just feels like whatever they are feeling or thinking regarding sexuality should read this book.
With all that being said, the book was so much fun to read. Cole was hilarious with his bewilderment over Livvy's proposal and her list. The man didn't know what to with himself. We also get all the wild side characters I expect in one of Skyler's books and a Brenna mention. Yay! Such a great read.
Livvy is such an interesting character. This was her book. I love how she realized that there are certain aspects of her religion that are toxic. How its male oriented and women are infantilized and are taught to feel shame about their bodies and desires. I identified with her because even though she broke out of that aspect of her religion, she's still a fierce believer and her faith is probably stronger for it. I loved how she stood up for herself and has an understated way of expressing her feelings and thoughts. She's so empathetic and considerate of her loved ones feelings. Was she a bit of a pushover? Absolutely but she has the self awareness to realize that this is one of her faults and takes steps to curb that behavior.
Cole has been completely in love with Livvy since the moment he met her. He lives and breathes for that girl. I also found Cole such an interesting character because besides thinking he's not the good Christian boy Livvy is looking for, he also has trauma where relationships, love and passion are concerned.
Spoiler
His parents are going through a nasty divorce after he witnesses his father's infidelity and he now believes that love doesn't last.I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers and tend to steer clear from them. I find them too angsty for angst sake and the reasons the MCs can't be together absurd. However, I loved the twist of Livvy's faith being an obstacle for her and Cole not taking things beyond friendship. I love that the book is short and sweet and that Skyler just gets right into it. There's not too much angst and unnecessary drama. It feels realistic which is something I've always enjoyed in her writing and as with all her characters, they feel like people you know in your day-to-day life.
In some ways I had the same upbringing as Livvy and at times, have hang ups when it comes to my religious beliefs and sexuality but I've learned that the things I feel or fantasize about are not wrong. It took a long time to come to this realization and that many people have the same thoughts and feelings. I'm so glad this book exists. I feel like anyone that has experienced purity culture or just feels like whatever they are feeling or thinking regarding sexuality should read this book.
With all that being said, the book was so much fun to read. Cole was hilarious with his bewilderment over Livvy's proposal and her list. The man didn't know what to with himself. We also get all the wild side characters I expect in one of Skyler's books and a Brenna mention. Yay! Such a great read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
"...there’s something hauntingly melancholy about loving something that I was coerced into believing, something I didn’t even understand."
I went into this expecting a quick, easy, sweet romance and it definitely delivered on that (especially as I always adore a friens-to-lovers trope), but it also had a lot more depth than I was expecting and had some really great conversations around self-worth, growing up, and of course purity culture and religion more widely. I loved Livvy's character from the start and, while it took a while for me to warm to Cole and I don't love the whole possessive-obsessive-guy thing, I did end up really rooting for them and I liked the direction their story took. The side characters were also great and more fleshed-out than I would've expected from such a short book, and I particularly adored Mari (though I did feel cheated that we never got to meet Livvy's mom!).
I just wish that the events of the book had been a bit more spread out and that more time had been given to Livvy exploring herself and her wants outside of Cole, and also that there had been a few more flashbacks to the last year or so of her life - even just another 50 pages could've really added that extra layer to things and made the ending that much more satisfying. It also bugs me that this is marketed as a college romance when it's not set at a college and the main characters didn't go to college together nor are both still in college......luckily that wasn't the element I was in it for, but definitely don't go in expecting college vibes!
I went into this expecting a quick, easy, sweet romance and it definitely delivered on that (especially as I always adore a friens-to-lovers trope), but it also had a lot more depth than I was expecting and had some really great conversations around self-worth, growing up, and of course purity culture and religion more widely. I loved Livvy's character from the start and, while it took a while for me to warm to Cole and I don't love the whole possessive-obsessive-guy thing, I did end up really rooting for them and I liked the direction their story took. The side characters were also great and more fleshed-out than I would've expected from such a short book, and I particularly adored Mari (though I did feel cheated that we never got to meet Livvy's mom!).
I just wish that the events of the book had been a bit more spread out and that more time had been given to Livvy exploring herself and her wants outside of Cole, and also that there had been a few more flashbacks to the last year or so of her life - even just another 50 pages could've really added that extra layer to things and made the ending that much more satisfying. It also bugs me that this is marketed as a college romance when it's not set at a college and the main characters didn't go to college together nor are both still in college......luckily that wasn't the element I was in it for, but definitely don't go in expecting college vibes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity
I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this book, but none of them make sense. First, I don't hate the book, but it would not be one I would recommend to people. The writing itself was simple, the plot was predictable, but I honestly don't mind. It was a quick read, simple, and honestly funny at times. I like the approach it took to purity culture. It was a gentle reminder of the damage that can be done in even the most tame situations.
This was definitely a guilty pleasure read, and I will admit to signing up for the book 2 announcement. I gave it a 3 star reading because of writing itself, the flow, and overall plot. It probably wouldn't be a book I ever read again, but I'm not mad that I read it in the first place.
This was definitely a guilty pleasure read, and I will admit to signing up for the book 2 announcement. I gave it a 3 star reading because of writing itself, the flow, and overall plot. It probably wouldn't be a book I ever read again, but I'm not mad that I read it in the first place.
what a emotional rollercoaster ❤️❤️ loved it!
Holy crap this book was so good! Growing up in a similar environment with purity culture this book touched on so many of raw emotions that comes from walking away from it. Along with exploring our s3xuality as women. I loved Cole and livvy so much!!! He was hard headed sometimes and wanted to smäck some sense into him
Holy crap this book was so good! Growing up in a similar environment with purity culture this book touched on so many of raw emotions that comes from walking away from it. Along with exploring our s3xuality as women. I loved Cole and livvy so much!!! He was hard headed sometimes and wanted to smäck some sense into him
This is by far my favorite Skyler Mason book. I adored this book and the commentary on purity culture, the characters and the spice! Livvy was especially a favorite of mine, being a curvy FMC, whose adamancy to break away from Purity culture within her religion, doesn't put a stain on her religious beliefs altogether. Now, I'm not a religious person AT ALL, but I really respected her for not giving up on what she believed in and modifying her views so that they reflected how she saw the world. Like all of Skyler's books there is a little toxicity in this relationship, found mostly in Cole's own domineering and controlling ways in his attitude about Livvy. However, he has his own trauma to get over and Skyler is excellent at addressing trauma within her books. Purity is fantastic and one of my favorites of the year!
Read in 2 days
It was an easy, spicy read. Very relatable. I went through a similar “evolution” as the main character when I was a little younger than her. But it had me reminiscing a little bit.
It was an easy, spicy read. Very relatable. I went through a similar “evolution” as the main character when I was a little younger than her. But it had me reminiscing a little bit.
Cozy Smut
It is a sweet story of coming to terms with self-love, self appreciation, and defining expectations. Read in one day.
It is a sweet story of coming to terms with self-love, self appreciation, and defining expectations. Read in one day.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes