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whatjasread's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
• this had a rough start for me, i struggled a lot with anxiety while reading about the disruption of routines etc. for Khai at the start, which really didn't help me enjoy the book
• that being said, esme grew on me by the halfway point
• i think i would've liked more by way of connection building (even though i understand that's kind of the whole point of this book), i think i would've liked to see more of what worked for Khai in terms of relationships
• the second half of the book is definitely better than the first half
• i literally squealed at every mention of michael and stella
• quan is just... ugh. love. eternally.
• i want to cuddle khai on a daily basis, especially if he's wearing his reading glasses
TWs: mention of divorce, mention of infertility, motorcycle accident (past), death of loved one (past)
• that being said, esme grew on me by the halfway point
• i think i would've liked more by way of connection building (even though i understand that's kind of the whole point of this book), i think i would've liked to see more of what worked for Khai in terms of relationships
• the second half of the book is definitely better than the first half
• i literally squealed at every mention of michael and stella
• quan is just... ugh. love. eternally.
• i want to cuddle khai on a daily basis, especially if he's wearing his reading glasses
TWs: mention of divorce, mention of infertility, motorcycle accident (past), death of loved one (past)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility and Car accident
abby_shupe's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I now worship Helen Hoang. I basically could end this review here, because everything about this book was perfect - no complaints.
I did find the two main characters unlikable at first, I was asking myself if I could even imagine them together but boy was I wrong.
Everything from the relationship, to the twists in the plot, to every character, was so well done, and I even see improvements in Hoang’s writing since The Kiss Quotient; Which got five stars from me.
I LOVED that we got to see Stella and Micheal’s wedding, I really enjoyed getting another snippet of their relationship. And by far my favorite character in both books has been Quân, so I’m incredibly happy I get to read his book after I finish this review!
Relating to why I liked this so much was the uniqueness of the relationship origins. I’m used to reading a lot of enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, et cetera, romance; But this was different and I loved it. I don’t really know how to categorize the start of Khai and Esme’s relationship but I guess arranged marriage? Anyways it was a trope I haven’t really come across before and I gobbled it up.
The only possible critique I have is that the ending was severely rushed, I think 3 plot twists for the MCs were introduced in one page. I personally liked that but because this book was short and sweet, I also wouldn’t have minded if it was slowed a bit.
The epilogue was written beautifully as always, and I highly recommend this book!
I did find the two main characters unlikable at first, I was asking myself if I could even imagine them together but boy was I wrong.
Everything from the relationship, to the twists in the plot, to every character, was so well done, and I even see improvements in Hoang’s writing since The Kiss Quotient; Which got five stars from me.
I LOVED that we got to see Stella and Micheal’s wedding, I really enjoyed getting another snippet of their relationship. And by far my favorite character in both books has been Quân, so I’m incredibly happy I get to read his book after I finish this review!
Relating to why I liked this so much was the uniqueness of the relationship origins. I’m used to reading a lot of enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, et cetera, romance; But this was different and I loved it. I don’t really know how to categorize the start of Khai and Esme’s relationship but I guess arranged marriage? Anyways it was a trope I haven’t really come across before and I gobbled it up.
The only possible critique I have is that the ending was severely rushed, I think 3 plot twists for the MCs were introduced in one page. I personally liked that but because this book was short and sweet, I also wouldn’t have minded if it was slowed a bit.
The epilogue was written beautifully as always, and I highly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Car accident, Death, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility, Pregnancy, and Racial slurs
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