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reading_rebellion's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Super cute and wholesome slow burn romance based emotional intimacy and connection instead of just sex which I personally really love. I loved awkwardness, the banter and love between Alice and Takumi.
Likes
I liked the writing style and the story. It really is a coming of age story with some romance mixed in. This is definitely a book for the nerds.
Ace rep! Black Ace rep!!
Multicultural characters with the FMC being Black and the MMC being Asian
I appreciate the author including social and cultural dialogue that didn't become the whole story. I appreciated the author representing a version of a Black woman that is middle class and that grew suburban areas and all that comes with. Black middle class and suburban families isn't talked about or seen enough in books even though it's very common occurrence.
No Black trauma and struggle porn!
Dislikes
Alice's voice as a character did read somewhat kiddie, but it is a YA novel and she is also not far out of high school at 20 so that makes since.
Alice parents especially her narcassistic, overbearing mom and pushy sister.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was a little inconsistent with the male characters, but being picky.
Overall good Ace rep! Perfect for high school, college aged and early 20s or anyone who wants to understand Asexuality and a part of the Ace spectrum better.
Likes
I liked the writing style and the story. It really is a coming of age story with some romance mixed in. This is definitely a book for the nerds.
Ace rep! Black Ace rep!!
Multicultural characters with the FMC being Black and the MMC being Asian
I appreciate the author including social and cultural dialogue that didn't become the whole story. I appreciated the author representing a version of a Black woman that is middle class and that grew suburban areas and all that comes with. Black middle class and suburban families isn't talked about or seen enough in books even though it's very common occurrence.
No Black trauma and struggle porn!
Dislikes
Alice's voice as a character did read somewhat kiddie, but it is a YA novel and she is also not far out of high school at 20 so that makes since.
Alice parents especially her narcassistic, overbearing mom and pushy sister.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was a little inconsistent with the male characters, but being picky.
Overall good Ace rep! Perfect for high school, college aged and early 20s or anyone who wants to understand Asexuality and a part of the Ace spectrum better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, and Alcohol
emhunsbaker's review against another edition
funny
informative
relaxing
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? No
3.5
Hooray for representation! This book has a lovely romance as it's main plot, but with a twist: the main character is asexual, and throughout the novel she and her love interest have to come to grips with what this means for their relationship.
The representation was realistic, especially with the main character's rants to her therapist about what being ace feels like. Her experiences seemed true to an ace identity, but aren't often shown in media without it being a joke or a thing that makes a character deviant.
Lastly, while being ace is the driving force of the main character's conflict, it's not the only defining factor of the character. She has a personality; she has depth; she is human.
This book is very much a romance novel, but the asexual character and the experience of asexuality shared within the pages are so important.
The representation was realistic, especially with the main character's rants to her therapist about what being ace feels like. Her experiences seemed true to an ace identity, but aren't often shown in media without it being a joke or a thing that makes a character deviant.
Lastly, while being ace is the driving force of the main character's conflict, it's not the only defining factor of the character. She has a personality; she has depth; she is human.
This book is very much a romance novel, but the asexual character and the experience of asexuality shared within the pages are so important.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship