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mx_sunshine's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute book!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I was surprised by Astrid’s relationship with her fiancé. It was triggering to read at times. I feel like this book used the abuse as a plot device to bring the characters together without acknowledging the abusive nature of the relationship. I was expecting a conversation from the characters about it. The signs of an abusive relationship were subtly threaded throughout the novel but it wasn’t explicitly stated. This might’ve been a deliberate choice to not isolate the audience.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.
I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.
I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.
There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.
I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.
This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.
I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.
I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.
I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, and Bullying
bookishwondergoth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Love love loved this book. I was so up in my feels towards the end that my eyes welled up with many tears. RTC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcohol, Sexual content, Grief, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
hflh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought I was going to feel eh about this book and, after reading the first chapter, I was pretty sure I was going to hate it. Obviously, I was wrong on both counts.
This book is so incredibly tender and the characters have so much life. The heart of the story is the main characters navigating their past trauma and relationships and it’s balanced really well with sitting in those feelings and also finding love and healing. Blake shines in her work on character and relationships.
Yea, there are some cheesy cliches, but isn’t that the point? The only time I struggled with the cliches was in Iris’ characterization which I thought was a bit one-note but she functions more to drive the plot while the focus is primarily on Delilah, Claire, and Astrid.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship
bluebreex's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
This is the first book in ages that I completely flew through! It was funny, lighthearted and relatable.
I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a easy fun read or a romcom experience filled with drama and revelations!
I highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a easy fun read or a romcom experience filled with drama and revelations!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, Bullying, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
katyfayyyx's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have never thought of myself as romance girly, it has never been a genre I have ever really reached for but maybe this book is proving me wrong because I loved reading this book, I had such a fun time with it. I just loved the characters however I did keep thinking who was this many pre-wedding dates/events because girl what was the reason but that me just over thinking, a really small part of the book. It was just such a fun read like I don't really have a lot to say expect that I just had such a fun time with this book like there were actually a number of times that I laughed out loud and I didn't really want to read this book when I picked it up but I thought I am going to need to read at some point so why not now. I think a reason that this book was just so fun was that no only did I like the two main character as couple but I loved them as individual characters aswell. I do have one issue with this book and that some of the writing and words used screamed millennial like 'shit boot' like every time I read that, I cringed but I guess millennials are this age group, so that maybe have they talk but I don't know and I don't care because I didn't like it. I thought the whole sub-plot about how family is complicated and how they are not all prefect was really well done and doesn't seem to tell you or you should feel sorry for, you get to make your own decision which I liked. This book was just so funny, fun to read, wholesome and just really fluffy and truly had such a good time with this book and the ending just made me so happy, like I had like a warm and fluffy feelings and if you just want a fun, quick read that a whole lot of fun this book is prefect.
Here are some of my favourite moments...
Delilah & Claire first meeting
Claire calling Spencer out on his weird 'good girl' bullshit
When Delilah pushed Spencer into the lake after giving Claire her camera and pretending like it was an accident.
'To shitty men and the women who put them in their godamn place'
I just how this book show how quick queer women fall in love so quick like they have been together for what 10 days and they were both just so madly in love
Here are some of my favourite moments...
Delilah & Claire first meeting
Claire calling Spencer out on his weird 'good girl' bullshit
When Delilah pushed Spencer into the lake after giving Claire her camera and pretending like it was an accident.
'To shitty men and the women who put them in their godamn place'
I just how this book show how quick queer women fall in love so quick like they have been together for what 10 days and they were both just so madly in love
‘A full, happy feeling filled Delilah’s chest as she looked at her friends, her partner, her home. She lifted her glass once more into the air, tipping it to each of them in turn. To us’- Chapter Thirty Three
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Bullying
Moderate: Abandonment and Alcohol
elizmoe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
my kingdom for a sapphic romance that doesn’t underwhelm me
there were moments i genuinely liked (main pros: Delilah’s POV, the audiobook narrator’s voice acting for Delilah, generally well-written sex scenes, good portrayal of young single mom with a compelling-not-annoying child character) but overall, this was a disappointing read (main cons: the narrator’s voice acting for Claire, constantly referring to characters by their full names (a specific ick of mine that so many romances these days are doing!!! why!), spencer’s characterization being just an irritating cartoon villain, literal high school bully characters who are theoretically redeemed by the novel’s end but they don’t really do anything to deserve said redemption, random virtue signaling about how the MCs care about/include nonbinary people and nonwhite people while every single character in the novel is cis and white)
but i think my opinion of the book can be summed up in the fact that i listened to the last third of it on a plane and i kept falling asleep—then waking up and tuning in for about 10 minutes before falling back asleep for another 20–and i had no desire to go back and listen to the entire resolution of the novel. because the bits i did get were kind of enough for me. which is kind of sad, but!
there were moments i genuinely liked (main pros: Delilah’s POV, the audiobook narrator’s voice acting for Delilah, generally well-written sex scenes, good portrayal of young single mom with a compelling-not-annoying child character) but overall, this was a disappointing read (main cons: the narrator’s voice acting for Claire, constantly referring to characters by their full names (a specific ick of mine that so many romances these days are doing!!! why!), spencer’s characterization being just an irritating cartoon villain, literal high school bully characters who are theoretically redeemed by the novel’s end but they don’t really do anything to deserve said redemption, random virtue signaling about how the MCs care about/include nonbinary people and nonwhite people while every single character in the novel is cis and white)
but i think my opinion of the book can be summed up in the fact that i listened to the last third of it on a plane and i kept falling asleep—then waking up and tuning in for about 10 minutes before falling back asleep for another 20–and i had no desire to go back and listen to the entire resolution of the novel. because the bits i did get were kind of enough for me. which is kind of sad, but!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Bullying, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual harassment
megelizabeth's review against another edition
2.5
I really wanted to love this book, but I instead ended up feeling mostly just frustrated by it. I didn't particularly like or connect with neither Delilah nor Claire, so I then didn't care a whole lot about their relationship. I did think they had good chemistry initially, but ultimately everything progresses a bit too quickly and I just didn't feel the supposed love between them.
I did like the subtle nods to the intimacies of the queer experience throughout this book, and it also has some great themes and conversations around childhood, parenthood, difficult relationships, sacrifice, loss, abandonment, and moving on from the past. However, as a romance and as a narrative this one just didn't end up really working for me. I also really didn't like the way it seems to normalise alcohol dependency, and wish this had either not been a feature or had been explored further in a more nuanced way.
I also didn't feel any of the side characters were particularly strong, apart from maybe Ruby, so I'm not particularly interested in continuing with the rest of the series. It's a shame as this book had a lot of potential, and lots of other reviewers do seem to have loved it, but for me it didn't live up to it at all.
I did like the subtle nods to the intimacies of the queer experience throughout this book, and it also has some great themes and conversations around childhood, parenthood, difficult relationships, sacrifice, loss, abandonment, and moving on from the past. However, as a romance and as a narrative this one just didn't end up really working for me. I also really didn't like the way it seems to normalise alcohol dependency, and wish this had either not been a feature or had been explored further in a more nuanced way.
I also didn't feel any of the side characters were particularly strong, apart from maybe Ruby, so I'm not particularly interested in continuing with the rest of the series. It's a shame as this book had a lot of potential, and lots of other reviewers do seem to have loved it, but for me it didn't live up to it at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness
torikate7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Blood, and Sexism
howlinglibraries's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
Having sung the praises of AHB's MG and YA titles for so many years now, nobody is more disappointed than me to say that this book was a struggle. I actually set it aside 50pg in the first time I tried reading it, and had to pick it back up with an audiobook to force myself past the first few chapters because I disliked Delilah's character so much. Thankfully, the audiobook narrator was fantastic and I gradually was drawn in enough to give the story a solid chance.
In the end, Delilah slowly redeemed herself a little bit for me, but it took a very long time to get there and I still wasn't a huge fan by the time I reached the last page. I typically LOVE prickly, unlikable protagonists, but Delilah's particular flavor of attitude was so petty and self-centered that I had a hard time working past it. I will admit that I felt a lot of empathy for her unresolved traumas and I loved watching her bond with Ruby and play pranks on Astrid's disgusting groom-to-be, but I spent most of the book wishing I could tell her to grow up.
All of that said, I thought Delilah and Claire had a lot of chemistry, and I actually loved Astrid's character from the start, so I'm very eager to read the next book and see her get the love she deserves. AHB's narrative voice is engaging and fun, and I can see why so many people loved this book. I'm sad that I wasn't one of them, but I have high hopes for the sequel!
I read a final copy I purchased myself, but for the sake of disclosure, I was also sent an early review copy by the author/publisher. All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: several sapphic (lesbian and bi) characters, one very minor side character uses they/them pronouns
In the end, Delilah slowly redeemed herself a little bit for me, but it took a very long time to get there and I still wasn't a huge fan by the time I reached the last page. I typically LOVE prickly, unlikable protagonists, but Delilah's particular flavor of attitude was so petty and self-centered that I had a hard time working past it. I will admit that I felt a lot of empathy for her unresolved traumas and I loved watching her bond with Ruby and play pranks on Astrid's disgusting groom-to-be, but I spent most of the book wishing I could tell her to grow up.
All of that said, I thought Delilah and Claire had a lot of chemistry, and I actually loved Astrid's character from the start, so I'm very eager to read the next book and see her get the love she deserves. AHB's narrative voice is engaging and fun, and I can see why so many people loved this book. I'm sad that I wasn't one of them, but I have high hopes for the sequel!
I read a final copy I purchased myself, but for the sake of disclosure, I was also sent an early review copy by the author/publisher. All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: several sapphic (lesbian and bi) characters, one very minor side character uses they/them pronouns
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, Infidelity, Grief, and Death of parent
bendersreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and Toxic relationship