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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
When David quit his band in high school, he never imagined the fame his ex-best friends would achieve. Now he's living a normal high school live while Chance, the ex-best friend, lives a life of stardom and fame.
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual content
fanboyriot's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Brought together by the death of a friend only to catch feelings he didn’t even know were there for his enemy, ex-best friend? Who was now famous and in the band he helped start. What happens when the famous lead singer drops the act? What happens when long drives out of town end with surprised kisses? And how long will it all last before David is left behind like he was before?
Dramatic and humorous and entertaining. There was so much I enjoyed about this book. Getting lost in the audiobook for hours was lovely. The audiobook was brought to life really nicely. The setting was done nicely and really brought in the comforting elements when David and Chance were able to get away from the rest of the world even if it was only for a little while. The characters were detailed, friendships were comforting, David finding himself in the end, and the overall plot kept my interest. The only negative I have to say was the Har*ry Pot*er references, which were only mentioned but still.
I really liked this and how things played out, the hurt/comfort really worked well and I’m very happy with how it ended!!
And thank you to the author and to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Idiots in Love
Hurt/Comfort
Friends to Lovers
Enemies to Lovers
Angst with a Happy Ending
(First Person POV)
Dramatic and humorous and entertaining. There was so much I enjoyed about this book. Getting lost in the audiobook for hours was lovely. The audiobook was brought to life really nicely. The setting was done nicely and really brought in the comforting elements when David and Chance were able to get away from the rest of the world even if it was only for a little while. The characters were detailed, friendships were comforting, David finding himself in the end, and the overall plot kept my interest. The only negative I have to say was the Har*ry Pot*er references, which were only mentioned but still.
I really liked this and how things played out, the hurt/comfort really worked well and I’m very happy with how it ended!!
And thank you to the author and to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Idiots in Love
Hurt/Comfort
Friends to Lovers
Enemies to Lovers
Angst with a Happy Ending
(First Person POV)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Alcohol, Body shaming, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Death
kristynpittman's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book really gave such a unique and delightful twist on the 'bandmates falling in love' trope. David quit the band, Darkhearts, right before they made it big and reached global success. Now, after a tragedy, his former bandmate, Chance, is back in town.
This book navigated heavy themes of grief, jealousy, and the price of fame, while stilling feeling like a relatable queer YA coming of age story.
***
Thank you to Wednesday Book for providing me with an early copy for review.
This book navigated heavy themes of grief, jealousy, and the price of fame, while stilling feeling like a relatable queer YA coming of age story.
***
Thank you to Wednesday Book for providing me with an early copy for review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Body shaming, and Grief
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