Scan barcode
cassiereadsbooks_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Panic attacks/disorders
jillaay_h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
kathrynok'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Alcohol, and Biphobia
livreads4fun's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
eryn_gilbert's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Emotional abuse
aromanticreadsromance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have such a soft spot in my heart for Bea and Jamie. I read this book back in May, and I still haven't forgotten about them. Seriously, they are probably my Roman Empire. I even created Sims characters based on them, if that tells you anything (which it should). Yes, their Sims are already married (they eloped, since how could I possibly wait for them to make friends for a real marriage, lol) and Bea is pregnant. Congrats to the happy couple.
This is meant to be a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Since I have not read the play, I can't comment on accuracy, but according to other reviews, it's nothing like the play, so make with that what you will. This fact didn't affect my rating, but it might affect yours. At her twin sister's New Year's Eve party, Bea meets Jamie, and let's just say they don't get off on the right foot, due to some misunderstandings. Bea's sister, Jules, is in a... happy relationship (appearances can be deceiving) with Jean-Claude, who is Jamie's childhood friend and roommate, and she just wants Bea to be happy, too. She and Jean-Claude scheme to set Bea and Jamie up another way, and when Bea and Jamie find out, they decide to mess with the matchmakers by fake dating. But somewhere along the line, those fake feelings turn into very real feelings (as they always do).
I LOVED the cast of characters (excluding Jean-Claude), like Bea's family and co-workers/friends. Jamie's entire family felt like caricatures, though. They were one-dimensional and black and white evil. They didn't feel like real people. I think the not-fully-formed side characters is a downfall of the play retelling subgenre. I think it's easier for plays to get away with this lack of nuance, but in books and in real life, people are more complex.
I want to address others' reviews criticizing how Bea's autism is portrayed. Because this is an #OwnVoices story, I am not here to police how Bea experiences autism. It is not my place and counterproductive. Bea's experience might be how Chloe experiences HER autism, and it's not fair to pass judgment on that. SO, with that being said, I loved the representation, with Bea being autistic and Jamie having anxiety.
Holy third act breakup. Had it not been for the stupidest reasoning fueling this, I might have rated the book higher. I'm so torn up about this review because I loved EVERYTHING up until this point, but the third act breakup soured my feelings. Until this point, I probably would have rated this book five stars, but I had to subtract a star for this. Without spoiling anything, the breakup is senseless. Like, two broken hearts (or, I guess three, if you include Jamie) for the price of one. I still totally recommend that you read it, but just be warned in advance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Biphobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse
sydneys_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
there’s nothing wrong with this book. everything was perfect, i love bea and jamie. i need more, to be so frank with you.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse
angelsbookstaloves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Violence
annamay1021's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gaslighting, Biphobia, and Ableism
lakinglaze's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay, I kind of loved this book. It was adorable and the characters were just so lovable and I’m a sucker for a modern retelling. I didn’t cringe once! I can’t wait for the next one in this series to come out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Cursing, Abandonment, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism