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jennifer_bush_73's review against another edition
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Kion was angry that he’d been dumped by his boyfriend, Hudson. Kion seems paralyzed by his angry about this breakup. Part of the story even involves another character questioning whether Kion’s behavior is driven by a desire to get even with Hudson for this break up. So, presumably, this was a pretty brutal breakup, but we never find out what happened? Why did they breakup? What did Hudson do? By the end of the book I thought that the smartest thing Hudson ever did was to break up with Kion.
And Hudson. He’s more likable, but his strained relationship with his family hinders his ability grow emotional, or engage in any sort of introspection. He and his have a sibling rivalry that is just bitter and nasty. And never overcomes his deference for his parents.
I don’t why they wanted each other. Both characters are too solipsistic to be interesting. They both need therapy. Although, Kion discusses having been in therapy, he may need a new therapist and some medication.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
readandfindout's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
Style/writing: 2.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 2.5 stars
Plot: 1.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 2.5 stars
Plot: 1.5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Classism, Sexual harassment, Racism, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism and Blood
armontheroad's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
- This book was a huge disappointment. It started off as a hilarious five-star read but I have so many problems with this. I will say that if you are not a fan of books with massive pop cultural references, this is not the book for you. There is a reference on nearly every page. I was really enjoying all of them, laughing a lot at the humor in the book, until Kosoko Jackson decided to reference two transphobic people multiple times. I truly wish that was the only reason I deducted stars, but it’s not.
- The premise of this book is that Hudson dumped our protagonist Kian out of the blue. Now Hudson needs Kian to fake date him for a family wedding his parents are hosting. The romance was infuriating to me. I was waiting for the moment Kian and Hudson got together and had the “I’m so sorry I hurt you, Kian. The reason I did that was…” but that conversation is never had. The two go from snapping at each other to “are you my boyfriend now?” It made no sense to me. It got to the point where I went back to re-read sections to ensure I did not miss a major plot point or conversation. In reality, I didn’t miss anything. The relationship just felt rushed and immature. These did not read to me as two exes still in love.
- Kian is an infuriating protagonist because he never says what he is thinking!! So many arguments could be avoided if he just said what was on his mind instead of lying about it. Maybe it is because I’m Autistic, but I cannot stand it when people just do not be honest about their thoughts.
- I gave this a three-star rating because I think it was funny, engaging (for a majority of the book), and has the potential to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people. The writing was solid and I will try some of Kosoko’s other works to see if those fit me any better.
- CWs/TWs: racism, alcohol, sexual content, panic attacks, anxiety, classism, homophobia, Harry Potter references, Rupaul reference, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Sexual content, Classism, Homophobia, and Racism
unwise_samwise's review
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Blood and Alcoholism
perpetualpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
CWs: references to anxiety and panic attacks; some explorations of emotional trauma, past underage drinking, alcoholism, and drunk driving; instances of homophobia and classism; some descriptions of blood, violence, and sexual harassment; HP references; and explicit sexual content
This is the first book I've read by Kosoko Jackson, but it certainly will not be my last, especially if he writes more adult rom-coms that are as delightful as this!
I'm So (Not) Over You is the absolutely chaotic, messy adult m/m romance I never knew I needed in my life. There’s a little bit of extravagance and fantasy to it, because it’s bordering on “billionaire romance,” but it also super funny, grounded, and authentic.
I would say my favorite part of this story is the main character, Kian, because he has such a strong, distinct narrative voice. He is an absolutely mess, and not only does he know it, but he fully embraces it. Kian really embodies what it means to be a broke millennial two bad choices away from absolute financial devastation, and I respect that he’s not too hung up on pride. He knows exactly what he wants and what he needs, and when it comes to securing those things, he’s absolutely shameless. I think we need more characters like that in fiction—characters who are hyper-aware of the barriers they’re up against, the way the world works, and who are not going to judge themselves for doing whatever they have to do to secure stability or “success.”
Another thing that really stood out to me is how these characters are not perfect and story doesn’t expect them to be either. As strange as it may be to say, the messiness between these characters is oddly refreshing. It's nice to have these two queer Black characters who are not sanitized, or "well-adjusted", or perfect. They make bad choices, they make mistakes, they don’t have the best judgment. Kian and Hudson are chaotic, reckless, horny, messy people who just want to be loved like so many other people do, and it's incredible that they don't have to be "perfect" in order to be deserving of that.
Going back to Kian as the main character, I love that he’s not afraid to just say whatever he’s thinking. He also really makes Hudson work for his second chance and holds him accountable for his past mistakes, and that while Kian may not be especially prideful, he still knows his limitations and reinforces them. Personally, I'm not into the whole “billionaire” thing, but I do think Kian does do a relatively good job of calling out Hudson and his family on their privilege and classism when it's needed.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. It’s funny, it’s voice-y, it’s in your face, it’s a super fast read and a solid second chance romance that doesn’t get hung up on arbitrary expectations, and it's definitely an entertaining read. I enjoy the time I spent with this book, and like I said, I would definitely read more!
This is the first book I've read by Kosoko Jackson, but it certainly will not be my last, especially if he writes more adult rom-coms that are as delightful as this!
I'm So (Not) Over You is the absolutely chaotic, messy adult m/m romance I never knew I needed in my life. There’s a little bit of extravagance and fantasy to it, because it’s bordering on “billionaire romance,” but it also super funny, grounded, and authentic.
I would say my favorite part of this story is the main character, Kian, because he has such a strong, distinct narrative voice. He is an absolutely mess, and not only does he know it, but he fully embraces it. Kian really embodies what it means to be a broke millennial two bad choices away from absolute financial devastation, and I respect that he’s not too hung up on pride. He knows exactly what he wants and what he needs, and when it comes to securing those things, he’s absolutely shameless. I think we need more characters like that in fiction—characters who are hyper-aware of the barriers they’re up against, the way the world works, and who are not going to judge themselves for doing whatever they have to do to secure stability or “success.”
Another thing that really stood out to me is how these characters are not perfect and story doesn’t expect them to be either. As strange as it may be to say, the messiness between these characters is oddly refreshing. It's nice to have these two queer Black characters who are not sanitized, or "well-adjusted", or perfect. They make bad choices, they make mistakes, they don’t have the best judgment. Kian and Hudson are chaotic, reckless, horny, messy people who just want to be loved like so many other people do, and it's incredible that they don't have to be "perfect" in order to be deserving of that.
Going back to Kian as the main character, I love that he’s not afraid to just say whatever he’s thinking. He also really makes Hudson work for his second chance and holds him accountable for his past mistakes, and that while Kian may not be especially prideful, he still knows his limitations and reinforces them. Personally, I'm not into the whole “billionaire” thing, but I do think Kian does do a relatively good job of calling out Hudson and his family on their privilege and classism when it's needed.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. It’s funny, it’s voice-y, it’s in your face, it’s a super fast read and a solid second chance romance that doesn’t get hung up on arbitrary expectations, and it's definitely an entertaining read. I enjoy the time I spent with this book, and like I said, I would definitely read more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism, Blood, and Violence
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