Reviews

Divine River by Marina Vivancos

layla87's review

4.0

This was delightful.
I loved this low-angst novella:

- neighbors
- opposites attract
- Friends to lovers
- Instant connection (NOT insta-love)
- Sweet moments and banter
- Sexy steamy scenes
- Finding oneself and being content with who you are.
- HEA

I wish we had more tbh. These two men were sweet.

bronwynheeley's review

4.0

This was everything it was set out to be with the emotional kick Vivancos gives her books. It’s about accepting himself, and though I wished it went a little further as it felt like just the start of the story, I appreciate what it gave us.

writtenechoes's review

5.0

“I’m really fucking into you, Mikey, and I… how you express yourself—clothes and gender and whatever else there is—that doesn’t change how much I… am into you. The more you show yourself, the more psyched I am, honestly.”

Maybe love IS real.

ofbooksandromance's review

4.0

RTC but this book was just the sweetest thing. I had the biggest smile on my face the entire time I read this book, it was just so cute and I absolutely loved that.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

dharshanirymond's review

3.0

What happened to the father at the end?

jvillar3's review

4.0

Sweet story. Didn't love the dialogue.

tifftalkpages's review

4.0

This was a sweet small town slow burn with a unique style. Mike is a recluse in a small town that comes off as a bit of a grump but he’s truly masking his identity while trying to grasp it for himself. Meanwhile, Jason moves in next door, and completely disrupts his routine in the best possible way. The slow burn between them ushers us into the mind of Mike, which is where I think stylistically this is different. The world of Mike’s perception of himself is really what’s built as opposed to the world around him. It took me a bit to get use to, but I enjoyed the conversations centered around gender expression, identity, and self acceptance. Where Mike lands in the end, due to his romance, with Jason was a beautiful.

p3tra's review

funny inspiring reflective 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

4.5

thosemedalingkidsss's review

5.0

I've highlighted so much of this book.

Fantastic, excellent, superb. I'm a shell.

There's something so exhilarating when reading the POV of an introverted & empathetic person who internalizes their emotions and guards them fiercely. Those little moments where they let someone see them is so satisfying. And getting an epilogue with the proud bf's POV was a cherry on top.

Mainly vibes over plot but it worked perfectly.

ditten's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

Wonderful novella about Mike and Jason. A small town, friends to lovers story, but also a story about identity, shame, gender, and learning to love yourself