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samantha914's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Cancer, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexism, and Death of parent
slowburnsrus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Sexism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Fatphobia
ecmiller's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Cancer, Grief, Death of parent, and Medical trauma
notamouse's review against another edition
1.5
Minor: Sexual harassment, Cancer, Sexism, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, and Toxic friendship
imds's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Cancer, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Grief
mari_library's review against another edition
- 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
The object permanence was definitely not there since every time I put this book down, I forgot I was reading it. BUT when I was reading the book, it was enjoyable and engaging. The story is your typical fake-dating romance, the characters and plot were predictable, and in all cases, it was a solid romance. There is very little to say against it other than the main character's best friend is shitty. I don't think Anh played the part well as a best friend, and I don't think she showed the same level of investment in her friendship as Olive did. However, Adam Carlsen???? My man! He was *chef's kiss* the definition of a man written by a woman. I love him.
Overall, an enjoyable and solid read.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Sexism, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
chelseasofia's review against another edition
- 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
On the other hand, I am tired of a few things that are still very popular in romance: the tall guy/short girl thing, likewise the repeated wonderment about how BIG he is (ok, I get it, a couple mentions would have been enough though), and the fact that two very intelligent people can’t make the logical conclusion to not pile on lie after lie, or that sacrificing yourself for the imagined happiness of someone else by continuing those lies is somehow “real love”, please. Also the miscommunications that don’t really make sense. Also the *ridiculous* ways that they’re forced to get closer in public (via Olive’s friend pressuring her) was just kinda dumb/not fully developed. I love tropes but let’s try and inject a little reality?
I did have to keep reminding myself that these people are in their 20s and not experienced at relationships, being honest with others about their feelings, or even with themselves. I know I didn’t tell someone I loved them when I was that age, so I guess I’m just over some of this stuff because I’ve read it a lot, and I’m old (sarcasm).
I did like Olive but I wished she didn’t have to be so unsure and tentative for so much of the book. And (spoilers?) when a big awful thing happens I wanted to scream at the way she was just going to push it down and try to continue as if nothing had happened. I guess that just means that I cared for the characters. But also, the big awful thing was really over the top, done by a capital-V Villain and it came completely out of nowhere. People who are abusers and manipulative don’t really go this hard this fast, do they? I wanted it to be a little more nuanced. But then again, maybe people are really this brazen and awful in academia. It did make for a great conclusion of the story later on.
The thing I liked most was them slowly becoming friends and coming to really care for each other in such a lovely way. And it all led to the one sex scene which was both tender and hot, with lots of good communication, plus the demisexual rep. Worth it. 🔥🔥🔥
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Body shaming, Misogyny, and Bullying
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Cancer
booking_along's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexism, Bullying, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Grief
kathis_wonderland's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I heard so many good things about this book and now I get the hype. This book is funny, romantic, sexy and so much more. I loved to read about women in STEM. This was really empowering, even though I would personally never pursue a career in STEM. I had to google several words used in this book... But that made it so authentic. I loved it! The short hypotheses at the beginning of each chapter were so intriguing. I always wanted to know what the hypothesis had to do with the chapter. Quite a clever move.
The chemistry between Olive and Adam was so good (and hot!). I loved that Olive just called out his mean demeanour. Even though Adam can be really mean to his students, he was so supportive of Olive. I loved Olive's friend Malcolm. I hope so much that he will get his happy ending. He kind of would deserve an own book.
I am still a little surprised that I love this book so much. Usually, I am a little scared if I find a book promoted on bookstagram as I have bought several that were promoted that were really really not good. But here, the hype is totally deserved. I can't wait to read Ali Hazelwood's other books!
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer
Minor: Alcohol and Grief
mollywoods18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Grief