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readwithde's review against another edition
- 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
Though the start was a bit slow, the pace picked up quickly. There were some times where the plot stretched a bit,
The banter and tension between Shay and Dominic is so great, and I'm glad that it stayed that way through the entire book. They have such great chemistry, whether rivals, friends, or more; it gives the book a grounded feeling -- they are who they are throughout the narrative.
I liked the side plot of Shay's life (her mom remarrying, her best friend possibly moving away), but it made the book feel like her story alone. I would have loved to have some current Dominic drama, but that may have cluttered the story a bit.
Overall, I'm trying to find something to criticize, and I can't. It was emotional without being sad or dark, it was lighthearted but covered real issues with race and gender, and it was steamy and romantic while being vulnerable and fun.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
jen_sometimes'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Racism and Misogyny
valeriabee'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
4.25
For whatever reason, I feel compelled to express my appreciation for that. Not necessarily for the sex scenes themselves, the book would be good without them too, but for how theyre written. Not too cliche, not trying so hard to get hard. Its just to the point, honest, enjoyable.
I also love that its not just sexy, but every spicy scene is bookended by emotional vulnerability and intimacy. And it doesnt feel forced or cushiony, it just is how they function.
The story structure is very cliche. But what is romance if not cliche? I wouldnt be reading it if I didnt want cliche. I like the cliche, I want the cliche. Not to mention Im a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story. You have me hook-line-sinker with that premise.
I love this for us bestie.
I want to mention that the interraciality of the relationship is mentioned once, the dynamics that are attached get brief mention and arent touched again. And I dont think that it would have added to the book either, but its worth mentioning because its so easy as readers to pretend like its not an issue, not relevant, not an imbalance. To my knowledge, the author isnt Asian, so it wouldnt be easy or comfortable (for anyone) if she were to try to unpack that on her own in the text. Rather, I mention this dynamic and imbalance for the readers to keep in mind. I do, however, think Rachel Lynn Solomon did a good job of navigating that. She didnt let us forget Dominic is Korean or Shay is Jewish, that these are important parts to the characters. I just think as readers we need to remember that because their ethnic/racial identities are important to the characters, it then has to be important to the relationship. But I dont think RLS should have to do that work for us - the readers - either.
Anyway, very cliche. Kind of abrupt/rushed ending? I definitely wanted more time with the characters, but maybe thats me being selfish.
Nonetheless, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book and I couldnt put it down/didnt want to put it down.
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Misogyny
emsim's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Racism
lexa'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
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Cancer and Racism
lexiereadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Racism
Minor: Alcoholism
theromanticace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Grief and Misogyny
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Racism
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Minor: Cancer and Medical content
totallyshelfaware's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
gm_vak's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Sexism
Moderate: Racism