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A review by decklededgess
Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
trigger warnings: sexism and misogyny, sexual content, alcohol, estranged family, anxiety and panic attacks
I think this might be my favourite book of the three although it's a really tough call. And frankly they're all amazing in their own way so perhaps this is my favourite in this point in my life.
Caleb being the romantic lead was a curve ball because homeboy was a COP???? And a cop romance in this economy???? But Ms. Borison said lol he's a substitute teacher now bc he got fired for being too nice. Iconic. I still don't like the cop to educator pipeline because that's a whole other icky issue but we're going to let this isolated and fictional town in Maryland exist in its own little bubble.
Caleb as a teacher was incredibly cute and relatable. I've had my fair share of chaotic students and seeing Caleb have nearly identical experiences to my classroom ones was so cute and great. He's a man full of acts of service and love in unspoken words because previous experience has told him that expressing his feelings has led to the demise of his relationships. I love how his time with Layla defies that opinion of him at every turn. His type of affection is exactly what Layla craves and I loved how he was able to find the perfect person in his longtime crush.
Layla on the other hand is just looking for someone to put in the effort for her (*stares in Caleb*). She's sweet and full of giving. While her life is spent finding joy in making for others she simply wants someone to do the same for her. I loveeeeeeeee how her confidence builds over the course of the book and how Caleb stepping up to the plate allows her to see the joy that she deserves without struggle.
I found the "we're not really dating but it's not fake dating because they're definitely dates but with an expiry date" plot so funny. It's a really interesting hodge podge of tropes that made for the perfect amount of nonsensical confusion yet it had consequences for Layla and Caleb in their indecision and refusal to have an outright conversation as things got more serious. I'm also really pleased with how the miscommunication wasn't really that but more of a very literal interpretation of the whole situation and no interrogation of the subtext. It made things tough but painless.
Frankly this book was too cute for words.
I think this might be my favourite book of the three although it's a really tough call. And frankly they're all amazing in their own way so perhaps this is my favourite in this point in my life.
Caleb being the romantic lead was a curve ball because homeboy was a COP???? And a cop romance in this economy???? But Ms. Borison said lol he's a substitute teacher now bc he got fired for being too nice. Iconic. I still don't like the cop to educator pipeline because that's a whole other icky issue but we're going to let this isolated and fictional town in Maryland exist in its own little bubble.
Caleb as a teacher was incredibly cute and relatable. I've had my fair share of chaotic students and seeing Caleb have nearly identical experiences to my classroom ones was so cute and great. He's a man full of acts of service and love in unspoken words because previous experience has told him that expressing his feelings has led to the demise of his relationships. I love how his time with Layla defies that opinion of him at every turn. His type of affection is exactly what Layla craves and I loved how he was able to find the perfect person in his longtime crush.
Layla on the other hand is just looking for someone to put in the effort for her (*stares in Caleb*). She's sweet and full of giving. While her life is spent finding joy in making for others she simply wants someone to do the same for her. I loveeeeeeeee how her confidence builds over the course of the book and how Caleb stepping up to the plate allows her to see the joy that she deserves without struggle.
I found the "we're not really dating but it's not fake dating because they're definitely dates but with an expiry date" plot so funny. It's a really interesting hodge podge of tropes that made for the perfect amount of nonsensical confusion yet it had consequences for Layla and Caleb in their indecision and refusal to have an outright conversation as things got more serious. I'm also really pleased with how the miscommunication wasn't really that but more of a very literal interpretation of the whole situation and no interrogation of the subtext. It made things tough but painless.
Frankly this book was too cute for words.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Sexism, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship