Scan barcode
A review by hobbithopeful
Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
If Elise Bryant writes it, I will read it. (And likely love it so much, and rate it 5 stars!)
A dual pov romance full of punk music, DND, and overcoming fears. I never thought I would put those words in a sentence together, but after reading this book I can't believe it hasn't been done before! Delilah gets asked to be a lead singer for Fun Gi, a punk band led by charismatic Charlie. While initially very anxious she soon falls in love with it and the band starts picking up traction.
Reggie is a shy introvert, preferring DND and posting essays in forums talking about some of the racial and colonization issues prevalent in the lore and history of DND.
At the first concert Delilah performs at, Reggie is smitten and falls for her (I love this trope!), and manages to talk to her, adopting a confident persona that isn't really his personality. As the two begin to get closer over the course of a year, they each struggle with being true to themselves and overcoming fears and being comfortable with their Blackness.
I adore how Bryant writes, all of her characters are always so human, so real, so lovable. Because this is a dual POV book, there are several instances where Reggie or Delilah assume what the other is thinking and take actions based on that. (This is why communication is so important) As frustrating as this could be at times, it was such a joy to read how these characters evolved. There isn't anything else like watching a character grow into themselves and become more confident in who they are by the end, it's inspiring. The way Bryant writes their interactions was so sweet and cute, the chemistry and build up to them *finally* being together was worth every page.
This is one of those books that you will pick up and start reading, not realizing how quick time is flying by. I'm not surprised I loved this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great romance.
The Cover
The Cover artist: Michelle D’Urbano
Okay several items to touch on.
Elise Bryant always has amazing covers, they are always so cohesive and will look great on a shelve together, and THEY ARE JUST SO GOOD.
For this cover it is a bold bright pink, with an illustrated picture of Reggie and Delilah sitting with each other. Reggie can't seem to tear his eyes away from her as she leans against his shoulder, while Delilah has her eyes shut seeming deep in thought. The outfits capture the characters personalities and interests so well, with Reggie having looser plain clothes, and Delilah wearing her signature flannel and vans. Her guitar case is behind her covered in stickers, while other hearts, sparkles, and calendar pages float around them both. It's just such a sweet picture! I l adore the style that D'Urbano draws in, it's never uncanny valley or stilted, there is so much emotion in just one illustration.
The title font is the cherry on top, like with the other covers of Bryant's books, this one has a mixture of handwritten and serif fonts, with added emphasis around certain words. It works so well with the composition and I am so glad to see such a great book with such a great cover.
Michelle D’Urbano you are truly an artist!
A dual pov romance full of punk music, DND, and overcoming fears. I never thought I would put those words in a sentence together, but after reading this book I can't believe it hasn't been done before! Delilah gets asked to be a lead singer for Fun Gi, a punk band led by charismatic Charlie. While initially very anxious she soon falls in love with it and the band starts picking up traction.
Reggie is a shy introvert, preferring DND and posting essays in forums talking about some of the racial and colonization issues prevalent in the lore and history of DND.
At the first concert Delilah performs at, Reggie is smitten and falls for her (I love this trope!), and manages to talk to her, adopting a confident persona that isn't really his personality. As the two begin to get closer over the course of a year, they each struggle with being true to themselves and overcoming fears and being comfortable with their Blackness.
I adore how Bryant writes, all of her characters are always so human, so real, so lovable. Because this is a dual POV book, there are several instances where Reggie or Delilah assume what the other is thinking and take actions based on that. (This is why communication is so important) As frustrating as this could be at times, it was such a joy to read how these characters evolved. There isn't anything else like watching a character grow into themselves and become more confident in who they are by the end, it's inspiring. The way Bryant writes their interactions was so sweet and cute, the chemistry and build up to them *finally* being together was worth every page.
This is one of those books that you will pick up and start reading, not realizing how quick time is flying by. I'm not surprised I loved this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great romance.
The Cover
The Cover artist: Michelle D’Urbano
Okay several items to touch on.
Elise Bryant always has amazing covers, they are always so cohesive and will look great on a shelve together, and THEY ARE JUST SO GOOD.
For this cover it is a bold bright pink, with an illustrated picture of Reggie and Delilah sitting with each other. Reggie can't seem to tear his eyes away from her as she leans against his shoulder, while Delilah has her eyes shut seeming deep in thought. The outfits capture the characters personalities and interests so well, with Reggie having looser plain clothes, and Delilah wearing her signature flannel and vans. Her guitar case is behind her covered in stickers, while other hearts, sparkles, and calendar pages float around them both. It's just such a sweet picture! I l adore the style that D'Urbano draws in, it's never uncanny valley or stilted, there is so much emotion in just one illustration.
The title font is the cherry on top, like with the other covers of Bryant's books, this one has a mixture of handwritten and serif fonts, with added emphasis around certain words. It works so well with the composition and I am so glad to see such a great book with such a great cover.
Michelle D’Urbano you are truly an artist!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Racism