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A review by books_and_cha
The Love Study by Kris Ripper
3.0
3.5 stars
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.
The Love Study was a different take on the usual romance books I've read. While a love story, it's also an exploration of the world of dating and how we go about forming relationships.
The story begins with Declan and Sidney meeting at a party, and Sidney pitching the idea of The Love Study once Declan gets candid about his feelings - and reservations - about dating. Sidney filters people who volunteer to date Declan through their Youtube channel, and Declan comes on every Monday to debrief and talk about the specific date, and the struggles of dating in general.
Declan and Sidney's relationship was super cute. They're both nerds and like each other a lot. Plus, they're both awkward, Declan more than Sidney. Oh my God, there were times I cringed for Declan, or felt anxious along with him. Sidney is well-spoken, smart, and playful, but they would have their fumbling moments. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other at first, when they clearly liked one another but didn't want to assume. Every step that both of them take is deliberate and considerate. Declan asks permission for everything, as does Sidney, but instead of it coming off as on the nose, it leads to a lot of heartwarming moments.
A lot of the conflict in this book revolves around Declan struggling with anxiety and insecurity, along with discussions around how different people have different love languages. While Kris Ripper never uses the term, ze talk about how people can be romantic in varying ways.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. I liked how unapologetically inclusive it was. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama, but that Declan grows throughout the story. I loved how Declan and the Motherfuckers were a positive portrait of friendship for adults. There was a good amount of mental health representation, too. Declan struggles with anxiety and has trouble recognizing his needs.
What didn't work for me was how sometimes a character's mental health issues seemed to define them. We never learn exactly what it is Oscar deals with, but it sounds like a combination of anxiety and something else. His need for his own space, his reticence, his moods - there is very little personality to him outside of these aspects. I'm all for talking about mental health, but people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other issue are more than just that, and I didn't see that in the way Oscar was portrayed.
Another thing that needed improvement was the writing. All of the dialogue needed major editing. There are moments when Declan rambles, which I understand. But no one says "um" or "like" to the extent that he does. Plus, it takes away from the emotional portrayal of the character. If Declan is always stumbling over his words, how I do know when he's feeling nervous? Or flustered? Some of the humor seemed laid on too thick and didn't work for me as well. There were several moments when it fell flat.
This didn't feel like a conventional romance novel. For starters, there isn't the usual lusty make outs, or on-page sex, or drama. There is kissing, and intimacy, but the whole book seems to criticize conventional dating traditions as the norm. As a couple, Declan and Sidney enjoy themselves in more domestic environments than dates, and have their own pace and signature way of getting to know each other. Ripper argues that every couple should find what works for them - that going on dates, while the most common way to start and keep relationships - is not the only way.
I thought the The Love Study was refreshing and thoughtful. The romance was cute, the pacing natural (with a few endearing, awkward moments) and the book made me feel happy and hopeful. I think it's worth checking out.