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inesdalmeida 's review for:
Passion Project
by London Sperry
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
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
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I will admit that this book made me tear up and it might just have one of my favorite character healing arcs I've ever read in a romance novel. Bennet was not only relatable, but also just human. She felt well-developed and real with her social and general anxiety, but also her immense baggage of shame, guilt and grief. She's known loss, and is dealing with it in her messy way, believing she doesn't deserve to be happy. She feels directionless, uncertain what she wants her future to look like and just about capable of holding temp jobs to live by.
One of the usual problems I have with romance books is how hollow the male main characters read, so it was an incredible discovery to meet Henry, a three dimensional romantic lead. He is positive and upbeat but he's also dealing with his own problems and grief. He feels the pressure to put on a front because that's what expected even when he's falling apart. And he's patient and kind too. I adored him and his dynamic with Bennet.
The relationship evolved slowly (a true slowburn!) and the base is a thick layer of friendship and empathy, which made this a deeper, more realistic romance. I absolutely see this being appreciated by readers seeking more complex romance novels in terms of character development, but as a trigger warning, please note that this book is heavy on depression, anxiety and grief.
Finally, the depictions of summer in NYC definitely made this a perfect summer read to well read in NYC. Quite magical and definitely brought the city and its quirks to life.
I will admit that this book made me tear up and it might just have one of my favorite character healing arcs I've ever read in a romance novel. Bennet was not only relatable, but also just human. She felt well-developed and real with her social and general anxiety, but also her immense baggage of shame, guilt and grief. She's known loss, and is dealing with it in her messy way, believing she doesn't deserve to be happy. She feels directionless, uncertain what she wants her future to look like and just about capable of holding temp jobs to live by.
One of the usual problems I have with romance books is how hollow the male main characters read, so it was an incredible discovery to meet Henry, a three dimensional romantic lead. He is positive and upbeat but he's also dealing with his own problems and grief. He feels the pressure to put on a front because that's what expected even when he's falling apart. And he's patient and kind too. I adored him and his dynamic with Bennet.
The relationship evolved slowly (a true slowburn!) and the base is a thick layer of friendship and empathy, which made this a deeper, more realistic romance. I absolutely see this being appreciated by readers seeking more complex romance novels in terms of character development, but as a trigger warning, please note that this book is heavy on depression, anxiety and grief.
Finally, the depictions of summer in NYC definitely made this a perfect summer read to well read in NYC. Quite magical and definitely brought the city and its quirks to life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief