Scan barcode
A review by ashlightgrayson
Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had not read a romance with representation for deaf people or the hearing impaired before, and I'm glad this was the one I picked up. I've often heard from hearing impaired individuals that a lot of able-bodied people assume that deaf people are also mute, and I think this story will help diminish those preconceptions. Not everyone is born deaf and there are various causes for hearing impairment and the story gives an example of these circumstances. As someone who is not hearing impaired, this story sparked my curiosity about the topic and had me looking up information pertaining to hearing aids, procedures, and treatments for the hearing impaired. It really drives home how important representation is. There are instances in the story where people make wrong assumptions or judgements about Ryder, the male lead who is hearing impaired, secondary to his disability. It helps emphasize that in general it is important to try to not be judgmental with strangers because you never know what someone is going through.
Pertaining to the characters, Ryder and Willa have a push/pull dynamic and they have lots of witty banter that was very fun to read. Eventually, they get to know each other better when they are paired up for a project for a class they are both in. They start seeing the things they have in common and gain great levels of respect and admiration for each other. This becomes a great foundation for their friendship and eventual romance. Both characters have issues with vulnerability. For Ryder it's due to insecurity related to his disability. On the other hand, for Willa it is secondary to being used to being independent her entire life and not knowing when to accept help. Their relationship is consistently engaging and both Ryder and Willa have interests and goals independent from their relationship to each other. Their friendships and platonic relationships give them excellent support systems when they have hardships. These side characters are also very likeable and I'm looking forward to seeing them in future books.
Pertaining to the characters, Ryder and Willa have a push/pull dynamic and they have lots of witty banter that was very fun to read. Eventually, they get to know each other better when they are paired up for a project for a class they are both in. They start seeing the things they have in common and gain great levels of respect and admiration for each other. This becomes a great foundation for their friendship and eventual romance. Both characters have issues with vulnerability. For Ryder it's due to insecurity related to his disability. On the other hand, for Willa it is secondary to being used to being independent her entire life and not knowing when to accept help. Their relationship is consistently engaging and both Ryder and Willa have interests and goals independent from their relationship to each other. Their friendships and platonic relationships give them excellent support systems when they have hardships. These side characters are also very likeable and I'm looking forward to seeing them in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent