A review by bzliz
The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

This was cute and cozy and completely forgettable. Before reading, I recommend you lower your expectations, then lower them some more. The characters are more like caricatures and speak in very similar ways but if you like surface level found family, you’ll enjoy this.  

The worst part was the forced romance. Iris was right to be creeped out that Eli had essentially stalked her. They didn’t have any chemistry and the way their relationship began felt like when middle school kids “date” by randomly declaring they’re boyfriend/girlfriend. 

On the plus side, there’s lots of representation for so many types of people, even cranky Karens next door. I did think the housemates were all sweet despite being one dimensional. 

Content warnings:
Death of a parent (off page):
Eli’s parents both die when he’s young so he’s raised by his ‘Gamma’

Homophobia, transphobia, outing (off page):
Housemate Rowan is brought in to the group after they are outed to their parents. Out of concern for their safety, the crew rescues them and takes them in.

Stalking (on/off page):
Eli checks up on Iris’ social media regularly and fails to come clean to her about his behavior at every opportunity.

Xenophobia (on page):
The Karen next door sucks.
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