verlorenimbuecherregal 's review for:

One-Touch Pass by J.J. Mulder

3.75

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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JJ always manages to weave in the heavy topics among the mostly lighthearted vibes. And this is no exception. I was excited for Marcos' story since we met him as a crucial part of Max' story, and to see the happenings from his perspective and how he was impacted without being the victim was done so well! It's certainly not an easy topic, but JJ handles it with great care and empathy. Everything resulting from this trauma also was described really well - I really appreciated the take on touch aversion (and how that influences a relationship) and especially the therapy rep. I always find it refreshing if a romance with mental illness rep doesn't take that path with the new love being healing, because that's unfortunately not possible (and absolutely not healthy), and JJ really does that well.
I would have wished for a bit of a different pacing and less time at SCU and more time on that gorgeous farm, the vibes just were on point (maybe a cowboy series would be something in JJ's future?🤓). But that made up my (overall rather minor) struggle with the book, because it felt lengthy overall and the best parts that kept my attention over a longer period of time all happened in the last like 30%. I know I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, but it still took me way too long to finish, because I wasn't super invested - even tho I really wanted the HEA for the characters.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, mostly lighthearted with tougher topics being discussed with great care.