Review by wii3rdo - Don't You Dare

wii3rdo 's review for:

Don't You Dare by CE Ricci

4.5

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-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

jesus FUCK

if there’s one thing that’s sure to make my heart sink to my ass in a book, its characters being outed. i sensed a breakup towards the end, the buildup to Aspen’s fears and insecurities were CHEF’S KISS! i knew something was gonna happen but much like whenever those thoughts reared its ugly head, we were distracted with their relationship and moved on until we saw those moments again.

as heartbreaking as it was, i LOVED the way their reunion was handled. it wasn’t like Aspen came back and all he did was kiss his way into forgiveness. NUH UH!! Keene stood firm on not giving in so easily and then silence for three weeks?? IKTFR!!

i also liked how Keene voiced his side and it didn’t turn into an argument of “But me though!” with him and Aspen. Aspen knew he was in the wrong and took full accountability, even more so after hearing just how brutal it was for Keene when things went down and he left him THREE TIMES!! it’s been known throughout the book that Aspen’s avoidance issues were a big factor in the future of their relationship, so him owning that, addressing it, and then them having space from each other again so KEENE could do his thinking without worrying about Aspen was DIVINE!! we almost never get that in books!! we always see a half-baked recycled apology and then they’re off to their happily ever after. so i was VV happy about that!! <3

i think this was a great depiction (on both the guys’ counts) for the journey of self-discovery when it comes to sexuality. though their stories were connected, their journeys were different and it did a great way of showing how realizing who you are and what you’re attracted to isn’t the same for everyone.

kisses to the author, FUCK YOU TO AVERY, and Bristol?? WHAT’S UP MAMA 😛

Content Warnings