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A review by talknerdybookblog
The Stand-In by Kristen Proby
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
**Important note: all the below occurs <i>after</i> they said ilys
- When the MCs are on a romantic getaway with the Hero's cousins (it is a couples trip), the Heroine catches the Hero flirting with an OW. This includes letting the OW touch his arm/chest (couldn't remember which), which leads to him checking out the OW's chest.
- Honestly, this seemed hugely out of character cuz he was the main pursuer once he got over his assumptions at the start of the book.
- Worse though, when the Heroine confronts him afterward about how disrespected and hurt she feels, he essentially gaslights her, saying that he was just being "polite." The OW and her friend are fans of the Hero and his cousin-in-law (professional football coach and quarterback). I hated that he maintained his stance even after the heroine pointed out that she would never disrespect him in such a way. And, then, he uses sex to "prove" how attractive he finds the Heroine (ahem, to distract her). Which, again, seems contradictory! Why would she let him touch her when she still feels hurt about the situation?
- Also, I hated how the Heroine didn't point out that you can be polite while maintaining boundaries and without actively checking someone out.
- It takes a few chapters for the Hero to realize he was wrong. But, he eventually does have a moment where he realizes that he's also at fault if his gf doesn't feel secure in their relationship.
• Minimal OM drama
- Heroine's father wants her to date/marry OM in their social circle. Heroine is disgusted by her father's choice. The Hero rescues the Heroine from having to interact with the OM at a gala.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death of Heroine's ex from a drug overdose (he was the father of her kid)
• Parental neglect and abandonment
• Car accident
Ending:HEA
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
**Important note: all the below occurs <i>after</i> they said ilys
- When the MCs are on a romantic getaway with the Hero's cousins (it is a couples trip), the Heroine catches the Hero flirting with an OW. This includes letting the OW touch his arm/chest (couldn't remember which), which leads to him checking out the OW's chest.
- Honestly, this seemed hugely out of character cuz he was the main pursuer once he got over his assumptions at the start of the book.
- Worse though, when the Heroine confronts him afterward about how disrespected and hurt she feels, he essentially gaslights her, saying that he was just being "polite." The OW and her friend are fans of the Hero and his cousin-in-law (professional football coach and quarterback). I hated that he maintained his stance even after the heroine pointed out that she would never disrespect him in such a way. And, then, he uses sex to "prove" how attractive he finds the Heroine (ahem, to distract her). Which, again, seems contradictory! Why would she let him touch her when she still feels hurt about the situation?
- Also, I hated how the Heroine didn't point out that you can be polite while maintaining boundaries and without actively checking someone out.
- It takes a few chapters for the Hero to realize he was wrong. But, he eventually does have a moment where he realizes that he's also at fault if his gf doesn't feel secure in their relationship.
• Minimal OM drama
- Heroine's father wants her to date/marry OM in their social circle. Heroine is disgusted by her father's choice. The Hero rescues the Heroine from having to interact with the OM at a gala.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death of Heroine's ex from a drug overdose (he was the father of her kid)
• Parental neglect and abandonment
• Car accident
Ending: