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A review by nuggetsreads
Double Apex by Josie Juniper
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I unfortunately have some mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed the sports aspect and the forbidden/workplace romance trope is always fun, there were a few things that didn’t quite land the way I feel like they were intended.
I love a flawed, unlikeable main character with good intentions and bad execution. Phaedra had all the makings to be just that, but she missed the mark just a bit by letting her emotions drive her words and actions despite a constant internal reminder to do the opposite. She often hit below the belt in arguments with others, and her relationship with her best friend was leaning towards frenemies.
The relationship dynamic between the two leads was hot and cold, and it worked sometimes. They were both very passionate and a little hotheaded, so their conflicts always made sense, but it did make me wonder whether they were actually supposed to be together. In a lot of ways, they were able to meet each other in instances other people couldn’t, but their fights were toxic and even got violent. I wish we got to see more of the good stuff that they talked about (shared interests and domestic situations), but we mostly got some good banter, spice, and arguments.
Cosmin’s backstory was so interesting and I loved how Phaedra helped him achieve some character growth throughout the book. I just wish it went both ways as her development fell short to me. There was definitely some there, but the pacing felt off and the ending was rushed, kind of robbing her of the opportunity to fully show some growth.
Overall, it was fine. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for an F1 romance with a feisty FMC and an MMC who speaks multiple languages and falls first (and harder). I enjoyed myself and laughed and swooned over lots of moments, but I’m not sure this was fully for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this arc!
I love a flawed, unlikeable main character with good intentions and bad execution. Phaedra had all the makings to be just that, but she missed the mark just a bit by letting her emotions drive her words and actions despite a constant internal reminder to do the opposite. She often hit below the belt in arguments with others, and her relationship with her best friend was leaning towards frenemies.
The relationship dynamic between the two leads was hot and cold, and it worked sometimes. They were both very passionate and a little hotheaded, so their conflicts always made sense, but it did make me wonder whether they were actually supposed to be together. In a lot of ways, they were able to meet each other in instances other people couldn’t, but their fights were toxic and even got violent. I wish we got to see more of the good stuff that they talked about (shared interests and domestic situations), but we mostly got some good banter, spice, and arguments.
Cosmin’s backstory was so interesting and I loved how Phaedra helped him achieve some character growth throughout the book. I just wish it went both ways as her development fell short to me. There was definitely some there, but the pacing felt off and the ending was rushed, kind of robbing her of the opportunity to fully show some growth.
Overall, it was fine. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for an F1 romance with a feisty FMC and an MMC who speaks multiple languages and falls first (and harder). I enjoyed myself and laughed and swooned over lots of moments, but I’m not sure this was fully for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this arc!