trashprince13 's review for:

Hits Different by Joel Rustin

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I received this book as an ARC and I loved it. I'm not usually a sports romance kind of person but I wanted to give it a try. Joel definitely made it easy to understand the sports jargon so it made it a good read! I enjoyed the combination of MMA and soccer. I also really liked the story... The sort of Friends to Lovers(ish) to Enemies to Friends to Lovers was amazing. I loved the twist. Fuck Millie but also thank you Millie lol.

I just really loved the story. And although I tend to prefer my books more spice heavy, the softness and tenderness of the story really resonated with me. I feel very... Akin to Brandon AND Parker in different ways. The story had me crying in many different parts. So overall, I really really enjoyed it. And I liked all the side characters too. I'm so happy for Simon and Zara lol. My new favorite straight couple? Freddie and Sabrina are pretty cute too. The Epilogue made me giddy... So pretty much this is a feel good, kicking your feet kind of story. I definitely suggest giving it a read.

My only complaint really was sometimes I had a hard time telling who was speaking and I'd have to reread parts when I realized I thought wrong lol. Great story regardless and I can't wait to read more of Joel's work.