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bianchibooks's reviews
24 reviews
Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood
1.0
so, i am well aware that i complained about the "she small, he big" trope in my review for the first STEMinist novella, but it was about a thousand times worse in this. the nickname corporate thor made me cringe the first time it was said and then every other 7 times after that.
miscommunication trope is normally not for me, but it was worse here. same thing with "insta love". you are telling me that these two met, talked on a bench about underwear and croissants, went out for dinner, walked around town, and went home and fucked??? and then she is bawling her eyes out to her friends, having the worst crisis of her life all within a span of 24 hours???? what?????
this would've been better if it stopped after the sex and the whole stuck in the elevator argument wasn't happening, but then that would mean there would be one less trope in this novella for hazelwood to irrevocably ruin for me. everything in this novella series is 1,000 times worse and 1,000 times more annoying than normal because the author is just annoying to me, i have concluded. also, what is her thing with using the word "delicious" to describe literally anything. STOP IT. please pick a different adjective, i am begging you. please. please.
all of that being said, i don't think this was much worse than the first installment. they were equally cringeworthy and laughable (not in the laughing with the characters way, in the laughing at the author way) and just bad. but i am still giving it one star less because i can.
i guess i am over halfway there so i will be reading [b:Below Zero|59651553|Below Zero (The STEMinist Novellas, #3)|Ali Hazelwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637311357l/59651553._SY75_.jpg|93935903] but do not expect much better of a review from me. i doubt redemption is possible at this point.
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pre-reading review: did i enjoy the first installment? you can see for yourself. am i still going to continue with this novella series because i feel obligated to? yes.
miscommunication trope is normally not for me, but it was worse here. same thing with "insta love". you are telling me that these two met, talked on a bench about underwear and croissants, went out for dinner, walked around town, and went home and fucked??? and then she is bawling her eyes out to her friends, having the worst crisis of her life all within a span of 24 hours???? what?????
this would've been better if it stopped after the sex and the whole stuck in the elevator argument wasn't happening, but then that would mean there would be one less trope in this novella for hazelwood to irrevocably ruin for me. everything in this novella series is 1,000 times worse and 1,000 times more annoying than normal because the author is just annoying to me, i have concluded. also, what is her thing with using the word "delicious" to describe literally anything. STOP IT. please pick a different adjective, i am begging you. please. please.
all of that being said, i don't think this was much worse than the first installment. they were equally cringeworthy and laughable (not in the laughing with the characters way, in the laughing at the author way) and just bad. but i am still giving it one star less because i can.
i guess i am over halfway there so i will be reading [b:Below Zero|59651553|Below Zero (The STEMinist Novellas, #3)|Ali Hazelwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637311357l/59651553._SY75_.jpg|93935903] but do not expect much better of a review from me. i doubt redemption is possible at this point.
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pre-reading review: did i enjoy the first installment? you can see for yourself. am i still going to continue with this novella series because i feel obligated to? yes.
Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood
2.0
i'm... not totally sure how I feel about this??? i have not read any other works by the author before so I cannot speak on the repetitive nature of her works people tend to mention in their reviews, for better or for worse, so i have to take this at face-value for what it is:
the characters were kind of bland. i know it is a novella, but i would have liked to seen a little more personality from the two leads besides she works for EPA, he works for organization who i already forgot the name of but hates the EPA. i guess that's what makes the "enemies to lovers" trope (i use the air-quotes very strongly here) fun except i thought it was mostly annoying.
and if i have to hear mara mention how big and huge liam is one more time, i am going to scream. also, the was so??? why even start to have the conversation if you're both going to completely ignore it????
don't even get me started on the prologue and the epilogue. why have a prologue if you are going to, and why write an epilogue if you are going to only write two pages about ??? there was no point to either.
$2.99 i will never get back.
the characters were kind of bland. i know it is a novella, but i would have liked to seen a little more personality from the two leads besides she works for EPA, he works for organization who i already forgot the name of but hates the EPA. i guess that's what makes the "enemies to lovers" trope (i use the air-quotes very strongly here) fun except i thought it was mostly annoying.
and if i have to hear mara mention how big and huge liam is one more time, i am going to scream. also, the
Spoiler
conversation about STIs and protection being mentioned for about half a page and then consequently being ignored to have unprotected sexdon't even get me started on the prologue and the epilogue. why have a prologue if you are going to
Spoiler
spoil the "getting together" moment in the last chapterSpoiler
going grocery shopping together$2.99 i will never get back.
The Backstagers #1 by Rian Sygh, James Tynion IV
3.0
2.5 stars
not... entirely sure what i just read but i didn't hate it so i guess it is okay??
i don't go to an all-boys school, but i do act onstage in high school productions and i can tell you that there is a very large divide between the actors and crew members, and it was that way in middle school as well. i am going to college to major in theatre & performance, and i know right now it is going to be the same way there. the relationship (or lack thereof) between these two groups was definitely portrayed accurately in the sense that neither appreciates the other and they live in their own little bubbles, but i don't think the fantasy element was necessary.
now, i am not a fantasy person (although i said i wasn't a graphic novel person and here we are... maybe i am secretly a liar), but if the fantasy element of the was taken out, i think i would've enjoyed this a bit more and given it a full three-stars.
the art style is super bright and colorful and expressive, but maybe a little too bright, colorful and expressive for me at times. that being said, i think the way the art continues across spreads of pages and the positioning of the panels on each page was rather satisfying.
a super quick read, though i would recommend it more probably for middle-grade readers than young adult readers. i would've loved the plot when i was a drama club newbie entering seventh grade.
not... entirely sure what i just read but i didn't hate it so i guess it is okay??
i don't go to an all-boys school, but i do act onstage in high school productions and i can tell you that there is a very large divide between the actors and crew members, and it was that way in middle school as well. i am going to college to major in theatre & performance, and i know right now it is going to be the same way there. the relationship (or lack thereof) between these two groups was definitely portrayed accurately in the sense that neither appreciates the other and they live in their own little bubbles, but i don't think the fantasy element was necessary.
now, i am not a fantasy person (although i said i wasn't a graphic novel person and here we are... maybe i am secretly a liar), but if the fantasy element of the
Spoiler
portalsthe art style is super bright and colorful and expressive, but maybe a little too bright, colorful and expressive for me at times. that being said, i think the way the art continues across spreads of pages and the positioning of the panels on each page was rather satisfying.
a super quick read, though i would recommend it more probably for middle-grade readers than young adult readers. i would've loved the plot when i was a drama club newbie entering seventh grade.
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
4.75
i think this volume redeemed itself from volume three. in the previous installment, i felt like oseman undermined the reality of mental illness and how important seeking help is, but this volume is almost completely focused on charlie's recovery. he sees a doctor, he spends 7 weeks in a psychiatric ward, he begins to journal again, he finds a therapist he connects with and meets with regularly. i think this is all a way better message on finding support when dealing with mental illness.
i also like that we got to see more personally how charlie's mental illness has affected nick. the scene of nick writing in his journal about charlie is one of my favorites in the series. i think it is really important to show that someone's hurt can be transferred to others who are supporting them, and that it is crucial for all parties involved to take care of themselves.
there was a fair bit of character development for tori in this volume as well - between her and her new "friend" michael and her sticking up for charlie and nick to his brother, david. there were also large developments in nick's relationship with his father and why they are not as close as they once were or could be.
but i think my favorite thing is the relationship between nick and his mom, and not only how he feels so comfortable confiding in her but how she is willing to give him real, raw advice instead of sugar-coating it like i believe a lot of parents do to their teenagers, especially when it comes to a topic as dreaded as mental health conversations.
this is my favorite volume so far, barely beating out volume two (hence the weird rating), but i cannot commit myself to fully giving it 5-stars as the time skips make it feel like all of this progress charlie is making and the development of all of the characters is happening way quicker than it actually is in real-life. as miserable as it is and as boring as it would probably be to read, i wish the reality of the slow burn receiving help for your mental health actually is was shown in deeper detail (or at all, for that matter).
i also like that we got to see more personally how charlie's mental illness has affected nick. the scene of nick writing in his journal about charlie is one of my favorites in the series. i think it is really important to show that someone's hurt can be transferred to others who are supporting them, and that it is crucial for all parties involved to take care of themselves.
there was a fair bit of character development for tori in this volume as well - between her and her new "friend" michael and her sticking up for charlie and nick to his brother, david. there were also large developments in nick's relationship with his father and why they are not as close as they once were or could be.
but i think my favorite thing is the relationship between nick and his mom, and not only how he feels so comfortable confiding in her but how she is willing to give him real, raw advice instead of sugar-coating it like i believe a lot of parents do to their teenagers, especially when it comes to a topic as dreaded as mental health conversations.
this is my favorite volume so far, barely beating out volume two (hence the weird rating), but i cannot commit myself to fully giving it 5-stars as the time skips make it feel like all of this progress charlie is making and the development of all of the characters is happening way quicker than it actually is in real-life. as miserable as it is and as boring as it would probably be to read, i wish the reality of the slow burn receiving help for your mental health actually is was shown in deeper detail (or at all, for that matter).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Self harm
Minor: Bullying
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
3.0
i do not mind that this volume focuses on more "serious topics" including eating disorders and self-harm (more specific trigger warnings available on oseman's website), but i think the use of charlie's eating disorder as a cliffhanger is not a choice that i necessarily agree with.
this volume focuses too heavily on the idea that nick can cure, for lack of a better word, charlie's anorexia and their urges to self-harm which could not be further from the truth. obviously having a support system is important, but this volume almost makes it seem as if a quick kiss and a cuddle session can make charlie "normal". those things are only distractions, and so far the only serious portrayal of these illnesses is when charlie passes out, but even in the aftermath him and nick are seen fooling around in a restaurant. i don't like that message personally.
but at the end of the day, i am happy for these characters and how their relationships are brewing. the beginning of tao and elle, nick announcing charlie is his boyfriend in front of a large group of their peers, tara explaining the beginning of her and darcy's romantic journey. it was still a heartwarming volume with several moments that made me smile and laugh, just like volumes one and two.
other series reviews: volume one | volume two | volume three | volume four
this volume focuses too heavily on the idea that nick can cure, for lack of a better word, charlie's anorexia and their urges to self-harm which could not be further from the truth. obviously having a support system is important, but this volume almost makes it seem as if a quick kiss and a cuddle session can make charlie "normal". those things are only distractions, and so far the only serious portrayal of these illnesses is when charlie passes out, but even in the aftermath him and nick are seen fooling around in a restaurant. i don't like that message personally.
but at the end of the day, i am happy for these characters and how their relationships are brewing. the beginning of tao and elle, nick announcing charlie is his boyfriend in front of a large group of their peers, tara explaining the beginning of her and darcy's romantic journey. it was still a heartwarming volume with several moments that made me smile and laugh, just like volumes one and two.
other series reviews: volume one | volume two | volume three | volume four
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Bullying and Self harm
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
i see why quindlen noted this quote as what she wants people to take away from the novel. the journey of self-discovery and healing scottie goes on, albeit annoying and insensitive at times, is a lesson that i think we all can learn in mending our hearts back together after someone has stolen a piece that cannot be replaced.
my favorite character had to be irene though. the world needs more headstrong, badass women in charge and that is exactly what irene is; but when she allowed scottie, her mom, and her friends to see through her facade, the tender emotions that were revealed were quite beautiful.
i am very excited to read more from this author in the future. if you are looking for a relatively quick heartwarming and inspiring, yet honest and raw read, i highly recommend indulging in this novel! i do not think you will regret it. who doesn't love sporty lesbians and cringeworthy high school romances?! i know i love both of those things, hence why this book landed so well with me.
challenging
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
i hate the phrase "camp" and I am the type of person to roll my eyes whenever I hear someone use it, ironically or not, but I have to say with how self-aware quindlen is that this story is "camp", i could not help falling in love with it.
there are some tropes in this book that i am generally not particularly fond of. the biggest issue I had with this book is the "fake dating" trope. fake dating is fine for what it is, but $1,000 to fake date in high school with the prospect of making an ex-girlfriend jealous seems obscenely high to me. maybe if it was $100 I would understand... $1,000 though??? that is more money than i have made from my part-time job this whole year. at the end of the day, Spoilerscottie blackmailed irene no matter how much quindlen tries to convince me otherwise, and i am not a big fan of the message this sends to fellow teenagers.
at the beginning of the novel and throughout the various basketball games scattered throughout the book, quindlen seems to tell us what is happening instead of showing what is going on, but when the characters are experiencing real and raw emotions towards one another, the author's style of writing reflects this sincerity. i wish more of the writing had this same feeling for me.
there are some tropes in this book that i am generally not particularly fond of. the biggest issue I had with this book is the "fake dating" trope. fake dating is fine for what it is, but $1,000 to fake date in high school with the prospect of making an ex-girlfriend jealous seems obscenely high to me. maybe if it was $100 I would understand... $1,000 though??? that is more money than i have made from my part-time job this whole year. at the end of the day, Spoilerscottie blackmailed irene no matter how much quindlen tries to convince me otherwise, and i am not a big fan of the message this sends to fellow teenagers.
at the beginning of the novel and throughout the various basketball games scattered throughout the book, quindlen seems to tell us what is happening instead of showing what is going on, but when the characters are experiencing real and raw emotions towards one another, the author's style of writing reflects this sincerity. i wish more of the writing had this same feeling for me.
"Because before you can worry about who's in your passenger seat, you have to learn to drive yourself."
i see why quindlen noted this quote as what she wants people to take away from the novel. the journey of self-discovery and healing scottie goes on, albeit annoying and insensitive at times, is a lesson that i think we all can learn in mending our hearts back together after someone has stolen a piece that cannot be replaced.
my favorite character had to be irene though. the world needs more headstrong, badass women in charge and that is exactly what irene is; but when she allowed scottie, her mom, and her friends to see through her facade, the tender emotions that were revealed were quite beautiful.
i am very excited to read more from this author in the future. if you are looking for a relatively quick heartwarming and inspiring, yet honest and raw read, i highly recommend indulging in this novel! i do not think you will regret it. who doesn't love sporty lesbians and cringeworthy high school romances?! i know i love both of those things, hence why this book landed so well with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Why We Fly by Kimberly Jones, Gilly Segal
3.0
The pacing of this book was unnatural, for lack of a better word. Towards the beginning, everything was moving painfully slow to the point where I wasn't really focusing on what was happening but once the plot kicked in, it became more of the "compelling page-turner" the front cover promised me... until it got too fast-paced with more time skips than I could keep track of and suddenly it was done???
But my biggest problem regarding this novel is the protest itself. The unjust consequences of the cheerleading team and other school organizations kneeling leading to Nelly's suspension didn't stem the conversation that I hoped would have stemmed. There were brief talks about Leni hosting a walk-out or a similar protest against the administration's decision in suspending Nelly, but nobody did anything after that conversation. They just... stopped talking about it and pretended like the fallout wasn't very real still.
That all being said, this novel wasn't a complete disaster. Seeing the issues of race relations from the perspective of a white and Black student, and how both were treated thereafter, was an honest reflection of American society today. I can't let that go unnoticed. The Jewish representation in Leni's character was lovely to see in a Young Adult novel as well considering I have not experienced it prior to Why We Fly.
What I appreciate the most is the sincerity of the characters and the relationships between them. Most high school friendships don't last. It sucks to say, but they don't, and I think leaving Nelly and Leni's friendship at the two of them deciding to let go comfortably was a very realistic portrayal of what happens to a majority of teenage girls after graduation. The same goes for Three and Leni's relationship: Leni knew when her relationship was ending with Three, much like how Three knew when his relationship with Leni was ending, and it was accepted mutually. Between this and the conversations throughout the novel about how having a toxic environment among friends, family, and classmates can alter a person's perception on themselves and their future, the balance created a very raw scene.
I was not enthralled by this novel, but I wasn't disappointed either. The pros and the cons co-existed in a way that still made it spark conversation within myself and think about the way that race relations affect my own community.
But my biggest problem regarding this novel is the protest itself. The unjust consequences of the cheerleading team and other school organizations kneeling leading to Nelly's suspension didn't stem the conversation that I hoped would have stemmed. There were brief talks about Leni hosting a walk-out or a similar protest against the administration's decision in suspending Nelly, but nobody did anything after that conversation. They just... stopped talking about it and pretended like the fallout wasn't very real still.
That all being said, this novel wasn't a complete disaster. Seeing the issues of race relations from the perspective of a white and Black student, and how both were treated thereafter, was an honest reflection of American society today. I can't let that go unnoticed. The Jewish representation in Leni's character was lovely to see in a Young Adult novel as well considering I have not experienced it prior to Why We Fly.
What I appreciate the most is the sincerity of the characters and the relationships between them. Most high school friendships don't last. It sucks to say, but they don't, and I think leaving Nelly and Leni's friendship at the two of them deciding to let go comfortably was a very realistic portrayal of what happens to a majority of teenage girls after graduation. The same goes for Three and Leni's relationship: Leni knew when her relationship was ending with Three, much like how Three knew when his relationship with Leni was ending, and it was accepted mutually. Between this and the conversations throughout the novel about how having a toxic environment among friends, family, and classmates can alter a person's perception on themselves and their future, the balance created a very raw scene.
I was not enthralled by this novel, but I wasn't disappointed either. The pros and the cons co-existed in a way that still made it spark conversation within myself and think about the way that race relations affect my own community.
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
4.5
while volume one focused heavily on charlie and how his newfound crush on nick is altering his friendships, volume two mainly deals with how nick himself is dealing with his feelings towards charlie personally.
more of the characters are developed in this volume (which is one of my complaints about volume one, a lack of backstory/motivation) so i appreciated that oseman took more time to help us understand who these characters are, especially charlie's dad and nick's mom. it is lovely to see more of their respective parental figures featured in volume two!
i think i preferred the art in volume one which is a bit of a shame because it was such a big part of what i enjoyed the most in the previous series installment, but looking at the volume what it is alone: a real and raw journey of self-discovery from a nervous teenage boy, filled with a beautiful mix of emotion and confusion, just the right amount to feel authentic.
we saw a bit more portrayal of charlie's struggles with anxiety in this volume which i found just as unsettlingly real as the first. i am anxious (no pun intended) to see how oseman's portrayal of this mental illness continues to grow in future volumes.
overall, i am more partial to this volume.
other series reviews: volume one | volume two | volume three | volume four
more of the characters are developed in this volume (which is one of my complaints about volume one, a lack of backstory/motivation) so i appreciated that oseman took more time to help us understand who these characters are, especially charlie's dad and nick's mom. it is lovely to see more of their respective parental figures featured in volume two!
i think i preferred the art in volume one which is a bit of a shame because it was such a big part of what i enjoyed the most in the previous series installment, but looking at the volume what it is alone: a real and raw journey of self-discovery from a nervous teenage boy, filled with a beautiful mix of emotion and confusion, just the right amount to feel authentic.
we saw a bit more portrayal of charlie's struggles with anxiety in this volume which i found just as unsettlingly real as the first. i am anxious (no pun intended) to see how oseman's portrayal of this mental illness continues to grow in future volumes.
overall, i am more partial to this volume.
other series reviews: volume one | volume two | volume three | volume four
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Bullying
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
lighthearted
fast-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? No
4.0
another person who watched the netflix adaptation first, ended up reading the first 2 volumes on tapas, then purchased the physical books and read them all in less than a day <3 i will definitely be going back for a reread as a pick-me-up whenever life calls for it down the line.
volume one (4 stars)
volume two (4.5 stars)
volume three (3 stars)
volume four (4.75 stars)
volume one (4 stars)
volume two (4.5 stars)
volume three (3 stars)
volume four (4.75 stars)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
3.0
There are probably a painful number of typos in this review, I am very bored and tired and I do not think anything I am saying is making sense right now LOL
I flew through the beginning of this book but as it continued, it started to drag and my patience towards how many pages I could finish in a single sitting started to dwindle faster than I would have liked. I appreciate authors who use vivid detail and imagery in their writing as any other reader does, but describing every single minuscule step in the mooncake baking process during the contest, for example, was not necessary to me. It is a YA novel, everyone reading predicted Dylan and his family would win the contest... and they were right! It felt like the author was delaying the inevitable just for the sake of a higher word count.
I have not read Crazy Rich Asians so I am probably not the most qualified person to comment on the relationship between the two novels, but having the story compared to Crazy Rich Asians by the characters in the story as it is happening made it seem as though the author doesn't believe this story can live on its own, which is a shame because I believe it can - it just does not appear to be given the chance to.
Some of the character elements were not fleshed out as much as I hoped for. For almost the entire novel, Theo is seen as a heartless rich boy. His relationship with his deceased Spoilermother was frequently mentioned, as was Dylan's, but I believe it would have been beneficial to include less about the mooncakes and more about the boys' grief as this would have been a way stronger point in strengthing the bond between Theo and Dylan.
Overall, I would have liked to see Megan's character developed more. All I know is that she liked Blackpink and seeing as she is basically Dylan's sister and she works so closely with him, Jade and Tim who are all relatively fleshed out characters, the constant Blackpink references gave me déjà vu.
The writing wasn't all bad though: I found the inclusion of Asian culture in this story to be very naturally fused. At some times it felt a little preachy and heavy-handed but for the most part, it provided an educational experience on tradition, and that is wonderful for a person like me who genuinely enjoys learning about how other cultures celebrate their families, friends, and community as a greater whole. It was also lovely to see Lee's passion exampled in her own writing as it is extremely obvious she is a fervent person.
For an insta-love style romance, there was the right mix of this instant love and slow burning to create a worthwhile payoff when Theo and Dylan finally actually get together as the real Theo and Dylan instead of fake dating Theo and Dylan. After that, it became increasingly sweet until I had a I am going to rip my molars out of my skull and feed them to a dog style toothache.
If you are looking for a sweet LGBTQIA+ romance, this is the perfect read to pick up for pride month. I cannot say that I'd consider reading it again, but I can say I am happy I read it once!
I flew through the beginning of this book but as it continued, it started to drag and my patience towards how many pages I could finish in a single sitting started to dwindle faster than I would have liked. I appreciate authors who use vivid detail and imagery in their writing as any other reader does, but describing every single minuscule step in the mooncake baking process during the contest, for example, was not necessary to me. It is a YA novel, everyone reading predicted Dylan and his family would win the contest... and they were right! It felt like the author was delaying the inevitable just for the sake of a higher word count.
I have not read Crazy Rich Asians so I am probably not the most qualified person to comment on the relationship between the two novels, but having the story compared to Crazy Rich Asians by the characters in the story as it is happening made it seem as though the author doesn't believe this story can live on its own, which is a shame because I believe it can - it just does not appear to be given the chance to.
Some of the character elements were not fleshed out as much as I hoped for. For almost the entire novel, Theo is seen as a heartless rich boy. His relationship with his deceased Spoilermother was frequently mentioned, as was Dylan's, but I believe it would have been beneficial to include less about the mooncakes and more about the boys' grief as this would have been a way stronger point in strengthing the bond between Theo and Dylan.
Overall, I would have liked to see Megan's character developed more. All I know is that she liked Blackpink and seeing as she is basically Dylan's sister and she works so closely with him, Jade and Tim who are all relatively fleshed out characters, the constant Blackpink references gave me déjà vu.
The writing wasn't all bad though: I found the inclusion of Asian culture in this story to be very naturally fused. At some times it felt a little preachy and heavy-handed but for the most part, it provided an educational experience on tradition, and that is wonderful for a person like me who genuinely enjoys learning about how other cultures celebrate their families, friends, and community as a greater whole. It was also lovely to see Lee's passion exampled in her own writing as it is extremely obvious she is a fervent person.
For an insta-love style romance, there was the right mix of this instant love and slow burning to create a worthwhile payoff when Theo and Dylan finally actually get together as the real Theo and Dylan instead of fake dating Theo and Dylan. After that, it became increasingly sweet until I had a I am going to rip my molars out of my skull and feed them to a dog style toothache.
If you are looking for a sweet LGBTQIA+ romance, this is the perfect read to pick up for pride month. I cannot say that I'd consider reading it again, but I can say I am happy I read it once!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Racism and Alcohol
Minor: Dementia