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pajamamomreads's reviews
96 reviews
The Other Side by C.D. Smart
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Bullying (in the past, on page)
Bullying (present, on page)
Adult teacher kissing a minor
Strained family relationships
Eating disorder/body image issues
Insecure fmc
Adult fmc argument with a minor
Adult attracted to a minors body (described on page)
A "wait until you're 18" situation
Sex with a student
Arrest (depicted on page)
Let me start by saying this book has many triggers and no trigger warnings listed that I could find anywhere. This is very concerning and problematic especially given the content of the story.
I had several issues with this book, aside from the lack of trigger warnings.
1) I found the FMC generally unlikable. I am used to timid or weak women in the beginning of romance novels and watching them grow into a healed powerful woman and this was not that. She had a lot of trauma and could have healed herself through therapy instead of a minor. She never really stood up for herself or showed much growth through the book.
2) There were some unnecessary and problematic descriptions. It was not a necessary detail to have the only "Hispanic" character be included because she "hocks a loogie" every morning. Along with describing (what I assume is a POC) as having eyes that remind them of demon eyes.
3) Many color descriptions were food related which I thought was an odd choice but that may be personal preference.
4) The MMC is a minor through majority of the book.
The main story line of being together because they were soulmates may have been better adapted if it was in a fantasy setting or more of a mystical storyline. I personally don't find grooming romantic so if they would have had a normal relationship and maybe found each other again in the future would have been more tolerable.
Overall it feels like a book that is justifying grooming behaviors and the opposite of what I expect from an FMC in a women's literature novel. Self growth would have been a much more powerful method.
When I agreed to read and review I was under the impression it was a teacher and college student and would have a mystical theme of fate woven through out. I would not have agreed to read about a minor. I am glad I read it so that I could provide a list of trigger warnings that is very obviously needed.
This very much read as a nonfiction novel rather than a contemporary romance with a bit of "taboo". Also Google is free
Bullying (in the past, on page)
Bullying (present, on page)
Adult teacher kissing a minor
Strained family relationships
Eating disorder/body image issues
Insecure fmc
Adult fmc argument with a minor
Adult attracted to a minors body (described on page)
A "wait until you're 18" situation
Sex with a student
Arrest (depicted on page)
Let me start by saying this book has many triggers and no trigger warnings listed that I could find anywhere. This is very concerning and problematic especially given the content of the story.
I had several issues with this book, aside from the lack of trigger warnings.
1) I found the FMC generally unlikable. I am used to timid or weak women in the beginning of romance novels and watching them grow into a healed powerful woman and this was not that. She had a lot of trauma and could have healed herself through therapy instead of a minor. She never really stood up for herself or showed much growth through the book.
2) There were some unnecessary and problematic descriptions. It was not a necessary detail to have the only "Hispanic" character be included because she "hocks a loogie" every morning. Along with describing (what I assume is a POC) as having eyes that remind them of demon eyes.
3) Many color descriptions were food related which I thought was an odd choice but that may be personal preference.
4) The MMC is a minor through majority of the book.
The main story line of being together because they were soulmates may have been better adapted if it was in a fantasy setting or more of a mystical storyline. I personally don't find grooming romantic so if they would have had a normal relationship and maybe found each other again in the future would have been more tolerable.
Overall it feels like a book that is justifying grooming behaviors and the opposite of what I expect from an FMC in a women's literature novel. Self growth would have been a much more powerful method.
When I agreed to read and review I was under the impression it was a teacher and college student and would have a mystical theme of fate woven through out. I would not have agreed to read about a minor. I am glad I read it so that I could provide a list of trigger warnings that is very obviously needed.
This very much read as a nonfiction novel rather than a contemporary romance with a bit of "taboo". Also Google is free
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Racism
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
5.0
I listened to this one on audiobook ✨
It was so cozy and sweet. The MCs addressing their daddy issues healed a little piece of mine and was very relatable. Russ is such a sweetie (typically not my type but I LOVED him) . I really liked Aurora. ( I wasnt the biggest fan of Stasi in Icebreaker and I found Aurora less whiney)
Cute and cozy summer camp
It was so cozy and sweet. The MCs addressing their daddy issues healed a little piece of mine and was very relatable. Russ is such a sweetie (typically not my type but I LOVED him) . I really liked Aurora. ( I wasnt the biggest fan of Stasi in Icebreaker and I found Aurora less whiney)
Cute and cozy summer camp
Theirs for Christmas by Effie Campbell, Effie Campbell
5.0
Happy smutmas to us all!
This book was so enjoyable, and so sexy! I'm at the point where if Effie writes it, I will read it. I ate this up
✨2 hot Scottish men (her ex bfs dad and his friend)
✨1 College girl surprising her bf
✨Snowed in trope
A quick and spicy novella
This book was so enjoyable, and so sexy! I'm at the point where if Effie writes it, I will read it. I ate this up
✨2 hot Scottish men (her ex bfs dad and his friend)
✨1 College girl surprising her bf
✨Snowed in trope
A quick and spicy novella
Stranded with Scrooge: A Semi-Royal Enemies to Lovers Christmas Novella by Maude Winters
4.0
Sweet and spicy holiday novella
If you enjoy these:
✨ Hallmark romance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Some spice
✨ Fast pace
✨ Holiday romance
This one is for you! I super enjoyed reading this book. It's a great way to start the holiday season. There's little I love more than an awkward grumpy love interest
If you enjoy these:
✨ Hallmark romance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Some spice
✨ Fast pace
✨ Holiday romance
This one is for you! I super enjoyed reading this book. It's a great way to start the holiday season. There's little I love more than an awkward grumpy love interest
Pucking Wild by Emily Rath
4.0
✨ Audiobook ✨
Ryan Langley is so cute. I was obsessed with Tess calling him puppy. I related to Tess a lot and really enjoyed following her journey. I was so happy about how much Rachel and her boys were present throughout the book
Ryan Langley is so cute. I was obsessed with Tess calling him puppy. I related to Tess a lot and really enjoyed following her journey. I was so happy about how much Rachel and her boys were present throughout the book