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emtees's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I had a lot of fun reading this book. It definitely falls into the category of what I’d call romance-as-fantasy, where the reader is meant to relate to the main character and be swept up in her experience without questioning how believable the story is. I tend to prefer my romances a bit more grounded but in this case I liked Ruth and Evan so much I was happy to go along with their story.
Ruth is the town pariah. After her last (and only) relationship blew up spectacularly in front of her entire town, Ruth has retreated into her small apartment, where she makes a living publishing a successful webcomic and spends the rest of her time immersed in comic books and online fan culture. Her only regular contact is with her mother and sister, who are about the only people Ruth leaves home to see. And she is content with that. Ruth is autistic, and has built a life that works for her needs. But then she meets Evan, the do-gooder who moves in next door. Evan is a nurturer by nature - he’s dealt with his own tragic past by becoming the guy who steps up for any friend, neighbor or prickly acquaintance who needs it. When he discovers that Ruth subsists on microwave dinners, he insists on cooking for her. The proud Ruth agrees only if Evan will let her lend him a comic book. Pretty soon they are meeting up regularly for home-cooked meals and extensive discussions about the MCU. It’s Ruth’s ideal relationship - but there is always the threat that her reputation will push Evan away eventually.
Like I said, this book leans in heavily to the fantasy element of romance. Ruth is a hermit who dresses only in pajamas, has a blunt (some might say rude) way of addressing strangers, is rarely interested in talking about subjects beyond her special interests - and the hunky, sweet, good cook next door falls for her pretty much instantly. Hibbert does a good job with depicting the attraction between them, physical and otherwise, but she doesn’t waste too much time before getting into it. Once the relationship gets going, there are only two barriers for the couple to overcome before their happily ever after. One is the question of Ruth’s reputation, but Evan was such an obviously good guy that I never really worried that he would take issue with the things said around town about Ruth’s supposed promiscuity. The mystery of what really happened between Ruth and her ex is spooled out slowly and has a few twists I wasn’t expecting, though they were set up well, and I was more interested in finding out what it was all about than worried that Evan would react badly to the revelations. The other barrier comes from the characters’ own inner hang ups. Ruth has a lot of trauma from her past, and like many autistic people has had the experience of being told that she’s too much for others to deal with. So it was very satisfying to see her end up with a guy who was very willing to take her exactly as she was. I loved that while Ruth grew throughout the book and ended up happier and more confident in the end, the narrative didn’t force her to give up anything that worked for her, whether it was her unique fashion sense or her refusal to let anyone in her real life read her webcomic. Hibbert made it very clear that Ruth didn’t need to be “fixed” to find love and that was so nice to see.
There were other elements of the story I liked a lot. The secondary characters, especially Ruth’s family, were all very specific and carefully drawn, which made sense when I realized this is a series and some of them will probably get their own books. The only one who I might say was a little underdeveloped was Evan himself, but that’s part of the fantasy - Evan was pretty much perfect. The depiction of online nerd culture was fun and felt realistic. And the diversity was very natural and wasn’t underplayed - Ruth’s Blackness shaped her as much as her autism.
Ruth is the town pariah. After her last (and only) relationship blew up spectacularly in front of her entire town, Ruth has retreated into her small apartment, where she makes a living publishing a successful webcomic and spends the rest of her time immersed in comic books and online fan culture. Her only regular contact is with her mother and sister, who are about the only people Ruth leaves home to see. And she is content with that. Ruth is autistic, and has built a life that works for her needs. But then she meets Evan, the do-gooder who moves in next door. Evan is a nurturer by nature - he’s dealt with his own tragic past by becoming the guy who steps up for any friend, neighbor or prickly acquaintance who needs it. When he discovers that Ruth subsists on microwave dinners, he insists on cooking for her. The proud Ruth agrees only if Evan will let her lend him a comic book. Pretty soon they are meeting up regularly for home-cooked meals and extensive discussions about the MCU. It’s Ruth’s ideal relationship - but there is always the threat that her reputation will push Evan away eventually.
Like I said, this book leans in heavily to the fantasy element of romance. Ruth is a hermit who dresses only in pajamas, has a blunt (some might say rude) way of addressing strangers, is rarely interested in talking about subjects beyond her special interests - and the hunky, sweet, good cook next door falls for her pretty much instantly. Hibbert does a good job with depicting the attraction between them, physical and otherwise, but she doesn’t waste too much time before getting into it. Once the relationship gets going, there are only two barriers for the couple to overcome before their happily ever after. One is the question of Ruth’s reputation, but Evan was such an obviously good guy that I never really worried that he would take issue with the things said around town about Ruth’s supposed promiscuity. The mystery of what really happened between Ruth and her ex is spooled out slowly and has a few twists I wasn’t expecting, though they were set up well, and I was more interested in finding out what it was all about than worried that Evan would react badly to the revelations. The other barrier comes from the characters’ own inner hang ups. Ruth has a lot of trauma from her past, and like many autistic people has had the experience of being told that she’s too much for others to deal with. So it was very satisfying to see her end up with a guy who was very willing to take her exactly as she was. I loved that while Ruth grew throughout the book and ended up happier and more confident in the end, the narrative didn’t force her to give up anything that worked for her, whether it was her unique fashion sense or her refusal to let anyone in her real life read her webcomic. Hibbert made it very clear that Ruth didn’t need to be “fixed” to find love and that was so nice to see.
There were other elements of the story I liked a lot. The secondary characters, especially Ruth’s family, were all very specific and carefully drawn, which made sense when I realized this is a series and some of them will probably get their own books. The only one who I might say was a little underdeveloped was Evan himself, but that’s part of the fantasy - Evan was pretty much perfect. The depiction of online nerd culture was fun and felt realistic. And the diversity was very natural and wasn’t underplayed - Ruth’s Blackness shaped her as much as her autism.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
A main character is subject to some ableist bullying. There is an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship described in a character’s backstory.pinesandpages's review against another edition
3.5
This was fine! I don’t really enjoy the plot device where a woman’s mysterious and abusive past is hinted at obliquely for the bulk of the book, and then in one pivotal dramatic scene it all comes out. This book wasn’t as funny or snarky as Hibbert’s usually are, so I missed that aspect. Certainly spicy enough tho. I do wish Evan had a personality other than being extremely good looking, loving to cook for Ruth, and a slight savior complex. We brushed by most of his background, as he was mostly there to be the perfect partner.
Again, this was not bad, but probably my least favorite of Hibbert’s work that I’ve read thus far.
Again, this was not bad, but probably my least favorite of Hibbert’s work that I’ve read thus far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Cancer
peachani's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Bullying
Minor: Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Fatphobia, Rape, Abandonment, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Violence, Ableism, and Cancer
offbrandclubsoda's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Cancer, and Bullying
Minor: Ableism
livreads16's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I love Talia Hibbert, this woman knows how to write a book. Like I cannot get over how well she writes love stories that are so believable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Ableism, Bullying, and Rape
cheye13's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, and Infidelity
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
some blackmail and bribery involved, if i recall_savannahreads_'s review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Cancer, Stalking, Ableism, Bullying, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Fatphobia, and Sexual harassment
buttermellow's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Ableism, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Cancer
edithcazares02's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was truly hilarious to me, like I found myself just laughing at loud so many times. And I was absolutely pleasantly surprised at Talia’s humor.
I’m so glad that this was my first talia book, because if things only get better from here, I can’t wait to continue.
My only complaint could be that it was a little slow to me in the beginning, I felt like some places were dragging and could’ve been explored so much earlier than things were. Obviously when the plot picked up, I couldn’t put the book down and had to finish it in one sitting. So I completely got
Sucked into it, but couldn’t help but feel that it felt rushed?
The female protagonists was so reluctant and so negative towards herself that when she finally started opening up it kind of felt like it was overnight, while there were signs of her coming to terms with things and starting to verbally express herself, I think it could’ve been more flushed out.
I think that the pacing was my problem, but overall it was still so enjoyable to read.
I’m so glad that this was my first talia book, because if things only get better from here, I can’t wait to continue.
My only complaint could be that it was a little slow to me in the beginning, I felt like some places were dragging and could’ve been explored so much earlier than things were. Obviously when the plot picked up, I couldn’t put the book down and had to finish it in one sitting. So I completely got
Sucked into it, but couldn’t help but feel that it felt rushed?
The female protagonists was so reluctant and so negative towards herself that when she finally started opening up it kind of felt like it was overnight, while there were signs of her coming to terms with things and starting to verbally express herself, I think it could’ve been more flushed out.
I think that the pacing was my problem, but overall it was still so enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Minor: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Stalking
lotte5322's review
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Emotional abuse