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happylilkt's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars
{-1 star} The setup for the fake-dating trope was very weak (like it usually is). The plot was *very* predictable but there were some knowing winks from the characters that made even that charming. The main character was actually pretty well developed, but the love interest was somewhat stereotypical...(hulking broody man who is sensitive deep inside only to the girl he loves who can unlock it blah blah blah). Side characters were standard rom-com fare.
{-1 star} The couple's chemistry was good and there was some fun banter, but there was an extended explicit sex scene (or two?) in a style that I personally think doesn't work for this kind of book. I skip/skim those scenes generally (try to catch plot) and this one would have been better with a more restrained approach, IMO (people have different tastes, it's nice to leave some things to the imagination, no?). Those scenes were jarring and seemed like a total change from the love interest's personality. Hated that.
{-1 star} Also LOTS of strong profanity peppered throughout. Definitely distracting and unnecessary.
Anyway, for readers who are more tolerant of sexual content and profanity, this will be a light and fun read. There is a lot to like. (Like the chapter headings and the STEM talk / lab complaints, funding woes). Because ultimately, as other reviewers have mentioned, what really makes this book stand out is the Stanford / STEM / academic setting. It was so fresh and fun. I used to live with Stanford grad students (including a Ph.D student in microbiology) so I loved, loved, loved that. And even the plot / trope sins are pretty forgiveable when the banter is good and the setting is original. Again, I just wish the writer/editing team would have made this a little more easy on the reader with content—this could easily have been a 3.5/4 star read for me.
{-1 star} The setup for the fake-dating trope was very weak (like it usually is). The plot was *very* predictable but there were some knowing winks from the characters that made even that charming. The main character was actually pretty well developed, but the love interest was somewhat stereotypical...(hulking broody man who is sensitive deep inside only to the girl he loves who can unlock it blah blah blah). Side characters were standard rom-com fare.
{-1 star} The couple's chemistry was good and there was some fun banter, but there was an extended explicit sex scene (or two?) in a style that I personally think doesn't work for this kind of book. I skip/skim those scenes generally (try to catch plot) and this one would have been better with a more restrained approach, IMO (people have different tastes, it's nice to leave some things to the imagination, no?). Those scenes were jarring and seemed like a total change from the love interest's personality. Hated that.
{-1 star} Also LOTS of strong profanity peppered throughout. Definitely distracting and unnecessary.
Anyway, for readers who are more tolerant of sexual content and profanity, this will be a light and fun read. There is a lot to like. (Like the chapter headings and the STEM talk / lab complaints, funding woes). Because ultimately, as other reviewers have mentioned, what really makes this book stand out is the Stanford / STEM / academic setting. It was so fresh and fun. I used to live with Stanford grad students (including a Ph.D student in microbiology) so I loved, loved, loved that. And even the plot / trope sins are pretty forgiveable when the banter is good and the setting is original. Again, I just wish the writer/editing team would have made this a little more easy on the reader with content—this could easily have been a 3.5/4 star read for me.
breadcrustb's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
rosie_03'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? N/A
4.5
sunnyruth75's review against another edition
1.0
How was this ever deemed worthy of traditional publication I will never understand. It’s probably the worst romance I’ve ever read (and while I usually don’t like to call things bad or trash just because I didn’t like it, I think this is objectively terrible.) BUT I am glad I tried a new author, esp one that’s so popular and I want to give one of Hazelwood’s newer releases a shot to see if she has improved any.
lotti_03's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
_angie03_'s review against another edition
4.25
Very fun! You can definitely tell it’s her first book or at least an early work. It took me forget to read bc of the spanish of it all but i had a good time.
viviane1703's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
eleonora_s's review against another edition
5.0
This was first intentional foray into the romance genre. I loved it!! I found myself grinning through so much of the book. Portrayal of academia was accurate without taking itself too seriously. Whatever activity I was doing while listening to this book was several times more enjoyable. What a fun lil escape :)