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vienna_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Biphobia, and Homophobia
leahjanespeare's review
3.0
I will say, I was mildly disappointed by this book. A few things really worked for me that I LOVED, but the rest fell quite flat.
The queer rep, two bisexual mcs, GREAT and PERFECT. Their very different family dynamics (as far as how they handle their respective queerness) very well done imo.
But after I finished, I realised what my issue was. I know I often bemoan that 85% breakup when things are great but then they have to get past something to have the HEA, but there was no breakup. And no, I don't mean because there was great communication (which is a great reason not to have that breakup, and works for a handful of books I love), but because...there wasn't anything for them to overcome. Sure it starts out as sorta rivals to lovers, but technically there isn't anything in their way, and then they like each other and have a relationship and...yeah that's it. It's very sweet but also boring? Why am I rooting for them? How are they growing as individuals? I am not really. And they didn't. Meh.
The sex scenes were kinda weird and not even that enjoyable to me? That, of course, is an extremely subjective part of romances, but I personally didn't look forward to them. Honestly, Colin was such a sweet dude and you can tell he's head over heels (another point to things I loved). But Truly, whose POV we have the whole time, is kind of annoying. Her rather one-sided way of thinking about love (especially her parents) is naive and childish. Are we sure she's 26? And her parent trapping shenanigans is obnoxious, especially since it is only mentioned in the beginning, and then at the very end. Plot wise it was weird to include because I honestly forgot about it until it came back 90% in. AND THEN the result of that was unbelievable. I don't know, I just didn't buy it. But I won't spoil. Anyway.
Even though Steve Harrington is on the cover, don't expect that awesomeness inside.
The queer rep, two bisexual mcs, GREAT and PERFECT. Their very different family dynamics (as far as how they handle their respective queerness) very well done imo.
But after I finished, I realised what my issue was. I know I often bemoan that 85% breakup when things are great but then they have to get past something to have the HEA, but there was no breakup. And no, I don't mean because there was great communication (which is a great reason not to have that breakup, and works for a handful of books I love), but because...there wasn't anything for them to overcome. Sure it starts out as sorta rivals to lovers, but technically there isn't anything in their way, and then they like each other and have a relationship and...yeah that's it. It's very sweet but also boring? Why am I rooting for them? How are they growing as individuals? I am not really. And they didn't. Meh.
The sex scenes were kinda weird and not even that enjoyable to me? That, of course, is an extremely subjective part of romances, but I personally didn't look forward to them. Honestly, Colin was such a sweet dude and you can tell he's head over heels (another point to things I loved). But Truly, whose POV we have the whole time, is kind of annoying. Her rather one-sided way of thinking about love (especially her parents) is naive and childish. Are we sure she's 26? And her parent trapping shenanigans is obnoxious, especially since it is only mentioned in the beginning, and then at the very end. Plot wise it was weird to include because I honestly forgot about it until it came back 90% in. AND THEN the result of that was unbelievable. I don't know, I just didn't buy it. But I won't spoil. Anyway.
Even though Steve Harrington is on the cover, don't expect that awesomeness inside.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
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