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theamyleblanc's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this so much. The cover is super cute and the summary sounded promising. Even the beginning set up a very convincing enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance.
Unfortunately, it still needs some finessing.
There are some truly great elements! Dylan's ADHD representation and his whole mental health journey was beautiful. And how grief has shaped every aspect of Derek's life? It was lovely to watch them both learn how to heal, stand up for themselves, and set boundaries.
But there were some issues that really took away from the story for me.
Dylan and Derek's names being so similar was annoying. I understand why it was that way but it only really added a level of frustration and confusion. And then, to alleviate that, their names are overused. I get that there's an effort to avoid confusion with he/him/his pronouns but there has to be another way to prevent that. Maybe it would've been better in first person?
The pacing was off. Time seemed to jump around and we wouldn't really see much of the missing chunk. It made it hard to buy into the development of Dylan and Derek's relationship. And it really did a disservice to the ending. That was far too rushed and full of bits we didn't get to see. It made the story difficult to read.
If this underwent a bit more work, I think it'd be really great!
I wanted to like this so much. The cover is super cute and the summary sounded promising. Even the beginning set up a very convincing enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance.
Unfortunately, it still needs some finessing.
There are some truly great elements! Dylan's ADHD representation and his whole mental health journey was beautiful. And how grief has shaped every aspect of Derek's life? It was lovely to watch them both learn how to heal, stand up for themselves, and set boundaries.
But there were some issues that really took away from the story for me.
Dylan and Derek's names being so similar was annoying. I understand why it was that way but it only really added a level of frustration and confusion. And then, to alleviate that, their names are overused. I get that there's an effort to avoid confusion with he/him/his pronouns but there has to be another way to prevent that. Maybe it would've been better in first person?
The pacing was off. Time seemed to jump around and we wouldn't really see much of the missing chunk. It made it hard to buy into the development of Dylan and Derek's relationship. And it really did a disservice to the ending. That was far too rushed and full of bits we didn't get to see. It made the story difficult to read.
If this underwent a bit more work, I think it'd be really great!
_koreen_'s review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
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? Yes
5.0
*cries from pure love* I just love this book so much! From the beginning it has you rooting for these two. My only complaint ..it’s not nearly long enough. I can not wait to purchase a physical copy and to read many more books from Andie.
An easy 5 stars .
Thank you NetGalley and Andie Burke for the incredible opportunity to read an Arc of their upcoming book coming out on sept 3rd ,2024
An easy 5 stars .
Thank you NetGalley and Andie Burke for the incredible opportunity to read an Arc of their upcoming book coming out on sept 3rd ,2024
readwithkait's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a cute read! If you enjoyed Fly with Me, this is a great second book. This book could be read as a standalone, but one of the main characters (Derek) is heavily featured in Fly with Me, so it does provide helpful context.
The characters and their story are fun, and I really loved the cast of side characters on both sides. It was also really nice to see Jodi getting a front seat as a secondary character in this book.
There’s also a lot of ADHD rep, and it was done in a realistic and and positive way.
I did feel like the book was a little long and slow, and I think it could have been shorter.
I hope we see Jodi’s book next!
I was provided a complimentary ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
bookishobsessedmama's review against another edition
3.25
3/3.25 ⭐️
This was fun, it had me laughing and crying with our MMCS. You really go in a ride with our two main characters as they’re both dealing with heavy issues. I believe it makes both of them very relatable and easy to connect with.
The banter was top tier and i really enjoyed their story overall. It was a quick read, but it didn’t feel like it was very memorable or relatable. I feel like i won’t remember the story 3-4 days from now.
It was fun tho, i had a good time.
This was fun, it had me laughing and crying with our MMCS. You really go in a ride with our two main characters as they’re both dealing with heavy issues. I believe it makes both of them very relatable and easy to connect with.
The banter was top tier and i really enjoyed their story overall. It was a quick read, but it didn’t feel like it was very memorable or relatable. I feel like i won’t remember the story 3-4 days from now.
It was fun tho, i had a good time.
caseythecanadianlesbrarian's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I'm having a hard time reviewing this, as overall I really liked the two main characters, their queer romance, and how the story delves into grief (death of a parent and close friend) and mental health (ADHD and anxiety). The banter is very funny, if it does feel a bit like *all* the characters have the exact same sense of humour after a while. I will say this book felt very connected to Burke's debut, Fly With Me, and I'm not sure how much I would have understood had I not already read that one.
But there are 2 issues I REALLY hope are fixed before this publishes (September 2024).
One is smaller, a weird continuity error like Dylan and Derek go from fighting and then one blowjob between the two of them, and all of a sudden Dylan is calling Derek babe (more than once?) and there's nothing said about it. Wtf? I felt like I'd missed a few chapters or something. It really threw me off and took me out of the story every time he said it.
The thing I really had a problem with is the scene where three characters (including the leads) interact with two white cops (one of them gay). It is real unfortunate, especially as the scene is not relevant to the main plot and could easily be removed. There is just no way in 2024 that even a queer white author should not know that this kind of fictional depiction of cops as gay friendly and nice and reasonable is pure pinkwashing copaganda. Watching a queer white woman get away with saying off the cuff stuff to cops that could get a Black person killed was so cringey. As I am writing this, cops in the US and Canada are violently attacking peaceful student protests against an ongoing genocide. 🤞🤞 This scene is taken out before this book is published in final form.
But there are 2 issues I REALLY hope are fixed before this publishes (September 2024).
One is smaller, a weird continuity error like Dylan and Derek go from fighting and then one blowjob between the two of them, and all of a sudden Dylan is calling Derek babe (more than once?) and there's nothing said about it. Wtf? I felt like I'd missed a few chapters or something. It really threw me off and took me out of the story every time he said it.
The thing I really had a problem with is the scene where three characters (including the leads) interact with two white cops (one of them gay). It is real unfortunate, especially as the scene is not relevant to the main plot and could easily be removed. There is just no way in 2024 that even a queer white author should not know that this kind of fictional depiction of cops as gay friendly and nice and reasonable is pure pinkwashing copaganda. Watching a queer white woman get away with saying off the cuff stuff to cops that could get a Black person killed was so cringey. As I am writing this, cops in the US and Canada are violently attacking peaceful student protests against an ongoing genocide. 🤞🤞 This scene is taken out before this book is published in final form.
ellab93's review
5.0
I LOVED Fly with me so I was over the moon when I received an ARC of Fall for Him.
Andie Burke did not disappoint. Wow. I spent all of Memorial day reading this book and I'm so sad that I'm finished.
Dylan and Derek's banter and enemies to lovers story line was so charming. I also loved all the side characters who helped them find their love story. Felicity is such a fun sister (I really hope she gets her own HEA next); and having Olive pop in and out was also a fun addition. I liked how Andie wrote about grief, childhood trauma, family dynamics, and trying to find your own path as an adult (especially one in a very large family-- that definitely hit a personal note for me). Dylan taking charge of his mental health and tirelessly working on himself and Derek trying so hard to be there for everyone in his life that he forgets to ask them what they actually need felt personal. Andie, once again, wrote a book that had real human experiences and emotions instead of one that felt packed with romanticized fluff. Reading this book I really felt like I could see Derek and Dylan being real people and that made me like the book even more.
So thankful I got to read this ARC and I can't wait for others to experience this sweet and heartwarming book!
Andie Burke did not disappoint. Wow. I spent all of Memorial day reading this book and I'm so sad that I'm finished.
Dylan and Derek's banter and enemies to lovers story line was so charming. I also loved all the side characters who helped them find their love story. Felicity is such a fun sister (I really hope she gets her own HEA next); and having Olive pop in and out was also a fun addition. I liked how Andie wrote about grief, childhood trauma, family dynamics, and trying to find your own path as an adult (especially one in a very large family-- that definitely hit a personal note for me). Dylan taking charge of his mental health and tirelessly working on himself and Derek trying so hard to be there for everyone in his life that he forgets to ask them what they actually need felt personal. Andie, once again, wrote a book that had real human experiences and emotions instead of one that felt packed with romanticized fluff. Reading this book I really felt like I could see Derek and Dylan being real people and that made me like the book even more.
So thankful I got to read this ARC and I can't wait for others to experience this sweet and heartwarming book!
cierradouglas99's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bambdelion's review against another edition
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!
Fall for Him was adorable! The book seamlessly combines banter and wit with the struggles we face daily, and it's an enemies-to-lovers rom-com that you won't be able to put down.
Dylan and Derek were both lovely characters. I could relate to Dylan because of his ADHD diagnosis, and his point of view was so well-written that it accurately described the thoughts, feelings, and actions of someone with this disorder. Derek, on the other hand, had difficulties balancing his roles as an older brother and fatherly figure. Despite his good intentions, it was tough seeing him struggle.
The plot and narrative arc were fantastic, evoking both laughter and teary eyes. Such a great read!
Fall for Him was adorable! The book seamlessly combines banter and wit with the struggles we face daily, and it's an enemies-to-lovers rom-com that you won't be able to put down.
Dylan and Derek were both lovely characters. I could relate to Dylan because of his ADHD diagnosis, and his point of view was so well-written that it accurately described the thoughts, feelings, and actions of someone with this disorder. Derek, on the other hand, had difficulties balancing his roles as an older brother and fatherly figure. Despite his good intentions, it was tough seeing him struggle.
The plot and narrative arc were fantastic, evoking both laughter and teary eyes. Such a great read!
elijah9715's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
reylocoded24's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Dylan Gallagher lives above Derek Chang, who hates his guts. One day after a Sou vide water incident Dylan crashes into Derek’s bedroom through the ceiling. The two must live together why Dylan fixes the damage. Close quarters, a huge dog, a nosy neighbor and a massive hole in the ceiling and the two start to reconsider everything during their time together.
This is my first M/M romance. I know that’s remiss of me. But I really enjoyed this. It’s a slow burn but you really use this to get to know the characters really well. Dylan and Derek’s love is gentle with hand holding and lots of babes and I think that’s my favorite part. Dylan’s sister and Derek best friend make witty side characters.
The only nit pick I have of this book is that the main characters names are really similar. Dylan and Derek, so when I started reading I had to recheck sentences a lot to be sure I know who was being referred to. The author even makes a joke about how much “D” there is. The more I read the easier it got. Derek also refers to Dylan by his last name a lot which is helpful.
M/M romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, slow burn, AHDH Rep, Male nurse/ Tech guy , grief
This is my first M/M romance. I know that’s remiss of me. But I really enjoyed this. It’s a slow burn but you really use this to get to know the characters really well. Dylan and Derek’s love is gentle with hand holding and lots of babes and I think that’s my favorite part. Dylan’s sister and Derek best friend make witty side characters.
The only nit pick I have of this book is that the main characters names are really similar. Dylan and Derek, so when I started reading I had to recheck sentences a lot to be sure I know who was being referred to. The author even makes a joke about how much “D” there is. The more I read the easier it got. Derek also refers to Dylan by his last name a lot which is helpful.
M/M romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, slow burn, AHDH Rep, Male nurse/ Tech guy , grief
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Death