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fromjuliereads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.**
This book was really good! I ended up reading it in one day... which is not very common for me! It was an easy read, even though it deals with some more difficult topics. But all of the difficult subjects were handled well and with care, in my opinion. I laughed out loud, groaned from second hand embarrassment at the cringe-y sections, and even teared up at one point! There were so many things that I really loved about this book! I am not going to attempt to comment on the transgender or nonbinary representation in the book, as that is not my place. Please look for reviews from transgender and nonbinary readers to comment on the rep!
Let me quickly start with why I felt like I couldn't give this book 5 stars. The biggest thing that I had an issue with was that the main character, Noah, came across as the stereotypical surly teenager through 2/3 of the book. I honestly don't feel like I had enough character development for Noah in some ways. I can tell you multiple things that Noah hates - his brother's girlfriend, hiking and exercise, kids, and many other things. Really, the only thing that I got that Noah likes is romance and Tumblr... and an off hand comment about liking manga at the beginning... that's it? I just think that his character could have been developed a bit more in that way. Honestly, a lot of aspects of Noah's character came off pretty negative and selfish for a majority of the book. And while I didn't dislike Noah, I did find myself a bit annoyed at points. BUT I will say that the character growth that happened and the revelations that occurred further into the book were really well done!
Also, while I love a happily ever after, there was one aspect that seemed a little too convenient to the end... but that's more me being picky than anything! I still really loved the ending :)
Anyways! There were so many other aspects of this book that I really liked! I loved the portrayal that we had of Noah's relationship with his brother, Brian. The scenes at the camp were so much fun! The initial day at the camp - such a good scene!!! I loved that so much and how it became kind of this turning point. And Devin was such a fantastic character! I also really appreciate the panic attack/anxiety rep. As someone who has had panic attacks, it's really nice to see them written about in a more realistic way. I like that Noah didn't know what to do and it was a struggle to help in the situation, but it was all done so well in a realistic portrayal of an ACTUAL situation for someone with a panic attack and someone seeing one for the first time. As I mentioned above, I liked the character growth that happened for Noah in all of the different ways that it came together for him to better understand himself and the people around him in the end. It was really well done!
I enjoyed the format where text messages and Tumblr posts/comments were integrated into the text! As someone who went through a Tumblr stage (and still sneaks onto it sometimes), it's so much fun to see blogging included in a story! It was integrated in a really fantastic way and a great set up for this fake dating story!
I'm hoping this doesn't come across as a spoiler, but if you are looking for some LGBTQIA+ rep with the fake dating AND enemies to lovers tropes, definitely check this book out! It was a great read and I hope a lot of people will enjoy it! I will mention to PLEASE check the trigger warnings before venturing into this novel. Safe reading, everyone!
This book was really good! I ended up reading it in one day... which is not very common for me! It was an easy read, even though it deals with some more difficult topics. But all of the difficult subjects were handled well and with care, in my opinion. I laughed out loud, groaned from second hand embarrassment at the cringe-y sections, and even teared up at one point! There were so many things that I really loved about this book! I am not going to attempt to comment on the transgender or nonbinary representation in the book, as that is not my place. Please look for reviews from transgender and nonbinary readers to comment on the rep!
Let me quickly start with why I felt like I couldn't give this book 5 stars. The biggest thing that I had an issue with was that the main character, Noah, came across as the stereotypical surly teenager through 2/3 of the book. I honestly don't feel like I had enough character development for Noah in some ways. I can tell you multiple things that Noah hates - his brother's girlfriend, hiking and exercise, kids, and many other things. Really, the only thing that I got that Noah likes is romance and Tumblr... and an off hand comment about liking manga at the beginning... that's it? I just think that his character could have been developed a bit more in that way. Honestly, a lot of aspects of Noah's character came off pretty negative and selfish for a majority of the book. And while I didn't dislike Noah, I did find myself a bit annoyed at points. BUT I will say that the character growth that happened and the revelations that occurred further into the book were really well done!
Also, while I love a happily ever after, there was one aspect that seemed a little too convenient to the end... but that's more me being picky than anything! I still really loved the ending :)
Anyways! There were so many other aspects of this book that I really liked! I loved the portrayal that we had of Noah's relationship with his brother, Brian. The scenes at the camp were so much fun! The initial day at the camp - such a good scene!!! I loved that so much and how it became kind of this turning point. And Devin was such a fantastic character! I also really appreciate the panic attack/anxiety rep. As someone who has had panic attacks, it's really nice to see them written about in a more realistic way. I like that Noah didn't know what to do and it was a struggle to help in the situation, but it was all done so well in a realistic portrayal of an ACTUAL situation for someone with a panic attack and someone seeing one for the first time. As I mentioned above, I liked the character growth that happened for Noah in all of the different ways that it came together for him to better understand himself and the people around him in the end. It was really well done!
I enjoyed the format where text messages and Tumblr posts/comments were integrated into the text! As someone who went through a Tumblr stage (and still sneaks onto it sometimes), it's so much fun to see blogging included in a story! It was integrated in a really fantastic way and a great set up for this fake dating story!
I'm hoping this doesn't come across as a spoiler, but if you are looking for some LGBTQIA+ rep with the fake dating AND enemies to lovers tropes, definitely check this book out! It was a great read and I hope a lot of people will enjoy it! I will mention to PLEASE check the trigger warnings before venturing into this novel. Safe reading, everyone!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, and Vomit
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