Reviews tagging 'Ableism'

Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart

4 reviews

ravenk28's review

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

3.75

Pros: It’s a nice read. The characters were lovely and the plot was a nice mix of angst and comfort. 

I loved how the characters were so accommodating towards Milo and as time went on they started to understand him better. I especially loved how Gideon treated Milo no different because he was neurodiverse and was able to perfectly accommodate his quirks. 

Cons: I hate misunderstanding/ miscommunication tropes they are horrible and soooo unnecessary. I hated that the author added it as it brought very little to the plot. 

It was as if the author needed to speed up the ending and through in a miscommunication plot to round off the ending. 

Overall: This read is a 3.75 it was really wholesome and enduring. I would recommend this book if you can look past a bit of miscommunication at the end.  

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thegreatmanda's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

Lovely and adorable and made me happy. I loved Milo’s understanding of his own needs and limitations, and how confident he still was. It made me so happy the way he was firmly grounded in that neurodivergence isn’t wrong, just different, and that he’s still a catch in relationship terms. I appreciated the way Milo's bluntness and honesty led his conversations with Gideon about sex; we're very repressed about sexual discussion in the US, and it's important to be able to talk as openly as they do, with one's partner(s). I also liked the way there was plenty of ordinary-life-level conflict, but no massive drama generated to fit into the standard romance novel template. This story is led by its lovely characters and their decisions and relationships.

Favorite Quotes:

When had anything in my life really been my choice? I wanted this to be.

When I was younger, I used to watch videos online about building, then did what the videos taught, hoping it would make my dad relate to me more.

"What? I'm shocked. I didn't expect you to be one of those guys."
"One of what guys? There are hot men on Instagram! I follow a lot of them. There are butts there, Gideon. Lots and lots of butts."

He cocked his head, then shook it. "You can't do that. If we're going to be friends, you can't try to protect me from the world. Even if I screw up or freak out, you have to give me that. I can't be friends with someone who thinks I need them to shelter me from just the possibility of an uncomfortable situation. That means you're treating me differently than you would someone else, and I don't want that. Ever."

"Good point. I was being a big baby and feeling sorry for myself, and then I came home and talked to you, and it all feels really fucking trivial."
"It might be, but that doesn't mean you're not allowed to feel it. I read a lot about people and emotions because it's so damn confusing. Even if it's not logical, feelings are valid."

"If I knew the future, if I knew Gideon would shatter my world and there was nothing I could do to change it, I would still be with him. Not because I'm a glutton for punishment, but because I don't want my life to be so carefully curated with what-ifs that I don't live. And that's tough for me. My brain, logic, tell me that's stupid, but sometimes in here wins out." I rubbed a hand over my chest. "And I want it to win with this."

I let loose another chuckle. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Love me, laugh with me, have sex with me"

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jennp28's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sweet and spicy story with neurodivergent rep. Some people have said they would rather the word autism/autistic was used throughout the book but I actually think it’s good to represent that a neurodivergent person can refer to themselves however they want. It is confirmed at some point that he is autistic but it’s very clear that he just is the way he is regardless of labels. I love the idea (fantasy?) of someone finding their absolute perfect and accepting person and knowing it immediately. That’s what romantic fiction is all about, right?

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kelseeraine's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.5

no third act breakup, gay, small town, experience × innocence, autism rep, funny


This book was everything I could've possibly wanted it to be and more!! It was packed with spice that not only did not detract from the plot but added to it. The perfect balance of spice and actual romantic relationship. This book was extremely fast paced and had me gripped from page to page! It felt so much shorter than it was, but it also perfectly encapsulated the relationship between the MCs. The care and love they put into being with each other honestly is, as the title says, boyfriend goals. If you want a very funny and lighthearted book that makes you believe in love despite obstacles, this book is the one! 

However, there is a TON of inner monolouging that can seem choppy to those of us who have more neurotypical thinking patterns. It did make it a little hard to get into at first because I had to adjust to a different narration style than I was used to. One of the MMCs uses a very conversational style to narrate and it made things a little harder to follow for me, especially in the beginning when I wasn't as used to it. If, however, you like that type of style this book may be perfect for you. 

Overall, this book is now one of my new favorite lighthearted reads! It's deliciously spicy while still maintaining a focus on strengthening emotional bonds between the characters. It truly is a book that makes me believe in the love the characters have for one another. Would definitely recommend!

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