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ohwhysosad's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
3.75
jamiezaccaria's review against another edition
3.0
This was a sweet romance. It's a good book, if not my cup of tea. Geared towards an older crowd I think but I also believe there are people who would absolutely adore it, even if it's not my favorite.
thespicylemon's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Honestly, if I had to describe this book in one word, that word would be "ridiculous."
My first problem with this book, which is a personal problem and does not necessarily reflect on the quality of the story is the age gap. I am personally not a fan of age gaps that are larger than ten years and although the ages of Eve and Moira are not specifically stated, it is said that they have an almost twenty year gap. Once again, this is a personal preference I do not feel comfortable with and if age gaps don't bother you, this would not be a factor in your enjoyment.
My second problem were the characters themselves. I can appreciate that Eve was shy and sweet but I felt that we spent the first half of the book reading about her embarrassment over every little thing. She was constantly embarrassed over the silliest things and for lack of a better word, it was annoying to read. I also thought too much time was spent on Moira's dilemma. Even after twenty years have passed, Moira still hasn't been able to deal with or come to terms with the events that took place during her younger years. Most of the second half of the story focused on her denial and her ridiculous behaviour. Before trying to get into a relationship with a woman half your age, I think you should try to work through the conflict and feelings you have surrounding your sexuality, past trauma, and current relationships. I also couldn't stand Alice's character. As soon as we met her I disliked her because she had a huge chip on her shoulder for apparently no reason. Although the reasoning is kind of explained I thought her character was downright cruel to the point of hyperbole and sometimes even comically so.
The third reason I did not enjoy this book was because of the miscommunication trope and the romance itself. Moira and Eve had pretty much no chemistry whatsoever. I did not buy that they would work out as a couple for a second. I thought the two of them were cold to each other and probably would only work as a hookup in real life. They're not compatible, they have nothing in common, and they have a serious miscommunication issue. Every time one of the women tries to talk to the other about something serious, the party who is supposed to be listening runs away...literally. Moira hides major things from Eve about her past and present and when she finally tries to communicate them to Eve, she leaves Moira in a bar and Moira returns to Scotland. Pure ridiculousness. While I think miscommunication can be used effectively in lighthearted novels for comedic effect, it is frustrating to read in romance and dramas.
Aside from the issues I've mentioned, I was also not a fan of the happy for now ending. It is repeatedly stated throughout the novel how Moira loves the outdoors, living in the countryside, and Scotland. A few pages before the end Eve clearly states she loves living in the city and can't bear the thought of living far away from her family and friends. I also thought that some of the events that took place in the past were so outlandish and unbelievable that it took me out of the story.
Overall this wasn't enjoyable and definitely not what I'm looking for in a lesbian romance. I am however glad I read it as I can use it for Book Riot's "A book with a cover you hate" prompt because my god, that is one ugly cover.
My first problem with this book, which is a personal problem and does not necessarily reflect on the quality of the story is the age gap. I am personally not a fan of age gaps that are larger than ten years and although the ages of Eve and Moira are not specifically stated, it is said that they have an almost twenty year gap. Once again, this is a personal preference I do not feel comfortable with and if age gaps don't bother you, this would not be a factor in your enjoyment.
My second problem were the characters themselves. I can appreciate that Eve was shy and sweet but I felt that we spent the first half of the book reading about her embarrassment over every little thing. She was constantly embarrassed over the silliest things and for lack of a better word, it was annoying to read. I also thought too much time was spent on Moira's dilemma. Even after twenty years have passed, Moira still hasn't been able to deal with or come to terms with the events that took place during her younger years. Most of the second half of the story focused on her denial and her ridiculous behaviour. Before trying to get into a relationship with a woman half your age, I think you should try to work through the conflict and feelings you have surrounding your sexuality, past trauma, and current relationships. I also couldn't stand Alice's character. As soon as we met her I disliked her because she had a huge chip on her shoulder for apparently no reason. Although the reasoning is kind of explained I thought her character was downright cruel to the point of hyperbole and sometimes even comically so.
The third reason I did not enjoy this book was because of the miscommunication trope and the romance itself. Moira and Eve had pretty much no chemistry whatsoever. I did not buy that they would work out as a couple for a second. I thought the two of them were cold to each other and probably would only work as a hookup in real life. They're not compatible, they have nothing in common, and they have a serious miscommunication issue. Every time one of the women tries to talk to the other about something serious, the party who is supposed to be listening runs away...literally. Moira hides major things from Eve about her past and present and when she finally tries to communicate them to Eve, she leaves Moira in a bar and Moira returns to Scotland. Pure ridiculousness. While I think miscommunication can be used effectively in lighthearted novels for comedic effect, it is frustrating to read in romance and dramas.
Aside from the issues I've mentioned, I was also not a fan of the happy for now ending. It is repeatedly stated throughout the novel how Moira loves the outdoors, living in the countryside, and Scotland. A few pages before the end Eve clearly states she loves living in the city and can't bear the thought of living far away from her family and friends. I also thought that some of the events that took place in the past were so outlandish and unbelievable that it took me out of the story.
Overall this wasn't enjoyable and definitely not what I'm looking for in a lesbian romance. I am however glad I read it as I can use it for Book Riot's "A book with a cover you hate" prompt because my god, that is one ugly cover.
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