Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

dnf 66%

I was excited to read this, and promptly dove in... but I was bored. I didn't feel chemistry between the main characters (to me, it felt more sisterly... and of course they had to become step-sisters). Without chemistry, it made it difficult to figure out what I was reading (and the tone of each character doesn't really change – there's nothing uniquely theirs). And the plot, just didn't go anywhere. I think my biggest issue with the story is that it was meant to be a period piece... but it didn't read as one. Go in without any expectations, and you'll probably enjoy it more than me!

i'm so impressed with this one! itching so hard to read the sequel now, given that it's a direct continuation of the story

This is a romance book with out romance. The two leads develop a good friendship but not really a relationship. The was no build up to the romance. They are friends up to the point they kiss then they are just sort of together. Then parents as the secondary romance plot wasn’t great either since the focus was split. Both couples felt rushed and are together just because.

The women are too excited to be step siblings which just felt weird. Then they give up easily and somehow the last, last attempt just works out.

The friendship of the main leads was nice but I wish there was more longing, tension, or something else besides platonic friendship between the two. I wouldn’t know they are interested in each other with out the author just telling me they are.

DNF @ ~80%

Most disappointing book of 2024. I listened to the audiobook on a roadtrip and probably would not have made it as far as I did if I'd had options. I got the ebook multiple times after, planning to power through the rest just to be able to count it toward my goal. Unfortunately, by the time I finally forced myself to pick it up (9 months later), I didn't remember enough to make sense, so I DNFd anyway.

Specific points I do remember: First and foremost, this should have been YA. It was clearly written with a YA audience in mind, and the characters read so much like teenagers that any reference to their actual age is jarring. The romance is forced, boring, and weirdly paced. I was 10x more invested in the romance between their parents, to be honest. Also I know the ending from looking at other reviews, and I'm not a big fan of that, either. I remember being bugged by the anachronisms, but I can't say anything specific.

Anyway, overall, a waste of a terrific sapphic song reference (yes, it's sapphic, and I will die on this hill) and cute cover.

The natural progression of the relationship here was really so sweet and beautiful. It was a bit slow at the start, but once it picked up it was adorable.
3.5 for being a bit too slow to start.

turns out i DO like romances...
a lot.

this is essentially lesbian bridgerton but even that is a pale comparison to this beautiful book. there were not just one but TWO swoon-worthy romances in here and beth and gwen are just – gah!!! i love them!!

please read this book. please recommend me more like this as well!

the stepsister bit is very weird to me i thought they'd drop it...but they didn't the more i think abt it the more its worse to me