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robinks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I missed Roque’s voice 🥲 This is a classic Romeo & Juliet story combined with enemies-to-lovers, both of which I am not a fan of. The cultural bits that were included resonated, but I worry about kids outside of the cultures represented using them to stereotype others. I also did not like how Gabi’s parents rationalized their homophobia, and Theo’s emotional development was a bit unbelievable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
Moderate: Cursing, Outing, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
mirandyli's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.75
This book is an adorable story about two boys trying to save their families' cafes. It also emotionally wrecked me in the best way, and I was not expecting that. If you grew up with strict homophobic immigrant parents, be prepared to cry in the club.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Outing, and Cultural appropriation
its_vendetta's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Overall really enjoyed this book. However, and that’s a big however, about 60/70% into it I almost dropped it because of how irritating the side characters were. Spoilers so I can rant.
Gabi’s friends are the WORST PEOPLE. on the planet. I cannot explain how much hatred I have for them. And what made me want to put the book down was how fine?? the narration was about them?? Like Gabi was full on apologizing for things that are NOT worth apologizing about?? I absolutely hated how much plot was spent on him feeling bad and apologizing to his shit friends. It felt so weird and just overall upsetting. For one, who cares if he’s breaking a school rule!! At my high school we wouldn’t have cared one bit and for his friend to ask him to DANCE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. when she knows what his parent situation is like?? And forcing him to risk being outed?? Is actually INSANE. I would’ve slapped her in the face. I just hated how much shit Gabi got from them and how the book just let it happen without any resolution apart from a halfhearted shitty apology from her after the parade.
I just overall hated the entire parade plot and wish we didn’t side track away from the “saving the business” plot. Just felt off and weird
Also, felt really unrealistic that Theo is the only out queer person in their ENTIRE high school?? I live in a smaller town in Texas, which is not safe at all, and my high school I knew at least 15 other queer people. Just really curious how that happened.
But as much as I hated those characters, Theo and Gabi’s stories with their families and each other made up for it and let me rate this 4/5. I would have loved this book if it wasn’t for a couple characters and weird plot points.
I just overall hated the entire parade plot and wish we didn’t side track away from the “saving the business” plot. Just felt off and weird
Also, felt really unrealistic that Theo is the only out queer person in their ENTIRE high school?? I live in a smaller town in Texas, which is not safe at all, and my high school I knew at least 15 other queer people. Just really curious how that happened.
But as much as I hated those characters, Theo and Gabi’s stories with their families and each other made up for it and let me rate this 4/5. I would have loved this book if it wasn’t for a couple characters and weird plot points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Toxic friendship
Minor: Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Outing
guessgreenleaf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Grief, Outing, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cultural appropriation
Minor: Toxic friendship
adrianas65's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Racism and Outing
arturo_luzen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
Moderate: Cursing, Outing, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying
bookishchef's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.75
I certainly enjoyed it. Even if I thought some plot points felt a little contrived.
It was a really cute story and I related to Theo a lot. His friendship with Justin felt real and his relationship with his brother was so interesting to me (as someone who, in many ways, is more like Thomas instead of Theo).
Gabi's friends didn't get the same treatment though. Vivi didn't have much personality at all. And Mel was just being a bitch throughout the entire book. She was such a shit friend to Gabi? She just kept expecting more, kept expecting him to give up all of his time to help her with her homecoming stuff that he didn't even want to be involved with. She didn't ask him how he was doing once. Even though she knew his parents were homophobic and their shop was closing (this is literally in the blurb, so don't @ me about spoilers)
So yeah, a bit annoyed with Gabi's lack of nice friends.
And with the way the narrators pronounced "lychee".
And some other stuff that I'll talk about below the spoiler line.
Also let's not get it twisted: cafe con lychee sounds super gross. And I say that as a massive coffee and lychee lover.
☕☕☕
Bit disappointed that we don't find out what Theo is going to do after high school. He says it's likely he won't get into college. So, now what?
Also felt like many of the subplots came out of nowhere and went nowhere.
Vivi falling for Gabi, I can maybe understand. Since Gabi is our POV character and he just didn't notice it, so neither did the reader.
But Lady getting a new job? Gabi not being able to do ballet? That shit gets dropped halfway through. And although his parents are combating their homophobia now, does that mean they'll suddenly let him do ballet?
It was a really cute story and I related to Theo a lot. His friendship with Justin felt real and his relationship with his brother was so interesting to me (as someone who, in many ways, is more like Thomas instead of Theo).
Gabi's friends didn't get the same treatment though. Vivi didn't have much personality at all. And Mel was just being a bitch throughout the entire book. She was such a shit friend to Gabi? She just kept expecting more, kept expecting him to give up all of his time to help her with her homecoming stuff that he didn't even want to be involved with. She didn't ask him how he was doing once. Even though she knew his parents were homophobic and their shop was closing (this is literally in the blurb, so don't @ me about spoilers)
So yeah, a bit annoyed with Gabi's lack of nice friends.
And with the way the narrators pronounced "lychee".
And some other stuff that I'll talk about below the spoiler line.
Also let's not get it twisted: cafe con lychee sounds super gross. And I say that as a massive coffee and lychee lover.
☕☕☕
Bit disappointed that we don't find out what Theo is going to do after high school. He says it's likely he won't get into college. So, now what?
Also felt like many of the subplots came out of nowhere and went nowhere.
Vivi falling for Gabi, I can maybe understand. Since Gabi is our POV character and he just didn't notice it, so neither did the reader.
But Lady getting a new job? Gabi not being able to do ballet? That shit gets dropped halfway through. And although his parents are combating their homophobia now, does that mean they'll suddenly let him do ballet?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Cursing, Medical content, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Racism, and Outing
The racism is not geared towards the main characters. Instead, it's geared towards the father of one of the main characters. It is only mentioned in passing, but it is there.paigem4rrie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Outing, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying and Medical content
aus10england's review against another edition
emotional
funny
3.25
Cute! Pretty typical YA story, liked the food elements. Things got wrapped up a little too nicely at the end, but as is YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Outing
sunbearers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Really cute romance and cathartic interaction with family and friends. Personally still felt a little put off from certain interactions, but overall I'm satisfied with how everything pans out. Also I love Justin, no analysis or anything I just love him he's great
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Outing
Minor: Cultural appropriation