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carolouisereads's review against another edition
Between the telling-not-showing writing, the word-for-word Taylor Swift lyrics in every other paragraph, the one-dimensional characters who supposedly had this fantastic chemistry, I just couldn’t. The concept was good, but the execution needed HEAVY editing to be worth reading.
While I didn’t get to it, I read other reviews that mention the out-of-left-field sexual assault brought up further into the book.
While I didn’t get to it, I read other reviews that mention the out-of-left-field sexual assault brought up further into the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Death of parent
sarah200408's review
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
3,75/4 ⭐️
TW: SA
Tropes:
-Second chance romance
-Small town
-Celebrity romance (she's a famous singer)
-Holiday romance
First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I was very excited to read this book since it was inspired by the song " ‘tis the damn season" by Taylor Swift.
For a debut novel, it was pretty good. It was a quick read and I liked the double timeline past/present.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; Aspen and Roman were cute even though I would've liked to know more about the beginning of their story. The dialogues were kinda cheesy sometimes, but they didn't ruin the writing or the story for me.
TW: SA
Tropes:
-Second chance romance
-Small town
-Celebrity romance (she's a famous singer)
-Holiday romance
First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I was very excited to read this book since it was inspired by the song " ‘tis the damn season" by Taylor Swift.
For a debut novel, it was pretty good. It was a quick read and I liked the double timeline past/present.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; Aspen and Roman were cute even though I would've liked to know more about the beginning of their story. The dialogues were kinda cheesy sometimes, but they didn't ruin the writing or the story for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
marta_v's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
2.0
✨ ¡Gracias a NetGalley y a Kimi Freeman por mandarme una copia avanzada de este libro a cambio de una crítica honesta!
✨Primero de todo, felicitar a la autora, ya que escribir y publicar un libro a los 16 años no tiene que ser nada fácil.
✨Ahora, tengo que reconocer que se nota que la pluma de la autora todavía es muy juvenil -acorde a su edad-, y que teniendo en cuenta que está escribiendo sobre personas al rededor de los 23-25, no me termina de cuadrar.
✨Además, el asunto de los flashbacks -un capítulo es en el presente y otro en el pasado, de manera que se cuentan dos historias simultáneamente-, no me termina de convencer, aunque eso es únicamente un gusto personal.
✨Trigger Warning que no aparece por ningún lado en el libro: la protagonista ha sido abusada sexualmente. Me parece que es un tema al que le hubiese venido bien un poco más de trabajo. Se menciona a lo largo del libro que algo ha pasado con Keith y que no lo quiere recordar, y cuando se destapa en la entrevista del final, salvo llorar por la noche un rato y publicar una declaración escrita en la app de notas de su móvil, no tiene mayores repercusiones. Entendiendo que es un hecho muy traumático, tanto el abuso como el hecho de que se cuente en la entrevista, creo que no tiene el espacio necesario en el libro.
✨Primero de todo, felicitar a la autora, ya que escribir y publicar un libro a los 16 años no tiene que ser nada fácil.
✨Ahora, tengo que reconocer que se nota que la pluma de la autora todavía es muy juvenil -acorde a su edad-, y que teniendo en cuenta que está escribiendo sobre personas al rededor de los 23-25, no me termina de cuadrar.
✨Además, el asunto de los flashbacks -un capítulo es en el presente y otro en el pasado, de manera que se cuentan dos historias simultáneamente-, no me termina de convencer, aunque eso es únicamente un gusto personal.
✨Trigger Warning que no aparece por ningún lado en el libro: la protagonista ha sido abusada sexualmente. Me parece que es un tema al que le hubiese venido bien un poco más de trabajo.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
fictionalsarah's review
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
kutubkhana's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Finding out the author is 16 years old makes perfect sense why the story was underdeveloped and lackluster. Second chance romance novels are filled with angst, pinning, and witty banters, the main ingredients were missing from the story. And since this is a rom-com, which was suppose to make me giggle and blush over the characters unfortunately it never happened. I didn't like any of the characters, i don't hate them or find them annoying. It's just they were flat, there wasn't anything interesting enough for me to hate or like about them (main and side included).
The dialogues were confusing, it didn't sound like characters were having a real conversation between each other. I mean they were inconsistent and childish, which made sense after knowing about the author.
The Ella vs Millie thing was juvenile and in my opinion Aspen was biased towards Ella from the start. The author didn't even try to hide this fact.
The sudden introduction of many side characters, 10% into the book, had me losing interest. If it wasn't for the arc, I would have stopped reading.
Also one thing that ick me was how Roman called Aspen 'easy' and she just slide it away. GIRL HAVE SOME SELF RESPECT.
This was my first reaction but then giving it a thought, it does align with Aspen's inexperience with dating and stuffs but still a girl gotta have some sort of self respect.
Overall, the book was underwhelming. The romance was dull, there wasn't spark between the couple. Neither during high school nor after the break ups. I started to skim through pages after the revelation of Parkinson's disease. Too much happening but not properly executed. However, I would applaud the author for the novel premises, its quite interesting. With some more practice and better guidance the author can do better than this.
The dialogues were confusing, it didn't sound like characters were having a real conversation between each other. I mean they were inconsistent and childish, which made sense after knowing about the author.
The Ella vs Millie thing was juvenile and in my opinion Aspen was biased towards Ella from the start. The author didn't even try to hide this fact.
The sudden introduction of many side characters, 10% into the book, had me losing interest. If it wasn't for the arc, I would have stopped reading.
Also one thing that ick me was how Roman called Aspen 'easy' and she just slide it away. GIRL HAVE SOME SELF RESPECT.
This was my first reaction but then giving it a thought, it does align with Aspen's inexperience with dating and stuffs but still a girl gotta have some sort of self respect.
Overall, the book was underwhelming. The romance was dull, there wasn't spark between the couple. Neither during high school nor after the break ups. I started to skim through pages after the revelation of Parkinson's disease. Too much happening but not properly executed. However, I would applaud the author for the novel premises, its quite interesting. With some more practice and better guidance the author can do better than this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
katpen96's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a very cute story and I really enjoyed having the playlist with a song for each chapter.
However, while it's labeled as New Adult, the writing reads more Young Adult than I was expecting it to be. I think YA would be a better fit, especially with how short the chapters are, and the content being pretty surface level.
Thank you to NetGalley, Parson Press and Kimi Freeman for providing a digital ARC copy. All options are my own.
However, while it's labeled as New Adult, the writing reads more Young Adult than I was expecting it to be. I think YA would be a better fit, especially with how short the chapters are, and the content being pretty surface level.
Thank you to NetGalley, Parson Press and Kimi Freeman for providing a digital ARC copy. All options are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, and Death of parent
mv_reads's review
3.0
This was a quick read with bite-sized chapters that made it incredibly easy to breeze through. The flipping between present day and the past provided a fascinating glimpse into Aspen and Roman's relationship evolution.
However, I must admit that I struggled to fully connect with the story. While the concept was intriguing, there were moments when the plot felt a tad far-fetched – particularly Aspen's rapid career success after moving to LA.
On a serious note, it's essential to mention that this book contains mentions of sexual assault and does not provide trigger warnings. This content can be distressing, and it's important for readers to be aware.
Overall, "Tis the Damn Season" offers a quick dose of drama and romance, but it might not resonate with everyone. Just be aware of its content sensitivities.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Death of parent
laurfeel's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. First, it should be noted that this book contains mentions of sexual assault without Trigger Warnings so please be aware.
‘Tis the Damn Season follows Aspen Moore as she navigates her first career controversy: being accused of coming onto (and hooking up with) her best friend’s boyfriend. Aspen takes this as a sign that she needs a break from the Hollywood scene (where she is not only a famous pop star but also a lead actress of a very successful tv show) and heads home for an extended holiday break with her family.
While I have to give this author props for publishing a book at such a young age, there is a certain romantic naivety that carries throughout the story about relationships and Hollywood. For example, the fmc lands a leading role in a popular tv show within 10 months of arriving to Hollywood and her very first album is wildly successful with several number 1 hits and a world tour. Additionally, the fmc and mmc break up and do not talk for months when she is working in Hollywood but immediately get back together as soon as she is home with no issues. Yet, when she comes home this time and he tries to pursue their relationship, it’s suddenly an issue?
Unfortunately, there are also several inconsistencies with the main character personalities throughout the story too: the fmc is supposedly the love of the mmc’s life yet he slut shames her and calls her an attention whore several times and it’s okay? The fmc states many times that she doesn’t drink and doesn’t going to bars because of all of the people yet loves dancing in a crowded club. These are just some examples I can provide without out having to tag this post as containing spoilers.
I think overall, this is a good starting place for the author. All of the characters could use some fleshing out, the dialog needs some work to feel natural, and general typos and word misses can fixed.
‘Tis the Damn Season follows Aspen Moore as she navigates her first career controversy: being accused of coming onto (and hooking up with) her best friend’s boyfriend. Aspen takes this as a sign that she needs a break from the Hollywood scene (where she is not only a famous pop star but also a lead actress of a very successful tv show) and heads home for an extended holiday break with her family.
While I have to give this author props for publishing a book at such a young age, there is a certain romantic naivety that carries throughout the story about relationships and Hollywood. For example, the fmc lands a leading role in a popular tv show within 10 months of arriving to Hollywood and her very first album is wildly successful with several number 1 hits and a world tour. Additionally, the fmc and mmc break up and do not talk for months when she is working in Hollywood but immediately get back together as soon as she is home with no issues. Yet, when she comes home this time and he tries to pursue their relationship, it’s suddenly an issue?
Unfortunately, there are also several inconsistencies with the main character personalities throughout the story too: the fmc is supposedly the love of the mmc’s life yet he slut shames her and calls her an attention whore several times and it’s okay? The fmc states many times that she doesn’t drink and doesn’t going to bars because of all of the people yet loves dancing in a crowded club. These are just some examples I can provide without out having to tag this post as containing spoilers.
I think overall, this is a good starting place for the author. All of the characters could use some fleshing out, the dialog needs some work to feel natural, and general typos and word misses can fixed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
babsreads18's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Tis the Damn Season is an adorable romance about Aspen and Roman. Aspen is a Hollywood singer and actor whose life is shaken by scandal. She returns to her small hometown to escape for a while, and despite her best attempts, starts reconnecting with Roman, her high school love.
I read this book in one sitting. The romance is this book is adorable, the Taylor Swift references are amazing, and it's Christmas themed without feeling too seasonal. My only slight critique is that some of Aspen's dialogue was a bit awkward, but this is a feel good book with swoon-worthy romance and I loved every minute.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
I read this book in one sitting. The romance is this book is adorable, the Taylor Swift references are amazing, and it's Christmas themed without feeling too seasonal. My only slight critique is that some of Aspen's dialogue was a bit awkward, but this is a feel good book with swoon-worthy romance and I loved every minute.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Rape and Toxic friendship
neibertma's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail