A free copy of this book was provided thanks to NetGalley, Jasmine Guillory, and Headline Eternal Publishing.
Dates Read: 20/02/2022 to 09/03/2022
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Word to describe: Sweetness
Genre: Romantic Fiction
TW: Mental health, anxiety attack
While We Were Dating was one of the many books I was invited to review via NetGalley. It was also one of the ones I had postponed on my list of books to read because I had been reading romance books for a while and needed a decent break. But after a hectic month and a long readers block, I turned myself back to the second great love of my life romance novels (the first being the three F's friends, family, and food). Not only did this book cheer me up with the most adorable couple, sex scenes that were spicier than homemade chilli, and characters I can relate to, it also, thankfully, fixed my readers' block.
From the offset and throughout I was introduced to a variety of characters, but none I hold deeper in my heart than the main character Anna. As a superstar struggling with her self-worth, her public image, and an overwhelming level of anxiety Anna felt like a mirror had been held up. A lot of young women have to deal with keeping up with societal expectations and their own, Jasmine Guillory nailed the portrayal of Anna and the constant overthinking monologue her character expresses.
It was genuinely refreshing to read a character that has mental health issues where the characterisation remains accurate. Most authors can sadly fall into the stereotypical view of mental health where the character is irrational or a constant emotional wreck. Anna's character is witty, funny, and loving to those around her. Her anxiety adds to the likability of her character but it isn't the only thing going for her. I really enjoyed the discussion of mental health in this book and I hope it helps to reduce the stigma.
The powerful and palpable attraction between the main character Anna and her fellow protagonist Ben is so realistic that it's a pity these people aren't real. Pushing aside the cliche attraction, at first sight, the romance between Ben and Anna is one that evolves naturally starting with searing sexual tension and turning into genuine care and affection for one another. The relationship between these two characters is so pure it triggers deep and sour envy inside for a similar romance. Because, in all honesty, who doesn't want the toe-curling sex described in this book mixed with the wholesome moments and a dash of sugar.
The spicy scenes between these two characters are so well written and clear without resorting to a plethora of vulgar tones (if you want erotica that boasts about a man's thick cock or a woman's wet pussy this isn't the romance for you) that it was a breath of fresh air. The sexual relations didn't feel forced or added purely to move the story along. The developing relationship between Anna and Ben was natural, and not many authors have the capability to nail that. I certainly know that a heartthrob romance like in While We Were Dating is one everyone deserves.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jasmine Guillory, and Headline Eternal Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Commentaires