Deepa’s Reviews > Better Hate than Never > Status Update

That’s standard I would hold this story to. For me, I don’t like every time he calls her “Katydid” he did know her and treated her disposablely. It’s not as uncomplicated as it plays out. He finally gives her the attention she wants from him that it’s now remedied. I did enjoy the story but I just needed time bringing their family into it and ownership. 5 stars from me conflicted + forgiven too soon idealistically

Jacob’s rxns and their conversation their entire history actually burn Akira. They make her feel judged and deeply reviled. When he figures out he made her feel. This man owns up to his shit and actually grovels but is also there for her and is unraveling his own complicated feelings about his sexuality ( for him is very private and at moments shameful). Sure there is attraction but there effort and time.

I contrast this with Gentleman in the Streets by Alisha Rai. (This is my fave of her books. Deep cuts only. ) Jacob is Akira is temporary step sib. This girl does not want to be his step sib. She does everything to provoke him. She wants him to admit this girl is not his sister. This whole time he is rxns and attempts literally leave when she is near and terseness. ( She totally does defy boundaries. Dubious tbh)

I guess for me choosing to tangle up their reconciliation with desirability makes it less earnest ( to a degree. not all but little something)

I also kinda needed him to say the words he lost his actual family and her family became his family but he always knew she was someone he thought of as more than pseudo sister. He treated her as unwanted, to ignore, and someone to criticize to deny his attraction - shitty ??

I’m glad Christopher wants to explain himself to her immediately. Jaime’s suggestion went only so far and the rest of it was because he wanted to make amends and wanted relationship. The other thing is I get it Christopher’s smooth relationship with everyone else in her family and his behavior toward her sucked more for because she did care what he thought and possibly nursed a fondness for him.

Maybe it’s different for me because I haven’t seen Christopher with Bea and Julia. I thought it was pretty big step for Kate to admit to Bea how out of place and secondary she felt with her family. She thought they were alright with someone close to them casting her out. Christopher + Kate have separate chat but this played with all of them together. I was curious for Bea’s rxn seeing him come out of her room.

God I hate paintball. Really if they didn’t start physical attraction so early and instead took it more slowly I think I might have really loved this. But all the same I’m really enjoying. It’s 4 star or above for me.

I’m a bit unimpressed by this idea of older pursuer who grew up around the fmc. I think ignoring /criticism thing tracks for people uncomfortable around attraction but idk I just Christopher had very self professed “profound” feelings very young and that’s kind of a personal no. Like I can read and enjoy the book but I don’t always agree or “feel” the momentous feelings as what he thinks it is.

I was excited thinking it would hit into a redemption arc like Gentleman by Alisha Rai. It has some of the starts. I really like Kate starting with feeling kept out of her family ( being neurodivergent in mind), seeking out the wider world. Christopher very unknowing part in that. But once he realizes it he tries to correct it by pursuing her. That’s not enough for me. Yes he’s good at it but that…

“She thinks I hate her. It’s the last thing I ever wanted. I have never loathed myself so much.”

oh this is getting so good. 😊