I have to start off by saying that I really struggle to connect with books in 3rd POV. I usually end up DNF-ing them. So when I opened this book and saw it was written in 3rd POV, my heart plummeted because I had been so excited to read Sex Positive.
With that said, I actually REALLY liked this overall! While the POV did throw me off, Charlie and Wes’s story captivated me. The second chance, dislike to lovers vibe was well written and thought out. I really enjoyed all of the side characters and their personalities. I love a book that can make me feel different emotions, and reading this pulled my heartstrings, made me laugh, warmed my heart, and those spicy scenes….🥵 Additionally, this book covers a lot of important topics in today’s world and I think it’s absolutely wonderful to see it in a spicy romance book.
POV aside, the only part that didn't 100% work for me was the first few chapters. There were moments that felt a bit like a sex ed pamphlet with how much info there was. I wanted to see the sex ed info more worked into the story rather than being flat out told via dialogue, however, once Wes and Charlie’s story really got going, I was super engaged and the education we get becomes much less pamphlet-y as the story goes on!
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for early access!
... Read moreReading 'Sex Positive' provided me a unique blend of emotional depth and engaging storytelling that is often rare in spicy romance novels. Despite my initial reluctance toward books narrated in the third-person point of view, this novel quickly drew me in with its well-crafted characters and their genuinely evolving relationships.
What I particularly appreciated was how the story incorporates sex education naturally through the interactions of the characters, especially in the context of tutoring sessions and experiments—an approach that adds both authenticity and educational value without feeling preachy. The way information about sex positivity and healthy relationships is weaved into the plot offers readers a chance to learn while enjoying a captivating romance.
Another standout is the chemistry between Charlie and Wes. Their journey from friends who dislike each other to lovers rekindled by a second chance romance is refreshingly depicted with moments that range from hilarious banter to deeply touching scenes. The inclusion of diverse side characters enriches the story world, making Brooklyn Rose feel like a vibrant and believable setting.
For readers seeking romance novels that offer more than just the standard tropes, 'Sex Positive' shines by addressing real-world topics with sensitivity and humor. If you’ve enjoyed second chance romances or are looking for a spicy story that also handles important contemporary themes, this book is definitely worth picking up. It surprised me by effectively balancing romance, education, and emotional growth in a way that kept me hooked until the very end.