My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While I enjoyed Out of Character a bit more than the first book in the True Colors series (Conventionally Yours), I still had some difficulty fully enjoying this book.
I should preface this review with a disclaimer: I find I have issues with bully redemption stories, which is what this story is. It takes A LOT for me to forgive a bully character and get past their evil deeds, and I’m not sure Albert succeeded in winning me fully over to Milo’s side. In fact, I can safely say that I was completely against him being Jasper’s love interest in the beginning., even without the complete background and history of these two.
As the story progressed and Milo’s motivations and struggles were revealed, I softened somewhat. But, I still felt Milo needed to get his crap together without bringing Jasper into his drama. Fortunately for Milo, Jasper has an enormously forgiving heart. I did like Jasper a heck of a lot and wished there was a better match for him. For the purposes of Out of Character, I suppose Milo will do.
As with Conventionally Yours, the story is heavy with card gaming and strategy. I was prepared for this and, unlike with Conventionally Yours, I wasn’t put off as much by it. Honestly, all the technical gaming parts went over my head, but I still appreciated the interactions of the characters in those scenes.
For those who enjoy second-chance, bully redemption stories, I think this book will be a winner. There are super sweet moments between Milo and Jasper that did tug at my heart strings.
***Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***