Book Review: When Love Gives You Lemons by Steven Salvatore
When I first picked up When Love Gives You Lemons, I was excited to dive into what I thought would be an engaging contemporary romance set against the backdrop of a picturesque lemon farm. Steven Salvatore’s knack for blending heartfelt narratives with LGBTQIA+ themes had me intrigued. However, despite my eagerness, the novel turned out to be a bit of a lemon itself—sour, with only a few sweet spots to reflect on.
One of the standout features of this book is undeniably its setting. The descriptions of the lemon farm are lush and beautifully crafted, painting a vivid backdrop that almost makes you want to take a trip there yourself. It’s a raw, enchanting landscape that brings a sense of warmth. Unfortunately, the scenery was about the only thing that left a lasting impression on me.
Let’s dive into some of my genuine critiques because I want to ensure my readers understand what didn’t work and why. Salvatore had a golden opportunity to highlight the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly representing asexual, aromantic, and agender identities. A character displays blatant queerphobia while attempting to claim ally status, which felt disingenuous and frustrating. While there’s a moment where characters express the importance of queer sexual autonomy, I wished for more depth—something that illustrates that queerness isn’t just about sexual content but encompasses broader identities.
Another moment that struck me as problematic comes when a secondary character jokes about receiving their "gay card" after their first sexual experience. This notion, implying that one must have sex to validate their queerness, is a dangerous stereotype that deserves more thoughtful handling.
On a structural level, I found the fourth wall breaks jarring. Fielder, our main character, frequently addresses the reader, which pulled me out of the narrative instead of immersing me in it. It felt less like an engaging storytelling technique and more like an awkward attempt to be trendy. Plus, the lack of chemistry between Fielder and Ricky—a supposed childhood romance—left me scratching my head. Their connection felt flat, and I found myself struggling to root for them. Their interactions often seemed unconvincing, making it hard to invest in their love story.
Fielder Lemon—yes, that’s really his name—drew a chuckle from me, but it didn’t stop there. The plot’s over-the-top elements, such as the Italian mothers hovering over their sons, made for some comedic moments. However, I found it insufferable rather than charming. And let’s not even get started on the social media portrayal. Referring to TikTok as the "clock app" felt unnecessarily annoying, almost as though it was trying too hard to feel relatable.
Toward the end, I was rolling my eyes at the mishaps surrounding technology and romance, particularly a scene where Fielder accidentally uploads an intimate moment without intending to. It seemed more like a comedic blunder than a poignant plot point, which left me feeling disconnected.
In conclusion, When Love Gives You Lemons fell short for me, straddling the line between YA and new adult in a way that didn’t quite resonate. While I adored the setting and some of the ideas presented, the execution left much to be desired. If you’re a devoted fan of Salvatore’s work or someone who loves reading about dramatic love stories with a side of slice-of-life anecdotes, you might find some enjoyment here. However, I think for fans seeking profound representation and emotional development, this book may not be the refreshing taste they hoped for.
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