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blaze6217's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 25%, unfortunately.
I really wanted to like this book, and had high hopes for it as I’ve seen many rave reviews and am a fan of sapphic novels. The writing style just wasn’t for me on this one. I can’t write a full review as I DNF, but I’ll review what I did read.
Neve is an “Ice Queen” professional who has been carrying on a secret affair with a much younger employee at her office, Audrey. Neve has come to the realization that the affair has gone much further than she intended, and in order to save her career and reputation she must end it. She believes the only way to end things for good is to make Audrey hate her, so she breaks things off with her in a very cruel way.
The author starts off strong with some hot and heavy sapphic content, and then very quickly trails off into page after page of inner monologue of the extremely unlikeable main character. A quarter into the book and it has been a year since Neve ended the affair, and she is still repeating the same things over and over in her head. There is barely any dialogue, and the book is filled with discrepancies, cliches, and just not great writing.
The author mentions that Neve threw herself into her work as a distraction after the break up, but then when it flashes forward a year her career is in trouble because she hasn’t focused enough on her work to ensure her projects meet or exceed expectations. Neve is also seeing a therapist, who seems less like a therapist and more like an antagonist. I suppose many clients may see their therapist in that light initially, but a year into it and Neve and the therapist are still going ‘round and ‘round in the same arguments. Additionally, it is mentioned several times that Neve and Audrey never did much talking when they were together, and yet Audrey is in love with Neve and Neve clearly seems to reciprocate those deep feelings even after a year of being apart.
This is more personal preference/pet peeves, but the author also over uses words and cliches such as “trope” and referring to any act of sex as “being taken”.
Overall, this reads more as amateur fan fiction. If you’re fine with pages upon pages of inner monologue with no real dialogue, an unlikeable character, and overuse of cliches you will probably enjoy this book. As for me, I’m moving on to the next!
I really wanted to like this book, and had high hopes for it as I’ve seen many rave reviews and am a fan of sapphic novels. The writing style just wasn’t for me on this one. I can’t write a full review as I DNF, but I’ll review what I did read.
Neve is an “Ice Queen” professional who has been carrying on a secret affair with a much younger employee at her office, Audrey. Neve has come to the realization that the affair has gone much further than she intended, and in order to save her career and reputation she must end it. She believes the only way to end things for good is to make Audrey hate her, so she breaks things off with her in a very cruel way.
The author starts off strong with some hot and heavy sapphic content, and then very quickly trails off into page after page of inner monologue of the extremely unlikeable main character. A quarter into the book and it has been a year since Neve ended the affair, and she is still repeating the same things over and over in her head. There is barely any dialogue, and the book is filled with discrepancies, cliches, and just not great writing.
The author mentions that Neve threw herself into her work as a distraction after the break up, but then when it flashes forward a year her career is in trouble because she hasn’t focused enough on her work to ensure her projects meet or exceed expectations. Neve is also seeing a therapist, who seems less like a therapist and more like an antagonist. I suppose many clients may see their therapist in that light initially, but a year into it and Neve and the therapist are still going ‘round and ‘round in the same arguments. Additionally, it is mentioned several times that Neve and Audrey never did much talking when they were together, and yet Audrey is in love with Neve and Neve clearly seems to reciprocate those deep feelings even after a year of being apart.
This is more personal preference/pet peeves, but the author also over uses words and cliches such as “trope” and referring to any act of sex as “being taken”.
Overall, this reads more as amateur fan fiction. If you’re fine with pages upon pages of inner monologue with no real dialogue, an unlikeable character, and overuse of cliches you will probably enjoy this book. As for me, I’m moving on to the next!
bonriki's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Kidnapping, Outing, Child abuse, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse
mischievous_monkey's review against another edition
4.0
Oh gosh, what a ride! What a frustrating, brilliant and ultimately satisfying ride.
I continue to be impressed with the ingenious plots this writer devises. The mechanisms Neve employs to short circuit professional and personal sabotage are impressive and show the sharp and calculating mind of the author. Milena McKay’s writing style is simply gorgeous-intelligent, riveting, well-crafted and humorous- and I look forward to reading more of her work. She is currently reigning supreme in my (nerdy) authors ratings chart.
In addition to the writing, Abby Craden as a narrator probably had much to do with the impact this book had on my emotions. She seems to excel at hitting all the emotional beats of this talented author and bringing a humanity to her icier characters that my mind may have not allowed the words by themselves to conjure.
Some of my favorite other reads of this ilk are [b:Little Black Lies|24407881|Little Black Lies|Sharon J. Bolton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427298720l/24407881._SY75_.jpg|42676401], [b:All the Little Moments|26083541|All the Little Moments|G. Benson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442761949l/26083541._SY75_.jpg|44471726] and [b:Invisible, as Music|48667028|Invisible, as Music|Caren J. Werlinger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572718388l/48667028._SY75_.jpg|74011332]. In each, at least for a time, the main character sets aside love and personal happiness out of fear of consequences or feelings of unworthiness until they find a way to reconcile themselves to having it all.
I continue to be impressed with the ingenious plots this writer devises. The mechanisms Neve employs to short circuit professional and personal sabotage are impressive and show the sharp and calculating mind of the author. Milena McKay’s writing style is simply gorgeous-intelligent, riveting, well-crafted and humorous- and I look forward to reading more of her work. She is currently reigning supreme in my (nerdy) authors ratings chart.
In addition to the writing, Abby Craden as a narrator probably had much to do with the impact this book had on my emotions. She seems to excel at hitting all the emotional beats of this talented author and bringing a humanity to her icier characters that my mind may have not allowed the words by themselves to conjure.
Some of my favorite other reads of this ilk are [b:Little Black Lies|24407881|Little Black Lies|Sharon J. Bolton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427298720l/24407881._SY75_.jpg|42676401], [b:All the Little Moments|26083541|All the Little Moments|G. Benson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442761949l/26083541._SY75_.jpg|44471726] and [b:Invisible, as Music|48667028|Invisible, as Music|Caren J. Werlinger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572718388l/48667028._SY75_.jpg|74011332]. In each, at least for a time, the main character sets aside love and personal happiness out of fear of consequences or feelings of unworthiness until they find a way to reconcile themselves to having it all.
momodesu's review against another edition
4.75
Well, I certainly understand the hype about Abby Craden now. This was my first experience listening to a book narrated by her, and it was simply delicious.
The book itself was interesting, told from one perspective, and it was so interesting to see the character development with the focus solely on Neve’s experience.
There’s a lot of sex (which isn’t a complaint), but this isn’t a fluffy romance by any stretch of the imagination. It’s angst-ridden, full of heartache and coming to terms with past trauma, and the way it comes together is well developed. Neve is tortured and complex, and she takes out her fears and inability to handle her feelings on the one person who gets her, pushing Audrey away through some downright painful actions intentionally engineered to hurt, but ultimately hurting herself even more. The ice queen learning to open up and trust is one of the things I enjoy most about the trope, and this didn’t disappoint on that front.
I still don’t love the age gap trope, but there’s so much more to this story. Although it won’t be for everyone, I found it thoroughly fascinating.
The book itself was interesting, told from one perspective, and it was so interesting to see the character development with the focus solely on Neve’s experience.
There’s a lot of sex (which isn’t a complaint), but this isn’t a fluffy romance by any stretch of the imagination. It’s angst-ridden, full of heartache and coming to terms with past trauma, and the way it comes together is well developed. Neve is tortured and complex, and she takes out her fears and inability to handle her feelings on the one person who gets her, pushing Audrey away through some downright painful actions intentionally engineered to hurt, but ultimately hurting herself even more. The ice queen learning to open up and trust is one of the things I enjoy most about the trope, and this didn’t disappoint on that front.
I still don’t love the age gap trope, but there’s so much more to this story. Although it won’t be for everyone, I found it thoroughly fascinating.
akharnish's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
erinf14's review
5.0
Milena McKay takes what could have been a cheesy trope and knocks it out of the park.
Our FMC Neve is the definition of an Ice Queen. She's mean, she's ruthless, she's guarded and she hurls cool-toned insults like nobody's business. By all regards, we should hate her, but as you listen to her thoughts and inner monologs and learn her history, the way that Neve is just makes sense. She frustrates you to no end as she continues to hurt Audrey, the younger but equally formidable love interest who starts the story as Neve's employee, but you catch glimpses of the redemption you know could be possible in Neve's interactions with her son. (Speaking of Harlan, he's adorable and witty and loves his Mom full-heartedly. He was one of my favorite parts of the story.)
I think one of the things that makes Solace so good is the pacing. Several years pass from start to finish. You watch Neve grow through her sessions with the therapist who challenges and takes no bullshit, but it doesn't happen overnight, and while her feelings for Audrey are certainly a catalyst, she isn't magically 'cured' because of love. You go from wanting Neve to come out and accept her feelings at the beginning, to spending chapters upon chapters hoping Audrey moves on and is loved the way she deserves, to actually cheering for them to heal and grow together and find their happiness both on their own and as a couple by the end. The timeline makes sense. The journey makes sense. The growth makes sense.
And you can't help but root both Neve and Audrey. Both women are strong, smart and independent. Neither needs figuratively saving, though Audrey does quite literally get kidnapped while reporting on the war in the Middle East, but watching the way Neve handles her fear and panic and the entire situation is just so refreshing. There's no macho male ego or excessive action, and everyone thinks before they act. Neither Neve nor Audrey are essentially dumbed down or downplayed like so often happens in heterosexual romances. Their relationship is fetishized like lesbian relationships frequently are, it's just real and authentic and them.
And the spice? Oh man, Milena knocks that out of the park. 10/10 cannot recommend enough.
[bc:A Whisper of Solace|60457393|A Whisper of Solace|Milena McKay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645365053l/60457393._SY75_.jpg|95274586]
Our FMC Neve is the definition of an Ice Queen. She's mean, she's ruthless, she's guarded and she hurls cool-toned insults like nobody's business. By all regards, we should hate her, but as you listen to her thoughts and inner monologs and learn her history, the way that Neve is just makes sense. She frustrates you to no end as she continues to hurt Audrey, the younger but equally formidable love interest who starts the story as Neve's employee, but you catch glimpses of the redemption you know could be possible in Neve's interactions with her son. (Speaking of Harlan, he's adorable and witty and loves his Mom full-heartedly. He was one of my favorite parts of the story.)
I think one of the things that makes Solace so good is the pacing. Several years pass from start to finish. You watch Neve grow through her sessions with the therapist who challenges and takes no bullshit, but it doesn't happen overnight, and while her feelings for Audrey are certainly a catalyst, she isn't magically 'cured' because of love. You go from wanting Neve to come out and accept her feelings at the beginning, to spending chapters upon chapters hoping Audrey moves on and is loved the way she deserves, to actually cheering for them to heal and grow together and find their happiness both on their own and as a couple by the end. The timeline makes sense. The journey makes sense. The growth makes sense.
And you can't help but root both Neve and Audrey. Both women are strong, smart and independent. Neither needs figuratively saving, though Audrey does quite literally get kidnapped while reporting on the war in the Middle East, but watching the way Neve handles her fear and panic and the entire situation is just so refreshing. There's no macho male ego or excessive action, and everyone thinks before they act. Neither Neve nor Audrey are essentially dumbed down or downplayed like so often happens in heterosexual romances. Their relationship is fetishized like lesbian relationships frequently are, it's just real and authentic and them.
And the spice? Oh man, Milena knocks that out of the park. 10/10 cannot recommend enough.
[bc:A Whisper of Solace|60457393|A Whisper of Solace|Milena McKay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645365053l/60457393._SY75_.jpg|95274586]
pixip's review
5.0
Beautifully stunning
I've been in a book slump for most of the year and this book just dragged me out of it with such force. I was enthralled from the first to the last word, the way that Milena weaves words is something magical. Not to mention that she betters my vocabulary with every book. The entire book was this wonderful rollercoaster of complexity and growth. Not once did I think this is too long or too short, Neve and Audrey's story was paced to perfection. The journey Neve took was heartbreaking, loving, raw and oh so real. I felt for her on so many levels and was drawn to her pain and fear. She was an incredible character to be on this journey with. I wanted her to get her happy ending so badly, I relished in her "Queen" like behaviour and was constantly in awe of her presence.
Every character had their place and felt oh so balanced in this ice Queens world. If I had to summarise it I would say it was like a cross between Devil Wears Prada (if it were sapphic) and Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am an eternal fan of Milena's now and eagerly await what masterpiece comes next.
I've been in a book slump for most of the year and this book just dragged me out of it with such force. I was enthralled from the first to the last word, the way that Milena weaves words is something magical. Not to mention that she betters my vocabulary with every book. The entire book was this wonderful rollercoaster of complexity and growth. Not once did I think this is too long or too short, Neve and Audrey's story was paced to perfection. The journey Neve took was heartbreaking, loving, raw and oh so real. I felt for her on so many levels and was drawn to her pain and fear. She was an incredible character to be on this journey with. I wanted her to get her happy ending so badly, I relished in her "Queen" like behaviour and was constantly in awe of her presence.
Every character had their place and felt oh so balanced in this ice Queens world. If I had to summarise it I would say it was like a cross between Devil Wears Prada (if it were sapphic) and Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am an eternal fan of Milena's now and eagerly await what masterpiece comes next.
raine666's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
saltyseaghost's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0