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_amaarah_'s review
challenging
mysterious
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
4.0
sbarrettt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Blood
kjanie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars
I really can't remember the last time I had such a good run with books as I am having now. Every book I read seems so much better than the last, and this has been no exception. This was a touching, raw and honest book that I just adored. I just don't know if I will be able to write a review that gives the depth of this book justice. It was touching and emotional, while still having a loveable romance with good chemistry, as well as an interesting and well-researched plot. I just really don't know what to say, it was fantastic. I know that I have been loving Jae's books recently, but this showed me a whole new side of her writing. While I know she can write funny and witty romances which I love, I know she call delve into the emotional and heart-wrenching depths of serious issues.
I really don't want to make this review very long or detailed, because I just feel like this is a book that should just be jumped into (with a trigger warning of course). All you need to know is the characters are fantastic throughout, in all facets of their relationship. The police and crime-related plot are sensitively handled, extremely well-researched as well as being both enlightening and highly interesting. I have never read a romance book that has placed so much focus on a court-hearing and the trauma of characters. I usually find that the romance tends to push these important subjects to the side, but this book found the perfect balance between all of it. It was hard at moments, but there were other sweet moments that made me smile. This was such a well-rounded book, I really can't recommend it enough.
I really can't remember the last time I had such a good run with books as I am having now. Every book I read seems so much better than the last, and this has been no exception. This was a touching, raw and honest book that I just adored. I just don't know if I will be able to write a review that gives the depth of this book justice. It was touching and emotional, while still having a loveable romance with good chemistry, as well as an interesting and well-researched plot. I just really don't know what to say, it was fantastic. I know that I have been loving Jae's books recently, but this showed me a whole new side of her writing. While I know she can write funny and witty romances which I love, I know she call delve into the emotional and heart-wrenching depths of serious issues.
I really don't want to make this review very long or detailed, because I just feel like this is a book that should just be jumped into (with a trigger warning of course). All you need to know is the characters are fantastic throughout, in all facets of their relationship. The police and crime-related plot are sensitively handled, extremely well-researched as well as being both enlightening and highly interesting. I have never read a romance book that has placed so much focus on a court-hearing and the trauma of characters. I usually find that the romance tends to push these important subjects to the side, but this book found the perfect balance between all of it. It was hard at moments, but there were other sweet moments that made me smile. This was such a well-rounded book, I really can't recommend it enough.
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this.
The way in which the issue of rape is dealt with feels respectful and realistic, given a considerable part to the narrative to trauma and the consequence of such an assault.
And yet, although the main theme IS dark the book itself isn't. It's filled with a lot of hope, with people who are inherently good but not perfect, doing the best they can to navigate the changed circumstances of their lives or to secure a sentence for the man responsible for the attack.
The romance between Aiden and Dawn is, obviously, a very slow-burning one. Aiden is working on Dawn's case and her involvement with the victim (even if Dawn were up to it) is a big no-no. But they slowly fall in love even when Aiden keeps trying to stay away.
Once the trial ends and some time has gone on they tentatively begin dating and I love how Dawn's trauma wasn't glossed over, she's not magically cured and they both work very hard to make their relationship work. Yes, both of them have a lot of stuff that needs to be worked on, Aiden has her own demons, but, even with setbacks, they didn't give up on each other.
What can I say? I loved it and I'll be listening to the next book ASAP.
The way in which the issue of rape is dealt with feels respectful and realistic, given a considerable part to the narrative to trauma and the consequence of such an assault.
And yet, although the main theme IS dark the book itself isn't. It's filled with a lot of hope, with people who are inherently good but not perfect, doing the best they can to navigate the changed circumstances of their lives or to secure a sentence for the man responsible for the attack.
The romance between Aiden and Dawn is, obviously, a very slow-burning one. Aiden is working on Dawn's case and her involvement with the victim (even if Dawn were up to it) is a big no-no. But they slowly fall in love even when Aiden keeps trying to stay away.
Once the trial ends and some time has gone on they tentatively begin dating and I love how Dawn's trauma wasn't glossed over, she's not magically cured and they both work very hard to make their relationship work. Yes, both of them have a lot of stuff that needs to be worked on, Aiden has her own demons, but, even with setbacks, they didn't give up on each other.
What can I say? I loved it and I'll be listening to the next book ASAP.
raven9949's review against another edition
4.0
Anyone else really annoyed by the court arguments that not a single person asked the rapist how he got into the apartment and how breaking in doesnt count as consent? >.>
That aside this was an interesting story. I like that there was more space between the actual hook up, but overall if felt very slow? The court proceedings were definitely WAY too fast to be the American judicial system.
That aside this was an interesting story. I like that there was more space between the actual hook up, but overall if felt very slow? The court proceedings were definitely WAY too fast to be the American judicial system.
josb's review against another edition
4.0
I was not sure how this would go since I have a love/hate for audiobooks and older books can be insensitive to current social issues. I am glad I put my trust in Jae and took the time to listen to this.
I felt like I got two books in one. This was a combination of Law and Order SVU fanfiction and a sweet slow-burn romance. And it was a Jae book, so lots of healthy discourse and open and honest discussions.
The narrator was the best for me so far. Each character sounded different enough that I could tell who they were. The voices fit the characters and did not feel like the narrator was straining out of her normal range.
I felt like I got two books in one. This was a combination of Law and Order SVU fanfiction and a sweet slow-burn romance. And it was a Jae book, so lots of healthy discourse and open and honest discussions.
The narrator was the best for me so far. Each character sounded different enough that I could tell who they were. The voices fit the characters and did not feel like the narrator was straining out of her normal range.
jordanreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.5
__shaked's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
patricia71's review against another edition
5.0
Not my favorite book by Jae, but still a solid 5 stars. Which says something about the other books by Jae. I loved Dawn and Aiden together. And the introduction of Del and Kade. And I felt the emotions of Dawn.