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It was funny, it was modern (for 2020) and it was enlightening. I dove right into the life of an autistic character and her caring boyfriend. Well written, steamy and fun. I like it.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I greatly enjoyed this story. Small town romances where one of the characters is the town pariah tend to stress me out, but the depths of redemption in this story made this a remarkable read. I was fascinated to read about Ruth’s story, an autistic woman recovering from intimate partner violence, is a unique and compelling read. I appreciated that while Ruth’s race was relevant to the story racial trauma was not. After all she dealt with I don’t know that I could have watch Ruth go through more pain. While the intimate partner violence is detailed it is viewed through the lends of time, several years of separation. The violence may still be triggering for some audiences, but Ruth has clearly done considerable process and none of the accounts are first person so I assume many triggers would be less intense. I also appreciated seeing how Ruth’s experiences shaped the small town and her sister, who I assume is the next MC in the series.
My biggest complaint is how abrupt the ending was. There feels like far too many loose endings from the story and while not every element of a story needs be resolved I think very few elements of this story were actually resolved. Perhaps Evan and Ruth’s relationship was actually the only plot point that was resolved. I suppose that sets up the series rather well, but for this story it is incredibly annoying.
My other complaint is sure minor, which is just that we didn’t see more of Ruth’s art. I found what Ruth did describe of her comic fascinating and wish I knew more.
My biggest complaint is how abrupt the ending was. There feels like far too many loose endings from the story and while not every element of a story needs be resolved I think very few elements of this story were actually resolved. Perhaps Evan and Ruth’s relationship was actually the only plot point that was resolved. I suppose that sets up the series rather well, but for this story it is incredibly annoying.
My other complaint is sure minor, which is just that we didn’t see more of Ruth’s art. I found what Ruth did describe of her comic fascinating and wish I knew more.
Graphic: Cancer, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Classism
Minor: Pregnancy
Ruth is in a secret seven year abusive relationship.
Evan’s mother dies of cancer in his late teen years.
A side character’s mother has terminal cancer.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
hopeful
lighthearted
Technically I’d give this a 4.5 star rating.
Talia Hibbert’s writing speaks to my heart.
Talia Hibbert’s writing speaks to my heart.