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thenextbookdilemma's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Murder and Suicide
wilybooklover's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
What a pleasant surprise. I went into this not having heard much about it, and therefore with quite low expectations. What I got was a beautiful, unexpectedly poignant story about growth, healing, and learning to believe in love again.
The heroine, Alva, has not had an easy time in life. She was let down in huge ways by her parents and her deceased abusive husband and wrongfully pilloried in the press; it’s no wonder she’s so closed-off and a little bit grumpy. It was truly wonderful seeing her open up and learn to trust again throughout this book.
Sam was the perfect hero to pair with Alva. An absent-minded professor type with the personality of a golden retriever, he’s so intrinsically good and caring at heart that even Alva can’t resist his charm. His caring and patient nature was perfectly showcased during their first sex scene, where Alva dissociates and has a traumatic flashback. Sam notices, immediately stops what he’s doing and checks in with her in one of the most wonderful depictions of consent I’ve ever seen in a romance. There were only two love scenes in total, but they were ever so romantic and deeply sexy.
This does have a bit of a gothic/spooky vibe what with the ghost and haunted house, but I wouldn’t let that deter you if it’s not your usual thing. It’s more of a background atmosphere for most of the book.
My only criticisms are that the dialogue felt quite modern at times, and I’m not sure that the blackmail plot was necessary. But I didn’t feel like it detracted from the story or affected my enjoyment at all.
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death, Body horror, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Suicide
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