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aliasbooklover's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
lastingliterature's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
3.5
After a traumatic experience when she was a teen, Andi has helped herself heal by becoming a horror writer and podcaster. Hill, a retired firefighter, is trying to find his purpose in life after losing his leg and career while on duty. Andi has trouble trusting men and hasn’t truly dated since her high school relationship, and Hill is recovering from his ex-fiancée cheating on him with his best friend. These two emotionally vulnerable people end up as next-door neighbors and team up to try and help each other build their trust again through a safe friends-with-benefits relationship.
While there is a mild version of the grumpy/sunshine trope I love, Andi and Hill didn’t nail it for me. They had a cute relationship and I loved seeing how careful and respectful Hill was with Andi's boundaries, but I didn’t fully feel the chemistry.
I think the best part of this book is showing what it looks like to be considerate after someone has gone through trauma. I imagine many people will be able to relate to Andi’s thoughts and feelings as a woman in this world, and many people can also probably relate to Hill who lost a core part of his identity.
Although many romances are character > plot, I would have liked to see this plot fleshed out a bit more. When *things* (trying to avoid spoilers!) began to happen, it felt forced and inauthentic.
At the end of the day, this is a good story of finding love after pain. While this is a romance with 🔥🔥, it also contains many possibly triggering elements (listed below).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
TW: talk of abusive relationships, PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, panic attack, physical handicap, infidelity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
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