Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann

91 reviews

nighthonesty's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I'm torn on this book. Overall, I did not enjoy it but I think it is more this type of book is not my style. Jennifer Hartmann did a great job not doing what I expected; which was outstanding. There were numerous times I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue but was glad when the story did not go where I was expecting. I was not a fan of the major character but that is a personal preference and in no way reflects the book itself. I am torn because while it is not a story I enjoy, it was very clearly well done. I'm actually in awe of Jennifer for how much I am indifferent on the book. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Torture, Abandonment, Gun violence, Suicide attempt, Confinement, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Self harm and Infidelity

Minor: Pregnancy, Blood, Murder, Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, and Alcoholism

lanaw's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is my 2nd time reading this book I read it 2 years ago and I still remebered everything about the book going back in.This book has left a lasting impact on me. I can't believe how powerful it is. It completely tore my heart apart and then somehow managed to mend it back together. The emotions in this book are so raw and intense. Dean and Cora's story will forever hold a special place in my heart.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Kidnapping, Confinement, Sexual violence, Rape, Violence, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Miscarriage, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Addiction, and Animal cruelty

christene_littlelibrary's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Still Beating is a dark romance with a lot of trigger warnings. But what I like about this book is how they conquered their trauma together in a non toxic way. I loved the story. How they survived the tragic event and still ends up together and to be happy. They totally deserve it. Such an amazing book.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse

alis143's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

I never cry reading books and this book made me cry. I was reading in public when it made me cry too 😭. It has AMAZING PTSD representation. RUN to get this book!

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Self harm, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Forced institutionalization, Confinement, Death, Dementia, Grief, Rape, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Sexual content

katherineguild35's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death, Violence, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Rape, Gore, Suicide attempt, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Dementia, Confinement, Blood, Torture, Animal death, and Alcohol

soulinthepages's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read this book so quick! 
The MMC and the MFC had a bit of a forbidden romance but this book is so much more than that. This was an incredible story about healing after a traumatic event and trying to feel normal in a world that’s changed for you. 
This is called a dark romance but it’s more of a dark story with dark themes and a touch of romance. It was unexpected of how hooked I got to this story and how much I actually cried. I’m not a book cryer and I cried thrice and teared up several times after. The writing was beautiful and none of it was cheap to the storyline or the characters integrity. Yes there was smut but there was also opposite end of SA etc. I encourage everyone to read the trigger warning list before diving into this story. It was heavy and beautiful and completely terrifying. I experienced so many emotions with this story and before I even finish the book, I knew I would give it 5 stars. I rate my books based on how they made me feel by the end of it. The many emotions had me feeling like I KNEW the characters and I could even relate to them with their healing and their nonlinear journey. This is a masterpiece. I will be reading Lotus next however I will be reading a palette cleanser before I jump back into the heaviness.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Murder, Sexual violence, and Violence

Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage

allieraj's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Murder, Rape, Grief, Confinement, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Torture, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Self harm, Physical abuse, Infidelity, Gore, Dementia, Animal death, Miscarriage, Violence, and Toxic relationship

01melon's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Nothing really bad to say about this book—I thought it was excellent. I truly loved reading it. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Kidnapping and Physical abuse

ermunleybooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Sexual assault, Violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Murder, Gaslighting, Death, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping

amurray1996's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I don’t have the words to describe this book properly. It was one of the best books I’ve read, ever. Heartbreaking, grueling, tough read at the beginning. But turns into painful angst, healing from trauma, and becoming an unconventional but tragically beautiful love story. This book was flawless, and is one of those stories that sticks with you long after. I’m in awe. Not to mention, the writing was incredibly well done. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity, Addiction, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, Torture, Self harm, Alcohol, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content