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emilyredwood's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I devoured the first half of this book in pretty much one sitting, then slowed down quite a lot getting to the end. I loved the characters and the writing, and the plot did things I didn't expect and for the most part really enjoyed. Where this lost me a bit was the length, which sits at 400+ pages and sort of wanes in the last quarter. I still enjoyed it but it could have been cut down quite a bit and been more effective. There is a surprising amount of trauma in this but the tone is overall pretty light and fun, although there are quite a few trigger warnings I didn't pay close enough attention to so I'd advise checking those before diving in (I thought all topics were handled very well, so I wasn't bothered at all but they're worth noting). Overall I really enjoyed this even with my pacing notes and I will absolutely be reading more from this author in the future.
morgan_cheyenne's review
5.0
A++, absolutely cannot wait to see what Laura Linn does next. I'm blown away that this is a debut novel. It's one of the best books I've read all year. The characters are delightful, it's incredibly romantic, the hero is the BEST golden retriever, and the representation is amazing. Reading a historical heroine with obvious ADHD was so refreshing and wonderful and made me feel so seen.
little_blue_penguin's review
5.0
Close to perfection. It's rare that I find a book that captures my heart so much that I don't mind that parts of it read like a contemporary rather than a historical. The author gives voice to so much, but really shines in its exploration of grief, loss, and love. Really beautiful.
It did take a chapter or so to sink into the author's writing style; I'm very glad I stuck with it.
It did take a chapter or so to sink into the author's writing style; I'm very glad I stuck with it.
draconicmama's review
5.0
What a wonderful read!
Linn has written a lovely story that doesn't shy away from complex emotions and people. The overall plot is pretty straightforward, but the character arcs as our protagonists get to know each other are so very beautiful. Linn deeply explores love after loss as well as some other TW themes in a very respectful way where healing is always the goal. None of it feels done for shock. It's all there to give us an essence of who these people are, the strength of their resolve and love, and to invite us to experience the world through the eyes of characters we don't see as often in romance literature.
Our MMC is kind, emotionally strong (practically no toxic masculinity), and wonderful about getting consent. Our FMC is likely ADHD, inquisitive, and also extremely kind. The children (ages 11 and 14) are also grappling with challenges and so we get to witness our MCs parenting complex children - one of which is neurodivergent.
It was such a satisfying and beautiful book. I am very much looking forward to reading more from Linn in the future!
Linn has written a lovely story that doesn't shy away from complex emotions and people. The overall plot is pretty straightforward, but the character arcs as our protagonists get to know each other are so very beautiful. Linn deeply explores love after loss as well as some other TW themes in a very respectful way where healing is always the goal. None of it feels done for shock. It's all there to give us an essence of who these people are, the strength of their resolve and love, and to invite us to experience the world through the eyes of characters we don't see as often in romance literature.
Our MMC is kind, emotionally strong (practically no toxic masculinity), and wonderful about getting consent. Our FMC is likely ADHD, inquisitive, and also extremely kind. The children (ages 11 and 14) are also grappling with challenges and so we get to witness our MCs parenting complex children - one of which is neurodivergent.
It was such a satisfying and beautiful book. I am very much looking forward to reading more from Linn in the future!
grymoira's review
5.0
Absolutely perfect!
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am now a firm fan. The characters are exquisitely drawn, and you cannot help but love them. The storyline is Rich and the termination almost perfect. I admit that I did want to hear about the birth of the baby and how the two other children progressed. But, that is the curse of reading a wonderful book. I always seem to want just a bit more. I am off to locate my next read from this author, and I highly recommend this delightful book.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am now a firm fan. The characters are exquisitely drawn, and you cannot help but love them. The storyline is Rich and the termination almost perfect. I admit that I did want to hear about the birth of the baby and how the two other children progressed. But, that is the curse of reading a wonderful book. I always seem to want just a bit more. I am off to locate my next read from this author, and I highly recommend this delightful book.
alisoun's review
emotional
reflective
sad
4.0
Gabriel and violet
Ummmm this book was deeply grief filled (in a good way???). I read it mainly for the autism rep and was surprised at the grief every character brought to the story. Emma's life and death was acknowledged and cared for by the author. I cried, a lot, in this story.
Spice:
Not very spicy at all (and that's fine!!). One scene right at the end. One scene of the hero jerking it because he. Ant have her (fav) and another scene of him getting her off.
Ummmm this book was deeply grief filled (in a good way???). I read it mainly for the autism rep and was surprised at the grief every character brought to the story. Emma's life and death was acknowledged and cared for by the author. I cried, a lot, in this story.
Spice:
Not very spicy at all (and that's fine!!). One scene right at the end. One scene of the hero jerking it because he. Ant have her (fav) and another scene of him getting her off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
Minor: Pedophilia
jacquelinec's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
latelitleo's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
kittycuthbert's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy