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erinrc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy, and Outing
bookmarkedtbr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
FMC: Elena - loves her mom more than anything; will do anything for her
MMC: Alec - doesn't "believe in love"; greatest ambition is taking over his grandfather's company
Intimacy: explicit
Summary
Elena's mother is in a coma and she has run out of money to care for her. Her father won't give her a cent, and the rest of the family can't fathom why she spent her entire trust fund keeping her comatose mother alive over the years. When she decides to sell the only thing she has left, she runs into Alec, the older brother of a dear friend. Alec's only concern is getting control of his grandfather's company. However, he must be married before that happens. The two strike up a deal: Alec will pay Elena's mother's medical expenses and Elena will be a dutiful wife without any hopes or expectations of love and romance.
Thoughts
I have read this story multiple times and each time, it hits me in the gut. Alec and Elena are such a good pair. There's nothing I love more than an "I don't believe in love" guy being flabbergasted when he finds himself very much in love. There are many satisfying scenes, I'm thinking of one in particular ala Pretty Woman, that had my petty side jumping with joy. The plot with Elena's mom never fails to make me emotional despite already knowing the conclusion. Catharina Maura really has a knack for writing characters you will immediately connect with and root for long after the last page. As an aside, I need more Lucien and Elliott!!!
A few of my favorite quotes:
- His eyes are on mine, and the way he’s looking at me right now is how I always imagined he would in every single dream I’ve ever had of him. Like I’m someone he wants, and not just some kid that follows him around everywhere. Like I’m desirable.
- “Oh, he’ll care,” I whisper, “and you will belong to me. It’s not just your body that will be mine, Elena. It’s your every thought, your every dream. Your entire future is mine.”
- I see the tears pooling in her eyes and grab her hand. Seeing tears in her eyes, f***. I can’t stand it. “I know it isn’t the same, but you have me now, Buttercup,” I say involuntarily. She looks at me and nods. “I do. I do have you,” she says, her eyes never leaving mine.
- “What is it you want, wife? If it’s within my power, I will give it to you.”
- “I’m giving you all I can, Elena. All I am. All that’s left of me.”
- “Baby, you deserve every single thing you set your eyes on. I’m going to make it my job to give you everything, even the things you don’t dare ask for.” “Alec,” I whisper. “All I want is you.”
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Death and Car accident
postmortem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Car accident, and Abandonment
Moderate: Pregnancy and Classism
chloemi03's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Car accident, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
andeng's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Car accident
chindydoj's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Medical content
rmorairty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Car accident
kenziewol's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Car accident
Moderate: Violence