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twysbeek's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Murder, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Terrorism--public bombing is also present (not a spoiler as the book literally opens with this event)korinnagarcia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This story was gripping, poignant, and foreboding. It touches on a lot of heavy life subject matters that can be triggering and there are so many, for example; suicide, bomber, sexual assault, alcoholism, death of a parent, fertility issues, and manslaughter, just to name a few. I appreciate that the author handled these subjects with as much care and sensitivity as possible. This story is very character driven and non linear. I personally love non linear/dual timeline plots, I find them more immersive than linear plots. I loved this story and I instantly fell for Benjamin. I greatly sympathized with his character, he reminded me so much of Connell from Normal People. To me Clara was a bit unlikable but I found her state of ennui and her constant indulging in reminisce very relatable. This book had a lot of dark parts but were perfectly balanced with moments of beauty in the simplicity and realism of the characters.
I recommend to anyone who can stomach all the triggers, to fans of second chance romance, to fans of Normal People, and to those of you that relish in the heart wrenching stories, like I do. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and of course Charlotte Rixon, for allowing me to read this E-ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Suicide, Child abuse, Cancer, Sexual assault, Grief, Rape, and Mental illness
lanaprice's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Trigger warnings: sexual violence, statutory rape, physical assault, cancer, manslaughter, adultery, infertility, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse
There is so much trauma. So much trauma. I argue that it’s too much for one story. It’s masquerading as a “romance,” but the characters all have huge battles they are dealing with.
This is not the type story for someone who wants to escape. The relationship between the main characters is toxic and codependent. It is good to see that they grow from it as they age, but many of their characteristics makes them hard to like when they are younger.
If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover, then you might enjoy this book—without problematic practice of supporting Colleen Hoover.
There is so much trauma. So much trauma. I argue that it’s too much for one story. It’s masquerading as a “romance,” but the characters all have huge battles they are dealing with.
This is not the type story for someone who wants to escape. The relationship between the main characters is toxic and codependent. It is good to see that they grow from it as they age, but many of their characteristics makes them hard to like when they are younger.
If you are a fan of Colleen Hoover, then you might enjoy this book—without problematic practice of supporting Colleen Hoover.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Murder, Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Alcoholism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual harassment, and Rape
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