Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - In the Likely Event

This book does not deliver on the romance plot which was a surprise having read two other books by this author. Again, there is a military setting and the mic being in the military causes the bulk of the relationship issues between the leads. Izzy, the fmc was not likable and came off as dumb about everything except books and studies. Nathaniel was a bit more better but too centered on Izzy to be believable as a Special Ops guy. Of the two, Nathaniel’s POV and background make for the better parts of this book.

Izzy and Nathan meet on a plane ride, his first, and its major insta love. Then minutes after takeoff, their plane crashes, forcing them to get real close and for Nathan to rescue Izzy and save her life. The two are separated as Nathaniel is on his way to the military, and so they lose touch despite the fact Izzy says over and over that fate draws her to him. Years pass and their paths cross again, and they have a few day fling but again, it’s not right for them to try for more. This time though, they share addresses and stay connected for years with Nathaniel popping in and out on his leaves. Eventually, Nathan proposes a bit awkwardly and Izzy says she can’t marry him so he leaves and drops all contact.

Fast forward years later and they meet in the middle of a war in Afghanistan, during the time the country is falling apart. Izzy has joined politics to help find a way to end the war with the secret hope Nathaniel will find her again and he is of course the unit assigned to protect her. Unfortunately it is the fact the setting is Afghanistan and in the war that kills the romance. I had a difficult time reading about Izzy and Nathaniel doing it while people were afraid for their lives and bring shot at. Total turnoff. The story ends in a very predictable way and nothing about it seems right.

Unfortunately the setting of this being war torn and about to fall into Taliban hands Afghanistan makes this a very difficult, un compassionate read. People are dying, scared for their lives, but the leads are happily enjoying their reconciliation and themselves. No amount of Izzy is trying to do interviews for people or Nathaniel leaving food rations males up for the lack of thought to what is happening to the background setting. The worst part is that this story could have been set anywhere else just fine. Hard no and I hope the author learns from this.

Content Warnings

headinthepages's review against another edition

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emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

_alyssar_'s review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

Content Warnings

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