Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

4 reviews

saoreads's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Evidently, I'm not a huge fan of foul language, but it leaves an impression and has some compelling qualities. The sexual tension and romance portrayed align with liberal perspectives, which can be perceived as common and cliché. However, the plot provides sufficient background for the main characters, making it easy to root for them. There were surprising twists, and it's great that the focus was on the evolution of the characters' personalities and behaviors, rather than solely the romantic aspects. Although I'm not knowledgeable about hockey, it appears to be well-represented in the narrative.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Sexual content, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Grief

lafe's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Death, Murder, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Death of parent

Minor: Cursing, Alcohol, Drug use, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence

abidavisf's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

Yes. This is everything I want in a book: lovable characters who are actually kind even if/when they’re grumpy, tension, communication, and romance!

The Graham Effect is a love story but it’s also a tale of trauma and found family, forgiveness and when to choose not to forgive for the benefit of your own sanity, honesty and kindness. I am rooting for Gigi and Ryder all the way.

There was also the perfect amount of hockey in here. Having just finished another book marketed as a hockey romance that barely touched on it, I was ENGROSSED by the amount of hockey drama and detail in The Graham Effect. My only critique is that I wish we had more of Gigi and Ryder training together as their relationship progressed. Did they go from training to hooking up instead or did we just not see it? Surely they can do both!

A great read. Definitely recommend. 

P.S. When do I get to hear more about Diana? I’m worried. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Abandonment, Murder, and Death of parent

Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse

mels_reading_log's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

This is my first hockey romance book, and I now see what all the hype is about. I love the characters so much, the author has really set herself up to be able to write a ton of books with this group. Even characters that were “the bad guys” in the beginning are able to show us they are good people. I just love all the bromance. GiGi and Ryder are just delicious together, I think enemies to lovers may be my favorite trope.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Gun violence, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Grief, Death of parent, Infidelity, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting