Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

A Gentleman Never Keeps Score by Cat Sebastian

24 reviews

reclusivebookslug's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

I'm obsessed with the dynamic between these two.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

camillatd's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-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

3.0

This is a really tender, emotional story of love and healing in unlikely places. It’s probably my least favorite of the Sedgwick Series—I just didn’t feel as connected to the characters. I also feel a little weird about how Cat Sebastian (a white author) wrote one of the MCs, a Black man. I think she tried to handle the themes of race and racism well, but it did feel a little awkward and a little off.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ecmsquared's review

Go to review page

3.0

Sebastian handles the subject of sexual abuse and trauma much more deftly than I ever expected a romance novelist to. Kudos! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

fran's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

attolis's review

Go to review page

4.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

_isabel_'s review

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

4.5

LOVELY. Another gem from Cat Sebastian.

"A Gentleman Never Keeps Score" was as angsty and sweet as I hoped: this book was a peculiar mix of heart-warming and absolutely gut-wrenching, and I couldn't get enough!

Hartley and Sam stole my heart. Hartley with his wounded, prickly heart and his subtle kindness, and Sam, with his endless patience, his gentleness and in general, his dreamboat-ness; both of them were unforgettable protagonists and I loved them together to absolute bits.
Their relationship made me cry and swoon and sigh: it was utterly lovely, realistic, and the frustrations, real life issues and misunderstandings getting in the way of their love, made their final HEA even sweeter.

I also completely adored all side characters: from Kate and Nick to Alf and Sadie, and even those brief appearances of both Ben and Will, made up a cast of priceless, vivid and unforgettable side characters.

Cat Sebastian has a gift: she uses snark and light-heartedness to mask difficult themes, complex dynamics and heart-wrenching backstories and wounds, and needless to say, this second book of the Sedgwick brothers trilogy simultaneously broke my soul and made it whole.

I can't wait to read Will's story: I have no idea what to expect, but I'm sure it will be fantastic.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

wilybooklover's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-paced

4.5

It was such a delight to watch Sam and Hartley fall in love. Sam was a natural caretaker and Hartley needed to be shown that someone could really care for him. They were both such sweethearts and not to be dramatic or anything, but I would die for Hartley. His past was so heartbreaking and it was lovely to see him open up to Sam, who has the patience of a saint. Their story was healing and loving and so sexy.

It was also nice to not only read a historical featuring a working class character, but really delve into the obstacles and classism such characters would face (especially one who is black, like Sam). This level of class consciousness is a rare treat. The side characters were so well-drawn and added to the cosy, found family vibe of the book. Despite the serious topics covered the overall tone was just sweetly domestic and heartwarming. 

It wasn't a perfect book; there was a little too much time spent setting up the next book and the conclusion regarding the paintings seemed a little rushed. But I still adored every page. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

mantaray's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

taelights's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked this story even better than the first Seducing the Sedgwicks novel. It was better written and paced than the first one in my opinion. I loved the depth of both of the main characters and getting to read how they fell in love. I honestly thought their relationship was super beautiful and cute plus their sex scenes were so sexy and full of emotion. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

wanderingtales's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings