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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Decent book. Liked the characters and setting. Good little twist in the last third of the book that was a decent surprise. Found the last 50ish pages a bit dull and a let down that I skimmed through them. If the quality of the ending was closer to the quality of the rest of the book it’d be an easy four stars.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
slow-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
"Only Love Can Hurt Like This" is an emotionally charged journey through love, loss, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. Paige Toon masterfully weaves a tale that explores the complexities of relationships, following a protagonist whose life takes surprising turns as she confronts her past and navigates her present.
Toon's writing captivates with vivid imagery and relatable characters, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. The plot is peppered with intriguing twists that challenge assumptions about love and loyalty, adding depth to the narrative. However, some moments feel slightly predictable, which can detract from the overall impact.
While the emotional highs are beautifully rendered, there are sections where pacing slows down a bit too much. Nonetheless, for fans of romance who enjoy stories rich in emotional complexity and surprise, this book offers a rewarding experience that lingers long after the last page.
Toon's writing captivates with vivid imagery and relatable characters, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. The plot is peppered with intriguing twists that challenge assumptions about love and loyalty, adding depth to the narrative. However, some moments feel slightly predictable, which can detract from the overall impact.
While the emotional highs are beautifully rendered, there are sections where pacing slows down a bit too much. Nonetheless, for fans of romance who enjoy stories rich in emotional complexity and surprise, this book offers a rewarding experience that lingers long after the last page.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't realize this was a "romance" book. But not the kind with any sort of steamy scenes.
The writing was cringy, especially the descriptions of Indianapolis (as someone who grew up there). The story was predictable and took about 100 more pages than needed.
The writing was cringy, especially the descriptions of Indianapolis (as someone who grew up there). The story was predictable and took about 100 more pages than needed.
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
slow-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
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had a hard time sticking with this book from the beginning because of the author’s writing style. It was ‘too’ descriptive, in my opinion, adding unnecessary adjectives in a long string to describe something.
The story was slow going as well. All the action happened in the last ~25-30%.
The chapters didn’t seem flushed out enough. The author would be in the middle of an event that seemed to be important and suddenly the next chapter began and I felt myself wanting more details about the last.
The ending seemed unbelievable, and without spoiling anything, motivated by unlikely people. The Epilogue, as well, was too ‘perfect, happy ending’.
I did enjoy the character development and honest conversations between family. The plot was incredibly sad and moving. Overall, a great storyline, but I don’t think I’m cut out for more of her books.
The story was slow going as well. All the action happened in the last ~25-30%.
The chapters didn’t seem flushed out enough. The author would be in the middle of an event that seemed to be important and suddenly the next chapter began and I felt myself wanting more details about the last.
The ending seemed unbelievable, and without spoiling anything, motivated by unlikely people. The Epilogue, as well, was too ‘perfect, happy ending’.
I did enjoy the character development and honest conversations between family. The plot was incredibly sad and moving. Overall, a great storyline, but I don’t think I’m cut out for more of her books.