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It's so "funny" (and, yes, I'm being sarcastic). In the introductions, Rina Kent wrote that this book was not as dark as the previous one in the series, while in my opinion, it is the darkest one. The issues addressed in this book were some of the most heartbreaking and soul-shattering ever (swear, I felt the same twisting feeling as when I read Hunting Adeline 1st half of the book)
To the ones who scream in silence.
With this book, I emphasize the need to read and understand all triggers. This was not an easy read.
And I'm beyond sad and distraught thinking that so many readers are so closed-minded and homophobic and couldn't see beyond MM relationship to understand the whole other and more important topic described in the book.
Thank God for the perfectly executed banter (chemistry was out of the charts), and for transforming one of the most questionable MMCs in the greenest of the green flags ever. And thank God for the sensitivity in understanding and describing the complex behavioral development in the adolescent/ young adult age. - one undoubtedly fantastic educational read for a parent (especially parents of teens).
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Outing, Toxic friendship
Graphic: Addiction, Biphobia, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: Fantastic read. Absolutely one of my top 5 books. I can remember at one point when I was up late trying to find a point to stop for the nice and just so lost in the characters. Usually there is a level of disconnect between me and the page. I found that blurring often in this book. It wrenched my heart from my body and was absolutely what I was looking for.
This would easily be a 6 star for me. I will probably reread this book in the future.
“Because I never wanted a prince. I prefer an unhinged motherfucker.”
Tonight is just a fucked-up fucking case of fucking fuckery!
(Other Notes)
I want to start this by saying I have not read any of the other books by Rina Kent, it was highly suggested I start with at least the LoG #1 but I didn't want to I only was looking for an MM story. So I think its important to note that if you are like me, and don't want to read the rest, you will be fine. Yes, reading the others will give you like all this extra knowledge but if you truly don't GAF about the rest then you will be fine.
I do want to say that it took me about 3 tries to start the book. Bran is the first chapter and it took me a few ttries to get used to his narrating style. Once I did it was off to the races. I didn't have as hard a time getting used to Niko's narration, but I really enjoyed how different they narration styles were. It made it EASY to tell and remember who I was 'in' in a chapter. I've read a bunch of multi-pov books that it doesn't change more from character to character. You get their internal thoughts but its not in their 'style'. If this is the case for the other books by Rina Kent she may become an author I will need to consume regularly.
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Suicide attempt
“Please let me hold you like this, it doesn’t hurt when you touch me.”
“Even if you hate your yourself, I’ll love you for the both of us.”
“Thank you for bringing me back.”
Please check content warnings.
Wow. Wow. I am stunned beyond words. This was such an impressive read and it didn’t disappoint. I listened to the audio and I really think it’s best to take this story in through audio. The voice actors brought the characters to life and add so much to the numerous vulnerable conversations and raw feelings throughout the story. Unpopular opinion but Niko’s POV was fine with me, it was kind of a breathe of fresh air because the other MMC from the other books in this series were too similar to be honest so the funny commentary / immaturity POV of Niko was fine with me! I actually liked it. The thing I loved most about their story was the way they described how they saw the other, the numerous euphemisms, similes, metaphors, almost sounded so poetic and further showed how down bad they both are for each other even in their dark moments.
Brandon and Niko’s story was written so beautiful. The push and pull between the two of them and the numerous scenarios / banter between them was perfect. I really loved how Niko gave Brandon grace and time for him to come to terms with/ accept himself and his sexuality, his constant care for Brandon did not go unnoticed! However his fury was definitely demonstrated through out the book, it was moments I liked that Niko stood up for himself in terms of what he also wanted out of their developing relationship.
Oh Brandon.. Where to begin. The raw emotions and feelings and inner dialogue of Brandon and his internal struggles with mental health was ground breaking. The way the author was able to write such a complex character that not only went through so much but also his stages of acceptance of coming out was written so beautifully. The ups and downs, the highs and lows were throughout the story which further showed how important / made the experience feel very real.
The private conversations with their families and their friends talking about the other was so bitter sweet! I loved the constant support and love surrounding them and I’m so glad they got their HEA! They deserve the happiness.
Graphic: Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Outing
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Kidnapping
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Overall this book is a romanticized toxic relationship. It’s smut; not even well written smut.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Gaslighting
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Gore, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence
Minor: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Murder
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt