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dododenise's review
emotional
sad
fast-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
This book pleasantly surprised me. I went into this quite critically, since I had a lot of criticism about between perfect and real. Add to that the sad themes, which I don’t really enjoy. But the prospect of an ace mc got me here and I’m glad I read this!
The book beautifully illustrates what abusive relationships can look like and how different people cope with them. I was quickly attached to Arden and just wanted the best for her. Her slowly learn to understand what has happened and is happening was wonderfully developed. My heart ached for her as she continued to fall for a long time.
I also adore ace rep. It was done well. This book shows just one kind of being ace and just barely hints at more possibilities, but I think it’s fine. The book is valuable in the asexual sex repulsed representation that it gives.
I would have wished this book to go more into healing. Since it is already short, I think it would’ve been nice to add more of Arden and Jamie grow out of what happened to them. Their experiences will follow them for the rest of their life and finding healthy coping mechanisms takes time. Therefore, giving the healing theme more time would’ve been nice.
All in all I’m amazed with how much care this journey was told even with so little time. It didn’t feel rushed (until maybe the end) and allowed itself to sit in the moment and its emotions.
The book beautifully illustrates what abusive relationships can look like and how different people cope with them. I was quickly attached to Arden and just wanted the best for her. Her slowly learn to understand what has happened and is happening was wonderfully developed. My heart ached for her as she continued to fall for a long time.
I also adore ace rep. It was done well. This book shows just one kind of being ace and just barely hints at more possibilities, but I think it’s fine. The book is valuable in the asexual sex repulsed representation that it gives.
I would have wished this book to go more into healing. Since it is already short, I think it would’ve been nice to add more of Arden and Jamie grow out of what happened to them. Their experiences will follow them for the rest of their life and finding healthy coping mechanisms takes time. Therefore, giving the healing theme more time would’ve been nice.
All in all I’m amazed with how much care this journey was told even with so little time. It didn’t feel rushed (until maybe the end) and allowed itself to sit in the moment and its emotions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, and Transphobia
Minor: Self harm and Racism
anniereads221's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Bullying, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Gaslighting
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