Scan barcode
sapphic_lit_atl's review
3.0
"Golden Hour" by Kat Jackson is a compelling narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, trauma, and the painstaking journey towards healing. While this book is technically considered a romance, it's more of a drama than a romance.
Lina, a strong and brave character with a military background, explores themes of self-reliance, trauma, and the elusive want for love. Lina's journey is not just about confronting her PTSD—a condition she's in denial about—but also about navigating through her chaotic inner world, marked by a blend of resilience and vulnerability.
Kat Jackson normally has a very distinct writing style, but even this is slightly different, characterized by a third-person single POV which mirrors Lina's tumultuous state of mind. As the novel progresses, the depth of Jackson's storytelling prowess becomes apparent, offering a richly textured understanding of the protagonist's psyche.
Overall though, the narrative structure, with its non-linear flashbacks, was not my cup of tea, even if it serves as a critical device for unveiling the layers of Lina's past and its impact on her present.
Regan, a character embodying patience and warmth, marks a turning point in the story, bringing light to Lina's dark world. Regan's presence not only catalyzes Lina's healing process but also enriches the narrative with a depiction of a supportive and nurturing relationship. The portrayal of a butch-butch pairing adds a refreshing dimension to the romance genre, challenging conventional norms and exploring the dynamics of such a relationship with sensitivity and insight.
While the novel may stray from traditional romance narratives, it is precisely this departure that lends "Golden Hour" its strength. It's a testament to Jackson's skill that the book engages with tough themes like PTSD, self-discovery, and the power of love and friendship in the face of adversity.
"Golden Hour" stands out for its raw and honest exploration of trauma, the nuanced portrayal of relationships, and the hopeful message of finding strength in vulnerability.
Lina, a strong and brave character with a military background, explores themes of self-reliance, trauma, and the elusive want for love. Lina's journey is not just about confronting her PTSD—a condition she's in denial about—but also about navigating through her chaotic inner world, marked by a blend of resilience and vulnerability.
Kat Jackson normally has a very distinct writing style, but even this is slightly different, characterized by a third-person single POV which mirrors Lina's tumultuous state of mind. As the novel progresses, the depth of Jackson's storytelling prowess becomes apparent, offering a richly textured understanding of the protagonist's psyche.
Overall though, the narrative structure, with its non-linear flashbacks, was not my cup of tea, even if it serves as a critical device for unveiling the layers of Lina's past and its impact on her present.
Regan, a character embodying patience and warmth, marks a turning point in the story, bringing light to Lina's dark world. Regan's presence not only catalyzes Lina's healing process but also enriches the narrative with a depiction of a supportive and nurturing relationship. The portrayal of a butch-butch pairing adds a refreshing dimension to the romance genre, challenging conventional norms and exploring the dynamics of such a relationship with sensitivity and insight.
While the novel may stray from traditional romance narratives, it is precisely this departure that lends "Golden Hour" its strength. It's a testament to Jackson's skill that the book engages with tough themes like PTSD, self-discovery, and the power of love and friendship in the face of adversity.
"Golden Hour" stands out for its raw and honest exploration of trauma, the nuanced portrayal of relationships, and the hopeful message of finding strength in vulnerability.
claire60's review
4.0
Rapidly becoming one of my favourite Lesbian authors, she writes intelligent books that explore more than just a romance. In this one we have the story of Lina who is struggling with PTSD from her last tour in Afghanistan, she has escaped to the coast for peace and quiet but just ahead of the 4th of July it's anything but. I thought her character was well developed and her PTSD portrayed well and realistically. I also enjoyed her friends who are trying to be supportive from afar. When she meets Regan at a farmers market, she proves to offer the gentle understanding Lina needs if she can allow herself to accept it. Giving hope to anyone who needs to know that you can find a trauma informed partner.
With thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
rickosborne's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Ooof. What a story.
While there is a romance (and a HEA), most of this book is a woman's slow journey to accept her PTSD and past traumas and begin to move past them. There's not a lot of closure here—things are messy and complicated and unclear. It's a good story, but it's not fluff or popcorn.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more depth to Regan, as the single-POV in this book really limits why Regan is so taken with Lina. But that's only a minor thing, IMO. (But I would also love, love, love if Kat Jackson would do a follow-up book about Regan's obviously complicated history.)
Rep: FMC with PTSD and dissociative episodes
Sex:a few R-rated scenes, but be aware that while there is no SA, the POV FMC is emotionally mistreated with sex as a component, and ends up in cycles of making bad choices due to this. It's not all happy fun times.
Tags: #AttachmentDisorder #Cheating #Military #Misunderstandings #NuisanceEx #PanicAttacks #PTSD #RehabRecovery #SinglePOV #Therapy #ThirdPersonPOV #Trauma
Similar reads: the Ask, Tell series by E.J. Noyes covers some similar themes around PTSD and recovery, especially the second book, Ask Me Again. I don't think one book is objectively better than the other—just different perspectives on the subjects.
While there is a romance (and a HEA), most of this book is a woman's slow journey to accept her PTSD and past traumas and begin to move past them. There's not a lot of closure here—things are messy and complicated and unclear. It's a good story, but it's not fluff or popcorn.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more depth to Regan, as the single-POV in this book really limits why Regan is so taken with Lina. But that's only a minor thing, IMO. (But I would also love, love, love if Kat Jackson would do a follow-up book about Regan's obviously complicated history.)
Rep: FMC with PTSD and dissociative episodes
Sex:
Tags: #AttachmentDisorder #Cheating #Military #Misunderstandings #NuisanceEx #PanicAttacks #PTSD #RehabRecovery #SinglePOV #Therapy #ThirdPersonPOV #Trauma
Similar reads: the Ask, Tell series by E.J. Noyes covers some similar themes around PTSD and recovery, especially the second book, Ask Me Again. I don't think one book is objectively better than the other—just different perspectives on the subjects.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Graphic descriptions of struggling with PTSD and trauma-related dissociative episodes. While there is no SA, several scenes describe the POV FMC being mistreated sexually.
More...