Reviews tagging 'Grief'

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane

14 reviews

zombiezami's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5

This book was written in a charming way. I typically hate the third act conflict in romance novels since you always know they're going to end up together in the end, but I actually thought it was well-done here. I also thought it was a good choice to just focus on one protagonist's perspective. The book was predictable, but in a comforting way. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Infidelity, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Cancer, Sexual content, Child death, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pregnancy, Sexism, Vomit, Terminal illness, Eating disorder, Confinement, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Cursing, and Pedophilia

Minor: Car accident, Racism, and Fire/Fire injury

aliceloyallaleon's review

funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Amazing book. Modern and diverse. I loved how the main character was mixed race and it showed her experience of micro aggression. Also loved how the character was in her mid thirties and a successful woman! Male characters are flawed and I liked how it showed men could be vulnerable too.   

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Blood, Cancer, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse

nemaria's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Infidelity

Minor: Blood, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Pedophilia

questingnotcoasting's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love Mhairi Mcfarlane but for some reason it's took me months to get round to this, despite anticipating its release. I flew through it in a few days and it was everything I wanted it to be - a compelling slow burn romance with a satisfying ending. I always become invested in Mcfarlane's characters and I love her clever, funny writing style. The fake dating trope could so easily be done badly but here it was really fun and I also appreciated the emphasis on Laurie finding herself. There was enough focus on heartbreak and dysfunctional family issues to feel realistic while still being a heartwarming read overall. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Grief, Infidelity, and Terminal illness

Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia