Reviews with content warning for Grief - Perfect Strangers

** READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION -- I will do my best to keep this post spoiler free **

“These kisses of his...they're demanding and possessive. They're hungry and deep. They're the kisses of a man who wants more of a woman—who wants everything—and isn't going to stop until he gets it."

Author Olivia Rossi hasn’t been able to write a word since tragedy struck two years ago and ripped her world apart. Heartbroken and still haunted by the past, she accepts an offer to spend the summer at a friend’s apartment in Paris in search of healing and her lost muse.

What she finds instead is James, an enigmatic stranger who ignites in her an unexpected and all-consuming passion.

Agreeing to tell each other nothing more than their first names, Olivia and James embark on a torrid affair. But the more time they spend together, the more Olivia begins to realize her summer fling is turning into a powerful connection…and that the magnetic man she’s falling in love with might not be what he seems at all.

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First things first -- I am shook that this is a highly recommended read. This book was absolutely not for me.

I had no issues with the writing of the book, mainly the plot.

I loved the beginning of the book. I thought the storyline was good and the spice was *chefs kiss*. Then comes chapter 23 where I got completely lost. The plot twist that was revealed was very sudden and really didn't make much sense to me. The pace of the book was accelerating and I wasn't keeping up. A lot of stuff happened at the same time.

Then in chapter 25/26 the plot kind of redeemed itself and I was here for it. I was like okay, that makes a little sense, I can see why she went this direction.

Then the next plot twist happens and I LOVED it. I thought it was amazing. I think she should have ended the book right then. No need to go further. If the author would have ended it here (if you know, you know) I feel that this book would have been phenomenal and I probably would have given it 4 or 5 stars.

Well, the author took it a little further. The last plot twist was not it for me. I was so confused and now the book really doesn't make any sense to me. I feel like the author had a really good concept with how she wanted to write this book, I just feel it was poorly executed.

The ending of this book was a little disturbing to me. I don't understand why that was necessary. I feel like the last sentence could have been omitted and I wouldn't have hated the ending. Just saying.

If you have any questions or would like a little more detail on my review - you can reach out via instagram. My handle is reading_with.amber -- Sorry for my vagueness - I really don't want to spoil it for anyone.

Content Warnings

lifeofchrstnlvly's review

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

30% in, I was convinced I'll rate this 1.5 stars. But what the heck?

Is this a groundbreaking read? No.
Will it mess you up? Yes.
Is it life changing? No.
Was it enjoyable? Yes.

Better to read this blindly. You wouldn't want to sread/watch spoilers about this one.

Content Warnings

jonezzzing's review

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3.5

Content Warnings

sienasummerrreads's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

sniderbeebooks's review

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emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

** One month later... I changed my rating to a 5. I just can't forget this one.

I have a love/hate relationship with this book, but one thing is for certain, I will never forget it. It joins a small number of books that left an enormous impression on me.
I was 100% head over heels in love with the love story, but then I got kind of mad at it, or disappointed anyway, and then I got horrifed. Yes, utterly horrified. And then I was bawling my eyes out like a child.
JT Geissinger, what in the hell? I mean... I am impressed. Very. But wow, I felt some things I wasn't expecting to feel.
I thought Collen Hoover had the best example of this kind of mind fuckery until an hour ago when I finished this book.

Content Warnings

marybsimp's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

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