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minimicropup's review against another edition
For me the writing style here was too shallow and simplistic. Kind of as engaging as reading a list instead of a story. It was both too objective (just telling us things that happened, basic locations/layouts of settings, telling us how characters feel) and too melodramatic (the repetitive “can I trust Cal” internal monologue and the dialogues between her and Cal, Cal trying to get interviews).
Plot-wise, I was waiting for suspense from the patients being stalked, threats, puzzle solving together with Cal and Laina, red herrings for who might be attacking her practice. We get SO little of that. Instead it was largely about Laina working through her feelings on relationships and getting to know Cal. Lots of telling, not showing too. I think this is more of a contemporary romance (can-I-trust-them, enemies-to-lovers) with a bit of darkness.
On a personal note, I hate descriptions of cancer and cancer treatments and we had lots of that here. It makes me so anxious, almost paranoid. It’s sprinkled throughout and it was hard for me to predict or skim through it because of that. The synopsis indicates we can expect a focus on patients working through mental health issues, not medical oncology ones.
I skimmed through to the end and although the twist is there and okay, I was glad I decided to move past the middle parts to get there.
Plot-wise, I was waiting for suspense from the patients being stalked, threats, puzzle solving together with Cal and Laina, red herrings for who might be attacking her practice. We get SO little of that. Instead it was largely about Laina working through her feelings on relationships and getting to know Cal. Lots of telling, not showing too. I think this is more of a contemporary romance (can-I-trust-them, enemies-to-lovers) with a bit of darkness.
On a personal note, I hate descriptions of cancer and cancer treatments and we had lots of that here. It makes me so anxious, almost paranoid. It’s sprinkled throughout and it was hard for me to predict or skim through it because of that. The synopsis indicates we can expect a focus on patients working through mental health issues, not medical oncology ones.
I skimmed through to the end and although the twist is there and okay, I was glad I decided to move past the middle parts to get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Stalking, Cancer, Gun violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Medical content
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
Out June 14, 2022 [Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Dr. Laina Landers is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when she intervenes to dissuade her patient from harming his wife during a hostage crisis. But then strange things start happening to her other patients, and even to Laina herself, and it seems someone may be watching a little too closely.
I want this to be a limited television series *so* badly. It’s creepy, dark, and has an amusing and entertaining cast of characters and some fun twists that I think would play really well on screen. And in this case I know the author is also a filmmaker so….make this happen, people!
Of course, the book is also a lot of fun, with a pretty unique premise that kept me interested. There were a few choices made by certain characters that bothered me, but after the final resolution I felt better about them because things seemed justified by context. I’m also not usually a big fan of thrillers with romance vibes, but, once again, it worked well here in the end. If the synopsis of this one draws you in, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try—and *definitely* tune in if that limited series ever happens!
Recommended if you like: thrillers with romance built in; therapist-and-patient stories; stalker-based thrillers.
CW: Domestic abuse/physical abuse; gun violence; stalking; cancer; infidelity; discussion of abortion.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Dr. Laina Landers is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when she intervenes to dissuade her patient from harming his wife during a hostage crisis. But then strange things start happening to her other patients, and even to Laina herself, and it seems someone may be watching a little too closely.
I want this to be a limited television series *so* badly. It’s creepy, dark, and has an amusing and entertaining cast of characters and some fun twists that I think would play really well on screen. And in this case I know the author is also a filmmaker so….make this happen, people!
Of course, the book is also a lot of fun, with a pretty unique premise that kept me interested. There were a few choices made by certain characters that bothered me, but after the final resolution I felt better about them because things seemed justified by context. I’m also not usually a big fan of thrillers with romance vibes, but, once again, it worked well here in the end. If the synopsis of this one draws you in, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try—and *definitely* tune in if that limited series ever happens!
Recommended if you like: thrillers with romance built in; therapist-and-patient stories; stalker-based thrillers.
CW: Domestic abuse/physical abuse; gun violence; stalking; cancer; infidelity; discussion of abortion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Blood, Physical abuse, and Stalking
Moderate: Blood, Cancer, Abortion, Infidelity, Gun violence, Terminal illness, and Racism
Minor: Infertility
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