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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I will be honest and say that I had a hard time rating this book. Why? Because even though I found the writing fantastic and intricate, I just couldn't connect with the heroine.
Let me take it from the start though.
Sadie is a married woman. Her husband, Nate, worhips the ground she walks on...until he doesn't.
He becomes distant and cold and Sadie suddenly finds herself doubting everything. Does he love her? Has he found someone else? What has she done to make him act like this?
Nathan is a very kind man, always helping others and making Sadie happy. So what has changed when it comes to his wife? He realizes that he does everything for her, while she doesn't reciprocate. Marriage is a complicated thing but Nathan finds shimself reluctant to get back to adoring Sadie without her giving something back. He has made sacrifices for her and he expects the same.
The story starts from the rough time in their marriage and that is when we are intropduced to Finn. Finn is the new neighbor. He is handsome, sexy and very interested in Sadie...But he holds his owns secrets.
When attraction blooms between Sadie & Finn, will Sadie be able to stay away and remain faithful to her husband?
Truth isn't rally an issue in my marriage....
He's distant-physically and emotionally.
Nathan gives me everything and asks for very little.
He rejects my touch. My words. My love. All that I have, I'm at a loss.
From the heroine's words, you understand that she knows that Nathan is very giving and she seems to know that she gives back little. So, that was my problem with Sadie. I found her selfish and reckless. She sees Nathan's withdrawal but she doesn't realize that it's her fault. At least that was what I got from her thoughts. She wanted Nathan to be like he was, but she ignored the signals that would alert a woman that something is very wrong. She made assumptions. She turned to someone else to make herself feel adored again.
Yes, there is cheating in the story and it put me off. Why? Maybe because I adored Nathan. He was the reason I kept reading. I did like Finn and that his affair with Sadie made him want to change his life. But his character paled when it came in comparison to Nathan's.
Sadie's actions should have prepared her for her husband's behavior. She hid something BIG from him and it never occured to her that he might figure it out. It came as a big shock to her when he put two and two together.
The author has probably written Sadie this way on purpose. I realize that.
Selfish. Unfair. Cheating on Nathan.
I don't doubt her love for Nathan but the development left a sour taste in my mouth. I felt like he didn't deserve her.
"You crying, Pea?"
"No."
"Good. You know I turn to mush when you cry."
I hated that she played with Finn, maybe not on purpose but he did everything for her. So they could be together. It seemed to me that she wanted the man who would take her as she was so that she didn't have to try and be better in return.
Like I said, the book is very well written. For the writing alone it deserved 5 Stars. But it was the heroine that put me off.
It was an emoptional read with very complex characters and an amazing male hero. I adored Nathan! I read the book in one evening, it was addictive. If you want something different, try this one.
★★★3.5 Stars★★★
4.5 stars. Cheating stories always make me anxious as hell because in what world does it ever go well? I'm always waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. What I loved about this story, though, was how messy and flawed the characters were, how realistic their relationships to each other were. In so many stories involving infidelity, the husband is often reduced to a bumbling idiot or abusive asshole, and it was really refreshing here to see a different depiction. This story is methodically told, slowly peeling away the layers to get to the core of the story, and I admire the technique and skill in that. It was deftly done. You don't get easy answers or a cheap resolution, but you get a real relationship instead, and although I liked both of Sadie's love interests, I loved how she ended up with the right man, and why. I'm not sure Sadie ever really learns from her decisions or takes away a lesson from them, so I docked it half a star. What was missing for me was some character development at the end for her. Oh, and also: the smut was hot.
Sadie and Nathan Hunt have always had the perfect marriage. Really, that's how people introduce them, and Sadie has always believed that they lived up to it. Until lately. Lately, Nathan isn't the husband that he's always been, and Sadie is left feeling alone and confused. When new neighbor Finn Cohen moves in, he and Sadie begin spending time together. A lot of time. Before long, Sadie is finding Nathan's distance a little more tolerable, but when lines begin to blur, deciding what matters most will take everything she has.
This book absolutely wrung me out. I mean, the emotions, people. It was like a roller coaster; you're hanging on for dear life, but can't stop the ride because it's that thrilling, that enthralling. That's what reading SLIP OF THE TONGUE was like for me.
I had read previous books by author Jessica Hawkins, and enjoyed them, so was really looking forward to this story. Forbidden romance, possible love triangle, what wasn't to like? Oh.My.Goodness, I am telling you, this book. I got immediately and completely sucked in, and believe me when I tell you that I read later than I have in forever just so that I could finish this book, because I could not put it down.
The characters are complex in SLIP OF THE TONGUE; Jessica has done a great job of creating a realistically possible situation, along with characters that seem more human and easier to relate to than not. There were elements that I liked and did not like in Sadie, Nathan, and Finn, things that made it understandable, though not acceptable, regarding the choices that they made. Some of my favorite characters were actually supporting ones, especially Sadie's boss, Amelia, and Sadie's brother, Andrew, and niece, Bell (she was hoot; she'll be kicking butt and taking names in a few years, bet on it).
SLIP OF THE TONGUE is a book that I had waited for with anticipation, and I can happily say that it does not disappoint. This book is an emotional, realistic, sometimes gritty read, and gets a solid 4.5 stars from me. I look forward to reading more from Jessica in the near future, and wouldn't mind seeing Andrew get his own story. Grab this one and read it. I feel certain that you will not regret it.
***ARC generously provided by the publisher for an honest review.***
4.5
This book was soo good! I was a little hesitant at first to read it because of the content. I try to stay away from books that mention anything about an affair while married. But, I am so glad I took a chance on it. There was a very subdued feeling to the book, I think that is the best way I can describe it. The emotions and thoughts running through Sadie’s mind were all too believable, which I like in a story. I could sense her confusion because I was having the same thoughts she was. I truly did not know who I liked more, Nate or Finn, and even now that I am done with the book I still don’t know who I like better. All I can say is, I hope that the one who did not end up with Sadie gets the happily ever after he deserves.
Jessica, I really hope you are going to be writing a book for that individual… ;)
I did not want to stop reading once I started, but life and school got in the way so it took me a bit longer than I wanted it to. But I am so glad it took me a few days because I got to enjoy the story longer. It was flawless and emotional. I did not know how it was going to end, and I was really getting worried I wouldn’t like the ending. I knew someone was going to get hurt, but in the end I did like the way got resolved. But as I mentioned before, now I want a second story.
Now all of you who like a good angsty romance go get this book!
This book was soo good! I was a little hesitant at first to read it because of the content. I try to stay away from books that mention anything about an affair while married. But, I am so glad I took a chance on it. There was a very subdued feeling to the book, I think that is the best way I can describe it. The emotions and thoughts running through Sadie’s mind were all too believable, which I like in a story. I could sense her confusion because I was having the same thoughts she was. I truly did not know who I liked more, Nate or Finn, and even now that I am done with the book I still don’t know who I like better. All I can say is, I hope that the one who did not end up with Sadie gets the happily ever after he deserves.
Jessica, I really hope you are going to be writing a book for that individual… ;)
I did not want to stop reading once I started, but life and school got in the way so it took me a bit longer than I wanted it to. But I am so glad it took me a few days because I got to enjoy the story longer. It was flawless and emotional. I did not know how it was going to end, and I was really getting worried I wouldn’t like the ending. I knew someone was going to get hurt, but in the end I did like the way got resolved. But as I mentioned before, now I want a second story.
Now all of you who like a good angsty romance go get this book!
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Abortion
I requested this book from NetGalley. Description seemed intriguing, also love the colours on the cover. Didn't expect this book to be close to erotica? I think? The plot did keep me quite intrigued, there were many different outcomes that could have occurred. I found Nathan sooo cold and frosty, Finn to be a sweet guy and Sadie I could see why Sadie was upset with her marriage. I found the writing to be a bit choppy though, some sentences were short and didn't flow that well. Sadie is very indecisive sometimes.
If you know me, then you know I'm a SUCKER for books that torture me. So, of course the headline on this one got me. Her husband doesn't want her anymore, and the guy next door would do anything to have her? SIGN ME UP! I was prepared and ready for all the angst, the bad decisions, the forbidden touches and looks. And let me just say, Jessica Hawkins did not disappoint.
In fact, she surprised me.
Because here's the thing. I've read plenty of angsty books, plenty of triangles, enough to the point where I feel like I know what's going to go down. But Hawkins did something I'd never seen done before - she gave me an unreliable narrator. I'm talking like Gone Girl/Girl on the Train unreliable. She basically had me hating Nate one second and then wondering if maybe there was more to the story that I didn't know the next. I would start to really get into Finn, but then like an expert, Hawkins would hold me at arm's length, making me question whether I should or not. Around halfway through the book, I sat back and actually worried that maybe I wasn't going to love either of the men. I was INTRIGUED by them, but I didn't trust myself to love them. Was it because of the narrator? Was it on purpose?
When the end came around, I knew it was on purpose. No spoilers, but just know that every emotion you feel is for a reason. This book was so brilliantly crafted, I am still floored 4 days after finishing. Bra-freaking-vo, Hawkins.
What I loved most about this book was that Hawkins wrote a broken marriage like she's lived one. It was so heartbreakingly honest. It's never one or the other, we all have to take blame in our relationships. And, like a pro, Hawkins took us on a roller coaster of emotions that come with that - fear, denial, depression, rejection, anger, and even the need to get even. At what point does the person "trying" give up and fall in line with the example set by the other person? We all have our limits.
I highlighted so many parts of this book, but here are a few of my notable favorites:
It may be the wrong man. It may be the wrong apartment. But I got my wish. There is someone waiting for me after all.
The last light disappears fast, as if turning a blind eye - let the dusk deal with the cheaters and liars.
This is what happens to a man consumed by a woman he can't have.
"He can't have you." My heart stops, and I stare into the dark as Nathan's words sink in.
"What?"
He pauses. "He... can't... have you."
I mean !!!!!!! right?! RIGHT?! Ugh I'm still reeling guys. Slip of the Tongue is a brutally honest account of love's limits and our need to break them. 5 thanks-for-making-me-sweat stars! <3
In fact, she surprised me.
Because here's the thing. I've read plenty of angsty books, plenty of triangles, enough to the point where I feel like I know what's going to go down. But Hawkins did something I'd never seen done before - she gave me an unreliable narrator. I'm talking like Gone Girl/Girl on the Train unreliable. She basically had me hating Nate one second and then wondering if maybe there was more to the story that I didn't know the next. I would start to really get into Finn, but then like an expert, Hawkins would hold me at arm's length, making me question whether I should or not. Around halfway through the book, I sat back and actually worried that maybe I wasn't going to love either of the men. I was INTRIGUED by them, but I didn't trust myself to love them. Was it because of the narrator? Was it on purpose?
When the end came around, I knew it was on purpose. No spoilers, but just know that every emotion you feel is for a reason. This book was so brilliantly crafted, I am still floored 4 days after finishing. Bra-freaking-vo, Hawkins.
What I loved most about this book was that Hawkins wrote a broken marriage like she's lived one. It was so heartbreakingly honest. It's never one or the other, we all have to take blame in our relationships. And, like a pro, Hawkins took us on a roller coaster of emotions that come with that - fear, denial, depression, rejection, anger, and even the need to get even. At what point does the person "trying" give up and fall in line with the example set by the other person? We all have our limits.
I highlighted so many parts of this book, but here are a few of my notable favorites:
It may be the wrong man. It may be the wrong apartment. But I got my wish. There is someone waiting for me after all.
The last light disappears fast, as if turning a blind eye - let the dusk deal with the cheaters and liars.
This is what happens to a man consumed by a woman he can't have.
"He can't have you." My heart stops, and I stare into the dark as Nathan's words sink in.
"What?"
He pauses. "He... can't... have you."
I mean !!!!!!! right?! RIGHT?! Ugh I'm still reeling guys. Slip of the Tongue is a brutally honest account of love's limits and our need to break them. 5 thanks-for-making-me-sweat stars! <3
This is one of those reviews that is incredibly difficult to write for a number of reasons, namely it needs to be totally spoiler free which is difficult and because this book messed with my head and sliced through my heart. I will never ever forget this book, it's characters and their story.
This is a book with a normal married couple who experience relationship complexities that hit most couples in one way or another. However, there is a monumental communication breakdown between these two. This issue is the start and end of everything. The story was excellent, beautifully written with such flow that I truly got lost between the pages. However, I had to have breathers, regularly, where you just need to close the kindle and process the mind **** that is going on. In addition, buddy reading it made it even better, we griped together and we shared the angst together.
The story, Sadie and Nathan (the couple) and Finn (the plus one) made me feel so much. It's been a while since I've had such a range of emotions over a book. I felt frustrated, annoyed, desire, sad, hopeful, shattered, longing and angry to name a few. The angst was powerful and whilst I can't read books with this level of angst everyday, this was perfect for being in the mood for being challenged.
"Maybe he can't worship my ground anymore, because he's found a new place to kneel."
The book had the ability to provoke reflection on my own relationship and I believe that if you are in a long term relationship you can't help but think what you would do in Nathan and Sadie's situations at various junctures. Problems can fester if not addressed and these two were proof of this. Jessica Hawkins is new to me although I've heard much about her Cityscape series. I will be seeking out her other books.
A copy of this book was provided through netgalley in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
This is a book with a normal married couple who experience relationship complexities that hit most couples in one way or another. However, there is a monumental communication breakdown between these two. This issue is the start and end of everything. The story was excellent, beautifully written with such flow that I truly got lost between the pages. However, I had to have breathers, regularly, where you just need to close the kindle and process the mind **** that is going on. In addition, buddy reading it made it even better, we griped together and we shared the angst together.
The story, Sadie and Nathan (the couple) and Finn (the plus one) made me feel so much. It's been a while since I've had such a range of emotions over a book. I felt frustrated, annoyed, desire, sad, hopeful, shattered, longing and angry to name a few. The angst was powerful and whilst I can't read books with this level of angst everyday, this was perfect for being in the mood for being challenged.
"Maybe he can't worship my ground anymore, because he's found a new place to kneel."
The book had the ability to provoke reflection on my own relationship and I believe that if you are in a long term relationship you can't help but think what you would do in Nathan and Sadie's situations at various junctures. Problems can fester if not addressed and these two were proof of this. Jessica Hawkins is new to me although I've heard much about her Cityscape series. I will be seeking out her other books.
A copy of this book was provided through netgalley in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
dnf @56% tbh. it's a no for me where cheating is involved. and sadie? i have zero sympathy for her. i decided to check this out after reading the first taste, which is the book about sadie's brother. it was good and i loved it and i thought sadie and nathan in it seemed pretty okay but hoooboy, their book sent me into a doozy. decided not to check out finn's book either bc lol he's a cheater too and i have no tolerance for that.
thank u, next.
thank u, next.
Gosh what do I say about the book. First I have to say I have no problem reading about infidelity in books. I know some people do but I really don't. That being said I was super uncomfortable during large portions of this book. You know, that tight feeling you get in your stomach when you see someone is going to make a bad decisions and you can't stop her from doing it. Sometimes it was often painful. In my brain I would say don't do it Sadie. Be strong.
So quick run down. You have a husband and wife who have always had this amazing relationship until recently when the husband has suddenly gone cold. Enter hot neighbor who is happy to fill the void. So many decisions come into play. You have one guy pushing you away while the other is giving you everything you need.
I think my biggest problem with Sadie, which along the way made me not to fond of her, was her utter selfishness. As I was reading her I kept thinking good god the first time you have problems in your marriage you go off and cheat. All relationships have good and bad times but most people keep working at it. Granted I will say she tried for a while. And Nathan's lack of communication definitely ended up being a driving force in her bad decisions. But still I felt like she just needed to be the center of someone's world and if her husband wouldn't make her that she'd allow someone else.
I do want to say while I had problems with Sadie's character (I mean her moral character) the story is well written. The author kept me interested and engaged throughout the entire book.
So quick run down. You have a husband and wife who have always had this amazing relationship until recently when the husband has suddenly gone cold. Enter hot neighbor who is happy to fill the void. So many decisions come into play. You have one guy pushing you away while the other is giving you everything you need.
I think my biggest problem with Sadie, which along the way made me not to fond of her, was her utter selfishness. As I was reading her I kept thinking good god the first time you have problems in your marriage you go off and cheat. All relationships have good and bad times but most people keep working at it. Granted I will say she tried for a while. And Nathan's lack of communication definitely ended up being a driving force in her bad decisions. But still I felt like she just needed to be the center of someone's world and if her husband wouldn't make her that she'd allow someone else.
I do want to say while I had problems with Sadie's character (I mean her moral character) the story is well written. The author kept me interested and engaged throughout the entire book.