Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Made for You by Natasha Madison

2 reviews

lauriereadsrom1's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In the midst of a battle with severe depression and anxiety, Xavier Montgomery walked away from his career as a professional hockey player. He's been living alone on his boat ever since, splitting time between Florida in the winter and New York in the summer. He's only recently returned to New York when he learns that he's about to have a new neighbor; the boat next to his has been sold to Vivienne Grant, member of a famous hockey family, and she plans to spend the summer living on board. The last thing Xavier wants is to socialize, especially with someone so closely connected to the hockey community he left behind, but when Vivienne befriends his dog, Beatrice, it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid her. Could Vivienne's sunshine actually be exactly what Xavier needs to complete his journey out of the darkness?
 
Vivienne and Xavier's chemistry was obvious from the moment they met, and even though it was a slow burn, the payoff was worth it. I loved their banter as well as the fact that Xavier was so open about his feelings. He refused to compromise who he was or what he'd learned since walking away from his career. Not only that, he looked at the bigger picture and wanted to help other players get the help they needed with their mental health. I never saw him as a true grump but rather as someone who withdrew from the world in order to protect himself. He needed time to heal and the right people around him before he could start engaging with the world again.

Overall, I loved "Made for You" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
 
*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

CW: Suicidal thoughts; Depression; Anxiety

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books4escaping's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Liked - Enjoyed reading. 
This story was missing something. It was enjoyable to read but it lacked the relationship development I would expect between Xavier a total recluse and Vivienne. He went from being a recluse to jumping all in with Vivienne to happily being surrounded by lots of people in a very short time.  I believed in Xavier's love for Beatrice (his dog) more than his love for Vivienne.  Beatrice wins the Oscar for stealing every scene she was in. 

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