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dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Avoiding spoilers, “Fractured Love” tells the story of childhood best friends Alex and Marc, who find their relationship put to the ultimate test after a series of events ends with one of them committing murder.
This was an exciting read. I found myself questioning which character out of the two friends I was rooting for and flipping back and forth. I found the author’s ability to transition from unrequited love story angst to high stakes thriller riveting, and the pacing of the plot kept me wanting more. I especially enjoyed glimpses of Marc’s traumatic backstory, which made him a little more sympathetic but also much scarier.
The conclusion kept me guessing all the way to the very end, which then made me excited to continue reading the series. The dialog was punchier and more realistic compared to “Love to Hate Me” and the juxtaposition between the sweet, romantic moments between Alex and Marc and the thriller elements made the sinister undertones more urgent and threatening.
This book explores how trauma shapes us when we’re young, questions how far unconditional love can go before it’s dangerous and excessive, and is both sweet, steamy, and spooky. Highly recommended. And yes, Alex and Marc really did pop up in one of my dreams, so if that doesn’t signify effective writing, I don’t know what does.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship