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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Wow. Wow. Wow! I knew by chapter two this book was going to wreck me but also become a favourite.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely love Kennedy Ryan and her ability to write strong and intelligent, yet flawed female characters. This specific book was so heartbreaking, but I found myself constantly cheering for Iris and August. I can not wait to read the rest of this series, and literally every other thing she's written!
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an extremely intense read and I don’t think it quite needed to be. I’m not sure the intensity was meaningful to the storyline at certain points, and it seemed exploitative for shock factors. At the very least I think strong trigger warnings would be extremely helpful for new readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
emotional
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse
This book fucking destroyed me but it was BEAUTIFUL like actually beautiful 5⭐️ would recommend but pay attention to trigger warnings
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-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:
Yes
I'm eating my words. Literally binged this book from dusk till dawn because it was that good! This is my first time reading Kennedy Ryan and I'm very impressed. The FMC is a Creole woman and the MMC is a biracial (black/white) man . They had such good chemistry, sparks were flying every chapter. Diverse, complex characters with great chemistry? A winner for sure.
I liked the way she handled the darker elements of this book (See Content Warnings). When I say this, I am NOT referring to the explicitDV and SA scenes. That felt sickening and I can understand why some reviewers called it trauma porn. I am referring to how Iris has to navigate the situation she's in, her realizing she's in an abusive situation, the signs she ignored, and her coming to terms with the reality that the court system and court of public opinion are not on DV victims' sides. In a way she gets her JLO "Enough" moment. You would think initially that this book is some cheesy second-chance romance but it's more. Towards the end you've peeled back several layers of a character who has risen above her trauma, and a character who'd cherish the ground she walked on. I think many woman, whether they've been in her shoes or not, will relate to Iris, and I think every woman will want a man like August. Damn that man is book boyfriend perfection.
I'll definitely be reading the sequels soon.
I liked the way she handled the darker elements of this book (See Content Warnings). When I say this, I am NOT referring to the explicit
I'll definitely be reading the sequels soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicidal thoughts
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Violence
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes