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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand, the writing isn’t particularly strong. There are moments where the dialogue feels forced or unnatural, and some of the characters’ actions don’t quite reflect how people behave in real life. I think stronger editorial support could have helped Hoover smooth out those rough patches and bring more realism to the story.
That said, I appreciate what the book tries to do. It sheds light on the complexities of domestic violence in a way that’s accessible to a wide audience. While Ryle is presented in an idealised light in some respects, the story doesn’t ultimately excuse his actions or offer him a way out of accountability. That was important, and it left an impact.
So while I didn’t love the writing, I do respect the message. It’s a book that might resonate more for its emotional weight and subject matter than for its literary quality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence
All it takes is 15 seconds to change everything about a person, oh my heart. This book was one for the tears, so much pain and strength for the characters.
This story had such a powerful message, and finding out at the end that it meant so much to the author and her own mother’s experience just made the story so much more.
Naked truths aren’t always pretty, and this book was full of them.
I really loved this book, my lip was trembling and my heart felt heavy, but this really was a great read.
This story had such a powerful message, and finding out at the end that it meant so much to the author and her own mother’s experience just made the story so much more.
Naked truths aren’t always pretty, and this book was full of them.
I really loved this book, my lip was trembling and my heart felt heavy, but this really was a great read.
I don’t even know where to begin. This book had my emotions all over the show. Almost every fibre of me wanted Lily to forgive Ryle and take him back because he loved her so much and they were amazing. But the rest of me knew it was better she wasn’t with him and that she was truly supposed to be with Atlas. I love her character development. I love how strong she was and that eventually she stuck to her guns.
This was an incredible book. I did not put it down. I think it’s the fastest i’ve ever read a book. I wish i could see into the rest of Lily and Emerson’s life.
10/10 would recommend.
This was an incredible book. I did not put it down. I think it’s the fastest i’ve ever read a book. I wish i could see into the rest of Lily and Emerson’s life.
10/10 would recommend.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Just could not get into it. First few chapters were boring.