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marnienicole's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Beautiful writing and definitely a diverse read but completely not for me. I was expecting a love story and technically this is one but this is really a book about overcoming groef and fixing mental health and navigating family dynamics and love when you’ve loss something which is an important conversation to have but that aside; I didn’t have any connection to them as a couple and none in them getting back together, also the spicy scenes were mid at best.
I cried way too much for this to feel like a great romance. And I definitely feel for the characters but this book definitely needs trigger warnings and a new marketing campaign.
I cried way too much for this to feel like a great romance. And I definitely feel for the characters but this book definitely needs trigger warnings and a new marketing campaign.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, and Death
abbyrose333's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
5.0
This was a phenomenal story! I loved every second and there is nothing I would change. The characters were written with such depth it felt like I was right there with them navigating each of their emotions and experiences. This wasn’t just a love story about a couple it was about love for yourself, family, friends and everyone in between.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent
jemms's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.25
3.25 ⭐️, 3 🌶️
Characters: 0.75
Plot: 0.5
Pacing: 0.5
Writing style: 0.5
Vibes: 1
I really liked this book, though the contemporary romances and the writing style are not my favorite. The portrayal of loss, grief, depression, and the love two people can have for each other was raw and real, and I even got a little verklempt in a few spots. It was truly refreshing to read a story where the man not only did the emotional work but outwardly respected his female partner for being the first to do hers. Definitely mind the warnings for grief, depression, and miscarriages because this book does not shy away from the characters' journey with all of these (and it does so beautifully).
Spice: 3 🌶️
The handful of spicy scenes were HOT even if they were tame kink-wise (though there were some shenanigans in public places 😈) because the characters' passion for the other made was just so strong.
Tropes: second chance, only one bed, no strings attached
Characters: 0.75
Plot: 0.5
Pacing: 0.5
Writing style: 0.5
Vibes: 1
I really liked this book, though the contemporary romances and the writing style are not my favorite. The portrayal of loss, grief, depression, and the love two people can have for each other was raw and real, and I even got a little verklempt in a few spots. It was truly refreshing to read a story where the man not only did the emotional work but outwardly respected his female partner for being the first to do hers. Definitely mind the warnings for grief, depression, and miscarriages because this book does not shy away from the characters' journey with all of these (and it does so beautifully).
Spice: 3 🌶️
The handful of spicy scenes were HOT even if they were tame kink-wise (though there were some shenanigans in public places 😈) because the characters' passion for the other made was just so strong.
Tropes: second chance, only one bed, no strings attached
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
teacherjones's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
4.75
Read this book in 4 days! LOOOOVED IT! So good! So well written! The characters in this book were so human and relatable! Kennedy really did some WRITING on this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death, Grief, and Miscarriage
desiireadss's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Literally love this book so much!! Kennedy Ryan did he thing with this book. There was so much in this book that I can relate im pretty sure I’m now addicted to second chance romances now 🤭💕 but besides that this book made me realize a lot mentally and I am so grateful that is has 😩🥹
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, and Mental illness
dmrosenblatt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Miscarriage, and Grief
gabi_715's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Pregnancy, Medical trauma, and Miscarriage
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Dementia, and Abandonment
ali1311's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I am usually more a fan of a romcom than anything, but this really exceeded my expectations for a dramatic romance. I don't know how you can write a book where every word seems exactly in its right place and intense topics are handled with such grace, but Kennedy Ryan nailed it. I devoured this book, and I loved all the characters. I think this may be the first romance book I've read where the characters have children and have such high stakes with their love--and it was so good. The chemistry and the passion was so well done. It was such an insightful book that really interrogated love in its many forms (self, friendship, parent, romance), and did all of it masterfully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
chelseacrystal's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
I’ve never rooted against a couple this hard in my life. Josiah is a plague and does not deserve Yasmen in any universe. He really put on a manipulation and emotional abuse masterclass. I straight up did not have a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Miscarriage
mamasuereads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This is a beautiful story of how a marriage fell apart after a traumatic event. It's also about friendship and renewal. Very well done.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Grief