Reviews

Had a hard time connecting with Josiah and Yasmen and their relationship. The story is about friendships, loss, grief, depression, love, divorce… Life… I liked that aspect of the book. Reality. The romance is the only thing that didn’t work for me and maybe the very detailed intimate scenes. Loved the black aspect as well.

jae_28's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

Wow, where to even start with this one? I never planned on reading this because all the reviews started off with: “this will rip you apart” “if you want to cry-” Suffice to say, the reviews were right. And to add to that, I knew from the author’s note in the beginning that this was going to drag me through hell and I still wasn’t ready, didn’t prepare myself but went in anyway because of a book club. This is, without a doubt, the best book I’ve read this year.

I can tell by the utmost care the author took in presenting depression and grief that she did all the research, spoke to the right people—I mean, she had therapists beta-read this….—and took her time writing this one. This was one of the most devasting, gut-wrenching journeys I’ve ever been on. Several times I had to pause, take deep breaths and yank myself back together. It only took me five days to read this but it felt like I was in this story, traveling every beautiful and excruciating minute of the years dedicated to this love and family. I laughed, related, bit back tears, struggled through moments of something heavy sitting on my chest, and I loved every part of it.

Big up to Deja, a fellow ARMY (even though that lil girl had me fucked up 70% of the book). Honestly, I loved all these characters so much. Even the ones I didn’t particularly like, I still wanted the best for them. That does not include that mf Edward. But just seeing their growth as a family after being in such a dark place for so long, I ended this book feeling lighter. I think what I loved the most was the structure; knowing they’ve already gone through the absolute worst, I knew the journey would be toward healing and I love that it all didn’t happen in a measly few months. They had to put in time, work, and communication.

This was such an experience and I’m glad I got to it sooner rather than later. I’ve always been interested in the second book in the series more, and although I don’t expect it to top this, I don’t doubt it’s just as brilliant in its execution.

dhani572's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.5

4.5 - such a lovely story of loss, grief, and second chances. There were a few things that felt like a stretch to me, or maybe I’m just jaded because my marriage crumbled in much the same way…without the happier ending.
Beautifully written though, and I’m excited for Soledad’s story next!

Content Warnings

jenna_bookworm_5822's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

4.5

nessa_booknook's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

4.0

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