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ashleighf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Violence, Blood, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
otkate's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
paigeinabook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Excrement, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Addiction, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical content, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit
bmz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Misogyny
superblakey's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Domestic abuse
munachireads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Adult/minor relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Physical abuse, Violence, Self harm, Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Rape
daybreakreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had alarm bells going off immediately with the abusive character, but I love the depth the author eventually added to *all* of the characters, including the abusive one. When you find out the reasons why he is the way he is, it’s hard to not feel some level of sympathy for him, regardless of the fact that he’s just words on paper. Imagine him as a real human that charms you and makes you feel loved, and the story makes even more sense.
I personally would not recommend this one to anyone who is *currently* struggling with *any* mental illness issues, regardless of what they are, because it’s an in-depth look at flawed thought patterns across multiple characters and how they led to and enabled violence. That said, I was able to make it through it okay despite a prior PTSD diagnosis (among other things) related to something similar, and I really value and appreciate this for what it is. You’re an adult who can choose to do what you would like, but as someone who’s been there and managed to get better, I’d strongly and compassionately advise against it. That goes for anyone even with anxiety or depression who isn’t necessarily at risk for DV. Just my thoughts; keep it on your TBR to look forward to for when you’re doing better :)
Moderate: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Rape
enchantingreads_rosyreviews's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern."
My first CoHo book and it was a DOOZY, but I loved it! My family has a history of domestic violence survival and this book felt like a celebration to other survivors and their loved ones. The amount of strength Lily and others like her must find within themselves is awe-inspiring.
Hoover wrote a raw, grounded and realistic portrayal of an all-too-common situation. Watching Lily’s personal growth, especially when she is in conflict with herself, and wracking with the morally grey areas life forces us to face, are two elements which make this story uniquely captivating. This book is guaranteed to stay with you. This book was emotional, empowering, devastating, and left me conflicted at times. But all of these things are what make life beautiful. Without the tough times, the great ones are a little less shiny. I can't wait for the movie adaptation of this book!
When I tell you, this book grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go, I MEAN it! This is not some lovey-dovey romance book where they run off into the sunset together and live happily ever after. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick it up! Instead, this is a grounded, authentic story which brings new meaning to the phrase “every rose has its thorns.”
"15 seconds. That's all it takes to completely change everything about a person. 15 seconds that we'll never get back."
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Gun violence, Abandonment, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Child death, Death of parent, Rape, and Self harm
heatherchrisman's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Death, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Rape
paypay23456's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Cursing, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
AMAZING BUT CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS