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penny_abel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I know the trigger warnings may seem off putting, but the way they were used in this story to give the characters depth and challenges to overcome was fantastic! I absolutely loved the characters and were rooting for them all the way. They are very human and flawed, and the building of their relationship throughout the book was beautiful. I also liked that the spicy scenes had realistic reactions to their traumas. A wonderfully refreshing dark romance with a great love story, likable characters, and the dark bits didn't feel like they were there for shock value. <Spoiler> The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the end of the book has a very emotional and romantic scene take place next to where the couple dumped a dead body much earlier in the story, which was a distracting thought to me during the scene.</Spolier>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Murder, Gun violence, and Pedophilia
naama22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Murder, Religious bigotry, and Child abuse
vicktorea's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
audiobook narration made (& broke) it for me
PLEASE CHECK THE CWs/TWS for this before reading - I believe the author provides them on her website!
okay we're doing one of these breakdown reviews today:
what I liked
-the male narration was chef's kiss, simply bc of the accent - droolfest 🤤
-came with CW (this is kinda bare minimum now - like this should be something authors provide automatically - but I liked that the author provided a website for people to go to if they wanted to check in-depth CWs so as to not potentially spoil the plot for others who don't need CWs. i also liked that she provided helplines for those who may need them).
-the overall plot/setting - I feel like the author did a good job setting the tone and atmosphere, esp with the Irish setting. I can't quite explain what I'm trying to say but I liked the vibes I was getting. The plot also shed light upon some very serious and sad issues. It was a bit difficult and times listening to what happened to the characters in the past but it felt like care and attention was put into this, which I appreciated.
-i loved the MMC. damaged to the bone but I also loved that the author wrote him as emotional as he was. he openly cried at times and that feels like such a rare occurrence so I appreciated it - it really humanized him and I liked feeling the vulnerability from him.
-the epilogue (surprisingly) - thank GOD there was no dreaded (for me) pregnancy trope!!! it actually showed the two characters doing their best to heal from their traumas and not just magically living happily ever after.
- the bitchass (ex) bf was done and dusted fairly early on!! i was nervous i'd have to sit through several chapters of his nonsense before he was finally taken out
what I didn't like
- the fmc at times - she was always calling herself useless and worthless and while I get where those feelings were coming from she'd say this about herself for situations out of her control. i also didn't like her narration - it sounded too juvenile but the narrator did a great job at the Irish accents (I couldn't tell which accent [American vs Irish] was her real accent).
- the pacing - it was a bit off for me. there's a time jump and the MMC and FMC are reunited fairly quickly and it's just them together for a while trying to navigate what to do with their lives.
overall, a good read! i didn't love it but def enjoyed aspects of it! excited to try Praying For Rain by this author next!
PLEASE CHECK THE CWs/TWS for this before reading - I believe the author provides them on her website!
okay we're doing one of these breakdown reviews today:
what I liked
-the male narration was chef's kiss, simply bc of the accent - droolfest 🤤
-came with CW (this is kinda bare minimum now - like this should be something authors provide automatically - but I liked that the author provided a website for people to go to if they wanted to check in-depth CWs so as to not potentially spoil the plot for others who don't need CWs. i also liked that she provided helplines for those who may need them).
-the overall plot/setting - I feel like the author did a good job setting the tone and atmosphere, esp with the Irish setting. I can't quite explain what I'm trying to say but I liked the vibes I was getting. The plot also shed light upon some very serious and sad issues. It was a bit difficult and times listening to what happened to the characters in the past but it felt like care and attention was put into this, which I appreciated.
-i loved the MMC. damaged to the bone but I also loved that the author wrote him as emotional as he was. he openly cried at times and that feels like such a rare occurrence so I appreciated it - it really humanized him and I liked feeling the vulnerability from him.
-the epilogue (surprisingly) - thank GOD there was no dreaded (for me) pregnancy trope!!! it actually showed the two characters doing their best to heal from their traumas and not just magically living happily ever after.
- the bitchass (ex) bf was done and dusted fairly early on!! i was nervous i'd have to sit through several chapters of his nonsense before he was finally taken out
what I didn't like
- the fmc at times - she was always calling herself useless and worthless and while I get where those feelings were coming from she'd say this about herself for situations out of her control. i also didn't like her narration - it sounded too juvenile but the narrator did a great job at the Irish accents (I couldn't tell which accent [American vs Irish] was her real accent).
- the pacing - it was a bit off for me. there's a time jump and the MMC and FMC are reunited fairly quickly and it's just them together for a while trying to navigate what to do with their lives.
overall, a good read! i didn't love it but def enjoyed aspects of it! excited to try Praying For Rain by this author next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Child abuse, Murder, and Rape
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Pedophilia, and Grief
Minor: Kidnapping
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