Reviews

This book was such a pleasant surprise! I've heard nothing but great things, but I feel like most of what I've heard has been focused on this being ~steamy~ and ~scandalous~. The funny thing is, this barely had any smut (though don't get me wrong, it's definitely sultry with plenty of sexual tension). And while there were definitely scandalous moments, this story—especially once you hit the halfway point—is so deeply grounded in the characters: their passions, their regrets, the things they have given up out of fear and/or responsibility, their complex family dynamics, and so much more. I got emotional more than once during this story, and the unexpected depth made me so excited to read future Regina Black books! I was also surprised that I didn't mind the age gap between Rachel and Nathan. Usually I just feel uncomfortable with this trope, but the author handled it so well by *not* making it a main plot point in the story and by avoiding either character weirdly fetishizing the age of their partner.

tdigiorgio's review against another edition

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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

1.5

esem's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

feelinalittlebookish's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

wwrlad's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional fast-paced

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

4.0

natasha0410's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

guiltlesspleasures's review against another edition

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2.75

There was a lot to like about this book: I think the writing and dialogue were good, and it raises important issues about self-worth and how to reconnect with yourself.

But this one fell flat for me. The main couple, Rachel and Nathan, had chemistry initially but not enough on-page time. They were on-again-off-again throughout, which had the effect of hitting the brakes on the storyline. The book also seems like it was trying to be a Succession-like family epic but it never grabbed my attention. And then Regina Black introduced a million and a half minor characters (there was even a new character at 93% ffs), and I kept forgetting all their names and roles. Plus, Nathan’s friend Bobbi was excruciatingly brash and annoying and I just couldn’t.

I wanted MORE. More energy, more drama, more heat, more intrigue.

Sadly, this wasn’t it.

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