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qrb's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.65
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abortion, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
now_booking's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
I really enjoyed this sort of enemies-to-lovers (but not quite) romance featuring Elias, who’s cut himself off from most of his family due to their attitude towards him because of his bipolar disorder, and ballet dancer, Cress, who’s mostly detached herself from her family and their relationships with the elite parts of high society and the criminal underworld which often intersect. Both Elias and Cress come from elite families and are under pressure to enter into an arranged marriage of convenience but sparks fly when they meet and get to know one another.
I really enjoyed the way Elias demonstrated his love for Cress - he’s definitely a gift giver and an extravagant lover, and I also loved Cress’s willingness to ride with Elias and trust him even when he didn’t trust himself with his condition. I think this book portrayed a realistic view of bipolar disorder from the challenges of living with it to the challenges of loving someone who’s affected by it. The support that Elias for from his brother and from Cress was an absolute delight.
This was a wonderful read for me and would have been 5-star if it hadn’t felt a little abbreviated after the initial “enemies” portion and post-honeymoon. Really recommend- excited for this series.
I really enjoyed the way Elias demonstrated his love for Cress - he’s definitely a gift giver and an extravagant lover, and I also loved Cress’s willingness to ride with Elias and trust him even when he didn’t trust himself with his condition. I think this book portrayed a realistic view of bipolar disorder from the challenges of living with it to the challenges of loving someone who’s affected by it. The support that Elias for from his brother and from Cress was an absolute delight.
This was a wonderful read for me and would have been 5-star if it hadn’t felt a little abbreviated after the initial “enemies” portion and post-honeymoon. Really recommend- excited for this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Abandonment, Infidelity, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Stalking, Toxic friendship, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent and Trafficking
dawnstrickland's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Trust, Loyalty, Respect, and Communication
I can't stop thinking about these characters! I absolutely loved the energy and determination from both Cress and Elias. This is a modern day marriage of convenience done right. Ms. Mills did a great job featuring a main character with a mental illness. The fact that Elias made his mental health a priority and was intentional in maintaining a strict regimen only endeared him to me on a deeper level. The loyalty and love that developed between Cress and Elias was a thing of beauty. The family business and drama heightened the stakes. I am already planning a re-read. This will definitely be one of my top reads of 2023!
I can't stop thinking about these characters! I absolutely loved the energy and determination from both Cress and Elias. This is a modern day marriage of convenience done right. Ms. Mills did a great job featuring a main character with a mental illness. The fact that Elias made his mental health a priority and was intentional in maintaining a strict regimen only endeared him to me on a deeper level. The loyalty and love that developed between Cress and Elias was a thing of beauty. The family business and drama heightened the stakes. I am already planning a re-read. This will definitely be one of my top reads of 2023!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Medical trauma
Minor: Death and Suicidal thoughts
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