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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
This book wasn’t exactly my cup of tea but it may be someone else’s. I would like to bring light to both the parts I like and dislike within this review - as I’d rather discuss all points of view then just whichever way my star rating lands.
What I like:
Firstly I would like to address the representation in the novel. It’s always good to see books that explore different sexuality’s with their characters.
I also enjoyed watching Aura grow a backbone and learning her worth. Seeing her go against her “friends” who manipulated her.
I found it fascinating how the aftermath of the cult took place. Seeing Aura have to fight her previous teachings and to accept that it’s okay to like girls. Seeing her learn to decipher from truth and lies.
What I disliked:
This is just a personal ick, but I hating the pet name “vibe girl”… it made me so uncomfortable for some reason. And it was really cringe each time I read it.
The step dad being a pedo made me so mad! Like whenever he was in the book I wanted to throw it. It grossed me out too much. I understand why it was in there, and in way I’m glad it was as it shows how (a) disgusting that behaviour is, but also (b) how the child being groomed is not a fault, as they were taught that it was okay. (Which shouldn’t have to be taught to people as it’s common sense but you never know with some people).
The “friends” also angered me so much. As most readers of this book probably do - but I couldn’t stand Bethie and Hawk. They were just annoying. And the whole peer pressure to do LSD and Bethie daring Ruby and Aura to kiss to anger Hawk. Plus the whole daring Ruby to kiss her and going too far was just out of line.
This is also a personal preference but I’m not the biggest fan of drugs in books. So that is my extra ick I had.
Lastly, this is just a trope that I cannot stand, which is the cheating trope. The fact that the relationship between Aura and Ruby began with cheating made it impossible for me to like them as a couple. And the whole thing with Hawk cheating on Aura with Bethie the whole time but getting made that Aura cheating on him with Ruby was also annoying.
Nothing in this novel would have made me care for Bethie and Hawk so their cheating story isn’t too much of a big deal. As I would have hated them anyway.
However, if there was no cheating to get Aura and Ruby together, then I would have actually liked them and maybe my rating would have been better. As I think this is the major dislike I have in the novel - as if I cannot care for the main couple in a romance novel then I don’t see why I should read it.
In saying all that, I feel like if the cheating trope is a favourite of yours then you may end up enjoying this novel. (Well as long as you are okay with cults, as that is a heavy part of this novel).
Conclusion:
I probably won’t continue this series. But I am glad I read it, as the plot was something I am not used to. And it is nice reading something with a unique plot.
Please note:
If you do end up picking this novel up. Please look at all trigger warnings as this is a dark romance.
What I like:
Firstly I would like to address the representation in the novel. It’s always good to see books that explore different sexuality’s with their characters.
I also enjoyed watching Aura grow a backbone and learning her worth. Seeing her go against her “friends” who manipulated her.
I found it fascinating how the aftermath of the cult took place. Seeing Aura have to fight her previous teachings and to accept that it’s okay to like girls. Seeing her learn to decipher from truth and lies.
What I disliked:
This is just a personal ick, but I hating the pet name “vibe girl”… it made me so uncomfortable for some reason. And it was really cringe each time I read it.
The step dad being a pedo made me so mad! Like whenever he was in the book I wanted to throw it. It grossed me out too much. I understand why it was in there, and in way I’m glad it was as it shows how (a) disgusting that behaviour is, but also (b) how the child being groomed is not a fault, as they were taught that it was okay. (Which shouldn’t have to be taught to people as it’s common sense but you never know with some people).
The “friends” also angered me so much. As most readers of this book probably do - but I couldn’t stand Bethie and Hawk. They were just annoying. And the whole peer pressure to do LSD and Bethie daring Ruby and Aura to kiss to anger Hawk. Plus the whole daring Ruby to kiss her and going too far was just out of line.
This is also a personal preference but I’m not the biggest fan of drugs in books. So that is my extra ick I had.
Lastly, this is just a trope that I cannot stand, which is the cheating trope. The fact that the relationship between Aura and Ruby began with cheating made it impossible for me to like them as a couple. And the whole thing with Hawk cheating on Aura with Bethie the whole time but getting made that Aura cheating on him with Ruby was also annoying.
Nothing in this novel would have made me care for Bethie and Hawk so their cheating story isn’t too much of a big deal. As I would have hated them anyway.
However, if there was no cheating to get Aura and Ruby together, then I would have actually liked them and maybe my rating would have been better. As I think this is the major dislike I have in the novel - as if I cannot care for the main couple in a romance novel then I don’t see why I should read it.
In saying all that, I feel like if the cheating trope is a favourite of yours then you may end up enjoying this novel. (Well as long as you are okay with cults, as that is a heavy part of this novel).
Conclusion:
I probably won’t continue this series. But I am glad I read it, as the plot was something I am not used to. And it is nice reading something with a unique plot.
Please note:
If you do end up picking this novel up. Please look at all trigger warnings as this is a dark romance.
Holy Hanna!
Ya know, for me to be a lesbian myself, this is my first taste of FxF
Ya know, for me to be a lesbian myself, this is my first taste of FxF
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book was much much darker than I expected from the book summary and the trigger warnings were not explicitly stated. I was not in the right mind to read it. It is very dark and heavy. Maybe another time I will give it another shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, Lesbophobia
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an amazing book. I absolutely loved it. I loved the relationship between Aura and Ruby/Nova. I haven’t found many f/f books that I’ve actually enjoyed, but I highly enjoyed this one. And the plot line was amazing to. I loved seeing how everything and everyone connected in some way. The plot twists were absolutely amazing too. And the ending was just perfect. I’d definitely recommend this, just be aware of the many trigger warnings it has.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia, Infidelity
Minor: Incest, Pedophilia, Sexism, Religious bigotry
Cult
DNF~
I don’t feel like finishing now but I might in the future
I don’t feel like finishing now but I might in the future
3.5/4 ⭐️ not gonna lie this was chaotic to say the least, kinda traumatic too, but I guess it fit together
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
nunca me había decepcionado tanto un libro
dark
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
challenging
dark
tense
medium-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