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macleanbridie'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
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Violence
medini_l's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Alcohol, Rape, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Self harm
jerica'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? Yes
4.5
Somehow, I thought this book was going to be nothing more than a cutesy love story. Despite the shattered glass flower on the cover, the somewhat ominous title, and a hint of turmoil in the description, I thought this book would be fluffy. Maybe it's because the masses love it, and I often avoid things that the masses love because they are usually surface-level and disappointing. I digress.
Part of me wishes I read reviews and sought content warnings before reading. More of me is thankful I didn't. If I knew that this book contained domestic violence and rape I probably wouldn't have read it. But here we are. I couldn't stop reading it. The writing is compelling, the storyline has many layers, and the characters are fairly complex. They feel like real people. People I know or have known.
This book is important. It breaks down the cycle of abuse in many ways and shows it from different perspectives. It is so descriptive and well written that I think even those who are lucky enough to have not experienced these things will be able to understand some of their complexities. This author is probably the only one I have read that provides such an accurate glimpse of what it's like to live in a violent home. Love vs. hate. Hope vs. fear. The ripple effect. The lies and manipulation. The shame and guilt or sometimes lack thereof. The excuses. The attempts at repair. The brokenness. The fact that it's not as simple as just leaving. The fact that people who endure abuse aren't weak, but rather they are immeasurably strong. They often not only face abuse from a loved one or loved ones, but also face consistent disbelief, misunderstanding, and judgment from others.
Please remember that you never truly know what is going on in someone else's life. You don't know what demons they fight behind closed doors or in their minds. No matter how close you are to someone, everyone has secrets. Everyone has pain. Everyone suffers. Be kind. Exude love and light. Help others when you can. Ask for and accept help when you need it. The only way out is through, and no one should have to go through alone.
Here is my content warning. If you are not feeling mentally healthy, please wait to read this book; it isn't going anywhere. I have come a long way on my healing journey, but I still experienced anxiety, physical illness, nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation that seemed to be directly related to reading this. Clearly I was meant to read it at this time in my life, and I think I know why, but now I need to focus on self care again and continue healing everything that this book stirred up for me. If you do choose to read now, be mindful along the way. Think about what you're reading. Feel the feelings. Learn, grow, and know that you are worthy of happiness and healthy love, not only from others but from yourself.
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Violence
ella1038483's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Cursing, Rape, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Rape
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Child death
this book is amazing! i started reading this a while ago but it gradually grows more intense and more exciting i loved it!dkgreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Physical abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, Death of parent, Infertility, Blood, and Pregnancy
katleyn16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, and Blood
lostinworlds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
pamelasoto's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Child death
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Gun violence, Blood, and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol and Cancer
smolone13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I did not enjoy this book at all. It goes under a false genre by calling it romance when a good majority of the book is on the topic of abuse. Especially Lily being abused by Ryle. I get the premise by showing awareness on what abuse in relationships is like, but it seems like a false narrative when the author has the book cover super colorful and calls it romance.
Graphic: Physical abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual assault, Blood, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Infertility, Death, and Death of parent
vanesst's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Infertility