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A review by afi_whatafireads
A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
This book was Draggy AF ngl. There were times I SINCERELY WISHED that some monologues would be cut down . Like significantly shorter....
But the more I think about it, the more I felt that this book is more than just a romance book. It has a very serious representation for Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Imposter-Syndrome to a point that, the spiralling felt annoying to be in the head of someone like that... but its definitely ... very very real. So, shoutout to Elsie Silver for writing this story. I feel that its very different from the rest of her books, but I also liked that she made Cole, the male lead to be this way, and showing that, mental health issues doesn't just go away when you're in love, or fell in love with someone, its wether you want to figure the shit out together enough with the person and work through your issues, whatever they may be.
“But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, well, Cole, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”
Firstly reading about Cole will give you whiplash. You'll either want to choke him or love him, and when the actual reason about him being the way he is came out..... Honestly it all made sense, and that's when I kinda get why he is the way he is, and why his monologues are the way they are. You'll realize while reading the book, Cole's chapters are significantly longer, and there are a few times that you'll feel like DNF-ing the book, but honestly, just power through and towards the end, I actually teared up. Realities for PTSD patients are hard, but what I love about Cole is how he is open about going to therapy and that he TRIES HIS VERY BEST to work on his problems.
With this book, I liked Violet and Cole's dynamics. Violet is a character that I'm a bit 50-50 cause she can be a bit bratty sometimes, but in some sense, I also do get why she is like that (due to her brothers from Chestnut Springs series hehe); but what stands out most for Violet's character is how she handled Cole and how she fought for their relationship to the end.
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
In some ways, the complications for a person like Cole to be a relationship is very real. In a sense that it can get tiring and overwhelming for their partners, and I liked that she didn't want Cole to change for the better, but just to love himself enough to fight for their relationship. That to me... is something. Because at the end of the day, you can never change a person entirely, but would they be willing to fight for whats worth with you is the most important.
This book is definitely not for everyone. It has very vivid explanations of anxiety-spiraling, panic attacks and also deaths but its also one that I will cherish for myself. Its a book on knowing your worth and trying to overcome your demons to escape the loneliness that comes with it.
4.5🌟 for this one
But the more I think about it, the more I felt that this book is more than just a romance book. It has a very serious representation for Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Imposter-Syndrome to a point that, the spiralling felt annoying to be in the head of someone like that... but its definitely ... very very real. So, shoutout to Elsie Silver for writing this story. I feel that its very different from the rest of her books, but I also liked that she made Cole, the male lead to be this way, and showing that, mental health issues doesn't just go away when you're in love, or fell in love with someone, its wether you want to figure the shit out together enough with the person and work through your issues, whatever they may be.
“But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, well, Cole, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”
Firstly reading about Cole will give you whiplash. You'll either want to choke him or love him, and when the actual reason about him being the way he is came out..... Honestly it all made sense, and that's when I kinda get why he is the way he is, and why his monologues are the way they are. You'll realize while reading the book, Cole's chapters are significantly longer, and there are a few times that you'll feel like DNF-ing the book, but honestly, just power through and towards the end, I actually teared up. Realities for PTSD patients are hard, but what I love about Cole is how he is open about going to therapy and that he TRIES HIS VERY BEST to work on his problems.
With this book, I liked Violet and Cole's dynamics. Violet is a character that I'm a bit 50-50 cause she can be a bit bratty sometimes, but in some sense, I also do get why she is like that (due to her brothers from Chestnut Springs series hehe); but what stands out most for Violet's character is how she handled Cole and how she fought for their relationship to the end.
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
In some ways, the complications for a person like Cole to be a relationship is very real. In a sense that it can get tiring and overwhelming for their partners, and I liked that she didn't want Cole to change for the better, but just to love himself enough to fight for their relationship. That to me... is something. Because at the end of the day, you can never change a person entirely, but would they be willing to fight for whats worth with you is the most important.
This book is definitely not for everyone. It has very vivid explanations of anxiety-spiraling, panic attacks and also deaths but its also one that I will cherish for myself. Its a book on knowing your worth and trying to overcome your demons to escape the loneliness that comes with it.
4.5🌟 for this one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders