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A review by paigesonpages
A Love Like the Sun by Riss M. Neilson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Thank you Berkley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written book, and I enjoy the references to the Providence area as well as the social media aspect to the fake dating relationship.
Unfortunately, there are a few too many side plots happening for my liking, some of which that finish up halfway through the book and are barely mentioned again. Speaking of storylines, while I value the importance of Laniah’s medical journey, we don’t see how this connects to the romance until 90% into the novel. It would have been great to see more focus on how these two plots connect.
It probably doesn’t help that this slow burn is so slow that by the time there’s any heat to the relationship, it feels uncomfortable. I love a childhood friends to lovers romance, but watching Laniah and Isaac fall for one another is almost incestuous at times, since there is a heavy focus on how her parents are a second family to Isaac, as he grew up in the foster care system.
If you enjoy an emotional novel with a bit of romance, I’d recommend A Love Like The Sun. I really enjoy Riss M. Neilson’s writing style, so I’ll be taking a peek at her other books soon!
This is a well written book, and I enjoy the references to the Providence area as well as the social media aspect to the fake dating relationship.
Unfortunately, there are a few too many side plots happening for my liking, some of which that finish up halfway through the book and are barely mentioned again. Speaking of storylines, while I value the importance of Laniah’s medical journey, we don’t see how this connects to the romance until 90% into the novel. It would have been great to see more focus on how these two plots connect.
It probably doesn’t help that this slow burn is so slow that by the time there’s any heat to the relationship, it feels uncomfortable. I love a childhood friends to lovers romance, but watching Laniah and Isaac fall for one another is almost incestuous at times, since there is a heavy focus on how her parents are a second family to Isaac, as he grew up in the foster care system.
If you enjoy an emotional novel with a bit of romance, I’d recommend A Love Like The Sun. I really enjoy Riss M. Neilson’s writing style, so I’ll be taking a peek at her other books soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Sexual harassment