A review by javacat
Tell Me How You Really Feel by Betty Cayouette

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Tell Me How You Really Feel means so many things in this book besides just the title. Told in dual perspective, the story follows Maeve and Finn as they learn to tell themselves and each other how they really feel.

Cayouette does a remarkable job at capturing the anxiety and inner struggle of opening up when you don't know how those around you will respond. Both characters are conflicted with how to open up to themselves and the others, yet are simultaneously giving advice focusing on just that.

There are many stereotypes that Maeve and Finn deal with, one of which becomes a central theme of the book, and is very important in reality. Cayouette has brought this into the story not in a way that is informational and droning, but woven into the story in such a way that shows it's importance and will stick with you.

While I did enjoy the book, and I really hope to see more books from this author, I don't think this will be one of the top five romance romance novels I recommend. Unfortunately, for those who have read Cayouette's first novel, One Last Shot, I felt the character arcs were too similar between both stories. I hope if we get a third novel, its just as entertaining but with some fresh character development.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.