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natekka 's review for:
Cover Story
by Mhairi McFarlane
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am still not settled on this rating. I devoured the second half of this book and thoroughly enjoyed - I would possibly even re-read it in the future - but I struggled to get into in the beginning. I was instantly put off by Bel and Aaron's judginess. Miscommunication tropes are some of my least favourite anyway, but this was straight-up lack of communication meets stubbornly clings to first impressions made from next to no information. It was frustrating to read and took faaaar too long to resolve itself. I loved the plot, though, I have to say I was hooked. Some parts (Mayor) felt resolved, but some parts (Stalker Anthony in particular) didn't.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Excrement, Death of parent, Classism