A review by talknerdybookblog
Sweet Hope by Tillie Cole

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Representation: Latinx biracial Heroine

Safety Rating: Safe

• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
- Friend from Heroine's undergrad catches up with her and the group. He's a very flirty player and kisses her on the lips - it doesn't mean anything to either of them. But the Hero is PISSED.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation

Possible Triggers: Yes

• Incarceration of Hero recounted
• Medical trauma from shivving and attempted murder recounted while the Hero was incarcerated
• Mutilation recounted while the Hero was incarcerated
• Death of Hero's mom from ALS recounted
• Grief (see above)
• Hero coerced his two younger brothers to join his gang to afford their mom's medicine - she had ALS
- Induction ceremony includes killing a rival gang member. Hero recounts forcing his younger brother - who was ~12 years old - to shoot them.
• Gun violence
• Murder discussed
• Attempted murder
• Medical trauma resulting from pre-eclampsia (on-page, supporting character)
• Drug abuse recounted

Ending:

HEA. Extended epilogue where the MCs are married with two daughters.