A review by amanda_reads13
The Love of My Next Life by Brit Benson

challenging emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow, this was an emotional rollercoaster. Be prepared to be broken down and cry, a lot. 

Lennon and Macon are toxic. Their love is complicated and messy. They are drawn to each other and leave a path of pain and hurt in their trail. This book is angsty, heartbreaking, and filled with emotion. I felt so frustrated reading this book, but in a good way. 

I really liked how this book addressed addiction from all different angles; both the boy suffering and those who loved him. It was interesting to see the different way the characters dealt with it. 

Lennon was a sweet and naive people pleaser. All she wanted to do was make sure that everyone else was happy. She had a plan for her life, a plan that her father approved of. She endured something seriously horrible as a kid and has repressed everything out of fear of losing those she loves. 
So, she never stirred the pot or made waves.
At a young age she found her mother after she had committed suicide.
  Unfortunately, her people pleasing attitude wound up causing her to allow everyone to walk all over her, including her asshole bestie. Ya, I hate Claire. 

Macon is angry at the world. He treats everyone like crap and with a general disgust. Yet, he has secretly been harbouring feelings for his sister's best friend. He plays mind games with her and loves to make her mad. He has also had an incredibly traumatic childhood.
His father was abusive to him as a child. He was an addict, trying to remain numb to the world.
He has been brushed off by everyone as being trouble or not worth anything. Even his sister slings horrible insults at him. No wonder he is the way he is. My heart broke for him. 

Lennon, being a innocent teenager, believed she could change Macon, that she could fix him. I just wanted to grab her and scream "you cannot fix him!".  My heart aches for these two. They were so alike in so many ways, they just reacted to their trauma in two very different ways. In the end they broke each other.

I cannot wait for the second part. I have so many questions I need answered. 

Tropes: enemies to lovers, bad boy/good girl, forbidden love, high school, best friends brother
Expand filter menu Content Warnings