Take a photo of a barcode or cover
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book hooked me immediately. I was only about 10% in when I realized I didn’t want to put it down—even just to make dinner. That’s the kind of momentum Love, Mom delivers right from the start.
The characters are what really carry the story. Mackenzie is a strong, emotionally layered protagonist who feels raw and relatable—especially for anyone who’s ever tried to untangle grief tied up in complicated relationships. EJ is a standout supporting character, and I loved the goth/emo vibe threaded through Mackenzie’s personality. It added a layer of authenticity that made her voice distinct and memorable.
The contemporary setting really works in this one. The integration of AI, true crime obsession, and our very online world feels current without being gimmicky. It grounds the narrative in something that feels both intimate and universal—especially for readers who’ve ever had a strained connection with a parent.
The content warning is definitely important to note: there are multiple mentions of r*pe in this book. It’s not gratuitous, but it is pivotal and could be triggering.
Tonya is ruthless, and not in a cartoonish villain way—more like a deeply human, damaged way that makes Mackenzie’s emotional spiral feel all the more real. The depiction of grief here—especially grief tied to trauma or unresolved hurt—is thoughtful and deeply felt.
I flew through this book and didn’t even stop long enough to post a “midway thoughts” update. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected and felt a little offbeat, but it didn’t take away from how much I was pulled in by the characters and emotional threads.
If you like contemporary fiction with bite, emotional complexity, and a dark edge—this one’s worth picking up.
The characters are what really carry the story. Mackenzie is a strong, emotionally layered protagonist who feels raw and relatable—especially for anyone who’s ever tried to untangle grief tied up in complicated relationships. EJ is a standout supporting character, and I loved the goth/emo vibe threaded through Mackenzie’s personality. It added a layer of authenticity that made her voice distinct and memorable.
The contemporary setting really works in this one. The integration of AI, true crime obsession, and our very online world feels current without being gimmicky. It grounds the narrative in something that feels both intimate and universal—especially for readers who’ve ever had a strained connection with a parent.
The content warning is definitely important to note: there are multiple mentions of r*pe in this book. It’s not gratuitous, but it is pivotal and could be triggering.
Tonya is ruthless, and not in a cartoonish villain way—more like a deeply human, damaged way that makes Mackenzie’s emotional spiral feel all the more real. The depiction of grief here—especially grief tied to trauma or unresolved hurt—is thoughtful and deeply felt.
I flew through this book and didn’t even stop long enough to post a “midway thoughts” update. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected and felt a little offbeat, but it didn’t take away from how much I was pulled in by the characters and emotional threads.
If you like contemporary fiction with bite, emotional complexity, and a dark edge—this one’s worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault