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A review by kori_krc
Winter Sky by Jenna Starly
1.0
If I could have given this no stars or a .5 I would have. I have never grimaced while reading an entire book before but now I can say I have. I HATED EVERY SECOND of this book and it was almost my first ever DNF.
First off, the writing was so jumpy and awkward. It didn't flow nicely, it really felt like reading a rough draft before you start putting the final piece together before editing. If I had to read about how Autumn was Winter's identical twin or the fact that no one knew about her toxic "side hussle" (which I will get into), I will lose my mind. There were a ton of moments like this, this is what just jumped out the most.
The dialogue felt sooooo uncomfortable to read through. It was like any emotion was sucked out of Winter and Owen's interactions the minute they spoke. They had no chemistry other than the fact that they thought each other was hot, which was mentioned by either character internally literally any time the other spoke - especially during moments where the other character was upset or "passionate" about something. It felt creepy. For example, there was a point where Winter was describing the definition of gaslighting to Owen and he said "wow that's crazy" and she freaks out on him and all he can think about is how hot she is and how he wants to kiss her....like sir...
Then, we get into Winter's "side hussle" of "getting revenge" on people who have specifically "gaslit" her clients. The entire business felt TOXIC. She kept having to say that "she never did anything that would hurt anyone" but then goes into a story to Owen about how she once put a mans WORK AND HOME ADDRESS ON A SKETCHY DATING WEBSITE......HIS ADDRESS. All because he stopped his fiancé from getting a job. Like I agree, the guy sucks, but that's DANGEROUS. They way she talks about the things she would do for her clients were straight toxic and it all stemmed because her ex gaslit her.
That was another point, I understand all trauma hits people differently, but her backstory with her ex and the beginning of her business wasn't very strong. It felt petty and toxic. Winter also suffered from regular panic attacks, but it wasn't really clear what was triggering them, especially since her major issue was her ex who used to gaslight her. It felt like Starly used a panic disorder, not because it made sense to Winter's character, but as a plot device to push her and Owen together - which felt weird and like she was romanticizing a mental disorder. She REALLY could have benefitted from therapy as could all her clients. Same goes with Owen. He may not be toxic, but he CLEARLY has anxiety surrounding his dad and a potential Alzheimer's diagnosis that he should be talking to a professional about.
To wrap all of this up, there was virtually no conflict. I GUESS you could say it was Owen there trying to change Winter's gym and her wanting to keep it wholesome? But it wasn't really enough to hinge an entire plot on. There was no conflict between Owen and Winter and whenever they had anything that could have turned into an actual conflict it was quickly dissolved.
Just save yourself a couple of hours and some money. Do not buy this book. I am assuming that the others in this "series" are on the same level. I'm sorry for being so blunt but I want my 2.5 hours back.
First off, the writing was so jumpy and awkward. It didn't flow nicely, it really felt like reading a rough draft before you start putting the final piece together before editing. If I had to read about how Autumn was Winter's identical twin or the fact that no one knew about her toxic "side hussle" (which I will get into), I will lose my mind. There were a ton of moments like this, this is what just jumped out the most.
The dialogue felt sooooo uncomfortable to read through. It was like any emotion was sucked out of Winter and Owen's interactions the minute they spoke. They had no chemistry other than the fact that they thought each other was hot, which was mentioned by either character internally literally any time the other spoke - especially during moments where the other character was upset or "passionate" about something. It felt creepy. For example, there was a point where Winter was describing the definition of gaslighting to Owen and he said "wow that's crazy" and she freaks out on him and all he can think about is how hot she is and how he wants to kiss her....like sir...
Then, we get into Winter's "side hussle" of "getting revenge" on people who have specifically "gaslit" her clients. The entire business felt TOXIC. She kept having to say that "she never did anything that would hurt anyone" but then goes into a story to Owen about how she once put a mans WORK AND HOME ADDRESS ON A SKETCHY DATING WEBSITE......HIS ADDRESS. All because he stopped his fiancé from getting a job. Like I agree, the guy sucks, but that's DANGEROUS. They way she talks about the things she would do for her clients were straight toxic and it all stemmed because her ex gaslit her.
That was another point, I understand all trauma hits people differently, but her backstory with her ex and the beginning of her business wasn't very strong. It felt petty and toxic. Winter also suffered from regular panic attacks, but it wasn't really clear what was triggering them, especially since her major issue was her ex who used to gaslight her. It felt like Starly used a panic disorder, not because it made sense to Winter's character, but as a plot device to push her and Owen together - which felt weird and like she was romanticizing a mental disorder. She REALLY could have benefitted from therapy as could all her clients. Same goes with Owen. He may not be toxic, but he CLEARLY has anxiety surrounding his dad and a potential Alzheimer's diagnosis that he should be talking to a professional about.
To wrap all of this up, there was virtually no conflict. I GUESS you could say it was Owen there trying to change Winter's gym and her wanting to keep it wholesome? But it wasn't really enough to hinge an entire plot on. There was no conflict between Owen and Winter and whenever they had anything that could have turned into an actual conflict it was quickly dissolved.
Just save yourself a couple of hours and some money. Do not buy this book. I am assuming that the others in this "series" are on the same level. I'm sorry for being so blunt but I want my 2.5 hours back.