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A review by dinipandareads
Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TL;DR: This was as achingly romantic, tender, and angsty as everyone said it would be and I was hooked from the very first page! I can't believe this is a debut and it makes me so excited for what the author publishes next. š When I think of this book I immediately think of one of Ariana Grande's songs: Imperfect For You, which unironically fits them perfectly. This is a story about two imperfect opposites who find healing, hope and love together. It's not a smooth road and it's a slightly drawn-out process but the end makes it so worth it. I adored Harry and I loved Rowan, even if at times I did want to give both of them a good hard shake, but these two had issues on issues they needed to work through and I loved the way their story was written.
Our MCs were very realistic and relatable characters. My heart ached for how alone Rowan has been for the majority of her existence. She was close with her grandmother who passed when she was still a child and has essentially been fending for herself ever since. She has been abused and used by the people who have claimed to love her most and having experienced that, it's understandably hard for her to trust others but it also means that she doesn't trust herself. With that came her internalised feelings of being undeserving of love and care and she kept herself distanced, especially when it came to anything related to feeling emotions. It was horrifyingly easy to relate to Rowan, lol. I won't lie and say there weren't moments when her stubbornness became frustrating but the way she grows throughout the story was wonderful. Her longing to have close relationships be ordinary for her and to know what family support means was palpable and it made me ache for her! I can't think of a character who deserved to find that more and I also can't think of a better family for her to find that with than the Bradys.
In total contrast to her character, particularly in terms of upbringing, was Harry. When we meet him, he's mired in overwhelming guilt and sorrow after having lost a patient and a serious relationship. For what might be the first time in his life, he's questioning where he belongs and whether he's fit to be a doctor anymore. Essentially, his whole life has been tipped on its axis and it's clear how much he's hurting. I appreciated his healing journey supported by his family and by Rowan who helped him overcome his panic and anxiety over the fears that had been controlling him. I loved how much Rowan soothed his hurt and I thought their romance was absolutely beautiful!
Although Harry and Rowan have an instantaneous connectionātheir chemistry is sensual and charged from the startātheir romance progresses at a slow burn. As much as they had to process internally, they also helped each other heal. It wasn't an easy process and with them being as stubborn as they are, it was quite a rocky, slightly drawn out and angsty road! But through it all, there was a sense of knowing and comfort between them that made it feel like they found a home in each other. Even with those heated moments of contention, their romance was incredibly sweet and tender and so real! Also, if you love an MMC who falls first then you're going to love Harry because he falls hard and fast for her. š The way he pays attention to all the little things she tells him, cares for her and shows her love in subtle (to her) ways had me swooning! He is just a good kind man that had me wrapped up in all the romance feels. I loved the cyclical symbolism of certain elements like wildflowers, pancake breakfasts with orange juice, and nicknames, and it made the romance even more swoontastic when the author brought these elements back full circle. š„¹
Another thing that made this book more special to me was the wonderful Brady family relationship and support network. These are people who love hard and fast and not only were their family moments entertaining and heartwarming, but I loved how their relationships with our MCs also contributed to their growth and healing. I'm hoping that we get stories for Duncan, Mal and Arden because they deserve it and I just NEED it, please!
Our MCs were very realistic and relatable characters. My heart ached for how alone Rowan has been for the majority of her existence. She was close with her grandmother who passed when she was still a child and has essentially been fending for herself ever since. She has been abused and used by the people who have claimed to love her most and having experienced that, it's understandably hard for her to trust others but it also means that she doesn't trust herself. With that came her internalised feelings of being undeserving of love and care and she kept herself distanced, especially when it came to anything related to feeling emotions. It was horrifyingly easy to relate to Rowan, lol. I won't lie and say there weren't moments when her stubbornness became frustrating but the way she grows throughout the story was wonderful. Her longing to have close relationships be ordinary for her and to know what family support means was palpable and it made me ache for her! I can't think of a character who deserved to find that more and I also can't think of a better family for her to find that with than the Bradys.
In total contrast to her character, particularly in terms of upbringing, was Harry. When we meet him, he's mired in overwhelming guilt and sorrow after having lost a patient and a serious relationship. For what might be the first time in his life, he's questioning where he belongs and whether he's fit to be a doctor anymore. Essentially, his whole life has been tipped on its axis and it's clear how much he's hurting. I appreciated his healing journey supported by his family and by Rowan who helped him overcome his panic and anxiety over the fears that had been controlling him. I loved how much Rowan soothed his hurt and I thought their romance was absolutely beautiful!
Although Harry and Rowan have an instantaneous connectionātheir chemistry is sensual and charged from the startātheir romance progresses at a slow burn. As much as they had to process internally, they also helped each other heal. It wasn't an easy process and with them being as stubborn as they are, it was quite a rocky, slightly drawn out and angsty road! But through it all, there was a sense of knowing and comfort between them that made it feel like they found a home in each other. Even with those heated moments of contention, their romance was incredibly sweet and tender and so real! Also, if you love an MMC who falls first then you're going to love Harry because he falls hard and fast for her. š The way he pays attention to all the little things she tells him, cares for her and shows her love in subtle (to her) ways had me swooning! He is just a good kind man that had me wrapped up in all the romance feels. I loved the cyclical symbolism of certain elements like wildflowers, pancake breakfasts with orange juice, and nicknames, and it made the romance even more swoontastic when the author brought these elements back full circle. š„¹
Another thing that made this book more special to me was the wonderful Brady family relationship and support network. These are people who love hard and fast and not only were their family moments entertaining and heartwarming, but I loved how their relationships with our MCs also contributed to their growth and healing. I'm hoping that we get stories for Duncan, Mal and Arden because they deserve it and I just NEED it, please!