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A review by booksthrilljessica
A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler
2.0
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. At first, I saw Vivian as the voice of reason, but that quickly changed when she seemed willing to forgive Charlie for actions that were problematic from the start of their relationship. Behaviors that had led her to leave him in the first place, resulting in some serious consequences.
As for Charlie, I found him to be an extremely untrustworthy narrator. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s selfish, a heavy drinker, or just tends to talk more than listen, but I found it frustrating every time the story was told from his perspective. He repeatedly contradicted himself, and I often found myself questioning whether he was truly in love with Vivian or just the idea of who he wanted her to be.
While I understand that, at a certain point in life, people might be willing to overlook certain flaws, I felt that both of them were ultimately lying to themselves. These characters, just like most people, still have a lot of healing to do before they can have a healthy relationship together. That said, if you enjoy romance stories dealing with second chances and flawed characters, this book may be a good read for you.
As for Charlie, I found him to be an extremely untrustworthy narrator. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s selfish, a heavy drinker, or just tends to talk more than listen, but I found it frustrating every time the story was told from his perspective. He repeatedly contradicted himself, and I often found myself questioning whether he was truly in love with Vivian or just the idea of who he wanted her to be.
While I understand that, at a certain point in life, people might be willing to overlook certain flaws, I felt that both of them were ultimately lying to themselves. These characters, just like most people, still have a lot of healing to do before they can have a healthy relationship together. That said, if you enjoy romance stories dealing with second chances and flawed characters, this book may be a good read for you.
*Thank you to Nickolas Butler, Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.