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A review by malhmk
Crushed But Not Defeated by Nicole Dykes
5.0
This was such a beautiful, low angst, second chance romance. I loved the care and sensitivity with which the author wrote Miles and Andrew’s story.
The book deals with some heavy subjects, specifically around childhood trauma. While the author doesn’t go deep on page, both past references for the MCs and of the children they are supporting and adopting, are gently handled throughout the story.
It’s a true second chance story for me because while the MCs were estranged for a long while they can come back to each other having worked on and dealt with the issues that triggered the fissure initially, then being able to hold dichotomous perspectives.
While there is initial resistance to communication, that doesn’t last long because they put the children’s needs first and for me it felt like the story is written to begin where the healing between the two MCs begins. This suits the fast pace of the book.
Expect:
- Opposites attract
- Second chance
- Found family
- Hurt comfort
- One Bed
- Fake Dating
- Adoptive Parents
I loved Andrew’s big, generous, resilient heart. It was believable to see how he may have felt abandoned by Miles, how he recognises that and then deals with his own guilt regarding his reactions to make his way back to Miles.
I loved Miles for the unconditional love he has for Andrew, how he always wants to repair and build a future for them.
Also I love blunt Roman :)
Both MCs have heartbreaking starts in life with childhood abandonment, abuse and trauma. The author chose to show them overcoming that and perpetuating better cycles when choosing to adopt and parent first Evan and then Oliver, both of whom come from horrific circumstances.
CW: Childhood trauma, neglect, abandonment.
The book deals with some heavy subjects, specifically around childhood trauma. While the author doesn’t go deep on page, both past references for the MCs and of the children they are supporting and adopting, are gently handled throughout the story.
It’s a true second chance story for me because while the MCs were estranged for a long while they can come back to each other having worked on and dealt with the issues that triggered the fissure initially, then being able to hold dichotomous perspectives.
While there is initial resistance to communication, that doesn’t last long because they put the children’s needs first and for me it felt like the story is written to begin where the healing between the two MCs begins. This suits the fast pace of the book.
Expect:
- Opposites attract
- Second chance
- Found family
- Hurt comfort
- One Bed
- Fake Dating
- Adoptive Parents
I loved Andrew’s big, generous, resilient heart. It was believable to see how he may have felt abandoned by Miles, how he recognises that and then deals with his own guilt regarding his reactions to make his way back to Miles.
I loved Miles for the unconditional love he has for Andrew, how he always wants to repair and build a future for them.
Also I love blunt Roman :)
Both MCs have heartbreaking starts in life with childhood abandonment, abuse and trauma. The author chose to show them overcoming that and perpetuating better cycles when choosing to adopt and parent first Evan and then Oliver, both of whom come from horrific circumstances.
CW: Childhood trauma, neglect, abandonment.