A review by izzie_27
The Bonus by TL Swan

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a hard one to review. I enjoyed the story, my first T L Swan. The pining from both Gabriel and Grace was beautiful and I loved that this story spanned many years of their life. I wish we saw more fiesty Gracie from their PA days, we start the book with her in a massive simp depressive slump. If I'd seen more of their back and forth which is clear in

the additional chapter at the end from Gabriel's perspective then I think I would've believed their chemistry early on a bit more

. The side characters including

the children

and Debbie and Mark (hmm can't wait for that story) were well great additions that really elevated the story. 

However at points I didn't care about the characters and the back and forth between like/list/hate/distrust constantly while adding tension did get a bit tiring over time. However that's fiction and the contemporary romance setting needed something to build that tension. The reveal near the end

that Gabriel's father had cheated with his PA and the twisted relationship he had with his mother as a result probably would've been better earlier on because for ages I kept wondering what Gracie saw in Gabriel however at the same time the layers we had of Gabriel being built and revealed over time was great

.

So really I feel like the book was good, especially if you like contemporary romance, but for someone who probably doesn't always like contemporary romance, it was probably a "it's me, not you" situation.

Stars: 3.75/5
Spice: 2/3