selenamariereadsss_3 's review for:

Oleander: A Great Expectations Retelling by Scarlett Drake

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Rating⭐️: 5/5

Spice🌶️: 2/5

Memorable Quote(s): (WAY too many)

“Only I could love Caspien how he deserved to be loved. And so I would. I’d love him in spite of everything he was and everything I knew he could be. No matter what he did, no matter how much he hurt me, in this I would be constant. As long as Caspien Deveraux breathed, I would love him.”

Tropes: 

•MM Great Expectations Retelling

•Childhood Enemies to Lovers

•Coming of Age

•Second Chance 

•Gay Awakening 

•Blackest Cat x Golden Retriever 

•Slow Burn

⚠️Check TWs

HOLY MOLY, I might never recover from this one, a book has no business being that goooood! It is the easiest 5 stars I have ever given. AND this was first Scarlett Drake book, which definitely sets the bar - I cannot wait to read more by her. 

If you are looking for a typical love story this is not it…this one will hurt you, make you cry, make you question your sanity and quiet possible make you want to throw your kindle (or however you read/listen) across the room. This story is intense, heartbreaking, and devastating, BUT also beautiful, romantic and an overall masterpiece. You are going to work hard to get to the end of this one, but it is absolutely worth it. 

This coming of age story follows Jude Alcott, a 15 year old boy living with his older sister, Beth, and her husband, Luke, after his parents passed away. Luke gets the opportunity to be the grounds person at Deveraux mansion, where Jude meets the alluring Caspien Devereaux….A boy he will come to love at a young age only to be put through the ringer over a span of 13 (ish) years, but nevertheless not matter what life brings Jude he will never give up or stop loving Cas. 

*Also, I had the privilege of listening to this audio and my gosh it made this read all the more better. if you are an audio person I highly recommend this one.*