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A review by theespressoedition
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
emotional
funny
tense
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
3.0
I'm feeling so conflicted about this book.
On the one hand, I really disliked the toxic relationship that kicked off the story. As someone who has been in an emotionally abusive engagement in the past, it triggered me in a lot of ways and made me just want to scream, "GET OUT OF THIS ALREADY!" The ridiculous, comical stunts that both Naomi and Nicholas pulled were so outlandish and even angering at times. That being said...
I also absolutely loved the redemptive second half of the book. This was the true definition of a second chance romance. As each party began to realize that they were treating each other terribly for no reason whatsoever, the dynamic began to shift astronomically. Suddenly, it's no longer perceived as a toxic relationship, but one that's on its way to failing and desperately needs resurrecting.
A couple of the reviews I read stated that they wished they had chapters from Nicholas's point of view and I wholeheartedly agree. I think that would have given the first half of the book a completely different vibe. Rather than it appearing like bully love or a severely toxic and confusing enemies-to-lovers trope, it would have given us the chance to peer into his head and understand what he was thinking when he sent flowers or even when he was doing things like calling his mom. Though I do suppose it would've taken away from the element of "surprise" when we find out that the whole time, he's wanted Naomi on his side - which changes the way she looks at him.
The second half of the book won me over and I gobbled up every second. I really loved how they began to fight for their relationship and there's even a moment when Naomi brings up what it actually takes to be committed to another person. She mentions how challenging it is but also how rewarding it is and that's exactly how I've always viewed relationships. It made me think of my husband and me and that definitely made me smile.
If you can get past the uncomfortable (and potentially triggering) elements of the first half of the book, I definitely recommend this book for the overall story of learning to work for love.
On the one hand, I really disliked the toxic relationship that kicked off the story. As someone who has been in an emotionally abusive engagement in the past, it triggered me in a lot of ways and made me just want to scream, "GET OUT OF THIS ALREADY!" The ridiculous, comical stunts that both Naomi and Nicholas pulled were so outlandish and even angering at times. That being said...
I also absolutely loved the redemptive second half of the book. This was the true definition of a second chance romance. As each party began to realize that they were treating each other terribly for no reason whatsoever, the dynamic began to shift astronomically. Suddenly, it's no longer perceived as a toxic relationship, but one that's on its way to failing and desperately needs resurrecting.
A couple of the reviews I read stated that they wished they had chapters from Nicholas's point of view and I wholeheartedly agree. I think that would have given the first half of the book a completely different vibe. Rather than it appearing like bully love or a severely toxic and confusing enemies-to-lovers trope, it would have given us the chance to peer into his head and understand what he was thinking when he sent flowers or even when he was doing things like calling his mom. Though I do suppose it would've taken away from the element of "surprise" when we find out that
The second half of the book won me over and I gobbled up every second. I really loved how they began to fight for their relationship and there's even a moment when Naomi brings up what it actually takes to be committed to another person. She mentions how challenging it is but also how rewarding it is and that's exactly how I've always viewed relationships. It made me think of my husband and me and that definitely made me smile.
If you can get past the uncomfortable (and potentially triggering) elements of the first half of the book, I definitely recommend this book for the overall story of learning to work for love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Bullying