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underthetbrpile 's review for:
Denial
by R.S. Crawford
4.5 stars (My rating system changed since I first read this as an ARC. My enjoyment of the book didn't decrease.)
From my old account:
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Livvy Reape is a college student in North Carolina studying marine biology. She struggles with her mental health and has sworn off dating. She finds an intense connection with Liam, one of her coworkers, but is hesitant to let things go further between them due to her fear of abandonment.
Tropes: Slow burn, he falls first
What I loved:
- The mental health representation. I'm someone who has also struggled with mental health for years, and I felt seen when I was reading this book. It was amazing, sensitive, and raw.
- The chemistry between Livvy and Liam. I don't want to give any spoilers, but they're amazing together. He's incredibly supportive and patient with her and it was a beautiful thing to read.
- The worldbuilding was on point.
- The whole thing was unique.
- I could not put it down.
If you like fantasy/paranomal romance and you don't read this, you're missing out!
Highlights: *these are from an ARC copy and are/were subject to change*
- "Hi," I breathed in a small voice. Yeah, that was real smooth, the voice cackled in my head.
- "He doesn't stare at me," I insisted. "Uh, yeah, he does," Roni argued. "He watches you like you're his or something."
- Grippy sock vacation for one, please. There's no way you're not getting committed now.
CW/TW: Mental illness is depicted, including past suicidal ideation and mention of self-inflicted wounds and suicide attempts. The main character is actively grieving someone close to her. Slut-shaming and physical assault. A male character unties a girl's bikini top while they're swimming.
From my old account:
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Livvy Reape is a college student in North Carolina studying marine biology. She struggles with her mental health and has sworn off dating. She finds an intense connection with Liam, one of her coworkers, but is hesitant to let things go further between them due to her fear of abandonment.
Tropes: Slow burn, he falls first
What I loved:
- The mental health representation. I'm someone who has also struggled with mental health for years, and I felt seen when I was reading this book. It was amazing, sensitive, and raw.
- The chemistry between Livvy and Liam. I don't want to give any spoilers, but they're amazing together. He's incredibly supportive and patient with her and it was a beautiful thing to read.
- The worldbuilding was on point.
- The whole thing was unique.
- I could not put it down.
If you like fantasy/paranomal romance and you don't read this, you're missing out!
Highlights: *these are from an ARC copy and are/were subject to change*
- "Hi," I breathed in a small voice. Yeah, that was real smooth, the voice cackled in my head.
- "He doesn't stare at me," I insisted. "Uh, yeah, he does," Roni argued. "He watches you like you're his or something."
- Grippy sock vacation for one, please. There's no way you're not getting committed now.
CW/TW: Mental illness is depicted, including past suicidal ideation and mention of self-inflicted wounds and suicide attempts. The main character is actively grieving someone close to her. Slut-shaming and physical assault. A male character unties a girl's bikini top while they're swimming.