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A review by lottydotty
Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did by Monica Murphy
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My biggest and most obvious complaint is that this book should have been set in a college environment. While I despise the fact that this book is set in high school, I cannot deny the fact that Whit and Summer's story intrigues me.
Though the romance appears physical, I think the gradual increase in feelings is demonstrated through both characters' repeated attempts to suppress and ignore their reasonings for repeatedly going back to the other. They disguise their growing interest through their physical relationship, and both deny themselves the ability to grow closer to each other.
Summer and Whit never develop the friendship part of their relationship, but this book is so interesting to me, because it develops their chemistry and trust for each other beyond basic lust, regardless.
They both hold the same dark desires. They care for each other, even if they can't explain why. Finally, they secretly consider their situation as fated, but refuse to treat each other accordingly, so as to further deny their growing compassion for each other. Even through the "enemies" phase of their relationship, they possess an inherent trust in each other, knowing they could depend on the other to be there if necessary.
I typically don't believe in relationships that aren't initially built on friendship and, while Summer and Whit's foundation was not friendly, it was immediately evident that their relationship was based on more than just lust. Ultimately, I don't fully understand why, but I've come to the conclusion that I like this book so much because I oddly value Summer and Whit's romance. Though it's non-traditional, and was definitely driven by lust at some point, it successfully illustrates a different, yet just as valuable, type of love built on shared experience, trust, and earned dependence.
Though the romance appears physical, I think the gradual increase in feelings is demonstrated through both characters' repeated attempts to suppress and ignore their reasonings for repeatedly going back to the other. They disguise their growing interest through their physical relationship, and both deny themselves the ability to grow closer to each other.
Summer and Whit never develop the friendship part of their relationship, but this book is so interesting to me, because it develops their chemistry and trust for each other beyond basic lust, regardless.
They both hold the same dark desires. They care for each other, even if they can't explain why. Finally, they secretly consider their situation as fated, but refuse to treat each other accordingly, so as to further deny their growing compassion for each other. Even through the "enemies" phase of their relationship, they possess an inherent trust in each other, knowing they could depend on the other to be there if necessary.
I typically don't believe in relationships that aren't initially built on friendship and, while Summer and Whit's foundation was not friendly, it was immediately evident that their relationship was based on more than just lust. Ultimately, I don't fully understand why, but I've come to the conclusion that I like this book so much because I oddly value Summer and Whit's romance. Though it's non-traditional, and was definitely driven by lust at some point, it successfully illustrates a different, yet just as valuable, type of love built on shared experience, trust, and earned dependence.
5.5. Very explicit. Very detailed. Very often.