A review by tbr_books
Sweat by Jonah Yorke

4.0

✨ARC Review from NetGalley ✨

“Whatever way you want me, I want that to.”

Knowing this is a debut novel honestly feels surreal. The writing, the emotional depth, and the way the story handles such heavy and complex topics, it feels so assured and emotionally grounded.

This is not an easy story. Some moments weigh on you, asking you to sit with the same raw, unfiltered pain the characters endure. You watch Tommy and Rowan face things that could break anyone, but the beauty lies in how they begin to rebuild, piece by piece, with each other.

What moved me the most was the slow, tender way the story shows healing. It’s not instant. It’s messy and uneven, full of silence, fear, anger, and doubt. But it’s also full of care. Step by step, we see them grow—not only as a couple, but as individuals trying to make sense of themselves. Fears are faced, and in some cases, transformed. Self-hate starts to soften into self-compassion. What begins in survival turns into something steady and strong.

This book doesn’t pretend love fixes everything, but it does show how love, when safe and honest, can help people find their way back to themselves.

Knowing there’s a second book on the way, and that this story is the beginning of a full series is incredible. Even though the next book follows different characters, I’m so excited to stay in this world and see how it expands. If the emotional depth and care continue, this series is going to be something truly special.

“You’re my dream, Rowan.”