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agrippinaes 's review for:

Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
5.0

This is awarded 5 stars with some caveats that this book ticked a lot of boxes for me and what I enjoy reading, but also is something I think I’d reread. I get the impression this isn’t a very popular book of hers and I can see why. Some of the plot is a bit weird, some of it’s a bit dark, and some it’s a bit slow, but overall I really enjoyed it.

I liked the relationship between the two main characters. It was complicated and difficult, but I enjoyed watching it develop and, despite everything, I did feel they genuinely cared for each other by the end of the book. Annie was an enjoyable main character; Theo was a bit harder to like, but I think that was the point. I warmed to him a lot more once I worked out
Spoilerthat he was unlikely to have been the one who tried to kill her when they were teenagers
.

The puppet part of the story is one that seems to be divisive, but I actually liked it. I squirmed a bit at some of the things they said, I liked them as an addition to the story and as a way to see into Annie’s head a bit more. The central mystery was one I enjoyed, too. I thought the conclusion of it was interesting and wasn’t what I expected.

However, whilst I’ve given it 5 stars, I can concede there’s a lot not to like. Their past together is difficult and unpleasant. Whilst
Spoilerit’s revealed that he was not the one who bullied her and he was trying to protect her
, it’s still a bit much to swallow at points. There's also the fact that some parts of the plot are just a bit weird. A lot happens. Some of it doesn’t seem relevant at the time and doesn’t feel relevant by the end. But still - I loved reading it and it's firmly stuck in my head now as a favourite.

I would recommend it if you like quite unusual romances that are a bit darker.

Content Warnings:
SpoilerBullying (in past), animal abuse / animal death, intimidation, gun violence.