roksyreads 's review for:

Heathen and Honeysuckle by Sarah A. Bailey

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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With a well-executed dual-timeline, Heathen & Honeysuckle follows FMC Darby and MMC Leo as they fall in love during one special summer when they’re seventeen and, simultaneously, ten years later, when they find their way back to that same breathtaking love after being torn apart. Crushed by a lifetime of spiritual and emotional abuse at the hands of her parents and haunted by the events that led to her separation from Leo just as their love was truly blossoming, Darby’s story was challenging to read at times. I felt that some important details regarding Darby’s past in particular were withheld too long and the awkward avoidance in the narrative became repetitive and frustrating, however the emotional climax as she unburdens her heart and soul was effective and powerful. 

And Leo—gods, Leo, the man you are. It feels like a betrayal to my favourites, but dare I say it: Leo Graham may be the paragon of book boyfriends. I think he *actually* made me swoon a few times, and not just because of his wicked tongue. Despite being burdened by his own trauma and insecurities—and with his heart still in pieces after Darby ran away—Leo doesn’t hesitate to show up for Darby in her moment of need, even fearing he’ll suffer that same all-consuming heartbreak again. Watching Leo and Darby find their way back to each other–and finding their individual selves again through their love—was the most beautiful reward at the end of this beautifully written and utterly heart-wrenching novel that took me on an emotional journey I wasn’t prepared for, but which I am thankful for all the same.

Ratings:

4.5⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   5💔

Tropes:

💛 Pro Surfer MMC

💛 Runaway bride FMC

💛 “You came” “You needed me”

💛 Road trip

💛 Forbidden first love

💛 Second chance

💛 “It’s always been you”

What I loved:

💛 Beautiful writing style

💛 Excellent dual time narrative

💛 Secret tattoo

💛 A well-placed mirror 👀

💛 The sweetest lucky charm