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A review by sarahesterman
After the Shut Up Ring by Cate C. Wells
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Have you ever seen one of those viral TikToks of asshole men being completely disrespectful to their soon-to-be wives at their weddings and wondered what happens next? After the Shut Up Ring provides an answer.
And it’s a pretty realistic answer. So if you want some fantasy or escape from reality in your romance, I’ll be honest: this book isn’t it. Like many of Cate C. Wells’ other characters, Angie and Brandon are real, messy, nuanced people. Angie especially. She’s a former teen mom who had a really shit childhood and, as an adult, held onto the semblance of a family as tightly as she could—to her detriment. One consequence of her choice is that she has HSV-2. And—because I like reality in my romance as much as I like fantasy—it was refreshing to see a main character dealing with that responsibly when it comes to future sexual relationships.
I will also say that not a whole lot actually happens in this book. This is a very character-driven book, where most of what’s happening is internal. That worked for me for the mood I was in when reading it (angsty as hell), but I could also see that not working for every reader. I would’ve liked to see more of a robust ending to the book, but otherwise: After the Shut Up Ring was a good fit for the mood I had when reading it, was super sweet despite how it begins, and I’d definitely recommend it.
And it’s a pretty realistic answer. So if you want some fantasy or escape from reality in your romance, I’ll be honest: this book isn’t it. Like many of Cate C. Wells’ other characters, Angie and Brandon are real, messy, nuanced people. Angie especially. She’s a former teen mom who had a really shit childhood and, as an adult, held onto the semblance of a family as tightly as she could—to her detriment. One consequence of her choice is that she has HSV-2. And—because I like reality in my romance as much as I like fantasy—it was refreshing to see a main character dealing with that responsibly when it comes to future sexual relationships.
I will also say that not a whole lot actually happens in this book. This is a very character-driven book, where most of what’s happening is internal. That worked for me for the mood I was in when reading it (angsty as hell), but I could also see that not working for every reader. I would’ve liked to see more of a robust ending to the book, but otherwise: After the Shut Up Ring was a good fit for the mood I had when reading it, was super sweet despite how it begins, and I’d definitely recommend it.