changenotcoins 's review for:

Hamartia by Scarlett Drake

3.0

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I have mixed feelings about this book because while I did really like the story, I also think there were some red flags that I just can't ignore and that definitely took away from not only my enjoyment of the book but also my rating. First of all, I HATED the way Raphael not only cheated on his fiancee, but also tried to use being possibly bi/gay as an excuse to say it basically "doesn't count". It doesn't matter of you're exploring your sexuality; YOU STILL CHEATED. He knew for months (actually, years if we're being honest) that he really wanted Jae and wasn't in love with Camille anymore, and yet still carried on and planned the wedding and was full on going to marry her, despite his reservations and his feelings for someone else. THEN, he goes so far as to lie to her, plan a weekend with Jae, lie to her and not answer her calls and just ignore her. Um, absolutely not. I supposed if you can get past the cheating, then maybe it's a lot better? I don't know. Also, he said a REALLY homphobic thing to Jae upon meeting him, and to me, that would have been unforgivable and you would have never seen me again. However, Jae just accepts Raphael's apology and they enter into a relationship. It was also evident that Raphael's feelings were based MAINLY on lust and desire and obssession, rather than liking Jae as a PERSON. He constantly talked about his looks, how hot and sexy he was and VERY little about him liking Jae as an actual human being. I never really felt he did, and that it was largely based on his obssession to fuck this man, rather than actually love this man. And finally, throwing in a surprise pregnancy just to cause conflict and the means for a third act breakup was just out of left field and so stupid and unnecessary. Anyway, I did like Jae so much; he was adorable and earnest and truly cared for Raphael. I liked how the eventually navigated Raphael's sexuality, everyone's support and how they ended in the epilogue.