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endleslybooked's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
You can definitely tell that When You Are Mine is some of Ryan’s earliest work in mostly really wonderful ways. The characters have Ryan’s signature character complexity. Walsh, Kerris, Cam, Jo, literally everyone in this book are LAYERED. It’s a little slow in spots and the character dynamics were honestly a little dark for my romance preferences, but Ryan’s writing is so beautiful and I love her early inclination to leave the reader with a cliffhanger and not the anticipated romance happy ending we’ve come to expect.
lissie_reads_romance's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
ask_rachel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
WILD ride lol like a telenovela. Can’t wait to read the next one.
paisleybh's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.0
I really enjoyed this early work from Kennedy Ryan, and could see how her writing has evolved in her more recent books. The plot centers around Kerris, and the emotional complexity of her character is what truly drew me in. I found myself deeply empathizing with her internal struggle, especially as she navigates the mental gymnastics involved in making what she believes is the best decision for her future self. Ryan does a great job of illustrating the pressure Kerris feels in balancing her desires with her obligations and aspirations.
There were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven, and the story’s emotional depth wasn’t always as fully realized as I would have liked. You can definitely tell this is an earlier work, as Ryan’s writing style hasn’t yet reached the sharp, intricate level seen in her more recent releases.
The romance itself was engaging, and I appreciated how Ryan explored the complexities of love and the sacrifices that come with it. I'd recommend this book, especially because it showcases Kennedy Ryan’s raw talent and ability to draw readers into complex emotional situations. If you’re a fan of her later books, it’s definitely interesting to see the groundwork she laid here.
There were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven, and the story’s emotional depth wasn’t always as fully realized as I would have liked. You can definitely tell this is an earlier work, as Ryan’s writing style hasn’t yet reached the sharp, intricate level seen in her more recent releases.
The romance itself was engaging, and I appreciated how Ryan explored the complexities of love and the sacrifices that come with it. I'd recommend this book, especially because it showcases Kennedy Ryan’s raw talent and ability to draw readers into complex emotional situations. If you’re a fan of her later books, it’s definitely interesting to see the groundwork she laid here.
torrie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughts
After reading the Hoops series and now this book I realized Ryan loves a forbidden romance and I ain't mad at it.
I really enjoyed this one. There are so many triangles going on I don't even know if it is a triangle anymore. (Lol I am being dramatic)
I love the characters and I am excited to go on this journey with them.
After reading the Hoops series and now this book I realized Ryan loves a forbidden romance and I ain't mad at it.
I really enjoyed this one. There are so many triangles going on I don't even know if it is a triangle anymore. (Lol I am being dramatic)
I love the characters and I am excited to go on this journey with them.
missmimosa's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ashleywax911's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
kylie_duncan's review against another edition
2.0
I was gifted a copy of this book from NetGalley when it was rereleased with its new cover. I wanted to love this book because I have adored every single thing Kennedy Ryan has written, but the whole book surrounded the theme of betrayal and didn’t sit well with me. It looks like this is the first book ever written by this author, and I can confidently say her writing and stories have come full circle since this book. I could not connect to this story and had a hard time getting through it. In the end, I was left feeling like there was not even really close to a conclusion of the book. Sorry Kennedy but this one didn’t do it for me. I still think you are a queen though and will continue to devour books to come ❤️