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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
tutti1908's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was an engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The fact that I started it on a Friday and finished it by Saturday speaks volumes—it’s one of those books that’s hard to put down.
While the characters were undeniably frustrating at times, that’s part of what made the story compelling. A well-written book should evoke strong emotions, and this one certainly did. The dual perspectives added depth, allowing me to see different sides of the story and appreciate the complexity of the issues presented.
One aspect I struggled with was the incident involving Walsh—I wish it had happened in a different setting, as that particular location tends to be steeped in stereotypes, and I hate to see them perpetuated. That said, the novel tackled layered issues with nuance, highlighting how much communication (or lack thereof) shapes relationships and conflicts.
As someone who has personally dealt with grief, I appreciated the balance of raw emotion and sensitivity in how it was portrayed. The quote about being a river and following your own course has stayed with me since finishing the book—it resonated deeply and added an element of reflection to the reading experience.
The main character? Frustrating at times, absolutely. But that’s part of what makes them real. It’s a strange feeling to want something for a character when you know that what they’re pursuing is both right and wrong at the same time.
Overall, this was an engrossing read, and I look forward to continuing the series. If the next books captivate me as much as this one did, I know I’m in for a treat.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Toxic friendship
thekrujue's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Pregnancy
beethelibrarian's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Kennedy has made me a life long fan of hers through this book! This was my first read by her and I’m
Obsessed with what she created.
I love the chemistry between Walsh and Kerris. It’s undeniable, it’s wrong in many ways but it’s thorough! Walsh sees and falls in love with Kerri’s before he even finds out that his best friends girlfriend. Walsh believes so deep that Kerris is the one for him that ruining his relationship with his best friend Cam is worth it. Kerris and Cam’s relationship is complicated and convenient, connected by struggle and hope, however lacking a spark. This journey takes us on ride of emotions and desires and ultimately morals. In the beginning it all seems terribly wrong until you realize that perhaps Walsh is on to something, and that Cam and Kerris must revisit their relationship dynamics because well hurt people trauma bond.
Loved it!
Obsessed with what she created.
I love the chemistry between Walsh and Kerris. It’s undeniable, it’s wrong in many ways but it’s thorough! Walsh sees and falls in love with Kerri’s before he even finds out that his best friends girlfriend. Walsh believes so deep that Kerris is the one for him that ruining his relationship with his best friend Cam is worth it. Kerris and Cam’s relationship is complicated and convenient, connected by struggle and hope, however lacking a spark. This journey takes us on ride of emotions and desires and ultimately morals. In the beginning it all seems terribly wrong until you realize that perhaps Walsh is on to something, and that Cam and Kerris must revisit their relationship dynamics because well hurt people trauma bond.
Loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
savagereads_'s review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
we all know I’m a big love triangle girlie. This one was hard for me to get into, and I think it’s because it’s written in the third person. I really had trouble connecting with the characters because there was little insight to how the characters were feeling. I really felt the majority of the angst was missing because of this.
The whole derailment of the budding chemistry of one of the men based on miscommunication/poor assumptions on the FMC’s part really threw me. After that point, the FMC became thoroughly annoying.
I felt the plot twists were very abrupt and the one really felt irrelevant considering the story just brushed over it like it never happened after the fact.
I bought the paperbacks, so I will continue with the second book but if I already didn’t own it, I likely wouldn’t continue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Alcohol
sydneymcduffie's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault