A review by tutti1908
When You Are Mine by Kennedy Ryan

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.


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