Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Hate

I had seen this book around before it blew up on Booktok, but I was never really interesred in reading it. Then seeing everyone rave about it, I was more curious, but it still did not seem like something I would enjoy. Boy, was I wrong? I could literally not put this down, and I already want to read the second.

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caitlinemccann's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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jojesweden's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Well, damn if this book isn't really impressive when it comes to making you feel what MK is feeling. I have rarely felt such justified rage in sympathy with a character as I did with MK. Maybe I was just in the right mood, or maybe Ms. James is just really good at that. Either way, I liked it.

There are a few weird details here and there that might be plot holes, or they are purposeful inconsistencies hinting at future twists. Nothing bad enough to judge by yet. Or, well, okay, one thing. You don't have a previously unplanned college up and running 11 months after a civic disturbance that led to large parts of the town burning down. That's just not possible.

I like how MK is a mix of broken and strong. She has every reason to be a puddle of despair after what she has witnessed and been through. Even so, she refuses to take the guys' shit even when it clearly hits her in her most vulnerable places. She's torn down over and over again, and she just keeps getting back to her feet regardless of how much it hurts. Even when she disassociates due to her PTSD or has a panic attack (yes, these are different things and it irritates me how often authors refer to any episodic symptoms of PTSD as "panic attacks"), she comes back swinging a few hours later.

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anonymousfrog's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This was fun but damn Tate James for the cliffhangers….(they do get resolved as it’s a series)

I love all the relationships and pairings. MK stands on her own two feet and can kick ass when she wants too.

I feel like this is the mystery Riverdale wanted to be but could never imagine.

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sonibookoroni's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

I am going to take deep breaths, and try to relax because THIS DAMN CLIFFHANGER IS DISRESPECTFUL Tate James. I cannot WAIT for the next 3 books !!! But I will because, hook, line, sinker. Maybe I’ll come back and add to this review later, but right now I don’t even want to think about it!! Lol it’s a great story though for sure, it starts off cliche rebel girl with rich daddy issues breaking the rules and then life ending as she knows it but then gets very interesting. Towards the end you’re loving the “enemies” before BAM stab stab (😉) and you’re left in a glass case of emotions.

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