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daybreakreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had alarm bells going off immediately with the abusive character, but I love the depth the author eventually added to *all* of the characters, including the abusive one. When you find out the reasons why he is the way he is, it’s hard to not feel some level of sympathy for him, regardless of the fact that he’s just words on paper. Imagine him as a real human that charms you and makes you feel loved, and the story makes even more sense.
I personally would not recommend this one to anyone who is *currently* struggling with *any* mental illness issues, regardless of what they are, because it’s an in-depth look at flawed thought patterns across multiple characters and how they led to and enabled violence. That said, I was able to make it through it okay despite a prior PTSD diagnosis (among other things) related to something similar, and I really value and appreciate this for what it is. You’re an adult who can choose to do what you would like, but as someone who’s been there and managed to get better, I’d strongly and compassionately advise against it. That goes for anyone even with anxiety or depression who isn’t necessarily at risk for DV. Just my thoughts; keep it on your TBR to look forward to for when you’re doing better :)
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
crimieon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual harassment
enchantingreads_rosyreviews's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern."
My first CoHo book and it was a DOOZY, but I loved it! My family has a history of domestic violence survival and this book felt like a celebration to other survivors and their loved ones. The amount of strength Lily and others like her must find within themselves is awe-inspiring.
Hoover wrote a raw, grounded and realistic portrayal of an all-too-common situation. Watching Lily’s personal growth, especially when she is in conflict with herself, and wracking with the morally grey areas life forces us to face, are two elements which make this story uniquely captivating. This book is guaranteed to stay with you. This book was emotional, empowering, devastating, and left me conflicted at times. But all of these things are what make life beautiful. Without the tough times, the great ones are a little less shiny. I can't wait for the movie adaptation of this book!
When I tell you, this book grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go, I MEAN it! This is not some lovey-dovey romance book where they run off into the sunset together and live happily ever after. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick it up! Instead, this is a grounded, authentic story which brings new meaning to the phrase “every rose has its thorns.”
"15 seconds. That's all it takes to completely change everything about a person. 15 seconds that we'll never get back."
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Gun violence, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
claver04's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Minor: Self harm and Suicide
sarahasperger's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Abandonment
mangofraiche's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infertility, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
krod97's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
sma_olivia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Self harm, Blood, and Suicide attempt
_allyson_nicole's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Grief, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
leilaekn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Self harm, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Suicidal thoughts