Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Rising Tides by Nora Roberts

1 review

genny's review against another edition

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

2.0

I am so conflicted about this book. On one hand, I liked the development of the Quinn brothers' relationships, and I actually enjoyed Anna's character more. I also thought that Grace's conflict between being independent vs. learning to ask for help was well-written; she wasn't villainized for not wanting to be seen as fragile. On the other hand, I was really uncomfortable with how Ethan's trauma was addressed. It was like the narration made him out to be a bad person for his apprehension about marriage and having children. Spoiler-y rant:

The solution, apparently, was for Grace and Anna to speed-run therapy on him by pointing out the flaws in his logic (non-verbatim: "You think you're a bad person because your mom was evil? Is that how you think about Seth or anyone else who has a bad parent?! You think they're ALL evil?!" + "Do you believe in the institution of marriage? Yes? Then why aren't you proposing RIGHT THIS INSTANT?!?!?"). As if trauma is logical and Ethan was an idiot for not recognizing that things can be so simple if only he'd just stop thinking so much. And the audacity of Grace to demand that Ethan share his trauma with her? I understand wanting honesty from your partner, of course, but goddamn, they've only just confessed their feelings to each other. Doesn't matter if they were friends before, this is a new stage in the relationship that can be terrifying. Maybe give the guy more than a few weeks to unpack all of his baggage, and then discuss long-term plans like normal adults... Why would you ask a guy to marry you if you've never even discussed the idea before, then feel disrespected when he says no?
I just really disliked that "love overcomes all if you let it" was the moral here instead of, I don't know, encouraging your partner to get therapy and understanding that a satisfying relationship may be something you'll have to work towards.

Side note: Ethan says he was 22 when he fell in love with Grace, who was 14 at the time. I don't care that he didn't act on it, the fact that he was a grown man attracted to a teenager grossed me out. 
Not to mention that scene where he practically assaults Grace, but it's "okay" because she liked it anyway. Verbal consent is a thing, you guys.

Of course there's still that strange "women only bond over household duties and talking about men" thing that was already present in the first book. :/ I will likely still continue with the series because I'm attached to Seth and I'm curious how Phillip's story will play out, but ugh, this was a letdown.
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