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criticalgayze's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
I know I normally say that strict "romance" is not for me, but I really dug this book. I think a big part of that is that the characters' own struggles with sexuality and faith are very relatable to me.
Oh, and this one was hot. 9.5/10 on the level and content of the steam. (Slight point deduction for referring too much mouth licking and referring to genitalia as "my/his sex" and to closed mouths as having "seams.")
After a novel built on the back of will they/won't they angst, I do think the revelation/resolution comes too fast without any kind of real interior or assisted awakening or growth; however, I think this is a strong novel overall with great steam, characters, and writing.
Quotes:
There’s only the aching knowledge that you yourself are a kind of momentary prayer, uttered with reverence, spoken softly into the air, and then finished with a gentle and loving selah. (Page 10)
The thing about falling in love is that by the time you realize it’s happened, it’s already too late. Your boyfriend already has sprinkles for you in the pocket of his Tom Ford suit. You’ve already had bubble gum kisses on a warm city night. (Page 59)
My reflexive dislike vanishes in the face of a reality I shared with him before monkhood— which is that safety is contingent on space, on who is in that space, and even though I am wearing the robes of the god- man who chose people from the margins to share his heart, I know that his spaces and believers have often been the least safe of all. (Page 121)
“You bring me closer to God, Elijah,” I tell him softly. “Simply by existing.” (Page 403)
Oh, and this one was hot. 9.5/10 on the level and content of the steam. (Slight point deduction for referring too much mouth licking and referring to genitalia as "my/his sex" and to closed mouths as having "seams.")
After a novel built on the back of will they/won't they angst, I do think the revelation/resolution comes too fast without any kind of real interior or assisted awakening or growth; however, I think this is a strong novel overall with great steam, characters, and writing.
Quotes:
There’s only the aching knowledge that you yourself are a kind of momentary prayer, uttered with reverence, spoken softly into the air, and then finished with a gentle and loving selah. (Page 10)
The thing about falling in love is that by the time you realize it’s happened, it’s already too late. Your boyfriend already has sprinkles for you in the pocket of his Tom Ford suit. You’ve already had bubble gum kisses on a warm city night. (Page 59)
My reflexive dislike vanishes in the face of a reality I shared with him before monkhood— which is that safety is contingent on space, on who is in that space, and even though I am wearing the robes of the god- man who chose people from the margins to share his heart, I know that his spaces and believers have often been the least safe of all. (Page 121)
“You bring me closer to God, Elijah,” I tell him softly. “Simply by existing.” (Page 403)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Suicide, and Death of parent
laura_rheads_too_much's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide