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discarded_dust_jacket's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It’s clear what the main goal of each of the books in this duology is: the first book is about reunion, overcoming lingering resistance to a relationship between Jessica and each of the members of this group, and building trust. And the second book is about love, and the admission/acceptance that they all love Jess and vice versa, as well as healing and forgiveness between them.
I understand that none of those things can be rushed, so on the one hand, I understand why it needed to be broken into two books and why each of the books had to be so long, but to be totally honest, this one still felt a bit too long to me. I think it’s because at least in the first book there was tension; the book started with Jess still hanging with the popular kids and so, plot-wise, a lot more BIG, external shifts had to happen in that book. It kept my attention.
This one, they’re already in a relationship, so all of the shifts that take place happen on a character-driven, emotional level. Sure there’s some outside threat with Manson’s father, but honestly that aspect of the plot feels very marginal.
Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed getting to know each of the guys individually and their stories. The sex was obviously very very hot. The found family element was *chef’s kiss*. It wasn’t bad by ANY means and I’d still absolutely recommend it. I just thought this one moved a little slow at times.
I understand that none of those things can be rushed, so on the one hand, I understand why it needed to be broken into two books and why each of the books had to be so long, but to be totally honest, this one still felt a bit too long to me. I think it’s because at least in the first book there was tension; the book started with Jess still hanging with the popular kids and so, plot-wise, a lot more BIG, external shifts had to happen in that book. It kept my attention.
This one, they’re already in a relationship, so all of the shifts that take place happen on a character-driven, emotional level. Sure there’s some outside threat with Manson’s father, but honestly that aspect of the plot feels very marginal.
Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed getting to know each of the guys individually and their stories. The sex was obviously very very hot. The found family element was *chef’s kiss*. It wasn’t bad by ANY means and I’d still absolutely recommend it. I just thought this one moved a little slow at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Stalking, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, and Murder