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rosie_valadez's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Trafficking, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and War
lololovesthings's review
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- 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
3.0
3 stars.
Mia Sheridan has been hit or miss for me, and "Stinger" falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. My main complaint is that this book is far too long and pretty dang repetitive. I enjoyed the character development that main characters Grace and Carson both exhibit, but their self-improvement and self-discovery does happen very quickly and seems far too hefty for a single weekend together. Once Grace and Carson part after their whirlwind Las Vegas weekend together, they both change in ways that were influenced by the other. Years later, will they get their second chance? I like Mia Sheridan's banter and (most of her) spice (but I wish she'd stop saying "core" so dang much!!!), but something in her writing style leaves a lot left to be desired. It's a little...pedestrian, perhaps? It's like her stories are supposed to be substantive with these big grand reveals, but almost always wind up feeling very basic, and in this case, kind of cringey. Maybe I just didn't resonated with the story and these characters. It all felt a little too implausible for me. It starts off really strong, and I really enjoyed the first portion of the story, but Sheridan keeps adding one scenario after scenario that left me with raised eyebrows. I also hated how judgmental Grace was about Carson being an adult film star early on in the story. She is happy to reap the benefits of his profession, but shames him about it multiple times in the process. Not very progressive if you ask me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any way for my review.
Mia Sheridan has been hit or miss for me, and "Stinger" falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. My main complaint is that this book is far too long and pretty dang repetitive. I enjoyed the character development that main characters Grace and Carson both exhibit, but their self-improvement and self-discovery does happen very quickly and seems far too hefty for a single weekend together. Once Grace and Carson part after their whirlwind Las Vegas weekend together, they both change in ways that were influenced by the other. Years later, will they get their second chance? I like Mia Sheridan's banter and (most of her) spice (but I wish she'd stop saying "core" so dang much!!!), but something in her writing style leaves a lot left to be desired. It's a little...pedestrian, perhaps? It's like her stories are supposed to be substantive with these big grand reveals, but almost always wind up feeling very basic, and in this case, kind of cringey. Maybe I just didn't resonated with the story and these characters. It all felt a little too implausible for me. It starts off really strong, and I really enjoyed the first portion of the story, but Sheridan keeps adding one scenario after scenario that left me with raised eyebrows. I also hated how judgmental Grace was about Carson being an adult film star early on in the story. She is happy to reap the benefits of his profession, but shames him about it multiple times in the process. Not very progressive if you ask me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any way for my review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Trafficking, and War
nickypizarro's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I pride myself on being able to predict how books and movies are going to play out. Boy was I wrong time and time again while reading this one. Each page brought an unexpected layer to the story, making this book stand out for me. Grace is described as the girl with a plan while Carson is the more carefree character but one weekend changes all of that for them. While I wasn't the biggest fan of the judgment on his early career choice, I know this is common. Overall I liked how both Carson and Grace grew up separately over time before realizing they should be together. The weekend was a huge catalyst in both of their lives. Sometimes it really is the right person, wrong time. The way Mia used this book to also shed light on a huge issue like human trafficking is admirable. I really hope there are some Carson's out there in this world trying to fight that battle just as passionately as he is alongside his team.
3/5 Spice Level
TWs are mild to moderate.
While I received an ARC of this book, my thoughts are all my own.
3/5 Spice Level
TWs are mild to moderate.
While I received an ARC of this book, my thoughts are all my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail