bzzylz's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
justkeyreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- 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
jhunt20's review
Couldn't get into it, odd writing style and not likeable characters
readbooks_eatapples's review against another edition
1.0
Hard no for content. CW: on-page torture, manipulation, abuse of those with special needs, abuse and subjugation of women, statutory rape, the list goes on.
This author had handled trauma so well in other books, with a gritty, intense, wonderful writing style that made the stress worth it. This book made me anxious and a little sick, where the trauma is happening and there’s supposed to be a sweet romance happening at the same time? No. I’m not finished yet and will likely skim through a big chunk, but I am mourning the lost potential of these wonderful characters. They’re both survivors, and they’re so complex and interesting (especially Luc). I just did not sign up for this level of trauma.
Update: I’m going to finish this at a skim because I feel compelled to, but I might never pick up this author again. I am so uncomfortable with the consent issues, considering this traumatized, tortured woman is escaping and hiding from people who are literally hunting her, and the very day after she escapes is suddenly overcome by physical attraction. No matter his character otherwise, this guy is clearly taking advantage of an uneducated victim, even if he does stop himself. Too fast, too much. Despite the great language, the story takes this down to a 1.5 for me, rounding down because I would never even be tempted to read again.
This author had handled trauma so well in other books, with a gritty, intense, wonderful writing style that made the stress worth it. This book made me anxious and a little sick, where the trauma is happening and there’s supposed to be a sweet romance happening at the same time? No. I’m not finished yet and will likely skim through a big chunk, but I am mourning the lost potential of these wonderful characters. They’re both survivors, and they’re so complex and interesting (especially Luc). I just did not sign up for this level of trauma.
Update: I’m going to finish this at a skim because I feel compelled to, but I might never pick up this author again. I am so uncomfortable with the consent issues, considering this traumatized, tortured woman is escaping and hiding from people who are literally hunting her, and the very day after she escapes is suddenly overcome by physical attraction. No matter his character otherwise, this guy is clearly taking advantage of an uneducated victim, even if he does stop himself. Too fast, too much. Despite the great language, the story takes this down to a 1.5 for me, rounding down because I would never even be tempted to read again.
shomarq's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
reading_rainy's review against another edition
4.0
*3.5* Like the two previous books in this series, these are emotionally heavy. This one features a young woman from a physically and emotionally abusive religious cult, and her neighbor, a gentle giant who has buried family trauma.
Abby was brought into the cult at the age of seven by her religious mother, and she was married to a man in his 50s when she was fifteen. Abby is no blushing virgin, but she also has zero experience with intimacy either. She's been watching Luc tend his vineyard for two years through the fence separating their land. After her husband dies, she begins to question some of the choices the cult leader has made. Her ultimate motivation to leave, is as a sweet young man who has seizures, and the cult doesn't believe in medication or outside interference.
Luc is a broody man. Tall, strong, and patient as he takes gentle care of his vines. He's the perfect hero for Abby. He has a secret hidden past from his family's vineyard in France that he hasn't dealt with, and he just wants everyone to leave him alone.
I felt both characters were written incredibly well, and had strengths on their own without the other, but I wanted a little something more from the overall story. It ended rather abruptly after heaps of trauma and I needed an epilogue where I could see about this couple in a peaceful, safe, loving home.
Abby was brought into the cult at the age of seven by her religious mother, and she was married to a man in his 50s when she was fifteen. Abby is no blushing virgin, but she also has zero experience with intimacy either. She's been watching Luc tend his vineyard for two years through the fence separating their land. After her husband dies, she begins to question some of the choices the cult leader has made. Her ultimate motivation to leave, is as a sweet young man who has seizures, and the cult doesn't believe in medication or outside interference.
Luc is a broody man. Tall, strong, and patient as he takes gentle care of his vines. He's the perfect hero for Abby. He has a secret hidden past from his family's vineyard in France that he hasn't dealt with, and he just wants everyone to leave him alone.
I felt both characters were written incredibly well, and had strengths on their own without the other, but I wanted a little something more from the overall story. It ended rather abruptly after heaps of trauma and I needed an epilogue where I could see about this couple in a peaceful, safe, loving home.
abbythompson's review against another edition
1.0
Dear book,
It's not you. It's me. I just don't have it in me right now to read about this kind of trauma.
Maybe another time.
Love,
me
It's not you. It's me. I just don't have it in me right now to read about this kind of trauma.
Maybe another time.
Love,
me
ilefkowitz's review against another edition
4.0
This series continues to shine! Abby is a sheltered member of the Church of the Apocalyptic Faith who yearns for more. Sadly more isn't tolerated in the Church. Not much of anything is; no outside influences are allowed. Children are separated from their parents and women are items to be given to men by the prophet Isaiah. Luc owns the property next door where he is trying to bring to life the vision of his beloved Grandpere through the soil and vines. Abby and Luc meet when Abby sneaks out to beg for a job. Her husband Hamish recently died leaving her at the mercy of Isaiah. While Luc feels sorry for her, he is hesitant to get involved with one of the members of the Church. As Abby and Luc start working together Luc is overwhelmed with his feelings for Abby. When he moved here he shut off his feelings, hid them away and devoted himself to the grapes. Abby needs Luc to help her escape but their fledgling work relationship is threatened as now they are both targets of the Church. Abby's awakening and introduction to the real world is believable and not rushed. Readers of the previous books will be happy to see Clay and Dr. George make appearances. Hoping that there is a new book in the series soon!
humblej's review
5.0
This one is the best in the series. The love story and passion are there, but their interactions are more believable. The progression in their relationship feels real, and both of the characters aren't entirely consumed by their love for one another. I also really liked that there was a separation between who God is and what he wants, and how the men in the church twisted His words for their own purpose. Books like these that don't hate on having faith at all are rare.