mrmarshall591's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2 stars is because I am excited to have listened through this book do quickly as it truly was captivating and I had no idea what would happen. I would say “I never saw that coming” but that is usually associated with an OMG shocker- that usually makes me look positive upon a book. For this book, my reactions were “uh.”, “what is going on?”, “this makes absolutely no sense” and “nope”. Also the misogyny is through the roof but I think I now see why that was done, but it sure did not help.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Excrement, Sexual content, Misogyny, Gore, Animal death, Death, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Car accident, Gaslighting, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Suicide, Mental illness, and Kidnapping
Minor: Gun violence, Confinement, Addiction, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Body shaming, and Death of parent
blackcatkai's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
CW: ableism, mental illness, blood, sex, violence, fire, murder, kidnapping, gaslighting, car accident, sexual assault, alcohol use, demonization of mental illness, ugly/large characters are outwardly described as creepy & gross, misogyny, animal death, cringey af everything, making light of domestic abuse by referring to a tank top as a wife beater.....
this is like if lifetime tried to make a hallmark romance movie but couldn't stop themselves from also trying to make a thriller. I somehow called the entire twist at the end from the first 5 pages. either im absolutely amazing, or this premise was not executed all that well.
I don't hate the overall idea of the story, but I personally feel it would've been better put together by a completely different author. there is so much cringey dialogue, inner thoughts, romance, and clichés all over.
I will give jeneva credit though: I couldn't stop reading. but more because it was like a train wreck that you simply can't tear your eyes away from. though I also couldn't stop rolling my eyes just about every few pages. so there's that, I guess....
now lemme get one SPOILER out of my head:
.
.
.
.
.
.
AM I SUPPOSED TO BE SHOCKED THAT SHES A SERIAL KILLER WITH AN ENTIRE FAMILY? a husband and kids that love her? yeah, no fucking shit. most serial killers in real life do. this isn't abnormal or shocking in any way. most are fully involved in their community, friends, family, church, all over. but I guess if you're new to horrible people, then that could work for you.
this is like if lifetime tried to make a hallmark romance movie but couldn't stop themselves from also trying to make a thriller. I somehow called the entire twist at the end from the first 5 pages. either im absolutely amazing, or this premise was not executed all that well.
I don't hate the overall idea of the story, but I personally feel it would've been better put together by a completely different author. there is so much cringey dialogue, inner thoughts, romance, and clichés all over.
I will give jeneva credit though: I couldn't stop reading. but more because it was like a train wreck that you simply can't tear your eyes away from. though I also couldn't stop rolling my eyes just about every few pages. so there's that, I guess....
now lemme get one SPOILER out of my head:
.
.
.
.
.
.
AM I SUPPOSED TO BE SHOCKED THAT SHES A SERIAL KILLER WITH AN ENTIRE FAMILY? a husband and kids that love her? yeah, no fucking shit. most serial killers in real life do. this isn't abnormal or shocking in any way. most are fully involved in their community, friends, family, church, all over. but I guess if you're new to horrible people, then that could work for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Body shaming, Ableism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Car accident, Mental illness, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
More...