smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Apollo is amazing!! I absolutely loved his character and was rooting for his happiness from the beginning. This was a really beautiful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Police brutality
Minor: Violence and Mental illness
givemaribooks's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This was ok. Just ok. I really liked the couple, and most of the side characters, but the story itself just fell flat to me. Apollo was great, and I really wanted to like his story but it just didn’t work for. The story didn’t make a lot of sense, plus the character kept being dumb. They kept having conversations where they could easily be overheard about things they were trying to keep secret. I just got the sense the author didn’t know where she wanted to take this story. The murderer reveal didn’t make that much sense, and that story with Indio’s father was not necessary.
I’m also confused as to why Apollo pulls out when they first have sex, she makes a big deal of it by thanking him, but after not mentioning it again, they keep having sex but he doesn’t pull out again. That made no sense, especially since Lily didn’t think they had a future together.
And lastly, I have an issue with how disabilities are portrayed in the book, and how the hero gets his voice back and is “cured.” Even though it’s a historical, the author could have avoided certain words that we now know are offensive.
I will say that I’m looking forward to Phoebe and the Captain’s story based on what we got see of them.
I’m also confused as to why Apollo pulls out when they first have sex, she makes a big deal of it by thanking him, but after not mentioning it again, they keep having sex but he doesn’t pull out again. That made no sense, especially since Lily didn’t think they had a future together.
And lastly, I have an issue with how disabilities are portrayed in the book, and how the hero gets his voice back and is “cured.” Even though it’s a historical, the author could have avoided certain words that we now know are offensive.
I will say that I’m looking forward to Phoebe and the Captain’s story based on what we got see of them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
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