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bribreez's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
*LOOK UP TRIGGER WARNINGS & DON’T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ, “Leo” By: Mia Sheridan! SPOILERS AHEAD!
This story centered on the events of the previous book, “Leo”, but in this book it was told through Leo’s point of view. Obviously most of the story was already known since having read the first book, but what I liked about this one was that I got to see more of Leo and exactly what he experienced from the time he was adopted, to him coming back into Evie’s life, and all the inner turmoil he struggled with.
Leo had a harsh upbringing and that was evident in the way he expanded on his childhood with his biological father and then detailing the truth of what occurred when he was with his new adopted parents. Much of the story gave insight into what Leo wanted, specifically wanting to reconnect with Evie and finally go after her as he always wished he had. Leo loved Evie so fiercely and protective over her which I loved. At times, some of the things that Leo did like lie to Evie about who he really was, wasn’t ideal, but I don’t hold it against him too badly. All in all, this story was filled with second chance romance, sadness, heavy topics, passion, and overcoming obstacles.
A lot of Leo’s inner demons stemmed from the things he endured as a child and the predatory behavior of his stepmother. Leo always felt like he didn’t deserve Evie, especially after what occurred with his stepmother, Lauren. For the longest time, Leo tried to numb his pain through partying, drinking so much to the point of blacking out, acting recklessly, and of course sleeping around to escape but also get back at Lauren. With Leo reconnecting with Evie, not only was he going through a lot of inner conflict, but realizing that being around Evie brought back feelings and emotions he hadn’t truly experienced in so long. The last time Leo felt true joy and happiness was when he and Evie were kids. In a way, it said a lot about the connection with Evie and how much she had an effect on Leo.
In Leo’s past, he restored to whatever he could to numb his pain or banish away the actions he was pushed to with Lauren. Being back with Evie, Leo was able to truly feel happy, and also come to terms with his feelings for Evie. Obviously it was no secret that Leo had always loved Evie, but for all the years he stayed away from her, he did that because, he felt tarnished, used, and dirty. Leo was working through his issues, and became comfortable again to experience pleasure and intimacy in a way that he hadn’t been able to feel for so long. Lauren took away Leo’s sense of safety when it came to his body. In addition, as a means of rebelling and avoiding his issues, Leo used to sleep around. The fact that Leo felt empty when he hooked up with woman or even attempted to date, illustrated his inability to be in an relationship or in Leo’s words, nothing felt right unless it was with Evie. Being with Evie not only was a second chance at the love they once had when they were younger, but also gave Leo the chance to express true pleasure that he had dreamt and imagined having with Evie.
This story mentioned some heavy topics, and of course with this being in Leo’s perspective it highlighted the ways that Leo went about working through those hardships. Reading through Leo’s point of view was great, but also reading how Leo ended up talking to a psychologist at the hospital when he was recovering from his car accident, illustrated the moment he started to work on his mental health as well. Up until the point of his car accident, it seemed like Leo didn’t have anyone to talk through his problems, so when Doctor Fox came into the story, he helped Leo by providing him a lending ear and being brutally honest with him to help.
Despite having known what already happened in this story since I read, “Leo”, which was told through Evie’s perspective, reading this story from Leo’s point of view allowed me to further dig deep into Leo’s life. My heart broke for Leo and all that he had endured. Leo dealt with a lot of guilt, not feeling like he deserved Evie or felt like he was complicit in what happened with Lauren. Leo had his own journey of working through both his emotional and mental state of mind. Through the help and guidance of Dr. Fox, Leo was given the tools to better himself, and put himself back on the path he could choose himself. Evie and Leo together were sweet, loving, and so passionately in love. With every book Mia Sheridan book I’ve read, they hold a special place in my heart, and my love for the characters. The epilogues in this book were new scenes that showed Evie and Leo’s happy ending together as well as how their lives ended up with them getting engaged, married, having children, and all the good that they did in order to help foster children. Definitely read this book after reading, “Leo”, you’ll have a greater appreciation for Leo and Evie’s story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
chavborromeo's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What I really don't like in MC's in general is, they don't give their partner a chance to make decisions for themselves. I get it that intentions are good but it feels like they don't trust them enough to decided for themselves. Leo/Jake experienced hell in the hands of the people that should love and protect him but then he's still lucky to have Dr. Fox and cared for him. Gosh, Lauren pedophile bitch deserves to rotten in jail. She's a sick bitch. I love the ending 😻 the peacefulness they deserve <333
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Pedophilia
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