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groset's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
emilyfrenchie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity
aelin_morgenstern's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Physical abuse and Stalking
Minor: Pregnancy
kingrosereads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Madison had Jamie when she was 17 years old and now at 25 as a single mom working 65 hours a week at three jobs and going to school full time, so she doesn’t have time to date. Madison gets judged for being a young mother on top of the usually crap single moms get. She was married to an abusive man (not Jamie’s dad) but has been divorced for 3 years. They’ve moved into a new apartment next to grumpy 34 year old, Garrett. He’s tall and hot. Her childhood best friend, Layla has moved in to help with Jamie until she’s finished school and can get one full-time job. Layla spends most of her time trying to get Madison laid, particularly with the neighbor Madison can’t help be attracted to.
Okay so it wasn’t my favorite but it had its moments. I loved the representation of a single mom, particularly a young mom. I also have to say this is the best kid I’ve read written in romance books. He doesn’t sound like an adult and he also isn’t babyed down. It had some funny moments and sweet moments. I even got misty eyed at a few scenes. It also addressed things like domestic violence, abuse, sexual harassment, poverty, slut shaming, and anxiety. It does address these themes pretty well.
I have to say I didn’t really like Layla, she’s a bit annoying and really toed the line of respectfully and disrespectfully pushing your friend. She was too into Madison’s business and it just irritated me. I wasn’t a fan of Madison trying to get Jamie to feel grateful for having food because that’s the bare minimum of the bare minimum that you’re supposed to provide for your child. I just think it’s really toxic parenting to guilt your child into needing to be grateful that you provide the basic necessities of life for a child YOU brought into the world.
Garrett also was a difficult love interest to like. He kept doing things that you just shouldn’t do to survivors of domestic violence. And pushing Madison was not okay, constantly reassuring? That’s fine. But the pushing was not okay. He’s also waaaaay too possessive. Madison can’t even talk to men? MAJOR red flag. If I wanted to read a toxic romance or dark romance I would’ve, but this was not advertised as either.
The spice scene (at 90% by the way) was pretty decent. I respect it. Okay, it was hot.
I’m glad there wasn’t a miscommunication or break up part of the book.
I think just on a personal level, it’s not my cup of tea which is why I wouldn’t recommend this unless you for sure love a controlling, jealous ex-Marine type that will parent your kid without a second thought (the only redeeming quality). If you have kids, are a single mom, or someday want kids, then this book will probably be good for you. My feelings aside, I graded it based on how well I think it was written. Honestly if Garrett wasn’t a factor I would’ve liked it as just a drama about single motherhood.
Overall, a decent book.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
anaya_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
ecravens's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Stalking, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment