lovelymisanthrope'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
5.0
"Still Beating" is a dark romance that follows Cora and Dean. Cora has known Dean since High school, and she has loathed every minute she has to spend with him. Unfortunately for her, he is her sister's fiancé, and it looks like she is stuck with him in her life. After a night out, Cora calls Dean for a ride home from the bar, but they never make it home. Cora and Dean wake up chained in a stranger's basement, and they will have to learn to get along if they want to make it out alive.
Warning: this book is VERY dark and tackles some very challenging issues.
I devoured this book. I was so captivated by Cora's and Dean's story, and I was entirely enamored with watching their relationship evolve. I am normally not a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but this felt so believable and not like true hate, and they were not "enemies" for too much of the story. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved that they have known each other for so long. Their history, despite the constant teasing and pranks, really made their connection all the more believable.
Spoiler
Something I loved more than their raw chemistry was how Dean knew how to take care of Cora afterwards. They went through an unimaginable experience and Cora especially had a really difficult time dealing with it. Even though Dean wanted nothing more than to be with Cora, he knew what she really needed was to find herself again, and he stepped away. This selfless act was so beautiful and really proves how much Dean adores Cora.Spoiler
I 1000% will read from Jennifer Hartmann in the future and I will recommend this book to a very niche audience.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Grief, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Rape, Kidnapping, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
pibblemama97'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
5.0
Graphic: Miscarriage, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Death, Gore, Grief, Cursing, Mental illness, Blood, and Confinement
Moderate: Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Rape, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Torture, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
ashlikes'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? No
3.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Death, Sexual violence, Infidelity, Rape, Suicide, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Animal death, Cursing, Drug use, Grief, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Medical trauma, Dementia, Medical content, Sexism, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Murder, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Minor: Abandonment, Ableism, Pregnancy, Stalking, and Homophobia
ky_wes's review against another edition
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Gore, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Violence
Minor: Stalking, Vomit, Animal cruelty, and Pregnancy
d_fine001's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Stalking, Death, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt
mrsschreave's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Abortion, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Death, Dementia, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Stalking, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Miscarriage, and Misogyny