A review by women_using_words
Informed Consent by Rachel Spangler

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • 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

I fell into this story straightaway; I found its opening chapters, filled with good natured banter and friendship, quite appealing. I immediately liked the characters. Tegan is a unique dichotomy of youthful inexperience and old-soul wisdom. It’s charming and plays so wonderfully well against Brooke’s more worldly life experience, softening her and making the chemistry between the women completely endearing. Their romance is charged, emotional and fraught with ethical dilemmas and roadblocks. However, despite all of that, readers fall in love with them as they navigate their one-night-to-forever romance. It’s a compelling journey, scripted with emotional intelligence and insight. The raw and heartfelt honesty will no doubt hit readers in the “feels” big time.

Spangler never fails to impress readers with their ability to create absorbing story worlds. In Development, Edge of Glory, Fire and Ice and Quiver are just a few that quickly come to mind; each contains a richly developed story world that is transportive and detailed, enabling readers to “see” the story as it unfolds. Informed Consent, Spangler’s latest, is no different. Its story world is well fleshed, and authentic. Spangler plops readers inside the world of clinical therapists, making the day to day inner workings of the profession feel realistic and approachable. Spangler does this by including seemingly small and insignificant elements, consistent bits and pieces that ensure a vibrant and textured story world. Readers find it not only immersive, but captivating as well.

Supporting characters are another strong suit of Spangler’s. They know how to utilize them to their fullest potential. Readers are generally drawn to them, too. This is especially true for Informed Consent’s Robin. She is as dynamic and “real” as they come. She has her own distinct personality—she’s not some cardboard cutout or prop. When she walks into a scene, readers know they are going to be entertained and charmed. More importantly though, she’s invaluable to the storytelling. She gives it substance and validity. Her interactions with Brooke and Tegan provide insight and context. Readers are better able to understand Brooke and Tegan’s inner workings—what they want and what they fear. Robin’s presence always manages to highlight the raw truth of the moment. Furthermore, her timing is impeccable. Spangler knows exactly when to insert Robin into the storytelling, as she always seems to give the story just what it needs in that moment.

This romance is complex and nuanced with plenty of subtext. The characters’ relationship starts as a hook up, a trope readers are all familiar with. The journey, however, is anything but tired and worn out—quite the opposite, in fact. It remains original and alluring throughout. Additionally, the chemistry between Brooke and Tegan is irresistible. Readers are quickly pulled into the dynamics of their “situation,” mostly because the parameters between these two women are ever shifting and changing. It makes for some intense and eventful reading, but the growth that takes place at the end is meaningful, moving and heartfelt. Spangler wraps it up right, choosing to script a full-circle moment that creates a sense of completion and symmetry, emphasizing Informed Consent’s themes most perfectly. It’s good writing and vintage Spangler.

Final remarks…

This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. The character development is top shelf. The story crafting is stellar. It starts out strong and remains engaging. The way Spangler exposes Brooke and Teagan’s vulnerabilities and raw emotions is piercing at times; they cut these women wide open with beautiful scenes and gorgeous dialogue that tugs at the heart. However, it results in growth and change that is so relatable and moving, one cannot look away. This book—these women—will touch your heart and get under your skin. Spangler is always a must read for me, and Informed Consent didn’t disappoint one bit. It is absolutely a two thumbs up and waving wildly in the air kind of book!

Strengths…

  • Well-developed 
  • Engaging, charged romance 
  • Likable, captivating characters
  • Original and emotionally satisfying