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A review by didiana24
The Stopover by TL Swan
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the kind of book you have to be prepared to read and to be in the right mindset to get through it. Both main characters have their own flaws, in fact, the MMC is a walking red flag, and half of the time you don't understand their reasonings or why they do what they do. That's why I think is necessary to have a clear mind and be prepared to hate but also cheer for Em and Jay.
When I read this kind of book I detach myself from the real world, because I know where my morals, values and believings are set, I just decide to ignore them in fiction and enjoy this kind of toxic, morally questionable, divorced-at-first-sight stories. If my friend was in Em's situation I would book her a flight to Australia and put a restriction order for the emocional abuser asshole that is hurting her.
That said, the plot of the leaked info and the rivalry with the other family is good. Maybe I would have liked that extra touch of drama including the paper that the rival family had in all of the mess that happens with the company.
Also Jay is a total asshole, every time he opens his mouth you want to punch him in the face. Not just for his need to control everything she does and everything she is, but for his rudeness with Em, his humor changes and the way he hurts her time and time again.
I think she forgives him too easily, even if she tries to resist and at certain times she is kind of conscious about her situation, in a way, she ends up doing what he orders. He forces her to make a final decision in just a couple of days after all the suffering. I mean, who wouldn't have massive trust issues with his constant changes of personality?
Anyways, the sex scenes are fantastic, the author aces them and walks you perfectly through the emotions the characters feel.
In conclusion, even if my previous words suggest the opposite, I really liked the book and I think is a really enjoyable read to disconnect and let go of some steam (not pun intended).
When I read this kind of book I detach myself from the real world, because I know where my morals, values and believings are set, I just decide to ignore them in fiction and enjoy this kind of toxic, morally questionable, divorced-at-first-sight stories.
That said, the plot of the leaked info and the rivalry with the other family is good. Maybe I would have liked that extra touch of drama including the paper that the rival family had in all of the mess that happens with the company.
Also Jay is a total asshole, every time he opens his mouth you want to punch him in the face. Not just for his need to control everything she does and everything she is, but for his rudeness with Em, his humor changes and the way he hurts her time and time again.
I think she forgives him too easily, even if she tries to resist and at certain times she is kind of conscious about her situation, in a way, she ends up doing what he orders. He forces her to make a final decision in just a couple of days after all the suffering. I mean, who wouldn't have massive trust issues with his constant changes of personality?
Anyways, the sex scenes are fantastic, the author aces them and walks you perfectly through the emotions the characters feel.
In conclusion, even if my previous words suggest the opposite, I really liked the book and I think is a really enjoyable read to disconnect and let go of some steam (not pun intended).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship