A review by ashlightgrayson
Fawned by Winter Pior

challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • 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

5.0

Despite having a lot of erotica elements within the plot, this book was very wholesome. Themes of body dysmorphia, mental health, and self-love are heavily explored through the relationship between Barnaby and Gil. Barnaby is anxious and insecure and approaches Gil in an attempt to expand his sexual boundaries. Gil attends the same college campus as Barnaby and has a reputation for being promiscuous. As Barnaby continues having sexual encounters with Gil, it is clear that there is more to him than what's on the surface. Both Barnaby and Gil struggle with mental health issues and being vulnerable. With each other they are able to forge a path to satisfying communication and vulnerability as they go from friends with benefits to romantic and sexual partners. They learn to support each other through their struggles without being judgmental. There are side characters that make intermittent appearances within the story, including Barnaby's friend and Gil's family. Overall, their presence contributes to the story between the two but is not a central plot point. The sexual content is very kink heavy, so this may not be for readers that are not comfortable with or interested in that. The emotional development of the two main characters still ends up being the main focus of the story, though. This has been one of my favorite romances this year. I'm hoping the author publishes future books because I will definitely be picking them up.
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