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jonezzzing's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Pregnancy, Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Medical content
amanda_reads13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.25
Juliet has been dating Danny, a preachers son, when she meets his friend Luke. There is a fine line between love and hate. This is something that Juliet learned the hard way. 10 years later they have reconnected and the past comes creeping back.
This book is filled with angst and heartbreak. I loved Juliet and Luke together. They pushed each other to be better and protected each other at all costs. I really liked the dual time lines, it allowed us to see deeper into the characters and their motivations.
Juliet has escaped the hell that was her family and her stepbrother, and walked right into a cage. Though the preacher's family took her in, they treated her like a slave. They made sure to keep her small and to not let her dream of anything better. I just wanted to give her a hug. She felt so abandoned and alone. I hated some of the decisions she made, but I also understand that she has been beat down her whole life and feels like she owes the Allen family for "saving" her.
Then when Luke entered the picture, she finally felt seen. He changed everything for her, he made her believe that she could be more, do more. She loved him so much that she did everything in her power to protect him, whether it was ensuring he had enough food or putting his future ahead of her feelings
Luke also came from a horrible home. He could connect with and understand Juliet better than any one else could. He instantly recognized the situation Juliet was in. He was the only one who actually cared for Juliet. He defended her, protected her, and loved her for who she is. He was patient, empathetic, and compassionate. He wanted nothing more than to ensure Juliet saw her value and her talent.
Danny and the pastor were very toxic. They were controlling and demanding. They used gaslighting and manipulation to control and shape Juliet into the person they wanted her to be (and Donna).
Tropes: forbidden love (boyfriends best friend), second chance, enemies to lovers, insta-lust, dual timelines, he fell first, forced proximity, found family, love triangle
This book is filled with angst and heartbreak. I loved Juliet and Luke together. They pushed each other to be better and protected each other at all costs. I really liked the dual time lines, it allowed us to see deeper into the characters and their motivations.
Juliet has escaped the hell that was her family and her stepbrother, and walked right into a cage. Though the preacher's family took her in, they treated her like a slave. They made sure to keep her small and to not let her dream of anything better. I just wanted to give her a hug. She felt so abandoned and alone. I hated some of the decisions she made, but I also understand that she has been beat down her whole life and feels like she owes the Allen family for "saving" her.
Then when Luke entered the picture, she finally felt seen. He changed everything for her, he made her believe that she could be more, do more. She loved him so much that she did everything in her power to protect him, whether it was ensuring he had enough food or putting his future ahead of her feelings
Luke also came from a horrible home. He could connect with and understand Juliet better than any one else could. He instantly recognized the situation Juliet was in. He was the only one who actually cared for Juliet. He defended her, protected her, and loved her for who she is. He was patient, empathetic, and compassionate. He wanted nothing more than to ensure Juliet saw her value and her talent.
Danny and the pastor were very toxic. They were controlling and demanding. They used gaslighting and manipulation to control and shape Juliet into the person they wanted her to be (and Donna).
Tropes: forbidden love (boyfriends best friend), second chance, enemies to lovers, insta-lust, dual timelines, he fell first, forced proximity, found family, love triangle
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Grief, Abandonment, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape
sdupont's review
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Wow! I read this book on a whim after skimming a brief excerpt and I am so glad I did. This book really delivered. I don’t think I’ve read a book that was so angsty, the tension and chemistry between the characters was so palpable. I loved Luke, he was so quick to defend and support Juliet. Bad boy energy but only to have your back? Hot! My heart broke for Juliet it really felt like she traded one caged life for another. The b-plot felt a little rushed at the end. I could not put this book down, I absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for an angsty second chance forbidden romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Eating disorder, and Infidelity
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Death, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Abortion, Suicide, and Pregnancy
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