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cicidean's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
areushura's review against another edition
2.0
The beginning of this book looked promising. Samira, in her late 20s, can't keep a steady job and relies on her brother's money to pay her rent (which is not so cool but cool in a way - I mean yes, give me flawed characters for once!). When she meets rich golf star Roland at a party, she falls for him and soon agrees to become his wife and move to his luxurious mansion in another state. But as you might have already guessed, the story is not that simple - Roland is a widower, and he may or may have not have something to do with his late wife Melanie's death. Very soon Samira finds Melanie's journals, which the latter was writing for her therapist, and she will eventually find out whether Roland killed the previous Mrs or he didn't.
Unfortunately, the book failed to entertain me. Melanie's journals are written not in a way journals should be, but indistinguishable from the whole book - people don't write their journals like professional writers do. However, the main reason I didn't enjoy the story was the predictability and lack of originality. If you listen to what the characters say carefully and notice little details, congrats - there will be no twists here for you, it's all laid out in the plain sight. If you missed the hints, you will probably be disappointed notwithstanding, as these twists are already overused and appeared in so many books of the genre.
It's a pity as Shanora Williams strikes me as a good personality according to what I've read about her in the interviews, so - good luck to her and her next books, I will not refuse to read something new from her. This one just wasn't for me.
Unfortunately, the book failed to entertain me. Melanie's journals are written not in a way journals should be, but indistinguishable from the whole book - people don't write their journals like professional writers do. However, the main reason I didn't enjoy the story was the predictability and lack of originality. If you listen to what the characters say carefully and notice little details, congrats - there will be no twists here for you, it's all laid out in the plain sight. If you missed the hints, you will probably be disappointed notwithstanding, as these twists are already overused and appeared in so many books of the genre.
Spoiler
I mean, the murder victim's body was severely damaged and identified only by DNA, and soon we find out she had a twin sister?! Oh boy that looks suspicious to me..It's a pity as Shanora Williams strikes me as a good personality according to what I've read about her in the interviews, so - good luck to her and her next books, I will not refuse to read something new from her. This one just wasn't for me.
ntrllybookish's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I listened tk the audiobook and wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I read it. The narrator wasn’t the best especially for the voice she gave Melanie.
Somewhere between the middle and end of the book, the story and characters fell a little flat. No character development.
Somewhere between the middle and end of the book, the story and characters fell a little flat. No character development.
dj_is_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3.25⭐️
"Isn't it so strange that the people we damn near hate are exactly like us?"
I’m not sure I have many words for this one. I was disturbed by some of the relationships but I understand it’s necessary to the story and reflective of someone’s life, unfortunately.
Samira made a host of bad decisions in the beginning, but I’m always here for someone finding their purpose.
"Isn't it so strange that the people we damn near hate are exactly like us?"
I’m not sure I have many words for this one. I was disturbed by some of the relationships but I understand it’s necessary to the story and reflective of someone’s life, unfortunately.
Samira made a host of bad decisions in the beginning, but I’m always here for someone finding their purpose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, and Car accident
kyoungren's review
4.0
I was not sure that I was going to like this book at the start. The main character is so unlikeable. As I read more she did get better.
meilaniks's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
nrhayes16's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
winchesterm89's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
This book was definitely a rollercoaster. It had Rebecca and A Simple Favor vibes. Melanie was both a victim and villain (definitely giving hurted people hurt others). I could somewhat empathize with her although she did some deplorable things. Dylan on the other hand was nasty work. The person I felt most for was Roland. There was so many people who failed him (abusive father, emotionally absent mother, unfaithful wife, deceitful cousin, and in some ways Samira since she refused to communicate no matter how many times Roland asked for honesty). I’m happy Roland got closure in the end and that the toxic elements were removed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault