jens_toweringtbr's reviews
219 reviews

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Catch by Jenna Miles

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book has a non-linear timeline; when we first meet Julia and her two kids, they have moved back in with her parents after her husband left her. Returning home to the San Francisco bayside setting has her remembering her first love, William Quinn, and the whale-watching company they wanted to build together. I LOVED the flashback portion of Julia and William’s coming-of-age romance. It was furtive looks, hand holding, first-time, head over heels in love summer perfection. Their break-up after attempting long-distance was heart wrenching, but also realistic. Years later, so much has changed for both of them, but can they reconnect and finish the love story they started?

The hurdles Julia and William must overcome are real, painful, and traumatic. But so is real life and real relationships. Miles does a great job at developing complex and flawed MCs who sometimes hurt each other; whether it is from insecurities, immaturities, or a place of fear. I definitely identified with Julia and the complexities of relationships after divorce and struggling with doing what is best for your children and yourself. This book has laughs, angst, drama, soul-mates, and a happy for now (with an upcoming HEA!). Readers of contemporary second-chance romance with angst and drama will love this book.

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