By Mazey Eddings
Book is rated 4 / 5 stars.
A binge-able novel about childhood nemesis falling in love while battling heartbreak and PTSD, this book captured so many elements that I found absolutely relatable. I appreciate how the storyline dives into issues that a lot of authors avoid. Between Indira and Jude, I found myself falling for the couple because they really are stronger together and isn't that what everyone wants? There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Childhood Enemies. Fake Dating. Mental Health. PTSD Triggers. Forced Proximity.
I will say - there is a lot of mention of depression and PTSD that could be cause triggers. Mazey Eddings includes a page listing all the deep-rooted potential triggers on the first page, so I would recommend reading that first before diving in.
Spice Level: Surprisingly, a 3 / 5.
The Beautiful Story
It is hard to find a book that captures your attention when you know the storyline is predictable. But, this book caught me by surprise fully and entirely. The comedy, the angst, the heartache, the desire and the fighting inner demons all composed so beautifully has me convinced that Mazey Eddings can turn any old storyline into a phenomenal book.
Indira wanted so badly to be loved.
Indira finds her boyfriend cheating on her - that on its own has me just in tears. Combat that with her brother's wedding and a forced proximity with a blast from the past would put anyone on edge. But, she finds steady ground as she navigates through the series of events. Jude becomes riddled with flashbacks and pain that he can't seem to battle, and in all the chaos of what goes on in his head, Indira becomes his calm within the storm. That, in it of itself, is beautiful.
The pair of them coming together in order to be at each others sides while they muddled through heartbreak and depression only made me fall in love with the both of them - individually and together. I think that's a rare and powerful testament to a fantastic writer. Often times, I find myself only happy when the main characters are together. It's wonderful when I root for them as individuals, too! Watching (reading) Indira and Jude fall in love was wonderful. From the little moments of weakness the other shows in privacy to the fun banters they share, I was lost in their story.
"...I'm scared I'll hurt you. Because that's what I do. I hurt people and break things and taint every single thing I touch..."
One of the elements I love the most is the fight for mental health. Between Indira's wounds resurfacing, and Jude's PTSD, I think this book does everyone a favor by examining the destruction poor mental health can cause, and how seeking help in whatever form is a type of strength. Indira being a psychiatrist herself and going to see one was a beautiful parallel of how badly she wants to help others, but also needs some guidance on her own. This just shows that even the strongest can break and I think that is such a powerful message to spread.
"...choose us. Choose your health."
Jude's years in battle, enduring death and destruction at every turn only proves just how much people in that line of work have to deal with. The sheer fight he had to endure to pull himself away broke my heart. But, I'm so glad he did it and that the two of them went on to do the very things that they desperately wanted to do - and together, too. Seeing them fight for their own and each others hopes and dreams was fantastic. I root for them still!
Can't wait for more!
What I didn't realize until I read this book is that it is part of a series? And, naturally, I started with the last one. But, reading this book from start to finish, I had zero unanswered questions and everything seemed to fall into place beautifully. As wonderful, funny and relatable as this book was, I'm certain that the others within the series and anything that Mazey Eddings writes will be worth it. I can't wait!
This. book is totally binge-able. Pick it up and don't stop reading. Let the love take you away.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
Comments