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Jojo5950

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A bit much

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-30-25

So the story itself was tragic and fascinating- the lengths that people go to with the goal of psychological torture is truly shocking. My complaints have to do with the narrator- she jumps to conclusions about things very fast and it irked me that she took her assumptions as fact and acted on them. Not to imply she was at fault for any of this, I just found it difficult at times to put myself in her shoes. I could have done without the dramatic musical interludes as well and would have preferred a more dry, documentary-style production. All of this to say, it was fascinating and for the most part kept my attention, but it’s not on the re-listen list.

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Stellar

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-21-25

Not at all what I expected but beautifully written & beautifully performed! Overall a very moving experience, I will definitely be re-listening.

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Verbose, pretentious, disappointing

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-08-25

SPOILERS AHEAD (not too bad, for the record)
The bare bones of the story itself are pretty solid. So much potential. I had high hopes after seeing the reviews but was disappointed with how the teacher guy in particular just went on and onnnnn saying the most absurd, cheesy things I’ve ever heard. Things that imo did not make sense in the context of their relationship (instant connection, falling super fast, etc). There’s also the whole power dynamics thing that the author tried to accommodate for but sneaking off for the weekend with your teacher boyfriend just gives me the ick- the age gap at the start of the relationship really bothered me. The timeline was kinda confusing, particularly when the perspective would change. I’ve got a little over an hour left and the only reason I’m hanging on is I am in fact invested in the characters even if I find them pretentious and over done. It really feels like the author sat with a thesaurus and just took normal things and felt the need to make them extra with extra words as a way to flesh out the characters but it made them less believable to me. Definitely won’t be reading/listening again. If you’re the author reading this, I’m sorry. I’m writing it for other readers, not to tell you to change your ways (unless you want to, you do you).

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Amazing to fall asleep to

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-04-24

Very rhythmic and hypnotic in nature, the sound of rain is perfect for background noise as I sleep!

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An emotional roller coaster

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-07-24

This book is phenomenal. It takes place over the course of 15-20 years, so the love story is well developed and feels natural. Their love sustains them through very terrible events and circumstances and it’s beautifully written. I’m a big fan of the context as well- 9/11 changed everything and it really pulls you back into the mindset of the time and the very deep fear and hatred that shaped these international interactions. Just wow. My only warning is that it rips out your heart before putting it back, so beware. If you’re not looking for something intense, then come back to this book when you are.

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Sweet & Low Angst

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-24-24

Very warm fuzzies. Rugged men with big hearts. Good suspense but didn’t drag on. Pacing was good and characters were very like able.

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All the things

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-04-24

I was skeptical I would enjoy a book that hinges on OF, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well fleshed out and, over time, become more and more likable. I appreciate the way the ‘big secret’ was revealed and handled by the author/characters. I think it was well done without being too graphic and I’m glad we see the characters moving past it without it dramatically changing their relationship. Very steamy but well done in that arena as well. Will very likely be a reread for me when I’m wanting a little angst but overall warm fuzzies.

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Great wrap up

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-23-24

AJ Sherwood is one of my favorite authors and this trilogy is one of the reasons why. The characters are well-written and each have their own history that defines them and that they are forced to grow past. Of the 3 books, I think #2 is my favorite, but as a trilogy it does not disappoint. Think suspense, spice and a decent amount of humor sprinkled in.

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Surprisingly good

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-20-24

Based on the cover and even the beginning of the story - when all the names are introduced- I definitely thought this story would fall flat and be poorly written and I was afraid I’d have a hard time getting into it. I didn’t. Besides the ridiculous names, the story is very well told and I was definitely invested in the characters and their complicated relationship to one another as well as their families. Definitely has potential for a re-listen and I see it’s the first in a series, so I’m looking forward to continuing the story.

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Loved the suspense

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-20-24

Good plot build, loved the narrator and the mystery that unfolds. Very well done. Not too graphic or gory- lets your imagination do the work without shocking you by gruesome descriptions. Really enjoyed it!

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