The Shipley’s are my favorite fictional family so I love spending more time with them.
Dylan was nothing like I expected based on the previous books, but that’s because I wasn’t in his head before. He was very interesting and complex. He was the stereotypical “manwhore” character you see a lot of romance -especially in new adult. But Ms. Bowen took time to develop him. He also really cares about his friends and family which I love.
Chastity was such a treat. She escaped a cult a few years earlier and is still dealing with the fallout. She’s a little naive (understandably) but she doesn’t want to be. She has always been a sexual person, but her upbringing really messed with her head. She could’ve been a one-note character but Ms. Bowen went further, as she always does.
The romance. It has some unrequited love which is probably my least favorite trope. But Sarina Bowen has some sort of magic that makes me enjoy a story I shouldn’t. Even though Chastity is gaga for Dylan she doesn’t let him push her around. That probably helped. It’s also a little bit friends-to-lovers. And I loved their sex scenes. This story is like a masterclass in using sex for character and relationship building.
The other plot elements were equally engaging. Dylan’s relationship with her brother, Griffin, was hard to read, but in the best possible way. Chastity is still dealing with her upbringing which was also heartbreaking. It was well-done and felt natural. I think I’m into escaping cult romances.
And now I really need Daphne and Rickie’s book. I have so many questions and theories. Can I at least have a release date?
Thanks for reading!
Holly