The plot itself is a 2-3 ⭐️, but this book is so full of examples from a healthy relationship and accurate and real discussions of women’s reproductive health in a way that’s not found in nearly all the other romance novels that exist that I felt it deserved an extra ⭐️ just for that.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book for so many reasons. It defied so many tropes and formulas of romance novels and romantic suspense.
For one, the point of the relationship that would normally be the “happily ever after” in most romance novels happens just around halfway through the book. Instead of figuring out they’re in love and want to be together forever being the end, they spend a good chunk of the book working through realistic relationship issues like communication, secrets, trust, getting through hard times and tragedy together, emotional support, etc.
Another thing that was great about this one is that it didn’t have any of the toxic and unhealthy elements that are typical of romance novels (jealousy, lack of communication, mistrust, some “misunderstanding” that leads to the protagonists mistreating each other, withdrawal of affection, violating boundaries, etc.) It is full of so many healthier examples that contradict all of those unhealthy elements common to romance novels that it feels almost like a therapist’s kid wrote this book. I recommend this book even if one reads it for no other reason than to get an example that counteracts all the unhealthy examples in other romance novels.
For example, at one point, there’s a misunderstanding that could have easily provided 10 chapters worth of drama and tension and anger and agony for the protagonists. A normal romance novel would have done that. Instead, the guy simply brings up what’s bothering him and gets an answer to his question to clear up the misunderstanding. The woman thanks him for being open and honest and up front about what was bothering him and we move on. It was hands down the healthiest handling of a misunderstanding that I have ever seen in a romance novel.
At another point, one of the protagonists is furious with her husband. She does not do the withdrawal of affection thing that a lot of people do in reality and fiction. Instead, she still holds his hand and maintains connection with him while still making clear he has messed up bad and she’s furious and requiring him to address the issue before she moves on.
This is a spoiler so avoid reading this last part if you haven’t read the book yet:
This book deals so wonderfully with issues surrounding a woman’s reproductive health. It uses realistic and accurate detail about things like pregnancy, miscarriage, and sex after a miscarriage. What’s even better is that the guy has healthy boundaries and respect for her boundaries!