I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I turned the final page on the first installment of the Southport Series - Finding Janie - last year. I raced through that in one day - the first time I'd done that in forever, but not the last. I'd never even heard the term romantic suspense or thriller before. Am I a total convert now? Nope. But, I did just read a popular dark romance and kind of love it, so thanks, I guess?
This book blew my mind. I loved it. But it also absolutely broke my heart. I don't like reviews with spoilers, so I'm going to try to tell you about this book without them. So, if you can imagine the worst things happening to you, this book probably has it. But the author's writing is so good and so compelling it's like a heartbreaking train wreck barreling toward you and you can't stand to move. Her descriptions and emotional breadth are so real, and hold you in the moment.
The character growth is unbelievable. Two of the characters change so much, you'd almost be forgiven if you thought she forgot who was who while writing. But I think she's just so good at showing the ability of a child to change your life. If you have one, you understand. If you don't, they really do that. And she shows us how in multiple clear ways.
As a parent, as a partner, as a human - this book devastated me. So, of course, I highly recommend it! But check your trigger warnings!
Now, I can't wait for the next one!
Content Warning: Parental death, Kidnapping, Implied Child Harm, Implied Betrayal, Mental Illness, Pregnancy, Spousal Death, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Shooting, Funerals, Alcohol Abuse, Surveillance, Medical Issues/Trauma, Court Scenes