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I Love You Too Much
A husband’s deadly affair sets off a chain of deception, obsession, and unraveling truths in this twisted domestic thriller where love becomes a weapon, the past won’t stay buried, and the truth is more dangerous than the lie.
Damar Scott is a man with everything to lose—and even more to hide. To the world, he’s a devoted husband and father, but behind closed doors, he’s keeping an explosive an affair that ends in tragedy. Now, he’s desperate to erase the evidence, bury the truth, and preserve the illusion of a perfect life . . . no matter the cost.
Aviana suspects someone is out to destroy her, unaware that the real threat lies much closer to home. As her marriage begins to unravel, she turns to Mythic—her first love and longtime confidant—rekindling feelings she thought she’d buried. Torn between past and present, and with her sense of reality slipping, Aviana inches closer to a truth that could shatter everything.
As Damar sinks deeper into guilt and delusion, and Aviana untangles the lies tightening around her, the truth erupts, warping love into control and exposing the wreckage left by secrets too dangerous to stay buried.
Damar Scott is a man with everything to lose—and even more to hide. To the world, he’s a devoted husband and father, but behind closed doors, he’s keeping an explosive an affair that ends in tragedy. Now, he’s desperate to erase the evidence, bury the truth, and preserve the illusion of a perfect life . . . no matter the cost.
Aviana suspects someone is out to destroy her, unaware that the real threat lies much closer to home. As her marriage begins to unravel, she turns to Mythic—her first love and longtime confidant—rekindling feelings she thought she’d buried. Torn between past and present, and with her sense of reality slipping, Aviana inches closer to a truth that could shatter everything.
As Damar sinks deeper into guilt and delusion, and Aviana untangles the lies tightening around her, the truth erupts, warping love into control and exposing the wreckage left by secrets too dangerous to stay buried.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
497 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 27, 2026
This was my Main Character Energy Book Club pick for the month and baby… the group chat did NOT rest.
This is a tale as old as time, chile when love gets pushed way past its limits. What starts off looking like a marriage that’s good on paper turns into a whole mess of secrets, like “HARPO, WHO DIS MAN?”, manipulation, and consequences stacking up and being collected like Pokémon cards.
This book had us spiraling.
Damar!!! Listen… if y’all read her book RAH and thought that man stressed you out, oh baby, you ain’t met Damar. Because there were no lines that man wouldn’t cross.
Now we felt for our good sis Aviana, but we were also like, WAKE UP. When is it gonna click, sis?!
The pacing and tension were high and had us all on edge. We kept saying, “Okay, it can’t get any worse…” but it DID.
#BookTok, y’all did y’all big one with this book rec.
This is a tale as old as time, chile when love gets pushed way past its limits. What starts off looking like a marriage that’s good on paper turns into a whole mess of secrets, like “HARPO, WHO DIS MAN?”, manipulation, and consequences stacking up and being collected like Pokémon cards.
This book had us spiraling.
Damar!!! Listen… if y’all read her book RAH and thought that man stressed you out, oh baby, you ain’t met Damar. Because there were no lines that man wouldn’t cross.
Now we felt for our good sis Aviana, but we were also like, WAKE UP. When is it gonna click, sis?!
The pacing and tension were high and had us all on edge. We kept saying, “Okay, it can’t get any worse…” but it DID.
#BookTok, y’all did y’all big one with this book rec.
February 2, 2026
What a ride! I Love You Too Much is giving twisted romance mixed with suspense.
The twisted entanglement between Avi, Damar, Mia, Mythic and Lelani had me shocked because it all centered on obsession and manipulation.
Here are my thoughts….
Poor Jeremy.
Avi needed to choose better for herself.
Mia felt she was betrayed because she was the snake.
Damar was the devil.
Mythic thought he was being a good man but his heart belonged somewhere else.
Lelani needed to let go of a man that didn’t want her.
Props to the 111 boyz
All in all this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
The twisted entanglement between Avi, Damar, Mia, Mythic and Lelani had me shocked because it all centered on obsession and manipulation.
Here are my thoughts….
Poor Jeremy.
Avi needed to choose better for herself.
Mia felt she was betrayed because she was the snake.
Damar was the devil.
Mythic thought he was being a good man but his heart belonged somewhere else.
Lelani needed to let go of a man that didn’t want her.
Props to the 111 boyz
All in all this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
January 15, 2026
I want to start off by saying that I LOVE the cover for this book! I thought I had set myself up for a domestic thriller based on the cover and description, but found I Love You Too Much leaned hard on the drama with a love story entwined in all the mess. Unfortunately I wasn’t rooting for any of the characters, because I found them all to be terrible people I couldn’t relate to. EVERYONE was either lying, cheating, stealing, or killing! I did still find the story interesting and entertaining, but not my usual read.
February 6, 2026
If you’re in the mood for an entertaining, messy, twisted read…just go to Kindle and read it. I loved the pacing of this book. There was so much going on, and the husband Damar is actually a psychopath?! I enjoyed this one. That is all lol 😂
March 18, 2026
Crazy, messy, and intense 😳🔥
Demar’s chaos, Mythic’s hero vibes, and Aviana in danger kept me hooked—but some twists were a bit over the top. Still, a wild ride from start to finish!
3.5 ⭐️
Demar’s chaos, Mythic’s hero vibes, and Aviana in danger kept me hooked—but some twists were a bit over the top. Still, a wild ride from start to finish!
3.5 ⭐️
March 25, 2026
A wild enjoyable ride!
This was a good thriller that kept me engaged.
We have our fmc who settled for an older stable man, but whose heart is still madly in love with her soul mate/bestfriend/ex who once broke her heart. As we venture through her every day life, we realize things are not as they seem.
Her bestfriend, her husband, her ex, who is a moral character and who is faking it? Who can she trust and can she be trusted?
Ive never read a thriller so messy, I had my feet up cackling at the craziness happening in this book.
And I must say I enjoyed it! There are aspects of second chance romance, I just wish when we sell a soul mate, one who got away connection, we dive into the emotional depth of it to make the reader really feel the emotions.
Overall a solid read, I enjoyed
This was a good thriller that kept me engaged.
We have our fmc who settled for an older stable man, but whose heart is still madly in love with her soul mate/bestfriend/ex who once broke her heart. As we venture through her every day life, we realize things are not as they seem.
Her bestfriend, her husband, her ex, who is a moral character and who is faking it? Who can she trust and can she be trusted?
Ive never read a thriller so messy, I had my feet up cackling at the craziness happening in this book.
And I must say I enjoyed it! There are aspects of second chance romance, I just wish when we sell a soul mate, one who got away connection, we dive into the emotional depth of it to make the reader really feel the emotions.
Overall a solid read, I enjoyed
April 16, 2026
mannnn what a wild ride!!!
All I have to say is I don’t want NOBODY to love me that much lol but overall this was a great story that was well written and gripping. Can’t wait to read more!!! You represented us Chicagoans well Jess!!
All I have to say is I don’t want NOBODY to love me that much lol but overall this was a great story that was well written and gripping. Can’t wait to read more!!! You represented us Chicagoans well Jess!!
March 26, 2026
5 stars! YES, YES, YES!! This was good and twisty! The unhinged characters were so bad yet so good!
April 5, 2026
Wow, that was an intense and thrilling ride. Damar was a madman, and that crazy ran way too deep. I couldn’t believe Mia’s snake ass. This romantic thriller kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t believe how deep the lies, betrayal, and deception ran with these characters.
March 17, 2026
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫’s!!!
This one was a TRIP!! A HOT MESS. TWISTED. Had me on my toes! Avianna?? baby girl went THROUGH it!
A definite page turner! And listen… I’m a slow reader gurlie and still finished this in 2 days flat. Let that sink in and say what it may!
Enjoy!
This one was a TRIP!! A HOT MESS. TWISTED. Had me on my toes! Avianna?? baby girl went THROUGH it!
A definite page turner! And listen… I’m a slow reader gurlie and still finished this in 2 days flat. Let that sink in and say what it may!
Enjoy!
February 17, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4
February 15, 2026
Just Okay — Heavy on Drama, Light on Depth
I Love You Too Much had an interesting premise and plenty of drama, but overall it was just an okay read for me.
The storyline definitely delivers chaos, secrets, and emotional tension. However, a lot of the drama felt rushed instead of naturally building. Big moments happened quickly, and I didn’t always feel the emotional weight behind them.
The main female character frustrated me at times. She came across as naive and, honestly, too forgiving given everything she was dealing with. I wanted to see more growth, more strength, or at least more internal conflict. As for Damar… he was completely unhinged. His actions were so extreme that by the end, I felt like he deserved everything that came his way.
That said, the book is not boring. If you enjoy messy relationships, betrayal, and high-stakes emotional drama, this might work for you. I just wish the pacing had been tighter and the characters a bit more layered.
Overall: Entertaining, but not unforgettable.
I Love You Too Much had an interesting premise and plenty of drama, but overall it was just an okay read for me.
The storyline definitely delivers chaos, secrets, and emotional tension. However, a lot of the drama felt rushed instead of naturally building. Big moments happened quickly, and I didn’t always feel the emotional weight behind them.
The main female character frustrated me at times. She came across as naive and, honestly, too forgiving given everything she was dealing with. I wanted to see more growth, more strength, or at least more internal conflict. As for Damar… he was completely unhinged. His actions were so extreme that by the end, I felt like he deserved everything that came his way.
That said, the book is not boring. If you enjoy messy relationships, betrayal, and high-stakes emotional drama, this might work for you. I just wish the pacing had been tighter and the characters a bit more layered.
Overall: Entertaining, but not unforgettable.
February 12, 2026
Yesss
From beginning to end this book was a page turner. I’m so happy Avi got a happily ever after! This was really good!
From beginning to end this book was a page turner. I’m so happy Avi got a happily ever after! This was really good!
March 28, 2026
This book had a LOT going on, and I mean that in both a good and slightly overwhelming way. The drama started immediately and honestly didn’t let up until the very end. I was entertained the whole time, even when I found myself frustrated with certain characters and decisions.
The beginning was super gripping and pulled me in right away. Then the middle slowed down for me a bit — it felt a little repetitive at times, like certain situations and emotions were being revisited without much progression. But once the second half hit?? Whew. That’s when things really took off. The bombshells started dropping left and right, and I was sitting there like… my flabbers were truly gasted 😭.
The characters definitely kept things interesting. There were some I genuinely enjoyed, and others I absolutely loved to hate — Damar and Mia especially. They had me side-eyeing and clutching my imaginary pearls more than once. As for Aviana, I liked her overall, but she did test my patience. Her lack of awareness and hesitation to follow her heart — especially when it came to Mythic — had me rolling my eyes and fussing at the book like, “Girl, please stand up!” 😂
That said, I appreciated her growth by the end. Watching her finally see Damar for who he truly was felt earned, even if I personally would’ve loved a more dramatic, in-your-face confrontation after everything came to light. But the way she handled things still worked for her character.
One thing I’ve seen other readers mention — and I agree — is that the book thrives on its shock value, secrets, and messy relationship dynamics. The twists, betrayals, and hidden truths really carry the story, especially in the latter half when everything starts unraveling.
The ending was strong for me. It wrapped things up in a satisfying way while still delivering those final moments of drama and tension after so much had been done in the dark.
Overall, this was a messy, dramatic, and entertaining read that kept me locked in — even when I was frustrated, I still needed to know what was going to happen next.
The beginning was super gripping and pulled me in right away. Then the middle slowed down for me a bit — it felt a little repetitive at times, like certain situations and emotions were being revisited without much progression. But once the second half hit?? Whew. That’s when things really took off. The bombshells started dropping left and right, and I was sitting there like… my flabbers were truly gasted 😭.
The characters definitely kept things interesting. There were some I genuinely enjoyed, and others I absolutely loved to hate — Damar and Mia especially. They had me side-eyeing and clutching my imaginary pearls more than once. As for Aviana, I liked her overall, but she did test my patience. Her lack of awareness and hesitation to follow her heart — especially when it came to Mythic — had me rolling my eyes and fussing at the book like, “Girl, please stand up!” 😂
That said, I appreciated her growth by the end. Watching her finally see Damar for who he truly was felt earned, even if I personally would’ve loved a more dramatic, in-your-face confrontation after everything came to light. But the way she handled things still worked for her character.
One thing I’ve seen other readers mention — and I agree — is that the book thrives on its shock value, secrets, and messy relationship dynamics. The twists, betrayals, and hidden truths really carry the story, especially in the latter half when everything starts unraveling.
The ending was strong for me. It wrapped things up in a satisfying way while still delivering those final moments of drama and tension after so much had been done in the dark.
Overall, this was a messy, dramatic, and entertaining read that kept me locked in — even when I was frustrated, I still needed to know what was going to happen next.
April 3, 2026
“I wasn’t about to let her outgrow me or us.”
“It made me want to tighten my grip and remind her who she belonged to until she never forgot it.”
-based in Chicago
-30 y/o MCs
-dark secrets & concealing them by any means necessary
-forced proximity
-second chance romance
-“touch her & die” MMC Mystic
-predictable but satisfying
-strong villains
-guns, violence & gangs
-unhinged husband MMC Damar
-complex parent/child dynamics
-2/5 spice level
-plus size FMC, Aviana
-solid epilogue
-check your TWs
I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into with this romantic thriller. This was my pure chaotic entertainment. The best friend MMC was easily my favorite character; no nonsense, protective & a lover for his woman.
I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook. Both narrators sounded like they were newscasters. I almost turned the audio off all together. It didn’t elevate the story.
Overall, it was a book that I’d recommend & my 1st from the author.
“It made me want to tighten my grip and remind her who she belonged to until she never forgot it.”
-based in Chicago
-30 y/o MCs
-dark secrets & concealing them by any means necessary
-forced proximity
-second chance romance
-“touch her & die” MMC Mystic
-predictable but satisfying
-strong villains
-guns, violence & gangs
-unhinged husband MMC Damar
-complex parent/child dynamics
-2/5 spice level
-plus size FMC, Aviana
-solid epilogue
-check your TWs
I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into with this romantic thriller. This was my pure chaotic entertainment. The best friend MMC was easily my favorite character; no nonsense, protective & a lover for his woman.
I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook. Both narrators sounded like they were newscasters. I almost turned the audio off all together. It didn’t elevate the story.
Overall, it was a book that I’d recommend & my 1st from the author.
April 21, 2026
3.5 stars!!
A lot of drama and it’s very entertaining, but none of the characters were my fav. Very easy read! if you looking for something to draw you in and keep you invested completely, this is it!
Damar was low-down. The lengths people go to prevent themselves from going under. Wow! I was so hurt by some of the things he did throughout the book. Mia tbh, she kinda got what she deserved. I wanted to love her and Avi’s relationship but damn! Can’t trust NOBODY!!
Mythic was definitely memorable. He really loved Avi and their relationship was the only part in the book that I had high hopes for and was rooting for. Some of the good girls always fall for the men that be out in the streets!
Most of the book was predictable but not enough to ruin it for you. The title of the book, fits the contents well but I don’t know if I want to be loved that much! 😭 If you want a messy, lying, cheating, thieving book. This is the one!!
A lot of drama and it’s very entertaining, but none of the characters were my fav. Very easy read! if you looking for something to draw you in and keep you invested completely, this is it!
Damar was low-down. The lengths people go to prevent themselves from going under. Wow! I was so hurt by some of the things he did throughout the book. Mia tbh, she kinda got what she deserved. I wanted to love her and Avi’s relationship but damn! Can’t trust NOBODY!!
Mythic was definitely memorable. He really loved Avi and their relationship was the only part in the book that I had high hopes for and was rooting for. Some of the good girls always fall for the men that be out in the streets!
Most of the book was predictable but not enough to ruin it for you. The title of the book, fits the contents well but I don’t know if I want to be loved that much! 😭 If you want a messy, lying, cheating, thieving book. This is the one!!
March 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
This was such an enjoyable contemporary romance. I Love You Too Much had a great mix of humor, heart, and emotional moments that kept me invested in the story. The characters felt relatable, and I really liked watching their relationship develop over time. Their chemistry and banter made the story fun to read, while the emotional moments added depth to the romance.
Jessica N. Watkins did a great job balancing lighter, sweet moments with more heartfelt ones, which made the story feel genuine and engaging. The supporting characters and overall atmosphere added even more charm to the book.
If you enjoy character-driven romances with strong chemistry and a satisfying romantic journey, this is definitely one to pick up.
Tropes:
• Friends to Lovers
• Fake Relationship
• Opposites Attract
• Slow Burn
• Witty Banter
This was such an enjoyable contemporary romance. I Love You Too Much had a great mix of humor, heart, and emotional moments that kept me invested in the story. The characters felt relatable, and I really liked watching their relationship develop over time. Their chemistry and banter made the story fun to read, while the emotional moments added depth to the romance.
Jessica N. Watkins did a great job balancing lighter, sweet moments with more heartfelt ones, which made the story feel genuine and engaging. The supporting characters and overall atmosphere added even more charm to the book.
If you enjoy character-driven romances with strong chemistry and a satisfying romantic journey, this is definitely one to pick up.
Tropes:
• Friends to Lovers
• Fake Relationship
• Opposites Attract
• Slow Burn
• Witty Banter
January 18, 2026
This book is being advertised as a domestic thriller, but while reading it felt more like a twisted romance with thriller elements. I really enjoyed the plot development of this story. I was hooked by the beginning, it’s messy, jaw dropping and downright scandalous. Damar was a man that was only interested in ensuring he maintained control over Avianna. He was willing to do anything to ensure his secrets remained a secret. Mia, Avianna’s best friend, is just a pawn in Damar’s plan to have it all. Mythic, Avianna’s best friend/first love, is still in love with Avianna and willing to do anything to protect her.
Overall, this book was good.
Thank you Black Odyssey for the ARC!
Overall, this book was good.
Thank you Black Odyssey for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2026
A Wild Ride!
This book was absolutely wild! A rollercoaster of a story with emotions all over the place. I am not one to do spoilers but just know that Mythic is that guy and I would have folded much sooner than Aviana. Jessica always delivers for sure. The plot was thick and tense, the ending was very satisfying! Enjoy!
This book was absolutely wild! A rollercoaster of a story with emotions all over the place. I am not one to do spoilers but just know that Mythic is that guy and I would have folded much sooner than Aviana. Jessica always delivers for sure. The plot was thick and tense, the ending was very satisfying! Enjoy!
February 20, 2026
Whew Chiiiiilllllddddd!
A gritty domestic thriller involving deception, lies, and murder.
messy, messy, messy
Perfectly blended mix of urban fiction, romantic suspense, and domestic thriller
Nice Second Chance love story, as well.
Loved and will reread again soon!
A gritty domestic thriller involving deception, lies, and murder.
messy, messy, messy
Perfectly blended mix of urban fiction, romantic suspense, and domestic thriller
Nice Second Chance love story, as well.
Loved and will reread again soon!
January 31, 2026
Can a book be... too good?
There was never ever a dull moment here.
This is a story of obsession, control, greed, manipulation, so much.
Second read by this author and I picked up another one immediately.
There was never ever a dull moment here.
This is a story of obsession, control, greed, manipulation, so much.
Second read by this author and I picked up another one immediately.
March 4, 2026
This one was definitely a messy good time. Had me screaming as I’m listening because what???
April 23, 2026
Talk about unhinged! This book went from 0 to 100 so quick. I appreciate getting closure on all the characters! Where is my Mythic?!?! I wanna be in love like yesterday………
March 15, 2026
This was my first read by Jessica N Watkins and I really enjoyed this book. I went in blind idk what i thought was gone be going on but it wasn’t this and i was shooketh! Damar was the nuts . Literally insane ! Everything he did was just insane! I loved Mythic tho!
February 24, 2026
Jessica as always knows how to write a book! 📕
February 16, 2026
Don’t let my 3-star rating fool you — I did enjoy this book.
My main reason for rating it lower than a 4 is that the romance vs. mystery/thriller ratio wasn’t what I expected. The suspense element didn’t feel all that mysterious to me. There were one or two moments that were shocking at first, but overall it wasn’t too hard to connect the dots.
I’d categorize this more as suspense than romance. It’s hard for me to fully call it a romance when the FMC is stuck in an unsatisfactory marriage while still being in love with her first boyfriend. We’re given the cliff notes version of their past relationship, but there isn’t much actual romancing on the page.
That said, what the FMC goes through is absolutely bananas, and I did like seeing how she handled everything — even if I wish she had been a little less oblivious at times. I found myself wanting her to question more and suspect more.
I also liked Mythic to a degree, but even considering the type of man he’s portrayed to be, I think he should have caught on to certain things much quicker. And honestly, I wasn’t a fan of his career choice — I don’t feel like it added much to the story. He could have simply been a player and achieved the same perception from others.
All in all, this was a rollercoaster ride, and I’m glad I read it. It just didn’t quite hit the balance I was hoping for.
My main reason for rating it lower than a 4 is that the romance vs. mystery/thriller ratio wasn’t what I expected. The suspense element didn’t feel all that mysterious to me. There were one or two moments that were shocking at first, but overall it wasn’t too hard to connect the dots.
I’d categorize this more as suspense than romance. It’s hard for me to fully call it a romance when the FMC is stuck in an unsatisfactory marriage while still being in love with her first boyfriend. We’re given the cliff notes version of their past relationship, but there isn’t much actual romancing on the page.
That said, what the FMC goes through is absolutely bananas, and I did like seeing how she handled everything — even if I wish she had been a little less oblivious at times. I found myself wanting her to question more and suspect more.
I also liked Mythic to a degree, but even considering the type of man he’s portrayed to be, I think he should have caught on to certain things much quicker. And honestly, I wasn’t a fan of his career choice — I don’t feel like it added much to the story. He could have simply been a player and achieved the same perception from others.
All in all, this was a rollercoaster ride, and I’m glad I read it. It just didn’t quite hit the balance I was hoping for.
May 3, 2026
You know..I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect from this book but I loved it from beginning to end!! Damar got EXACTLY WHAT HE DESERVED.
So happy that Aviana got exactly what she deserved as well, after going through so much. Mythic definitely did NOT play about her.
So happy that Aviana got exactly what she deserved as well, after going through so much. Mythic definitely did NOT play about her.
January 30, 2026
Suspense!
Whew! I love a good suspense/thriller and this did it for me! This was good, messy, and suspenseful! Being betrayed by the people you love is never a good feeling. I'm glad Avi didn't let it keep her down. Mia and Damar definitely are terrible. This book drew me in and was so good!
Whew! I love a good suspense/thriller and this did it for me! This was good, messy, and suspenseful! Being betrayed by the people you love is never a good feeling. I'm glad Avi didn't let it keep her down. Mia and Damar definitely are terrible. This book drew me in and was so good!
February 7, 2026
I Love You Too Much by Jessica Watkins is an emotional rollercoaster that tackles themes of love, obsession, and the fine line between the two. I went into this novel expecting a deep dive into complex relationships, and Watkins did not disappoint. This book is both beautifully written and emotionally charged, creating a gripping atmosphere that’s impossible to pull away from.
The protagonist, whose internal struggles are laid bare on every page, feels incredibly real. Their conflicting desires, self-awareness, and emotional turmoil are portrayed in such a raw and vulnerable way that it’s hard not to feel sympathy for them, even when their actions become more questionable. Watkins masterfully explores the concept of toxic love, making the reader question the very nature of affection and attachment.
The writing is sharp and evocative, with every scene carefully crafted to evoke a sense of discomfort, longing, and sometimes even dread. The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly before the emotional climax, which hits harder because of that build-up.
What really sets this book apart, though, is how it delves into the darker side of relationships. It’s not just a love story; it’s a study of obsession, manipulation, and the dangers of idealizing someone. The complexity of the characters makes the narrative compelling, but also unsettling at times. I found myself torn between wanting to root for the characters and wanting them to confront their flaws.
There were a few moments where the pacing seemed a little slower than I would’ve liked, and some of the secondary characters could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. However, these are minor criticisms in a book that otherwise hits so many emotional notes perfectly.
I Love You Too Much is a powerful exploration of love’s darker side, and Jessica Watkins succeeds in creating a story that is haunting and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for a book that challenges your perceptions of love and relationships, this one is a must-read.
The protagonist, whose internal struggles are laid bare on every page, feels incredibly real. Their conflicting desires, self-awareness, and emotional turmoil are portrayed in such a raw and vulnerable way that it’s hard not to feel sympathy for them, even when their actions become more questionable. Watkins masterfully explores the concept of toxic love, making the reader question the very nature of affection and attachment.
The writing is sharp and evocative, with every scene carefully crafted to evoke a sense of discomfort, longing, and sometimes even dread. The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly before the emotional climax, which hits harder because of that build-up.
What really sets this book apart, though, is how it delves into the darker side of relationships. It’s not just a love story; it’s a study of obsession, manipulation, and the dangers of idealizing someone. The complexity of the characters makes the narrative compelling, but also unsettling at times. I found myself torn between wanting to root for the characters and wanting them to confront their flaws.
There were a few moments where the pacing seemed a little slower than I would’ve liked, and some of the secondary characters could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. However, these are minor criticisms in a book that otherwise hits so many emotional notes perfectly.
I Love You Too Much is a powerful exploration of love’s darker side, and Jessica Watkins succeeds in creating a story that is haunting and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for a book that challenges your perceptions of love and relationships, this one is a must-read.
January 28, 2026
This is a dark romance that is not for the faint of heart. While I was reading, I was on edge, wondering how everything would turn out. My jaw dropped quite a few times and I even hollered with some of the things that were happening that shocked the heck out of me. Damar Scott is married to Aviana and is in love with her in the most controlling and obsessive way. This is a story of a wolf in sheep’s clothing because Aviana is none the wiser to the lengths he will go to to keep her in his life. To Aviana , he comes off as the perfect husband who loves her and provides for her, yet she is unfulfilled. Aviana is always conflicted because he is the man that her parents, who are super religious, love her with. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and especially that it was set in Chicago. I felt like this was happening right in my own city, from the restaurants and businesses mentioned, I felt like this was something that was happening currently, and I was reading a newspaper write-up or something like that. Like I easily could imagine myself with me and my friends out on the lakefront for a yacht day, having fun, turning up, and a body popping up, which is scary, but also makes this book feel so real. The story is filled with suspense, betrayal violence, deception, spice, and drama. Jessica really did her thing. I do wish we had more of was flashbacks or chapters dedicated to the past because I would’ve loved to get more of the early days of all of the characters to really push and elevate these character motivations because he was doing some wild things in this book, and we were mostly given a summary of why he did certain things. I would’ve loved to see how him and Aviana originally came to be as well as some of these other entanglements. Thank you to Black Odyssey Media, as well as NetGalley for this ARC.
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