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The Consent
Amy Levine wants to be a mother. After years of exhaustive in-vitro efforts and disheartening adoption attempts, she fears her marriage may not survive. But when she and her husband Mark learn of a young couple who want to give their baby up for adoption, Amy’s despair turns to joy. They will finally become parents.
Twenty-year-old Marnie Swanson and her long-time friend and now father of her baby, NFL hopeful Trent Dillard, aren’t ready to be parents. They believe that putting their new-born up for adoption is the best decision… until they sign the consent form to give him away. Now, they desperately want their son back, but it's up to a judge to decide their baby's future.
Fate and circumstance bring together two couples who find themselves on opposite sides of a custody battle. Waging the fight of their lives over a beautiful baby boy, one will leave court overjoyed and the other devastated...
Twenty-year-old Marnie Swanson and her long-time friend and now father of her baby, NFL hopeful Trent Dillard, aren’t ready to be parents. They believe that putting their new-born up for adoption is the best decision… until they sign the consent form to give him away. Now, they desperately want their son back, but it's up to a judge to decide their baby's future.
Fate and circumstance bring together two couples who find themselves on opposite sides of a custody battle. Waging the fight of their lives over a beautiful baby boy, one will leave court overjoyed and the other devastated...
- GenresContemporaryFiction
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
25 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 10, 2021
There is something profoundly saddening between those who desire yet cannot have children and those who can and have no desire to become parents. The consent brings this ugly truth to the surface by asking- What if you put your baby up for adoption then regret it later? Can you ask for it back?
The Consent follows the stories of two very separate couples who would never have collided if not for a chance fate encounter:
Marnie tragically lost her brother to cancer which has torn her family in two and caused her to abandon her veterinary dreams to walk dogs for a living. Trent is a budding football star right on the cusp of getting drafted for the NFL and being engaged to the girl of his dreams. I feel so cliche saying this but, one night is all it takes to throw your entire life off its axis.
Marnie realizes she is pregnant after their nighttime affairs and what transpires is a common struggle between young persons who find themselves in this predicament- Should we keep the baby?
On the entirely other extreme is Amy and Mark, both highly successful lawyers and happily married for over 10 years but are unable to conceive naturally. After many failed IVF attempts they have turned to adoption as their final hope. After hiring an adoption specialist and being scammed, they're ready to move on when a chance opportunity presents itself- a young couple has just gone into labor and they wanted a closed adoption.
Navigating both these stories and seeing the imperfections was quite painful to me. I asked myself, "Why isn't this author making Trent and Marnie magically fall in love? Why can't she just give Mark and Amy a break and let them find their happy ending?" It took me a while to realize that's just not how life works.
The Consent is a story about the unpleasant and harsh realities of life and I appreciated the raw honesty of it all. Yes you can be scammed, yes there are villainous people out there using children for profit, yes there are girls with sugar daddies who get discarded, yes you can make mistakes but perhaps the most profound truth of it all is that sometimes life may not always go according to plan, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and adapt to life's constant twists and turns. Happiness isn't always the perfect life you've envisioned but being content with what you have.
Thank you to the author, Novel Novels for an arc in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
The Consent follows the stories of two very separate couples who would never have collided if not for a chance fate encounter:
Marnie tragically lost her brother to cancer which has torn her family in two and caused her to abandon her veterinary dreams to walk dogs for a living. Trent is a budding football star right on the cusp of getting drafted for the NFL and being engaged to the girl of his dreams. I feel so cliche saying this but, one night is all it takes to throw your entire life off its axis.
Marnie realizes she is pregnant after their nighttime affairs and what transpires is a common struggle between young persons who find themselves in this predicament- Should we keep the baby?
On the entirely other extreme is Amy and Mark, both highly successful lawyers and happily married for over 10 years but are unable to conceive naturally. After many failed IVF attempts they have turned to adoption as their final hope. After hiring an adoption specialist and being scammed, they're ready to move on when a chance opportunity presents itself- a young couple has just gone into labor and they wanted a closed adoption.
Navigating both these stories and seeing the imperfections was quite painful to me. I asked myself, "Why isn't this author making Trent and Marnie magically fall in love? Why can't she just give Mark and Amy a break and let them find their happy ending?" It took me a while to realize that's just not how life works.
The Consent is a story about the unpleasant and harsh realities of life and I appreciated the raw honesty of it all. Yes you can be scammed, yes there are villainous people out there using children for profit, yes there are girls with sugar daddies who get discarded, yes you can make mistakes but perhaps the most profound truth of it all is that sometimes life may not always go according to plan, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and adapt to life's constant twists and turns. Happiness isn't always the perfect life you've envisioned but being content with what you have.
Thank you to the author, Novel Novels for an arc in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
June 4, 2021
Ah, I don’t think I have experienced the feeling of heartbreak, loss, failure, and then happiness, all of it bundled together in a book, in a very, very long time.
At first, when the Publishers approached me, I was a little hesitant regarding the premises. A custody battle, someone gain, and the other’s loss, right? But no, there’s a whole lot to it. Elayne Kaye managed to weave four beautifully flawed characters who just managed to crawl their way into my heart.
I was so engrossed in the book that at a point I had to get myself into an argument with my sister so she would let me READ in peace! So you can imagine my excitement. The 350+ pages just flew by in no time and the ending of the book was enough to bring the onions out.
More than anything, I loved how Amy’s character had developed throughout the book. From being a resentful woman to someone who was finally content with their life. And Marnie finally realized her worth. Both their stories are truly heartbreaking but inspirational.
It’s a roller-coaster ride. Two mothers on opposite ends, fighting for their son, who do you think would win?
Thank you, Novel Novels for the complimentary ARC. All thoughts are of my own.
Blog: https://periwinklepens.wordpress.com/...
At first, when the Publishers approached me, I was a little hesitant regarding the premises. A custody battle, someone gain, and the other’s loss, right? But no, there’s a whole lot to it. Elayne Kaye managed to weave four beautifully flawed characters who just managed to crawl their way into my heart.
I was so engrossed in the book that at a point I had to get myself into an argument with my sister so she would let me READ in peace! So you can imagine my excitement. The 350+ pages just flew by in no time and the ending of the book was enough to bring the onions out.
More than anything, I loved how Amy’s character had developed throughout the book. From being a resentful woman to someone who was finally content with their life. And Marnie finally realized her worth. Both their stories are truly heartbreaking but inspirational.
It’s a roller-coaster ride. Two mothers on opposite ends, fighting for their son, who do you think would win?
Thank you, Novel Novels for the complimentary ARC. All thoughts are of my own.
Blog: https://periwinklepens.wordpress.com/...
May 28, 2021
Once again I thank Novel Novels for sending me this advanced reader's copy.
Rating of 4/5 ⭐
The book tells the story of Amy and Mark, a couple in their 40's, they are very successful lawyers, with great income, they have practically everything, but they have no children and Amy has tried 5 times to get pregnant in vitro, and after these failures and depression, the couple decides to have a child by adopting a baby.
and on the other hand tells the story of Marnie, a teenager in love with Trent, his brother's best friend, but he only sees Marnie as a little sister, does not share the same feelings as her, but after a drunken mistake Marnie ends up pregnant by Trent, but he does not want to take responsibility because he is with another girl.
And the lives of these four people will cross when Marnie gives up her baby for adoption and the couple Amy and Mark adopt him, but hours later Marnie and Trent revoke their consent to give up their son, but Amy and Mark will not want to leave him without first having fought in court, and only one of the couples will manage to keep custody of the baby.
This novel is completely out of what I am used to read, but what a great surprise the reading gave me, the plot is simple, but all the feelings involved in each of the characters made the book totally mature, because the issues that are touched are strong and gives us the essence of what a human being is; I think the author does an excellent job in showing us the characters, because here there are no heroes or villains, they are people who make mistakes, who learn from them and feel.
The whole story keeps you waiting to see how this issue is going to be resolved and I must say that I liked how everything was resolved, it was a great closure and I liked how the author handled it from beginning to end.
It is a story with a fairly simple English, I feel that anyone can read it, whether you are starting with the language or someone who already dominates it, it is also a short book and that makes the story flow very well.
Again I thank the publisher for this opportunity to read this story and I hope you are encouraged to give the book a chance 😚.
Rating of 4/5 ⭐
The book tells the story of Amy and Mark, a couple in their 40's, they are very successful lawyers, with great income, they have practically everything, but they have no children and Amy has tried 5 times to get pregnant in vitro, and after these failures and depression, the couple decides to have a child by adopting a baby.
and on the other hand tells the story of Marnie, a teenager in love with Trent, his brother's best friend, but he only sees Marnie as a little sister, does not share the same feelings as her, but after a drunken mistake Marnie ends up pregnant by Trent, but he does not want to take responsibility because he is with another girl.
And the lives of these four people will cross when Marnie gives up her baby for adoption and the couple Amy and Mark adopt him, but hours later Marnie and Trent revoke their consent to give up their son, but Amy and Mark will not want to leave him without first having fought in court, and only one of the couples will manage to keep custody of the baby.
This novel is completely out of what I am used to read, but what a great surprise the reading gave me, the plot is simple, but all the feelings involved in each of the characters made the book totally mature, because the issues that are touched are strong and gives us the essence of what a human being is; I think the author does an excellent job in showing us the characters, because here there are no heroes or villains, they are people who make mistakes, who learn from them and feel.
The whole story keeps you waiting to see how this issue is going to be resolved and I must say that I liked how everything was resolved, it was a great closure and I liked how the author handled it from beginning to end.
It is a story with a fairly simple English, I feel that anyone can read it, whether you are starting with the language or someone who already dominates it, it is also a short book and that makes the story flow very well.
Again I thank the publisher for this opportunity to read this story and I hope you are encouraged to give the book a chance 😚.
June 1, 2021
CAWPILE Rating: 8,57
Characters: 8,25
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 8,5
Writing Style: 8,75
Plot: 8,25
Intrigue: 8,5
Logic / Relationships: 9,25
Enjoyment: 8,5
First of all, thank you so much Novel Novels for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. If you're into contemporary novels related with babies in any way, I'm sure you will like this. It is also a fast-paced read, so it's perfect for the incoming relaxing months of summer!
I loved how the book is organised and structured. I love how the different characters are introduced to the reader, it is one of this novel's strongest points, in my opinion. You get to connect and understand everyone's situation and point of view, you feel empathy for all of them and you suffer with them too in their "fight" for the baby. Also, none of them are perfect. The four main characters have their flaws and that makes them even more relatable.
Although I would have liked to have read more scenes with the baby itself. I feel like it is the most unknown character but obviously I see why. The reader is supposed to like and love the baby just because it is the baby, whereas with the rest of the characters, you get to know them AND THEN, like them (or not).
In the second half of the book, where the action of the plot happens, there were some things that I didn't think added to the story. But again, I understand why the author did that: to kind of remove some heaviness to the matter.
You won't feel impervious while reading this book. It made me cry, feel sorry, smile, laugh and get angry. You will root for one of the couples, because it is inevitable. I just hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Characters: 8,25
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 8,5
Writing Style: 8,75
Plot: 8,25
Intrigue: 8,5
Logic / Relationships: 9,25
Enjoyment: 8,5
First of all, thank you so much Novel Novels for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. If you're into contemporary novels related with babies in any way, I'm sure you will like this. It is also a fast-paced read, so it's perfect for the incoming relaxing months of summer!
I loved how the book is organised and structured. I love how the different characters are introduced to the reader, it is one of this novel's strongest points, in my opinion. You get to connect and understand everyone's situation and point of view, you feel empathy for all of them and you suffer with them too in their "fight" for the baby. Also, none of them are perfect. The four main characters have their flaws and that makes them even more relatable.
Although I would have liked to have read more scenes with the baby itself. I feel like it is the most unknown character but obviously I see why. The reader is supposed to like and love the baby just because it is the baby, whereas with the rest of the characters, you get to know them AND THEN, like them (or not).
In the second half of the book, where the action of the plot happens, there were some things that I didn't think added to the story. But again, I understand why the author did that: to kind of remove some heaviness to the matter.
You won't feel impervious while reading this book. It made me cry, feel sorry, smile, laugh and get angry. You will root for one of the couples, because it is inevitable. I just hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 20, 2021
ⒷⓄⓄⓀ ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ
The Consent
Author: Elayne Kaye
Genre: Fiction, parenthood, drama, adoption, courtroom drama
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Novel Novels for sending me this advanced reader's copy.
Amy and Mark Levine are a power couple of Manhattan in their mid 40's. Both of them are good Lawyers with great income, a beautiful home and good friends. All that was missing in their life was a child of their own. After 5 failed in vitros, and a lot of depression, Amy and Mark decided they will go for infant adoption.
Marnie Swanson is in love with Trent Dillard. She always has been, ever since she was five. But Trent always saw her as his best friend's little sister. Fast forward to a few years later, after a drunken mistake, Marnie finds herself pregnant with Trent's child. However, Trent is in love with Sophie now, and is not ready to take the responsibility.
The fates cross path for these two couples, and Amy and Mark ends up adopting Marnie's son. Only one hour after, Marnie and Trent revoke their consent to give away their son, but Amy and Mark won't let go of the baby without a fight in court. Only one of them can come out victorious out of this battle.
This was a good matured read honestly. Although the plot of the story is quite familiar, the author meticulously picked up each and every human emotion... the hope, love, dispair, depression and grieve. I absolutely loved the way it was shown that no human has completely black or white personality... its totally grey.
The Consent
Author: Elayne Kaye
Genre: Fiction, parenthood, drama, adoption, courtroom drama
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Novel Novels for sending me this advanced reader's copy.
Amy and Mark Levine are a power couple of Manhattan in their mid 40's. Both of them are good Lawyers with great income, a beautiful home and good friends. All that was missing in their life was a child of their own. After 5 failed in vitros, and a lot of depression, Amy and Mark decided they will go for infant adoption.
Marnie Swanson is in love with Trent Dillard. She always has been, ever since she was five. But Trent always saw her as his best friend's little sister. Fast forward to a few years later, after a drunken mistake, Marnie finds herself pregnant with Trent's child. However, Trent is in love with Sophie now, and is not ready to take the responsibility.
The fates cross path for these two couples, and Amy and Mark ends up adopting Marnie's son. Only one hour after, Marnie and Trent revoke their consent to give away their son, but Amy and Mark won't let go of the baby without a fight in court. Only one of them can come out victorious out of this battle.
This was a good matured read honestly. Although the plot of the story is quite familiar, the author meticulously picked up each and every human emotion... the hope, love, dispair, depression and grieve. I absolutely loved the way it was shown that no human has completely black or white personality... its totally grey.
May 23, 2021
This story kept me on my toes. The way we follow the characters through their internal and external struggles, their dithering, their suffering and their despair and hope is captivating. The author weaves a story where there are no heroes and villains, but human beings doing their best, making mistakes, learning and growing. We’re there within the characters’ heads, feeling with and for them.
I read this book in one go. Up to the very end I had no idea how the story would end—but I think whichever way it ended, I’d have been happy. The author expertly leads the reader’s emotions to the cathartic conclusion. An absolute must read!
I read this book in one go. Up to the very end I had no idea how the story would end—but I think whichever way it ended, I’d have been happy. The author expertly leads the reader’s emotions to the cathartic conclusion. An absolute must read!
June 8, 2021
⠀⠀
First I want to thank Novel Novels for sending me this ARC. ⠀
I have to say I am as thrilled as I was when I first read the blurb.⠀
The book from beginning to end was a ride. My heart broke few times…..⠀
⠀
You know the writing is good when you really can’t pick a side. ⠀
This is a fast paced, easy english read by the way. ⠀
Let me share with you a non spoiler review of this novel that will be launching June 22nd.⠀
⠀
Amy Levine and her husband Mark in their forties; been trying to get pregnant for a while. The attempts were fail after fail. Even after the many trials of vitro fertilization and the adopting attempts did not work at all. Being well established lawyers in Manhattan; Money was not an issue. All they wanted was a baby to call their own. ⠀
⠀
Then comes Marnie and Trent. Marnie is twenty and Trent is twenty one. Her childhood friend and her brother’s closest friend. Both had their lives ahead of them but now she is pregnant with his child. Knowing that they couldn’t handle the baby because they basically had no money or even a clue on how to raise one. Also, Trent had a girlfriend!! The day he was going to propose he found out about the pregnancy…. After a long argument, when Sophia knew that Marnie was pregnant with his child she asked him to choose whether it was her or Marnie and the baby. ⠀
⠀
After signing the consent of giving the baby up for adoption; they regretted it and want the baby back. ⠀
The only way to revoke the consent is to take it to court and ask the judge to rule for them.⠀
⠀
Will they get their baby back? Or will the Levine’s have him?⠀
⠀
The whole story was heartbreaking and I couldn’t root for one couple without feeling bad about the other.⠀
⠀
I enjoyed this novel a lot. ⠀
⠀
⠀⠀
First I want to thank Novel Novels for sending me this ARC. ⠀
I have to say I am as thrilled as I was when I first read the blurb.⠀
The book from beginning to end was a ride. My heart broke few times…..⠀
⠀
You know the writing is good when you really can’t pick a side. ⠀
This is a fast paced, easy english read by the way. ⠀
Let me share with you a non spoiler review of this novel that will be launching June 22nd.⠀
⠀
Amy Levine and her husband Mark in their forties; been trying to get pregnant for a while. The attempts were fail after fail. Even after the many trials of vitro fertilization and the adopting attempts did not work at all. Being well established lawyers in Manhattan; Money was not an issue. All they wanted was a baby to call their own. ⠀
⠀
Then comes Marnie and Trent. Marnie is twenty and Trent is twenty one. Her childhood friend and her brother’s closest friend. Both had their lives ahead of them but now she is pregnant with his child. Knowing that they couldn’t handle the baby because they basically had no money or even a clue on how to raise one. Also, Trent had a girlfriend!! The day he was going to propose he found out about the pregnancy…. After a long argument, when Sophia knew that Marnie was pregnant with his child she asked him to choose whether it was her or Marnie and the baby. ⠀
⠀
After signing the consent of giving the baby up for adoption; they regretted it and want the baby back. ⠀
The only way to revoke the consent is to take it to court and ask the judge to rule for them.⠀
⠀
Will they get their baby back? Or will the Levine’s have him?⠀
⠀
The whole story was heartbreaking and I couldn’t root for one couple without feeling bad about the other.⠀
⠀
I enjoyed this novel a lot. ⠀
⠀
August 17, 2021
Thank you Publishers and Author for giving me a chance to read this book.. It was beautifully written, there was really no good way to portray the profound sadness in those who desire but cannot have children, in the same way its not possible to show how much guilt and regret is endured by those who have given their children for adoption (for any reason) and now want to change that decision. But Elayne Kaye has managed to dig at those emotions and write a character driven book with a good world building in a structured narrative..
Blurb :
Amy Levine had it all planned, once she has settled on her career and made a niche for herself as a lawyer, she will focus on children.. But as time went by, her dream went farther and farther and now after multiple unsuccessful in-vitro attempts, she finally starts looking at options for adoptions.. But even that flicker of hope flickers out after multiple disheartening fraud cases. When Amy and her husband Mark, suddenly hear about a young couple who want to give their baby up, they have to be there for who they imagine to be their son..
Twenty Year old Marnie Swanson has gone thorugh a lot in the last three years, losing her brother to Leukemia, her parents divorcing soon after, and her father moving on with their grief couselor leaving her mother and younger sister in a life with no money.. Marnie drops out of college to help her mother by running a dog walking business.. When she finds out about being pregnant with the baby of her childhoo crush and NFL hopeful Trent Dillard, she dooesnt know if she can raise a child alone with no money and no support. They decide to give up their baby for adoption and believe it is the best decision until they have already signed the consent form. Now they desperately want him back, but it up to a judge to decide who is the best option for the new born baby
Blurb :
Amy Levine had it all planned, once she has settled on her career and made a niche for herself as a lawyer, she will focus on children.. But as time went by, her dream went farther and farther and now after multiple unsuccessful in-vitro attempts, she finally starts looking at options for adoptions.. But even that flicker of hope flickers out after multiple disheartening fraud cases. When Amy and her husband Mark, suddenly hear about a young couple who want to give their baby up, they have to be there for who they imagine to be their son..
Twenty Year old Marnie Swanson has gone thorugh a lot in the last three years, losing her brother to Leukemia, her parents divorcing soon after, and her father moving on with their grief couselor leaving her mother and younger sister in a life with no money.. Marnie drops out of college to help her mother by running a dog walking business.. When she finds out about being pregnant with the baby of her childhoo crush and NFL hopeful Trent Dillard, she dooesnt know if she can raise a child alone with no money and no support. They decide to give up their baby for adoption and believe it is the best decision until they have already signed the consent form. Now they desperately want him back, but it up to a judge to decide who is the best option for the new born baby
June 29, 2021
Amy Levine wants to be a mother, after years of exhaustive in-vitro efforts and disheartening adoption attempts, she fears that her marriage may not survive.
.
.
Twenty year old Marnie Sawnson and her long time friend and father of her baby are not ready to be parents. They further decided to put the baby up for adoption and it's the best decision for them and the baby.
.
.
But here's a twist are they ready to sign up the consent form? Will Amy's marriage survive? Are they ready to adopt Marnie Sawnson baby?
.
.
This story gives reader a mix feeling which I never experienced before, the feeling of heartbreak, loss, failure and happiness at the end😇
.
.
All the very best to Elayne Kaye, and keep writing more😇😊
.
.
Twenty year old Marnie Sawnson and her long time friend and father of her baby are not ready to be parents. They further decided to put the baby up for adoption and it's the best decision for them and the baby.
.
.
But here's a twist are they ready to sign up the consent form? Will Amy's marriage survive? Are they ready to adopt Marnie Sawnson baby?
.
.
This story gives reader a mix feeling which I never experienced before, the feeling of heartbreak, loss, failure and happiness at the end😇
.
.
All the very best to Elayne Kaye, and keep writing more😇😊
June 7, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed Elayne Kaye's The Consent. The title gives a hint of what is to come, but we are kept on edge not knowing until the very end what the outcome will be.
We can sympathize with every character as they all have their own very real anguish. Elayne Kaye has managed to make the case for everyone involved so that no matter who you are rooting for each individual has a story we can relate to.
It's a breeze to read and perfect for any summer vacation.
We can sympathize with every character as they all have their own very real anguish. Elayne Kaye has managed to make the case for everyone involved so that no matter who you are rooting for each individual has a story we can relate to.
It's a breeze to read and perfect for any summer vacation.
June 13, 2021
Thank you Novel Novels for sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
The Consent was such an entertaining read! It had a slow start, but 50 pages in, I was flying through it! I never wanted to stop until I knew how it would end!
I especially liked the court atmosphere and how it was described. It was really fun! And whenever I was reading, I got immediately lost in the story and wasn't aware of my surroundings! The characters' decisions all felt justifiable, even though they made me want to scream out loud sometimes😅 I was very satisfied with the ending!
Overall, an interesting story with incredible writing!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
The Consent was such an entertaining read! It had a slow start, but 50 pages in, I was flying through it! I never wanted to stop until I knew how it would end!
I especially liked the court atmosphere and how it was described. It was really fun! And whenever I was reading, I got immediately lost in the story and wasn't aware of my surroundings! The characters' decisions all felt justifiable, even though they made me want to scream out loud sometimes😅 I was very satisfied with the ending!
Overall, an interesting story with incredible writing!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
January 30, 2022
Honestly, this book was veryyy good but if I had to read one more football reference I was going to throw my kindle into my bathtub.
May 20, 2021
What a great read! Read it in one day...the characters come alive...the story is very real and timely....Elayne captures their personalities, heartbreaks, emotional turmoil, and human failings perfectly. By the end of the book I felt I knew the characters as friends. Sports fans will enjoy the football analogies sprinkled throughout the book. She weaves suspense, humor, joy and sorrow in a beautifully written novel.
January 8, 2023
The first part was great.
Then part 2 comes with the time jump and ruins it. Why do Marnie and Trent, despite agreeing on adoption, leave it until the last possible second? This never comes up in court and readers never find out either. And it’s awfully convenient that they ask the social worker what they do if they change their minds. Anyone in that profession would then say I’m not giving you those papers until you’re certain. But no, sign away despite clearly having second thoughts.
I was surprised the fact that the child had a circumcision, despite the parents knowing they may be forced to return him, never came up in the court case. I really expected that to be a point of contention, that the parents had this optional medical procedure done. I think it would have been interesting if his Jewish faith was brought up, and then Marnie decides to raise him with Judaism values - especially given her own relationship to Mrs Goldstein.
Also on the court case, it’s not clear why Trent’s ex agreed to witness. With how their relationship ended, I think it would have made more realistic sense for her character to say ‘no I’m not interested in witnessing on this case’, especially as it was the defence/Levines who called her.
I’m giving this book a 3 as I did enjoy part 1, and the overall premise. Although I had an idea, it was never completely clear who would win the case and I liked being unsure.
However, as the book falls apart in part 2 with the convenience and the time jump, I’m knocking points for that. I also really, really dislike Amy’s husband. I was so sure they’d divorce by the end! They disagreed on so many important things throughout the novel - and he even says if they lose the case then their marriage would be over. He only seemed to want a baby because Amy wanted one so bad, and then he only seemed intent on keeping Josh to one up the Dillards. Ending would have been far better if Amy was divorced, in line to adopt a boy from a foreign country, and she seeks out Josh as she feels she needs his approval. She sees him from afar and sees he’s smiling and happy, so takes that as a sign that he’s okay and she’s okay to move on and start anew, on her own.
Edited to add: the word punt being used instead of the f word annoyed me so much. Just don’t use a word there if you’re not comfortable writing curse words.
Then part 2 comes with the time jump and ruins it. Why do Marnie and Trent, despite agreeing on adoption, leave it until the last possible second? This never comes up in court and readers never find out either. And it’s awfully convenient that they ask the social worker what they do if they change their minds. Anyone in that profession would then say I’m not giving you those papers until you’re certain. But no, sign away despite clearly having second thoughts.
I was surprised the fact that the child had a circumcision, despite the parents knowing they may be forced to return him, never came up in the court case. I really expected that to be a point of contention, that the parents had this optional medical procedure done. I think it would have been interesting if his Jewish faith was brought up, and then Marnie decides to raise him with Judaism values - especially given her own relationship to Mrs Goldstein.
Also on the court case, it’s not clear why Trent’s ex agreed to witness. With how their relationship ended, I think it would have made more realistic sense for her character to say ‘no I’m not interested in witnessing on this case’, especially as it was the defence/Levines who called her.
I’m giving this book a 3 as I did enjoy part 1, and the overall premise. Although I had an idea, it was never completely clear who would win the case and I liked being unsure.
However, as the book falls apart in part 2 with the convenience and the time jump, I’m knocking points for that. I also really, really dislike Amy’s husband. I was so sure they’d divorce by the end! They disagreed on so many important things throughout the novel - and he even says if they lose the case then their marriage would be over. He only seemed to want a baby because Amy wanted one so bad, and then he only seemed intent on keeping Josh to one up the Dillards. Ending would have been far better if Amy was divorced, in line to adopt a boy from a foreign country, and she seeks out Josh as she feels she needs his approval. She sees him from afar and sees he’s smiling and happy, so takes that as a sign that he’s okay and she’s okay to move on and start anew, on her own.
Edited to add: the word punt being used instead of the f word annoyed me so much. Just don’t use a word there if you’re not comfortable writing curse words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
This has two storylines running in parallel. On one hand, we see Amy and Mark, both successful lawyers in their 40's who after multiple Invitro failures decides to adopt a baby. On the other hand, we have the story of Marnie who due to a drunken mistake ends up getting pregnant by her boyfriend Trent. Although she has feelings for Trent, he doesn't have any feelings for Marnie and wants her to either abort or give up the baby for adoption.
Amy and Mark after going through a lot of trouble and being cheated by the adoption agency decide to adopt Marnie's newly born baby. Everything is fine until just hours after adoption Marnie and Trent realizes their mistake and decides to get back their baby. And with this starts the legal battle for the custody of the child.
Who gets to keep the child, the birth parents or the adopted parents? Will Amy and Mark ever have the satisfaction of having a baby? Or will they be childless forever? Who will get the consent from the judge?
This story was an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you in tears. Although the plot is very simple the emotions of each character is portrayed really well. The story will keep you guessing on the verdict and who gets to keep the baby. I could connect emotionally with Amy throughout the story. I thought it was a really good closure to the story and the loved the story throughout. I recommend it to everyone.
Thank you Novel Novels for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Amy and Mark after going through a lot of trouble and being cheated by the adoption agency decide to adopt Marnie's newly born baby. Everything is fine until just hours after adoption Marnie and Trent realizes their mistake and decides to get back their baby. And with this starts the legal battle for the custody of the child.
Who gets to keep the child, the birth parents or the adopted parents? Will Amy and Mark ever have the satisfaction of having a baby? Or will they be childless forever? Who will get the consent from the judge?
This story was an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you in tears. Although the plot is very simple the emotions of each character is portrayed really well. The story will keep you guessing on the verdict and who gets to keep the baby. I could connect emotionally with Amy throughout the story. I thought it was a really good closure to the story and the loved the story throughout. I recommend it to everyone.
Thank you Novel Novels for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2025
1.5/5⭐️
There are so many red flags in this book that apparently NO ONE sees because no one has common sense in this book.
I really didn’t like the writing. I had to cringe so many times when they tried to be “funny” when the characters were being outright racist or mean. The characters were flat, so cliché and there wasn’t anything to make you feel attached to them (or at least it wasn’t executed properly for me because I didn’t care about any of them).
Also, using the word “punt” instead of a curse word…like what the??? It was so weird.
The ending was fine but expected, which is also the only reason I gave this more than one star. However, everything was quite obvious from the beginning and there were just too many coincidences for it to be a coincidence.
Of course, Marnie was pregnant for months but the only time she has to go to the adoption center is when she is almost about to give birth? And obviously she had to go into labour at the adoption center… Of course, the father still asks two thousand questions instead of helping labouring Marnie…. There are so many things that were poorly executed and just didn’t feel realistic that I don’t even care to list.
I wouldn’t recommend this unless you want to get mad at stupid children and adults’ decisions, figure out the plot after the first few chapters, and cringe at bad writing.
There are so many red flags in this book that apparently NO ONE sees because no one has common sense in this book.
I really didn’t like the writing. I had to cringe so many times when they tried to be “funny” when the characters were being outright racist or mean. The characters were flat, so cliché and there wasn’t anything to make you feel attached to them (or at least it wasn’t executed properly for me because I didn’t care about any of them).
Also, using the word “punt” instead of a curse word…like what the??? It was so weird.
The ending was fine but expected, which is also the only reason I gave this more than one star. However, everything was quite obvious from the beginning and there were just too many coincidences for it to be a coincidence.
Of course, Marnie was pregnant for months but the only time she has to go to the adoption center is when she is almost about to give birth? And obviously she had to go into labour at the adoption center… Of course, the father still asks two thousand questions instead of helping labouring Marnie…. There are so many things that were poorly executed and just didn’t feel realistic that I don’t even care to list.
I wouldn’t recommend this unless you want to get mad at stupid children and adults’ decisions, figure out the plot after the first few chapters, and cringe at bad writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
This is the first kind of book that I have read about family drama and I loved it !
Amy and Mark Levine, rich married lawyers , are desperately trying so hard to have a child until the last option drove them to think about adoption. On the other hand , Trent Dillard and Marnie Swanson, unmarried and unemployed young people whom to their shock are going to have a baby, each one of them knew it was impossible to raise this baby due to their financial status. They decide to keep the pregnancy a secret and to give the child up to adoption. The Levines got a call about the Dillard's baby and the signing of adoption papers immediately begins, but the next bot Trent and Marnie regretted what they have done and want their baby back, so the struggle begins between the two families. Will Trent and Marnie get their baby back ? or will Amy and Mark who can provide everything for the baby win the case ?
What I liked in this novel is that the author discussed the issues of adoption and how hard it is on the adoptive parents to wait for a call and bring a child to their home. It is heartbreaking and emotional novel , loved the sense of humor of the characters too.
June 15, 2021
Not only is Elayne Kaye's "The Consent" a fun beach read, it is simultaneously thought-provoking and would be great for a book club. The book focuses on two couples: one wants to adopt a baby after years of fertility struggles and the other never wanted a child until their child is born.
The book culminates with a legal battle in which readers can debate the outcome. What is in the best interests of a child is not always so easy to determine. The characters are well-rounded in that even the "good" characters are flawed.
I could not put the book down because I wanted to find out who got the child. I liked that this was an easy read, but not predictable. I look forward to reading this author's next book.
The book culminates with a legal battle in which readers can debate the outcome. What is in the best interests of a child is not always so easy to determine. The characters are well-rounded in that even the "good" characters are flawed.
I could not put the book down because I wanted to find out who got the child. I liked that this was an easy read, but not predictable. I look forward to reading this author's next book.
July 15, 2021
(Disclaimer: Elayne worked on parts of this book in my writing workshop)
Elayne does a real nice job taking the lay reader through the (sometimes traumatic) world of adoption. Her characters come across as folks we know, with real flaws and relatable qualities. "The Consent" does not make it easy to pick sides in an adoption battle that pits a well-to-do Manhattan couple against a scared and confused upstate (well, Poughkeepsie) New York new mother and father.
You can add Elayne's name to the list of lawyers who know how to tell a compelling story.
Elayne does a real nice job taking the lay reader through the (sometimes traumatic) world of adoption. Her characters come across as folks we know, with real flaws and relatable qualities. "The Consent" does not make it easy to pick sides in an adoption battle that pits a well-to-do Manhattan couple against a scared and confused upstate (well, Poughkeepsie) New York new mother and father.
You can add Elayne's name to the list of lawyers who know how to tell a compelling story.
June 8, 2021
This is a relentless story—of one couple who wants a baby too much, and of one couple who don’t realize soon enough that they want to keep their baby. Both sides of the adoption issue were convincing and there was no true evil person, which made it that much harder to root for one side or the other. It’s fast, and sane, tightly constructed--and sad like a lost love is sad, but beautiful also, because: love.
June 22, 2021
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺, 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴... 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘯.
𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭!
What a roller coaster ride, my emotions were all over the place with this story.
I had no idea what to expect and it was the best surprise, it was fast paced and impossible to put down.
Two stories, two couples and a battle that broke my heart. I really loved this book and how things got resolved at the end.
Thank you Novel Novels Press for this eARC.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭!
What a roller coaster ride, my emotions were all over the place with this story.
I had no idea what to expect and it was the best surprise, it was fast paced and impossible to put down.
Two stories, two couples and a battle that broke my heart. I really loved this book and how things got resolved at the end.
Thank you Novel Novels Press for this eARC.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
August 22, 2021
3.5 Stars TBH
This book definitely drew me in, I really could see both sides , even if I found myself pretty drawn to one by the end (might not be the one you think *spooky music*). One thing that brings down my rating is some of the court scenes made me almost roll my eyes because the word "objection" was used so much and never did almost anything? There were also some clunky lines here and there.
But I've become a super critic now or something, if was still good.
This book definitely drew me in, I really could see both sides , even if I found myself pretty drawn to one by the end (might not be the one you think *spooky music*). One thing that brings down my rating is some of the court scenes made me almost roll my eyes because the word "objection" was used so much and never did almost anything? There were also some clunky lines here and there.
But I've become a super critic now or something, if was still good.
October 22, 2021
I absolutely loved this read! Once I hit a certain point, I couldn't put this book down! It wasn't too predictable and it certainly made me think about parenthood and life in a new light. I really felt for Marnie and I really appreciate that this book isn't a cookie cutter love story. I would love to read a follow up to check in on baby Ben/Josh in a few years!
May 9, 2022
As an adopted child, this book was heartbreaking. I’ve had numerous conversations with my mom about how terrified she was if the birth parents decided they wanted me back.
I didn’t love this book. I wish I did.
Also, Trent really annoyed me with his “Punt you!” 🙄
I didn’t love this book. I wish I did.
Also, Trent really annoyed me with his “Punt you!” 🙄
August 2, 2021
Such an amazing read. It definitely made me question which couple I was rooting for a couole times throughout the story. It was such a heartbreaking and at the same time funny story
September 13, 2021
Read for a book club. Not great writing and full of clichés. It's also very sad.
October 30, 2021
Such a good book, but a little sad at times but really enjoyed it.
November 29, 2021
Was rooting for Marnie. Glad she got the kid. I wish she and Grady got together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
if i ever hear the word “punt” again, i’m gonna throw up
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