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I just keep reminding myself he’s 21 and doesn’t know what doing better looks like 😤

I’ve been stuck at this part for a minute and I can’t find the will to get through this sex scene. There’s no way an argument about accountability, communication, transparency, and respect should be taking place while he’s roughly fucking and spanking Claudette because she (FINALLY) calls him on his bullshit.

Mind you he’s said point blank “I don’t do girlfriends” knowing her first everything is him.

The writing is phenomenal!

The characters on the other hand are FRUSTRATING—I don’t like that every time Claudette brings up legitimate grievances + criticisms of Dominic, he gets angry + turns to moment into sex. Rough sex at that. He has some major trauma that needs to get resolved with a therapist, not a naive, sheltered 18yo virgin. Her mind is so warped she can’t even confide in her best friend.

I went to the book store, then went to the mall and immediately lost my new copy of The Ministry of Time
😫😫😫😫😫😫

I’m going to be moving this to did not finish permanently. I appreciate Virginia putting her vulnerability, pain, trauma, and despair into an entire published book to expose these pedophiles, including those who helped brutalize with them and cover up for them. I cannot endure hearing these details.

The writing is beautiful though. Even though the scenes are kind of mundane so far, the flow between Claudette and Dominic and the other characters in the story makes it feel like much more is happening. The author did excellent work on this so far.

I feel like I’m reading on tiptoe every time Claudette interacts with Dominic. He has a very imposing and intense air that understandably makes Claudette nervous, especially given that she’s probably 18 or 19 and comes from a sheltered life. Dominic has definitely let his history color his present. Even though he’s savvy? he struggles to match Claudette emotionally and struggles to manage himself emotionally.

Bell hooks communion comes to mind when the forward talks about her perceptions of misandry on first read. Are women required to forsake love from men (both romantic, familial, and platonic) to protect our emotional and physical safety and avoid being separated from our humanity? How deep would that go?

I keep forgetting this isn’t 2005 until the mentions of Bluetooth, music streaming, and Drake’s music.

I love this so far but girl heed Autumn’s warning please!!! I get it but please 😬

Liking this set up so far…

This is so 🙄

She wouldn’t believe her anyway.

The sister’s motives and actions make sense now and Janelle coddling her makes sense too, but the mother and father are trash. Any mother who would treat their child this way ain’t worth a damn and any father who would “let them work it out amongst themselves” CAIN’T be calling himself a good father either.

This is funny 🤭

Rome reminds me of Taming Kane but human. At least, Taming Kane was consistent about how the story and characters were presented. Their characters actions and words made sense for who they were and the joining of the main couple made sense from what was presented to the reader. Only for the Week has good bones, but the meat is stringy and tough.

Given what she’s dealing with playing with her pussy is not the answer.

4 minutes of audio given to both their careers and community work that they’re “passionate” about

Very little given to the friendships that both Janelle and Rome have.

What ever problems come to our lives, we can sex it out.

And what is with the detailed description of her clothes, but not the background that let them go this far this fast?

I feel like this book is struggling to be consistent about the level of depth it wants to give to the characters & its romance:

“When she first told me her plans for [her business idea to help the community and advance herself professionally], I told her it was a brilliant idea. We’ve talked about it a few times on the trip.”

Then SHOW us!! The depth the writer tells us is there is missing scenes like this^^

I appreciate the author sharing with us but her opinions on romance books shes read (via her characters) are out of place, but the emotional, romantic development of the main pair is LACKING.

I want to let myself stay immersed in the story, but I feel like the author can’t decide what level of depth she wants her main characters to have towards their plot and their own thoughts and feelings.

Janelle should be asking questions about how he really feels about her and the past 2 years. Renting a yacht on day 3 (or 4) of a situationship is different….

Chapter 4: Your honor, he’s a freak bitch

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE?

They don’t know each other well enough for him to ask for trust or for her to give even though “it terrifies the hell out of [her]. He was introduced to her as Arnold’s girlfriend then he took a contract in California for six months and when he came back, things were different and he still kept his distance.

As crazy as the concept of getting together with your sister’s ex six months after they broke up, I don’t feel like the author is showing how Amerie is jealous of her sister, worried about Janelle stealing Arnold back, or seems concerned that Janelle has feelings for Arnold at all. I’m about 20-ish % of the way done with this book and I still have no insight into how Amerie sees herself, Arnold, and….

I want to see why Janelle stayed with Arnold for a year; is this going to be SHOWING how and why she puts others’ comfort ahead of her own or telling me.

the terrestrial search for extraterrestrial life?

Something more philosophical and apparent, like the value of one’s humanity in direct relation to connection?

Whats the relevance of gender given the full story?

What’s the purpose? Is the purpose worthwhile?Would you want to live without a purpose? Is purpose self-defined or pre-determined? If so, by others or a greater power? Is purpose necessary to live?

Companionship is necessary to continue.

What is this world and what’s going on?

Tears… I love this

Beauty and its purpose; what is the purpose of it, defined by others? Human interaction?