Reread Jen Devon's Bend Toward the Sun for probably the third or fourth time, and I'm utterly convinced it's one of the best romances of the last few years.
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It’s been on my TBR, and I’ve been saving it as a reward read for when
I finish revising my new book, but now I’m choosing to interpret this as a sign to take a break and just read it already. 😄
I reread it in preparation of reading the second book in the series and word is the much anticipated third book isn’t happening and I am BUMMED. She set up that third pairing so well too.
I will say that in addition to the not great cover, I do think the high price on the ebook was a problem. debuts aren't well served by $12 ebooks. (and if memory serves, that book wasn't discounted for more than a year. that is...not a great strategy.)
This is so true. I actively became annoyed at a book that I want to read for it being more expensive as an ebook than as a paperback. And the ebook was over $10.
And…yeah, that dampers the speed at which I need to read the next book (still will…eventually)
I absolutely buy the psychology of the wounded protags; the setting is gorgeous; and the writing, esp the metaphors and imagery, are chef's kiss perfection. I will never understand why this book wasn't a massive hit
I should say both MCs are wounded and it's worth checking the CW on reviews. Doctor who lost a patient, parental neglect, and gaslighting ex are the big ones
And if you're looking for books like this-- angsty, emotional but not dark CR -- I'd recommend Kennedy Ryan, Kate Clayborn, the spires series by Alexis Hall, and the two recent novellas by Ruby Lang, esp "I am trying to break your heart"
Interesting. I saw the cover and assumed it was not for me. It didn't give off "wounded protags, gorgeous writing" vibes, I guess? But now I want to check it out...
It's such a good book!! I guess the problem is that an illustrated cover would have been wrong for it. How do you convey emotionally heavy gorgeously written contemporary romance then? We don't have that cover language right now
Totally agree. Illustrated covers lean cute, and that book isn't cute. It's wrenching and magnificent. I strive to create characters that beautiful and broken. Hell, now I need to read it again.
Based on your rec I just put this on hold at the library BUT would agree that I'd never pick it up based on the cover if I was looking for a contemporary romance.
I didn't read it until 2023, so it wasn't on my best of last year list, but it will ABSOLUTELY be on my best of this year list. without doubt, it's my favorite romance I've read this year.
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I finish revising my new book, but now I’m choosing to interpret this as a sign to take a break and just read it already. 😄
And…yeah, that dampers the speed at which I need to read the next book (still will…eventually)
(And I don't know her at all. This isn't annoyance on behalf of a friend. The book is a readalike for Kate Clayborn.)
Also big Judith McNaught influences (from others who I trust)
It's a BREATH TAKING romance