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My Review:Title: Tragic
Author: Devney Perry
Series: Lark Cove #3
Published by: Indie
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Format: Kindle Book
Pages: 353
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Potential Triggers: View Spoiler »
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2022 Backlist Reader Challenge, Lenoreo's 2022 COYER Spring, Lenoreo's Can You Read a Series June 2022
Find it: Goodreads ✩ Amazon ✩ B&N ✩ Google ✩ Kobo ✩ iBooks ✩ IndieBound ✩ Book Depository
My rating:
Blurb:Kaine Reynolds wants nothing more than solitude. After an unthinkable tragedy destroys his family, he’s cut off all ties to his former life so he can battle his grief the only way he knows how.
Alone.
So when Piper Campbell knocks on his door, rambling on about being his new neighbor, he slams the door in her face.
But Kaine’s gruff demeanor doesn’t scare her. She’s set on living in Montana and starting over after a terrible divorce. And she wouldn’t mind having a fling to chase away the pain of her husband’s betrayal. Her handsome, albeit rude, neighbor is the perfect candidate.
Yet what neither of them suspect is that their no-strings affair will result in the surprise of Piper’s lifetime—and Kaine’s worst fear.
3.5 stars — So, like the others, this book was a very easy and fast read. I find I get sucked in, and even when they’re a bit predictable, I don’t even mind. In general, I really enjoyed this story. But Kaine’s emotion management problems had ZERO growth, and that made this one not a favourite for me. What can I say, down with toxic masculinity, down with not loving someone enough to deal with an uncontrollable rage problem (and by deal with, I mean in a healthy way, like getting help).
It’s funny, lower reviews I skimmed had problems with Kaine forgiving a certain someone quickly, while I’m over here in my little lonely bubble feeling for the guy and wishing Kaine had more emotional growth. But whatevs, I’ve always been different.
ANYWAYS. Piper was pretty fun. I loved her sass and spirit and fire. I loved when she would find the joy in the small moments, and allow herself to feel that. It was never obviously addressed, but you could tell she’d been in a toxic relationship, and seeing the unhealthy way she dealt with her ex was hard. She did at least grow though. She definitely had her ups and downs, but in general I really enjoyed her!
Kaine had some absolutely awesome qualities, despite what the first paragraph of this review tells you. He was kind of sweet and shy, and I enjoyed the way Piper brought him back to himself. He was protective, but it was more in a roll your eyes way than a high handed way. And once he started settling in, I enjoyed the way he teased, and the way he took care of her. No doubt, he went through something absolutely horrific and traumatic. And I don’t blame him AT ALL for the complex emotions he was feeling. But I do blame him for never dealing with them in a healthy way…not once, not even in the epilogue. He had so many of those “typical male” bullshit responses (like not acknowledging anxiety attacks, or pushing aside any medical help), and I just don’t have patience for that. Not if there’s no acknowledgement and no glimpse of growth. *shrugs*
I know a lot of people love the whole trope of the girl saves the guy, the girl is the only one that can calm a guy or whatever…but I’m kinda done with them. It’s a really unhealthy thing to showcase and glorify…at least in my opinion.
Despite that, the chemistry between Piper and Kaine was pretty spot on and awesome. I even enjoyed the friendship they developed, and yes, I even enjoyed the way Piper was able to get behind his walls…I just thought he could use supplemental help. 😛
It was fun to see the rest of the cast, and I’m still looking forward to the last (so far) book in this series. I just want better heroes.
Side note: I tried the audio, but the female narrator wasn’t for me. Nothing wrong with her narration, just personal taste.
COYER Community: I buddy read this book with Brandee, and she gave it 4 stars (her review).
That is a good point about the calming thing. I hadn’t ever really thought of it. Maybe I just don’t notice it in books? I will now.