Bad Romance

Something in me is dimming, something that I already know I can't get back. But you're worth it. You are. I will tell myself this for several more months. And when I realize you aren't worth it, it'll be too late.
— A raw and gritty book about a “perfect” relationship spiraling into a toxic, abusive, and manipulative relationship. What a book. This seriously gave me the chills!

This was not a fun read. It was highly uncomfortable and left me feeling sick to my stomach at times.

Seventeen year old Grace, who has a far from loving home life, crushes hard on Gavin, the school drama king/musician/all around tortured artist. When she finds herself suddenly the object of his affection, she understandably falls for him hard. He writes her songs calls her his muse. He appears, at first, to be the perfect boyfriend. Little by little that all chips away and the person who Grace thought was her soul mate turns out to be a nightmare.

I have a love/hate relationship with books like this. On the one hand, I love when authors are able to transport you into the shoes of their characters and make you feel what they are feeling right along with them. On the other hand, I don't like feeling conflicted over a character who is so obviously supposed to be the bad guy. Gavin is a manipulator and an abuser but by putting us in Grace's shoes, I felt empathy for him at times and I understood why Grace would constantly make excuses for him. People are so quick to say, “why doesn't she just leave him?” when it comes to women in abusive relationships but books like this show you that it isn't always so simple.

This is my second read by Heather Demetrios and I really enjoy her writing. My only complaint is that I feel like this book ended so abruptly. I would have liked an epilogue further in the future and part of me is curious about what happens to Gavin.

4.5 stars
Likes:
- An amazing, impactful, difficult read
- Supportive female friendship!!
- Representation of an emotionally abusive relationship
- Some kick ass character growth

Dislikes:
- Just a teeeense too long