Lotus

• Dark
  - Dual POV
  - Neighbors
  - Childhood friends to lovers
  - Emotional
  - Captivity (22 years)
  - Slow Burn
  
  TW: Kidnapping/Child Abduction, Molestation

I wanted to love this book. I loved ‘Still beating' so I went into this with high hopes. The FMC really brought this entire story down. Why did Oliver the man who was isolated in captivity have more emotial maturity than Sydney who actually lived a life in the world. She was emotionally stunted. 

I'm still thinking about this book days later

I did not like this book because I found Sydney to be annoying and always walks right into Oliver's house without even knocking or ringing the door bell. And I don't like the girl who was doing the reading for Sydney her voice was annoying and talking like a valley girl and I am sure that Oliver could speak for himself Sydney doesn't need to speak for him there's nothing wrong with where he can't talk to people. Why is Sydney always barging into Gabe and Oliver's house do they do that to her when they go over to her house and she was very nosy and I found her to be a bit stalkerish I feel like with her. Why does the narrator need to speak in a whisper with every word that would come out of her mouth and I have to say this is a very slow pace book. Who would name their child Clementine when that name comes up I think of the fruit and also found her to be annoying also and I didn't like her either. When Gabe was warning Sydney about hurting Oliver she got pissed off about and Gabe had every right to protect his brother from getting hurt by someone who breaks men's hearts. And I had to agree with Clementine about her children being left with with someone she doesn't know and Sydney seems to care about herself and no one else. I didn't like how the guys reading for the female and the same thing for the female reading for the male's it's kinda annoying why can't they read in their normal voices? Even for the guy reading for Oliver sounds boring I am sorry that I am listening to as a audiobook and slow seems I should have read this instead of listening to this cause I didn't like Oliver's a d Sydney. I think that's what I am going to do is to finish reading it myself and good thing I didn't waste a credit for this or my money on buying the book. Does Sydney know how to wear pants especially when she went after her cat when it ran out o the house and her neighbor's didn't want to see her underwear and I am sorry that I gave this one 1 star in my opinion it wasn't good.

I want to express my gratitude to Netgalley and everyone involved for providing me with an advance copy of this novel. The following reflections represent my sincere opinions about this book.I was genuinely eager to embrace this book, drawn in by its genuinely unique and intriguing concept; however, it ultimately proved to be rather underwhelming. Oliver and Sydney are best friends as kids and he is kidnapped when he's a child. The story unfolds as Oliver makes his long-anticipated return to the “real world.” Now in their early thirties, both Oliver and Sydney find themselves living in close proximity, with Sydney residing next door to Oliver's stepbrother, Gabe, leading to their reconnection. The romantic aspect of the story left me with mixed feelings. It was passable, but what grated on me was the portrayal of an extremely sheltered character who seemed clueless about everyday phrases like “calling shotgun,” yet was oddly well-versed in matters of intimacy from the start. I had hoped for a touch of the innocent charm but those moments were sparse in this book. Sydney's character, in particular, tested my patience as she oscillated between intense jealousy towards Oliver and pushing him away at every available opportunity.
The book attempts to weave an underlying suspenseful plotline, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite hit the mark. Random events and situations are introduced seemingly out of place in the narrative, making it apparent that they are intended for later development. It felt like the book only skimmed the surface of numerous intriguing elements without ever delving deep enough into any of them.

The narration in this book was skillfully executed. While I personally wished for a slightly shorter read, I find myself comfortably awarding it three stars. I'm inclined to explore another work by this author in the future. It was a good read, though not quite reaching the level of greatness.

you guys... this book has become my absolute favorite!

i loved every second of reading this book. it had me wanting more and more. i still want more of Syd and Oliver. i really thought Oliver was my new favorite book boyfriend and then he rescued a baby raccoon and kept her. that's when it was solidified that he IS my new favorite because if you know me, raccoons are my favorite animals ever! 

i've never read anything quite like this and i love that about it. i also loved the cameo of Tabitha and Cora! i haven't read Still Beating but i know they're in it!

the twists at the end were insane but i definitely called it after a bit! i always had bad vibes from him! 

i could really go on and on about this book so just do yourself a favor and read it!