Melanie A.'s Reviews > After the Shut Up Ring

***A 2024 TOP PICK***

5 STARS!!

"I wouldn't have you any other way than how you are."

Soooo . . . I love this author - hard - but when I found out about one of this book's key tropes (view spoiler)[the h has a viral STD (hide spoiler)] I kept putting it on the back burner. Because ewww 🫤

But I was a complete fool. I should have put my faith in CCW no matter the subject matter. This was AMAZING! And it's been forever since a book had me staying up well past my bedtime.

Brandon and Angie had me glued to the pages. They were just so genuine in their angst over each other - and this is coming from someone who despises storylines that have mc's pining for each other.😂

It's insane to be in love with Angie Miller, even now, after all these years, but I don't know what else to call this tightness in my chest.

Their fears and vulnerabilities were so vividly portrayed. I felt like I was taking every step in their relationship with them.

I want to accept what he's offering. I want to care for someone and know they care for me. I don't want to be alone.

I know some people saw Angie as weak, something which is entirely valid:

She's trained as well as a whipped dog, and it fucking hurts my heart.

But I LOVED how the author didn't shy away from that truth and then sold me on the premise that Angie was simply doing the best she could with the cards she was dealt.

Because wanting things - and going after what you want - is for people with nets under their tightropes.

And then there was Brandon and his struggle to understand and woo Angie.

I don't need her to be anything other than herself, and I don't want her to soft-pedal it when she's mad because my ego can't handle a woman talking back.

His efforts completely warmed my heart . . .

How do you make someone trust you?

. . . and rang true with his values and thought process.

I don't want to buy her. But I do want to take care of her.

Honestly, I bought the story hook, line and sinker, including the spoiler above and I cheered for Angie and Brandon every step of the way.

I want to stay right here, huddled against his chest, tucked under his chin. Forever.

Gah, me too! Their love goes down on record as one of my favorites of the year!

It feels precious.
It feels right.
And as delicate as glass.