TW: abuse in many forms are described

River is a young woman from a troubled town called Shallow Hill. She comes from nothing but built herself up to go to college where she met her boyfriend Ryan. Ryan had the perfect life growing up. With lots of trial and even more error, Ryan and River enter a dark path. Ryan starts abusing River, heavily. Mako, Ryan’s brother is a detective who is known to help Ryan’s girlfriends escape his web of terror. But when he runs into River… he’s more determined to get her out than ever before.

Guys the tension between Mako and River was INTENSE. 319 pages before they even kissed🫠

Lord have mercy H.D. Carlton did it again!

I have read Satan’s Affair and the cat and mouse duet by her and this is so close to being my new favorite!

Definitely not as dark as the others I’ve read but this book truly captures the darkness of being in a domestic violence relationship with a partner. Unlike what Colleen Hoover tried to do with It Ends With Us;)

#bookrecommendations #BookReview #reading #books #fyp

1/19 Edited to

... Read moreReading "Finished" truly opened my eyes to the harsh realities many face in abusive relationships. River's story, set in the troubled town of Shallow Hill, is not just a fictional tale but a vivid depiction of resilience amidst darkness. What struck me most was the intense dynamic between River and Mako, who, unlike typical supporting characters, plays a pivotal role as both protector and emotional anchor. One thing that stood out was the slow-building tension—it took 319 pages before the first kiss, which made their connection feel all the more authentic and impactful. This pacing allows readers to deeply understand the emotional layers and complexities of each character. H.D. Carlton’s writing does not shy away from the painful truths of domestic abuse, neither sugarcoating nor dramatizing unnecessarily. It felt different from other books I've read on similar themes, including Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us," as Carlton brings a raw and grounded perspective. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse, this book might resonate deeply, offering both a mirror and a sense of hope. Mako’s role as a detective committed to helping victims escape is especially encouraging—it highlights the importance of support systems and intervention. Overall, "Finished" is not just a romance or drama; it’s a gripping, emotional journey that sheds light on complex human experiences. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in stories that combine emotional depth with social issues. Plus, if you enjoy intense character-driven plots with thoughtfully paced romantic tension, this book delivers brilliantly.

1 comment

jay's images
jay

absolutely enjoyed it!!

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