Book: Not the Way it Ends by Allie Samberts
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 4.5/5
Thanks to Page & Vine and NetGalley for this ARC! I’ll admit I’m not usually a fan of the age-gap trope, but I decided to give it a try because of the author, and I’m so glad I did. The book opens on a powerful note with the diagnosis of Anastasios’s daughter. I felt the representation was thoughtfully done, and I could really feel the family’s struggles and uncertainty as they adjusted to everyday life with new considerations.
One thing I especially love about this author’s writing is how real her characters feel, and this book didn’t disappoint. Anastasios is navigating a new phase in his life while figuring out how to manage type 1 diabetes with his daughter. Caitlin is finding her footing after an emotionally abusive relationship (I really wanted to punch her ex in the face several times!), and Elena, a thirteen-year-old, is adjusting to a new routine while also navigating her teenage years. I felt like I was watching real people face real challenges, and I loved it.
My one small reservation is that, compared with the couples in the author’s other two books in this series, the romance here feels a little rushed. I would have loved to see the relationship develop over a longer period and through more everyday moments. Overall, though, I thought this was a lovely romance and would definitely recommend it. You might also want to check the trigger warnings.