Book: Hurt People by Maisie Maeve
Reviewed by Sheila Lopez
Rating: 5/5
Hurt People is a dark, heartbreaking romance about Willow, a girl who has spent most of her life trying to survive the people and places that were supposed to keep her safe. Her past, unsafe home, and relationship have taught her to stay quiet and make herself small. Then Grayson enters her life, and little by little, things begin to change.
Grayson was impossible not to love. He was patient, caring, and became the person Willow could lean on when everything felt like too much. I loved the way he listened to her and supported her without trying to take away her choices. Their connection had some complicated circumstances, but the moments they shared through books, writing, and conversations were some of my favorites.
Willow’s growth was my favorite part. Seeing her start to speak up, trust herself, and believe she deserved more had me feeling so proud of her. Jade was also exactly the friend Willow needed. She listened, believed her, and did not let Willow feel alone once she knew the truth.
At its heart, this is Willow’s story about finding her voice, learning that safety is possible, and realizing she does not have to keep surviving alone. I also loved the message that hurt people do not have to keep hurting people. They can heal people, too. If you enjoy dark romances with characters you can truly care about, I think you should give it a try.