Book: I'm Fine Save Me by Lj Daniel
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I picked this up as I am a huge fan of the narrators June DeBorahae and JF Harding and I am so glad I did! This was a really great listen and a recommend if you are looking for some slow burn angst.
The relationship between Cooper and Teagan felt so grounded and I loved how devoted they were to each other and were always a team no matter what. This was a lot more emotional than I was expecting with some very heavy themes but its written in a really accessible way; there were so many moments I identified with and the characters were both easy to connect with. Teagan was so likeable too and her internal strength is shown in all her actions. Cooper's realisation of the invisible load Teagan was carrying on top of everything else just broke my heart.
Lance West really made Cooper come across as such an earnest person and I really liked how the POVs started from his character rather than Teagan reacting to him as your first impression. You just know Teagan is the centre of Cooper's universe and his struggle to try and be the husband everyone was telling him he should be has you rooting for him.
I did find the pacing was a little slow to start and there were a few moments which happened off page due to time jumps that I would have loved to explore more but I was still invested throughout.
Wayne definitely wins the prize for worst character (the deployed best friend is third with Chris second). What a narcissist; I'm really looking forward to seeing how he is dealt with in part two.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read