Book: What We Need by Lizzie Stanley
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
I knew it was going to be sad, but there were real tears listening to this! The prologue is brutal and harrowing as we meet Dean before the event which changed everything. Having been introduced to Dean in book one, it was heartbreaking knowing what was about to happen and how the event had such a ripple effect for everyone in Dean's life.
Up until now, Dean has been existing rather than living, suffering from horrendous PTSD and survivors guilt. When Dean meets Liaden it is the catalyst for some major life changes. I liked how Liaden coming into Dean's life wasn't a magic fix for his trauma and that he still had to do the work. Things do get worse before they get better but the journey is so worth it.
June deBorahae is brilliant; I was a huge fan of hers already but this is the first time I've really heard her accent work and it was stellar. I genuinely thought there was more than one female narrator at one point. Ryan Stone is superb too and hits all the beats of Dean's emotional journey as he realises he can't treat Liaden as a fix and accepts he deserves to get better. There is a lot of angst, but there are still some fun moments with the Wishbone family who are amazing. Leo deserves his happy ending and I cannot wait to see him shoot his shot in book three!
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