Book: to have and to stalk by Mary Catherine Gebhard
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
This book had me enthralled right away. I ignored everything I had to do the day I read it. And finished it in less than 24 hours too.
Shay is an interesting mix of naive and completely bold and bratty. I could totally identify with her from the start, and the more I learned, the more I cared about her. Calder is the obsessive hero we all love. But has hidden depths as well, like a career as an accountant, which is just so boring and vanilla when mixed with his darker hobbies.
These two fit so well together, and not just sexually either. They match each other in having a mix of confidence and boldness with secrets and vulnerability too. Their chemistry is fun and exciting, even if all they do is stare at each other, breathe and not kiss.
I don't think I have ever wanted a stalker like Calder before, but I find myself not hating the thought of a man taking care of me when I can't do it myself, and knowing me so well I don't have to ask for what I want. He is the total fantasy for those of us who like our men morally grey.
The chronic illness representation is very realistic, and I will always champion normalizing taking care of yourself however that looks- especially in books. For those who have never experienced something like a chronic illness, it gives them a view that hopefully gives them more compassion for those around them. For those going through it- hopefully they feel seen and validated.
Shay's friends may be one of my favorite things about this book as well. They are unfiltered and supportive and tons of fun- as all book clubs should be.
This book is a perfect blend of the darker side of life, mixed with sweetness and swooning and care.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.