Book: Stroke Rate
Reviewed by Josiereads13
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Nisha's Books and Coffee for the ARC — this review is my honest opinion.
The story focuses on River and Chris. River's a swim coach who lost his soulmate in a bus crash. He's been struggling with grief and PTSD since then. Chris is a swimmer who really needs a new coach since his current one mistreats him. He is dealing with the effects of long-term parental abuse throughout his life. He usually cannot tolerate a lack of control and despised being touched. Whenever he is around River, he feels a lot more comfortable.
I really enjoyed reading this. This book addresses grief and trauma in a truly beautiful manner. River and Chris have such a sweet relationship. They support one another through their trauma. Their love for one another brought them healing. What they endured was truly heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very moving and beautiful example of recovery following a traumatic experience. Chris and River were characters that I truly appreciated and enjoyed. The way it ended was truly beautiful and moving.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"The way you looked at me allowed me to trust, to feel, and let go. It allowed me to submit and, f#ck, Riv, I loved it.”
“I deserve to live and to love. I deserve light.”
“You have sat with me in the dark until my light returned.”