Book: Sunshine and Razor Wire by Rae Knight
Reviewed by ThatBookBratBethany 📚⚔️💋
Rating: God Tier
So honored to be a part of Rae's permanent ARC team and to have the opportunity to read Zae & Cass's story early. All opinions are my own.
I am beginning to realize how healing a well-done mental health representation can be in a book, and Rae executed beautifully. As a girly with ADHD & CPTSD, depression has always been something I fight. Through years of therapy, I've healed a ton, but this book took me back to my college days in multiple, not negative ways. The days of waking up and not being able to function to get through or faking it until I crashed were rough. I love how Rae encompassed these feelings so well that I actually felt like I was back in my apartment fighting myself to make it to an 8 am class.
Pacing of plot, spice, and events was perfect. I didn't feel like anything was rushed or misplaced. I really enjoyed our side characters too...the guys seem like a hoot, and Riley intrigues me.
Throughout the story, I felt highly connected with Zae, and watching Cass work to convince her that she wasn't too much was so healing. Everyone deserves this level of love and care. On the flip side, watching her do what she could to do the same for Cass made me feel seen. I struggle with mental health and chronic illness, and whenever I am able to find a balance in providing for my husband's needs, I feel so much better. These two made me laugh, swoon, cry, giggle, rage, and melt, and it was everything. If I could give this book more than 5 stars on rating platforms, I would. It will definitely be going on my comfort/emotional re-reads forever list <3 10/10 highly recommend, no notes!!! Special thanks to Mama Lori for proving that not all parents suck!!!