Book: Toxic kiss by Brooklyn Cross
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
Cyrus is intense. It is easy to see how he became a rock star, because even as a character he has a magnetism you can't look away from. Add in Haven, the stepsister he can't help himself from torturing, and it makes for a book you can't put down.
Fair warning, this is a bully romance. Cyrus definitely takes it too far, both in the past and the present. He uses Haven as a punching bag for all his emotions, and it gets pretty hard to read.
Haven, is both a badass and a doormat as well. She clearly has issues with boundaries, and I think lets it go too far before she gets herself out of the situation. However, I am sure anyone who has been in such a situation with someone they love might do the same.
In Cyrus' over the top way, he is obsessed to the point of finally getting his act together and facing his problems. I loved watching him start to take care of his issues- it is very satisfying and somehow hopeful too.
This book deals with a lot of different types of abuse and degradation. It also deals with infidelity in a few relationships. There is a lot of grief- Haven and Cyrus lost some very important people early in their lives, and it shaped their entire futures.
I enjoyed the way Cyrus' journey to get his diagnosis is portrayed. It is clear the author has experience with chronic illness. It is so realistic the way he is frequently misdiagnosed, and straight up not believed that he is having the symptoms he claims to.
I also loved the way Haven blooms once she is able to trust Cyrus. The chaos of their lives is still there, but they have found a way to steady each other and make each other better.
This book has a lot of grit and hard truths for the characters to face, but the payoff is so worth it. I recommend it if you like rockstars, over the top MMCs, a little bit of the forbidden and a lot of bullying that turns into an epic love story. It doesn't seem like it would be healthy in real life, but it makes for a story I couldn't put down.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.