'Beautiful Graves' by L.J. Shen follows the odyssey of Everlynne, a character engulfed in tragedies but finds hope again. The plot is intriguing and a bit dark, with unexpected twists and turns. The book delves deep into loss, grief, and fate, presenting tough subjects with emotional depth. The writing style captures the protagonist's pain and struggles effectively, making the reader root for Everlynne as she navigates through her tumultuous life.

Characters:

Characters evoke strong reactions, particularly Ever, whose personality and decisions are polarizing for readers.

Writing/Prose:

Overall, the prose is well-crafted but some aspects of dialogue and character interactions received criticism.

Plot/Storyline:

The story explores themes of grief, love, and the consequences of indecision through the protagonist's experiences.

Setting:

Key settings contribute to the emotional landscape, intertwining themes of loss and hope.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout the book, beginning sluggishly but gaining momentum as the story unfolds.

This is what we do, Pippa and I. She starts fires; I put them out. She runs hot and messy; I’m as emotionless as an ice statue at a royal wedding. She could get it on with a lamppost, and I . . . well...

Notes:

The main character, Ever, is often seen as indecisive and self-centered.

Readers find it hard to relate to Ever due to her selfishness and repeated mistakes.

Ever is involved in a love triangle that complicates her life further.

The book deals heavily with themes of grief and personal responsibility.

Many readers consider the beginning of the book cringe-worthy and not typical of the author's style.

Ever struggles to move on from her mother's death and her past relationship with Joe.

The author, L.J. Shen, has a strong following, but some felt disappointed in this particular book.

The romance elements did not resonate as strongly with some readers, who found them lacking.

The character development of Ever doesn't lead to immediate changes, which frustrated some readers.

The book includes dark themes and explores the protagonist's pain throughout.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings for Beautiful Graves include themes of grief and loss, and emotional distress.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in Beautiful Graves, though some readers find it lacking.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

From USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a passion- and angst-charged story about a woman caught between a secure relationship and a once-in-a-lifetime spark with her muse.

They say first loves are oftentimes the end of one's innocence.

Those words couldn't ring truer for Everlynne Lawson, whose first brush with romance came with a heartbreak…and the thing that seems to follow her everywhere she goes. Death.

After a great tragedy, Everlynne loses all she cares about-her dreams, her family, and her soulmate, Joe.

Guilt-ridden, Everlynne decides to isolate herself in Salem, Massachusetts. A shell of the woman she once was, she takes her days one at a time, careful not to allow herself the joy she believes others in her life were robbed of. But when the mysterious, handsome Dominic storms into her life, it becomes more difficult to stay in solitude. Dominic is different: adventurous, joyous, with lust for life and a passion to make her his.

Everlynne is on the cusp of reinventing herself once again when the old wounds of her past are resurrected, rawer than ever. There is nothing worse than being in love with two men.

Especially when one of them hates you.

October 2022

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405 pages

Ratings (11)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (24):

Read It (13)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (1)

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Beautiful Graves

L.J. Shen

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