I wanted to like {The Second Death of Locke} sooo bad because everyone keeps recommending it but it fell so flat for me.
Now I don’t read a lot of friends to lovers, normally enemies to lovers is my vibe. But I was looking for a change of pace.

This wasn’t it for me, I understand friends loving one another but this didn’t feel like friends to lovers, it felt like lovers to lovers..? There wasn’t any build up for me between them constantly touching each other and sharing a private tent where they cuddled all night. I also didn’t feel the forbiddeness of their love, though it was plainly stated. It felt like a half hearted afterthought to explain why they couldn’t relieve the sexual tension. 

Kier as a character fell super flat for me because the only build up on his character happened in flashbacks, his main characteristic is that he’s obsessed with Grey. And I guess I can understand the idea that Grey assumed he was only earning promotions due to his own ambition, but then it was revealed that they only joined the military to protect Grey and their home. So like… what ambition?? Where is this insecurity coming from?? 

Grey is almost more annoying because she’s perpetually scared the whole book and then when she has the opportunity for growth (telling Kier immediately that he died and she has a choice to make) she fails again to face her fears, even when Kier willingly abandons everyone to help her reclaim Locke. Burying the dead bodies of her parents, the ashes of her brother, preparing rooms for guests, commanding her army (figuratively at that point but you know what I mean), and she can’t face this one conversation which is quite literally life or death?? When he’s trusted her with everything? Pathetic, give me a break! Show me growth! 

On a more general note some of the dialogue felt out of place, the plot was predictable, and I almost dnf’d in the last 100 pages because of Grey. Am I missing something?? Just wasn’t for me I guess. 

Did we read the same book..?