what i did for love by susan elizabeth phillips

While I don't love the title of the book (it makes it sound way too 'fluffy'), the story itself is perfect. I was immediately emotionally invested in this story and loved seeing Phillips create such layered characters again. Overall, this was a wonderful story and one that I know I'll be rereading. However, the moments that are in his perspective are wonderful to read, especially in getting to see his emotional growth. The majority of what we learn is secondhand from what Tess has learned through biographies of him or gossip, so we don't really get a ton of what he actually thinks about his parents and his past. This felt like a loss because I would have loved to learn more about his art, his childhood, etc. Everyone should hold the same beliefs as this character.Īlthough the book begins with Ian's perspective, we're given very few moments in the book that are actually in his voice.

Lastly, Ian is amazing when talking to the teen boys about consent and acceptance. I also loved seeing secondary characters develop and find their own independence from their personal relationships.

Phillips uses a deft hand to write rebuttals to beliefs like 'abstinence is the only option' and show how knowledge is power. I absolutely love that Tess, although acknowledging that parents should be the first people asked, doesn't back down with providing teens with necessary information to make sure they are practicing safe sex. Safe sex practices, consent, gender roles, and independence are just a few of the contemporary issues that Phillips tackles in this book. Absolutely loved watching this story unfold. These are characters who have been thrust into a situation none of them expected and somehow figure out how to do what is best for Wren. Seeing Tess taking care of Wren, the development of Wren's grandparents, and Ian's reluctant role in the family is so lovely. But even without all the additional hormones, I would definitely argue that this is a beautiful story about family and how love is just as important than blood. Her contemporary romances are always filled with layered and complex characters while guaranteeing a happy ending.Īs a new mom, so many moments in this story made me pause and just stare gratefully at my baby. So I was thrilled when I found out that she had released a new book. I fell in love with her writing and immediately went to find all her other books. I'm a big fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips's books, starting with the first one I picked up: What I Did For Love.

What i did for love by susan elizabeth phillips