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The Divorce

Book 1 in the series:The Relationship Quo

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love gut-wrenching, angsty marriage-in-crisis stories with loads of groveling and emotional rollercoasters, this book is for you! The writing feels raw and real, with characters who are deeply flawed but relatable. Jenzy, the main character, exudes heart - even if she's clumsy and a bit quirky, her journey will pull at your emotions. Fans of second-chance romances and seeing flawed relationships stripped bare (without cheating elements) will find this story really compelling. If you appreciate realistic depictions of communication breakdowns and emotional vulnerabilities, "The Divorce" delivers.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This one isn’t for everyone. If you have a low tolerance for unlikable main characters - especially a hero who is downright cruel for large chunks of the book - you might struggle with this story. Some readers were turned off by the extended groveling, perceived lack of true character growth, and found the ending unsatisfying or abrupt. Also, if you prefer strong, assertive heroines from the start, or need lots of chemistry and active character agency throughout, you may find Jenzy too passive or the relationship dynamic frustrating.

An ultra-angsty, realistic marriage-in-trouble romance that’s packed with feels, frustration, and grovel galore - polarizing but unforgettable for fans of emotional second-chance love stories.

About:

The Divorce by Nicole Strycharz tells the story of a couple, Jenzy and Chris, who have been married for seven years but their relationship turns sour when Chris starts to ignore and insult Jenzy. After asking for a divorce, Jenzy makes Chris grovel to win her back, while exploring themes of communication issues, emotional affairs, and the struggle to rebuild a broken marriage. The book delves into realistic portrayals of marriage troubles, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Jenzy portrayed as initially sympathetic but later criticized for her submissive behavior. Chris is depicted as emotionally abusive, while Moses serves as a gentler but ineffective foil.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and emotional, effectively drawing readers in, although some formatting issues were noted that could affect the overall experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a couple with a troubled marriage, leading to the wife's request for a divorce due to her husband's neglect and emotional abuse. Themes of personal growth and complicated relationship dynamics are central.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary, focusing on relatable marital issues and the emotional landscape of separation.

Pacing:

The pacing of the narrative varies, with some moments feeling drawn out while others effectively build tension and emotional stakes.
When I came into the restaurant to see Moses waiting on me I felt some of my nerves settle. He’d become my friend first, even in the few weeks we’d been talking. I went his way and soaked up the glory...

Notes:

The book centers around a marriage in crisis, with the heroine, Jenzy, asking for a divorce due to her husband's disrespectful behavior.
Chris, the male lead, treats Jenzy poorly throughout their marriage, causing her to lose self-esteem.
Despite the tough themes, the story has relatable moments that resonate with readers, especially those who have experienced divorce.
Jenzy's character is described as flighty and immature, which some readers found frustrating but also refreshing.
The book is labeled as a 'grovel' romance, focusing on Chris's attempts to win Jenzy back after she initially leaves him.
The writing style received mixed reviews, with some readers finding it engaging and others noting typos and formatting issues.
Several readers felt that Chris's behavior didn’t show enough character growth for a satisfying resolution to the story.
The emotional journey of both characters is a highlight, with themes of self-discovery and acknowledgment of faults.
Jenzy's relationship with Chris is complicated by her exploration of a new romance during their separation, introducing a love triangle dynamic.
Readers appreciated the absence of infidelity, as Chris remains faithful to Jenzy even as they face marital issues.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include emotional abuse, manipulation, and references to emotional trauma and healing after divorce.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in the book, with a focus on the complexities of rekindling feelings.

From The Publisher:

Jenzy: I love my husband, but he doesn't see me anymore. We were collage sweethearts and for seven years I've been his wife. Five of those years were bliss; the last two have been a long fall from grace.

He's the love of my life, the sexy and smart man I saw my future with, but now I don't think he sees it too. I'm tired of not being seen, I'm tired of not being heard, and I'm tired of being in love alone.

I was his optimistic hippie girl that he couldn't get enough of. Now I'm just his annoyance.

So I told him, I finally found the backbone and this is our story....

Chris: My wife just told me she wants a divorce. What the hell do I say to that? I thought we were fine-, well fine is a bad word, I thought we were okay. Doesn't matter what I think because she's moving out and I can't really let this happen.

Yeah, she annoys me, we're total opposites, but I knew that when I met her, she hasn't changed…maybe I have? I was her anchor, her safety, her home. Now I'm that guy that's wreaked her and there are plenty of men willing to repair the damage I did.

So I have a plan. Find out what happened to change my affection for her within the last two years, and win her back before someone else does, because I still love her, and she still loves me....I guess.... more

May 2016
357 pages

Ratings (40)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (7)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (103):

Read It (50)
Want To Read (36)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (13)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
3 years

I thought the book overall was good, the book helped me view divorce in a less sad and more joyful ending of one journey.

 
 
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