Drowning Erin by Elizabeth O'Roark is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance told in dual POV and alternating between the past and the present. The story centers around the relationship between Erin and her fiance' Rob's best friend, Brendan. Erin and Brendan used to work together, and despite an initial attraction to one another, they never really got along. Brendan always seemed to go out of his way to be a jerk toward her, and Erin couldn't stand him and his manwhore ways. After spending four years in Italy, Brendan has returned to Colorado, and much to Erin's disdain, Rob offers him their pool house as a temporary place to live right before leaving the country on business for an extended time. While Rob is away, some family crises arise, and Brendan steps up to help Erin. They start to spend time together and develop a friendship.

Characters:

The characters face significant emotional challenges and growth, navigating their complexities throughout the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style captivates readers with its dual perspectives and concise chapters that enhance emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The story explores complex relationships, emotional struggles, and past connections while navigating boundaries and personal growth.

Setting:

The setting provides a relatable backdrop for the unfolding drama among familiar characters.

Pacing:

While the pacing is generally effective, it can feel prolonged due to character conflicts and indecisiveness.

I open my eyes this morning with my ears still straining to hear the cellist, surprised for a moment to find only normal sounds—running water, the whir of an electric razor. My heart is still bouncing...

Notes:

The book features the enemies-to-lovers romance trope.

It involves a love triangle without actual cheating.

The heroine Erin is engaged to Rob, who is described as a jackass.

Brendan, the male lead, is Rob's best friend and moves in while Rob is away.

Erin struggles with her own family's addiction issues.

The story alternates between the past and present, providing character backstory.

Both main characters are portrayed as flawed and relatable with personal struggles.

The book explores themes of personal growth and self-discovery.

The title suggests that Erin feels overwhelmed by her circumstances.

It's noted that the characters take a long time to communicate, leading to frustration in the plot.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of addiction, emotional manipulation, and unhealthy relationships.

Has Romance?

There is a strong presence of romance throughout the narrative, especially between the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

You never forget your first love. But you should, if you're marrying his best friend.

Manwhore Brendan and good-girl Erin have waged a war of mutual disdain for years, both of them trying to forget that, once upon a time, they got along a little too well. But when Brendan returns home just as Erin prepares to marry his best friend, she will have to decide if the life she's created for herself is as perfect as it seems, and if her feelings for Brendan are just cold feet-or a sign that maybe, long ago, she chose the wrong guy.

If you love angst, second-chance romance and plot twists you never saw coming, buy Drowning Erin today.

Ratings (8)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (12):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (2)

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