Review: Coming up for air

★★★★★ #Comingupforair #MeganHart #angst #netgalley

When it comes to emotional conflict and angst, no one does it better for me than author Megan Hart. The conflicts she creates for her characters evoke a visceral response in me . . . every.bloody.time. I am in love with her writing because it cannot be easy to write these poignant love stories. In coming up for air, Ms. Hart once again showcases her ability to create star-crossed lovers in a moving manner.

What does one do when they made bad choices? Eliska is a woman who has been punishing herself for the last 30 years by being married to man who treats her poorly. I am disgusted by her husband and it is designed to be this way. The strong initial sympathy we have for Eliska is slowly eroded away as we learn more about the interactions between them. Not to say that Paul is in the right. We can see their dynamic is dysfunctional and it all stems from her a past she cannot let go.

Unpopular opinion, Eliska created this mess and she decided to lay in it. She is a victim of her own making and yet we cannot fault her for it. She wrestles with demons and is so caught up in her own guilt and silence that she cannot find a way out. The collateral damage is high here. Eliska has 3 decades with the man that doesn't suit. She has children. The one she really loves, suffered too, Tom.

Tom comes across as a simple man in many ways. His disability prevents him from living a "full life" per Eliska's perspective.

What I see here is an intense passion where Tom cannot be held accountable for decisions he doesn't have the full disclosure on. And this is the crux of the problem. Eliska's inability to effectively communicate and her "secrets" which are her martyrdom sacrifice cost her needlessly. Sometimes, people have to suffer to learn better. All in all, this is an angst filled romance that is all too realistic in the how people can cause their own pain. I still loved this story because it generated so many wildly swinging emotions and I fell in love with Tom. The regret of bad choices and seeing the consequences is so satisfying. Because not everything will be exactly a happily ever after with a perfect journey. Sometimes, the suffering regardless of the reason, leads to a better ending. Recommended to my angsty loving friends.

*provided by NetGalley