Barbed Wire Heart

by Tess Sharpe

This was an incredible read. It was intense and full on and overwhelming with the feels.

It was good. Really good. I liked how the plot moved back and forth between time periods. And I liked the feminist angle. The women characters were unbelievably strong. They'd been through some traumatic experiences but I loved how they came together, supporting each other and protecting one another.

Harley was an incredibly complex character. I felt for her as she struggled to find herself and what she believed in, all the while fighting Duke and the perceptions of men and being surrounded by so much violence and loss. She was such a strong character and reminded me a lot of Alex from The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis. I did really like Harley but I would've really liked for her to (show spoiler)[ actually follow through on the killing. And yes, I realise that her not killing was the point but I'm also bloodthirsty and I would've liked for her to at least put some holes in them. ] (hide spoiler)

The romance with Will was sweet but relegated to the sidelines to allow Harley to shine in her own right. I loved that Will was supportive and understanding but in some ways I also felt he didn't really understand her and the way she was going about things. Which was strange because he was (show spoiler)[ all for the non-violent options and she was busy setting them up rather than killing, so why stop her? ] (hide spoiler)

But the real gem of this story was the relationship between the Ruby's and the camaraderie between all the women in the book. The friendship between Brooke and Harley. Brooke warning Molly about (show spoiler)[ Tripp and then helping her when it all falls apart. ] (hide spoiler) There was such a community between them, an understanding of the evil things men do and did and might do to them or their children and this fierce desire to protect each other from it. It was inspiring.

This would've been five stars but it was long and it started to drag a bit when it seemed like none of Harley's plans were going to actually happen. But it is a fantastic read and one which will stick in my memory for a long time.

4.5 stars.