POETIC. EXCEPTIONAL. DEVASTATING. The hopeless romantic in me yearned deeply while reading this book. Nothing Burns as Bright as You is a romance novel that follows the journey of two best friends whose love slowly crosses the platonic bounds. The present story happens over the course of a single day, but flashbacks reveal memories of the past. That’s when readers begin to understand the intricate layers of their relationship, just as it comes crashing down. In this narrative, both girls are nameless, identified solely by the pronouns “I” and “You.”
My Thoughts (and Prayers)
I absolutely loved reading this book, the writing style is gorgeous, and the romance made me feel so giddy! However, beyond the lovey-dovey parts, the story itself displays a toxic, codependent relationship. All I have to say about the MC is: she better than me. Personally, you’d never catch me chasing and practically begging someone to be with me. Their situation is complicated because they’re best friends, and while preserving a friendship is understandable, the reluctancy felt dramatic. Her love interest led her on with kisses and embraces, and despite confessing her love, she lacked commitment and was often avoidant. Now that I think about it, this story definitely displays the harsh realities of an avoidant-anxious relationship.
“All you need is love.”
The truth:
you need a hell of a lot more
than that.
The story would’ve been 100% more compelling if the author provided the love interests POV. With that kind of insight, I might have a different opinion about the love interest, but in all honesty, she ain’t sh*t. Her tendency to go from warm to cold, practically love bombing then disappearing were frustrating. Based on the bits we were given, I feel her family life impacted her behavior which is why her POV would’ve been helpful. At the same time, it might’ve just been her personality or lack of commitment that dragged it on. Still, I appreciate the moments of the love she and the MC shared with each other.
When I complained about the brightness,
about having to close my eyes,
about not being able to see you,
you sat up fast.
You scooted forward,
leaned over, closer and closer to me,
until you (and all your hair) blotted out the sun completely.
I’ll be your shade, you said.
Open your eyes.
This book was incredibly written, and I’d definitely read it again. It’s a beautiful, complicated love story between two Black girls.
