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A review by theresidentbookworm
Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout
2.0
The Rumpelstiltskin Effect, Or Why I Would Never Date A Kyler
In the popular TV show Once Upon a Time, Rumpelstiltskin and Belle are one of the show's most popular couples. Affectionately referred to by fans as Rumbelle, their story began when Belle signed her life away to live in Rumple's palace so that he will save her kingdom. It's basically the Beauty and the Beast story with a few minor tweaks. Belle takes care of the household for Rumple, known as the Dark One for his immortality and unlimited dark magic. Gradually, the two fall in love. Belle kisses him one day, hoping to change him back into a regular man. Her kiss does start to work. Of course, that doesn't fly with Rumple, but that's a whole other story.
What is actually frightening about Rumbelle and even the original Beauty and the Beast is the idea that loving a person enough can completely transform them for the better. A beauty falling in love with a beast will change him into a real man. A good girl believing in the heart of a bad boy will redeem him. It's an idea central to so many of our love stories, and it might be the worst lie we're ever told. Love helps people, to be sure, but the key isn't being given it. My Relationships teacher has been telling us that love has to start with you, and you can't give it or fully appreciate it until you love yourself. You have to believe yourself to be worthy of love in the first place, or you will never have it.
So I disagree with Kyler's whole notion that he is changing because of Sydney. I think so much of his behavior in the book is awful. It's just garbage to be honest. If he doesn't think he's worthy of Sydney, why try to further that opinion by sleeping with every girl he meets? Why not tell her how he feels initially if he thinks there's not a chance anyway? Kyler changes because he needs to change, no matter what he thinks. To accept Sydney's love, he has to start loving himself. I do think this relationship is highly doomed and flawed. Between two different sets of mounting insecurities, I wish Kyler and Syndey luck. Then again, actual relationship dynamics don't seem to be a factor in new adult novels. Lucky them.
Frigid was a waste of $1.99 or so of my Amazon gift card. Do not make the same mistake.
In the popular TV show Once Upon a Time, Rumpelstiltskin and Belle are one of the show's most popular couples. Affectionately referred to by fans as Rumbelle, their story began when Belle signed her life away to live in Rumple's palace so that he will save her kingdom. It's basically the Beauty and the Beast story with a few minor tweaks. Belle takes care of the household for Rumple, known as the Dark One for his immortality and unlimited dark magic. Gradually, the two fall in love. Belle kisses him one day, hoping to change him back into a regular man. Her kiss does start to work. Of course, that doesn't fly with Rumple, but that's a whole other story.
What is actually frightening about Rumbelle and even the original Beauty and the Beast is the idea that loving a person enough can completely transform them for the better. A beauty falling in love with a beast will change him into a real man. A good girl believing in the heart of a bad boy will redeem him. It's an idea central to so many of our love stories, and it might be the worst lie we're ever told. Love helps people, to be sure, but the key isn't being given it. My Relationships teacher has been telling us that love has to start with you, and you can't give it or fully appreciate it until you love yourself. You have to believe yourself to be worthy of love in the first place, or you will never have it.
So I disagree with Kyler's whole notion that he is changing because of Sydney. I think so much of his behavior in the book is awful. It's just garbage to be honest. If he doesn't think he's worthy of Sydney, why try to further that opinion by sleeping with every girl he meets? Why not tell her how he feels initially if he thinks there's not a chance anyway? Kyler changes because he needs to change, no matter what he thinks. To accept Sydney's love, he has to start loving himself. I do think this relationship is highly doomed and flawed. Between two different sets of mounting insecurities, I wish Kyler and Syndey luck. Then again, actual relationship dynamics don't seem to be a factor in new adult novels. Lucky them.
Frigid was a waste of $1.99 or so of my Amazon gift card. Do not make the same mistake.