Review: Dannazione (Better #2) by Carrie
From the moment I opened "Dannazione," the second installment in Carrie’s Better series, I was drawn in—captivated by Vanessa’s fiery spirit and the unfolding intricacies of her and Thomas’s tumultuous relationship. It’s the kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and as a book blogger, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you on this emotional rollercoaster!
One thing I truly adored was Vanessa’s character development. This time around, she’s not just the girl we met in the first book; she’s evolved into someone remarkably resilient and brave. I found myself cheering her on as she faced countless challenges, embodying strength and determination that felt empowering. Her growth is nothing short of inspiring, and I admire how Carrie crafted a character who resonates with readers on so many levels.
And then there’s Thomas—oh, Thomas! The brooding bad boy, whose torment mirrors that of many real-life struggles. His character had me laughing, cringing, and then empathizing as we unearthed the layers of his complicated past. Carrie reveals his demons in such gut-punching ways that I found myself feeling a range of emotions, from frustration to tenderness. The incredible twist regarding his past left me completely gobsmacked!
Vince, Thomas’s friend, honestly stole several scenes with his witty banter and charm. He lit up the narrative with comic relief, proving to be a breath of fresh air amongst the heavier themes. I found myself grinning ear to ear whenever he was on page; his humor was quite the antidote to the emotional complexities swirling around Vanessa and Thomas.
As for the pacing, Carrie expertly balances the heart-wrenching elements with lighter moments. I was often swept up in the whirlwind of emotions—whether I was laughing out loud at a humorous exchange or feeling my heart ache for the characters. The writing style is vivid, and I could feel every emotional high and low as if I were living it alongside Vanessa and Thomas. Carrie’s ability to weave their stories together without missing a beat is definitely commendable.
I cannot overlook the supporting players who add rich layers to the story—each character, from Tiffany, whose friendship with Vanessa warmed my heart, to the frustrating figures like Vanessa’s mother and Logan, kept the narrative dynamic. They made me feel, often leading me to intense frustration, reflecting the reality of human relationships.
At its core, Dannazione is more than just a tale of love; it’s about healing, understanding, and how two broken souls can sometimes hurt while trying to help each other. The emotional depth is a wild ride—readers can expect to laugh, cry, and even rage a bit!
In conclusion, if you love character-driven stories filled with complexity and emotional depth, "Better: Dannazione" is for you. It’s a tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, reminding us that love can be both a sanctuary and a source of turmoil. I left the story with a heart full of understanding and questions I can’t wait to have answered in the next installment.
Thank you, Carrie, for allowing us to dive deeper into Vanessa and Thomas’s world. It’s a journey I won’t soon forget!
