Title: Can't Take It Back
Author: Kelly Duran
Editor: Lara Blackman
Publisher: Audible
Publication Date: April 16th, 2020
Page Count: ?? Audible Original
Disclaimer-I don't own any of these images.
Female friendship is something that's been on my mind so often. I feel like as a society, we break female friendships so often for really lame reasons. Or they simmer out before anyone ever notices the water is boiling. I firmly believe that when women come together, offering love, kindness, and support unconditionally, we can truly rise. The time for this to happen is before us. This is the time of the queen, and we need to fully immerse ourself in the mindset of the feminine, self-chosen, powerhouse woman. Together, we can do so much then they ever thought possible.
In Kelly Duran's book, Can't Take it Back, the relationships of 4 women (Holly, Avery, Zoe, and Sasha) in their mid 30s are explored, each of them facing different obstacles in their life concerning relationships. Listening to the book was like "dropping in" on a friend's Alexa. Their conversations were realistic, vulnerable and relatable. The friendships had highs and lows, but ultimately the relationship between the women was their strength in each instance. Each of them relied on themselves but leaned on each other for support through their challenges. Duran explores the what marriage, divorce, and motherhood truly mean, contrary to the boundaries and expectations set by our society. It's an important narrative that every woman needs to divulge in.
Likes:
Multiple POV chapters interwoven together effortlessly
The idea of going away for a girls weekend is forever established on my post covid to-do list. I don't know why I didn't think of it before.
I like that open relationships, porn, and other "frowned upon" topic are explored in an open-minded, curiosity driven way.
There's a lot of wine ;)
HUGE plot twist!!! I was seriously so shocked by Jake's storyline. And a specific incident within it. You'll know when you read it.
Dislikes:
the main sex scene was from a man's point of view not a woman. I also didn't particularly care to know the specifics of that scene due to the situation.
I wanted to know more about Sasha! I felt like her storyline was a little bit less than the other women and I adored her. Possible spinoff on her, right?
Favorite Scene:
Avery's night at the bar
Favorite Quote:
"...with a whimper instead of a bang"
Overall:
This book is something I've always wanted to read. It was begging to be written. And it was done beautifully. 5 stars. Buy it here!
Author Spotlight
Kelly Duran is a happily married mom of 2 girls, living in Vancouver. When she's not writing, you can find her reading or parenting at the park or a local trail somewhere. Her writing style is very sporadic, from the time she gets writing in to the method behind the madness (panther). She actually took a 2 week solo trip to Europe for the purpose of writing inspiration! How is that for passionate dedication to the craft? She is currently working on her 3rd book. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @bykellyduran.
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