Review of Releasing 10 (Boys of Tommen, #6) by Lizzie Hughie
If you know me, you’ll know that I have a soft spot for beautifully complex love stories—the kind that have the power to weave heartbreak and hope together in unexpected ways. Enter Releasing 10 by Lizzie Hughie, the highly anticipated sixth installment in the Boys of Tommen series. This book caught my attention like a moth to a flame, blending raw emotions and intense character dynamics that left me absolutely breathless. Honestly, I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to survive until the next book comes out! 😭
At its core, Releasing 10 dives deep into the emotional struggles of Liz and Hugh, two characters whose relationship is fraught with tension, unresolved pasts, and the undeniable pull of love. The dual points of view allow readers to intimately experience the fears and desires of both characters. Liz’s journey of self-discovery is particularly poignant, expressing the turmoil of battling inner demons while trying to connect with Hugh in a world where every moment feels like a fragile thread.
One thing that truly stands out in Hughie’s writing is her ability to create immersive settings that reflect the emotional landscape of her characters. The tension in the narrative is palpable, especially during their time in Dublin when Hughie artfully captures the chaos of emotions that come with unexpected circumstances: “Due to the unfortunate incident with Kavanagh back there, we’re going to be staying over in Dublin tonight. The school has managed to book us into a hotel at last minute, but it’s going to be a tight squeeze, lads.” This quote encapsulates the urgency of their situation while foreshadowing the deeper emotional entanglements that await them.
Hugh, with all his bravado, manages to be both a protector and a flawed individual, and his relationship with Liz invariably pushes him to confront his own vulnerabilities. One particularly memorable moment unfolds when Hugh reassures Liz, “You are not crazy. You are going to be okay.” This mixture of tenderness and steadfastness resonated deeply with me—not just because of the romantic element, but because of the realness of feeling lost and needing someone to ground you.
Additionally, the pacing of the narrative flows beautifully, capturing those heated moments and the quieter, introspective ones in equal measure. I found myself laughing, cringing, and crying in a matter of pages. Hughie’s skillful narrative techniques create a rhythm that hooks you until the very last word.
But perhaps the thing that struck me most was the exploration of trust and forgiveness. As Liz navigates her self-worth and struggles with her identity, the dialogue often reads like a raw conversation, making me question my own perspectives on love, fight, and healing. When Liz whispers, “Don’t trust me, Hugh. Don’t forgive me, either,” it threw open a door to endless possibilities of redemption for both characters.
For those who relish authentic emotional journeys wrapped in the guise of romance, I wholeheartedly recommend Releasing 10. It will resonate with you if you appreciate stories that explore complex themes, layered characters, and ultimately, the struggle to learn how to love ourselves and one another despite the scars we carry.
In the end, if you’re like me and find yourself yearning for more when the last page turns, don’t hold back. Grab a cup of tea, snuggle into a cozy nook, and let Hugh and Liz’s tumultuous journey sweep you off your feet. You won’t regret it!
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