☆☆☆☆☆Superb and cut you to the quick writing about some very serious topics. I read in one sitting and could not put it down! 

☆☆☆☆☆Life of Cyn gave me insight and empathy to victims of sexual abuse as well as alcoholics working to stay sober. The novel gave me new perspective on individuals battling with difficult situations. I more fully appreciate the pathos and everyday tribulations of individuals dealing with alcoholism or sexual abuse. Caitlin Avery, recounts the trials of a young mom, Cyn, as she battles the aftermath of a rape while in high school. You feel the pain of the woman that never seems to fully subside, and the angst of the alcoholism born from this difficult period. Caitlin made the characters come alive, especially the Cyn and her husband. I was rooting for both of them even when they made poor decisions.While it is an emotional read, it is also gripping. The short chapters and multiple perspectives made the book easy to read. I finished it in days--including several nights where I stayed up reading to see what would happen to Cyn. 

☆☆☆☆☆

I don't read much but this story hit home. I couldn't put it down because I was wondering what happened next. For anyone out there that doesn't read too much OR anyone that's gone through addiction or abuse, this is a must read. I wish there were more chapters, I could have read this book over and over. This is a brilliant author with a keen understanding of what sadness and hurt truly mean. Thank you for writing this! I look forward to your next one!

☆☆☆☆☆ 

I read this book in two days. I was immediately hooked and experienced a range of emotions throughout the story. This book made me think and feel intensely and I highly recommend it. Caitlin Avery takes the reader on a relatable, heartfelt journey and she reminds us that through the pain one can triumph, sometimes in unexpected ways. The writing is excellent and you won’t regret purchasing this book.

☆☆☆☆☆ 

I ordered this because I went to the same high school as the author - I've always wanted to finish a novel myself and I try to read anything that someone I knew manages to wrestle a novel into being, I am always so impressed just by the simple act of courage of getting a book DONE. I has a sense from the description that it would be a brave story about a woman who struggles with her addiction, with the continued repercussions of a sexual assault in high school - and it *is* this story. This is what I did *not* expect - it is also a very VERY take-no-prisoners sketch of this moment in history, of how many dimensions of rape culture are being surfaced and exposed. I kept inhaling with appreciation of how Avery anchored this very real, relatable woman's story in the context of a world where every day seems to bring another horrific relevation to the surface. When my children are older, I will have them read this book, and I'll make it a way to talk to them about sexual violence and power, about ways the world as changed and about how it still has NOT. This is bravely written, and a very good read. 

☆☆☆☆

This is a powerful story about overcoming the many layers of trauma that could destroy a person’s life. Cyn McKinley has put a sexual assault that happened in her teens mostly behind her until she comes face to face with her attacker. That’s bad enough. Then it turns out he’s the boss of her husband, who’s facing his own struggles with an explosive temper fueled by events in his childhood. They hit peaks and valleys together and separately as they try to navigate a minefield of unbearable pain and failing expectations. Will their marriage survive? Will Cyn learn to deal with her agonizing memories without the numbing help of alcohol? The turmoil of Caitlin Avery’s characters jumps off the pages and tugs at your heart as you will them to pull their lives back together.

☆☆☆☆☆

I follow this author on TikTok and have enjoyed hearing her story and learning about her journey on that platform. This novel Is a realistic story about many types of abuse and the damage and destruction caused . It's told with honesty, thoughtfulness and sometimes humor. It mirrored experiences I've had and was a bit triggering at times but it's told with care and sympathy.

☆☆☆☆☆ 

This is a great read, it’s devastating to watch Cyn’s life fall apart and see her make bad decision after bad decision, all stemming a scarring experience as a teen. The author gives you an inside look into trauma, addiction, and the choices you make to save yourself. Highly recommend!

☆☆☆☆☆

Caitlyn Avery is a powerful writer who was able to take you right into the depths of her struggles. This book hits home for me on many levels. Beautifully written. I just wish she hadn’t given her monster such a cool name!

☆☆☆☆☆ 

Such a moving novel. It brought up a lot for me, but that turned out to be a really good thing. Incredible story…gut wrenching, sad and ultimately powerful, and hopeful. Caitlin’s stories are REAL. She is such an amazing writer!

☆☆☆☆☆

I stayed up late over the course of 2 nights to finish Life of Cyn- it was that good! I connected so much with Cyn’s story and couldn’t stop reading to see how she navigated the situations life threw at her. I was so invested in her story and felt so many different emotions while reading. Such an amazing, powerful story.

☆☆☆☆☆

This is a powerful story of what happens when you’re done running. I think so many of us try to outrun what makes us uncomfortable. At some point our demons catch up with us. This is a story of one woman who is every woman and how she battles those demons.

☆☆☆☆☆ 

This is a must-read! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down!

☆☆☆☆☆ 

I finished this several days ago and have been putting off writing a review because I wanted it to really sink in and see what I thought with some space. I loved it. I read it in a few sittings and couldn’t stop turning the pages. There’s trauma, triggering events but nothing too tough to bear, humor (going out in the pink wig 😂), so many moments where Cyn made me mad and want to just say, stop it, what are you doing?!
And ugh this stuck with me, “cut her some slack,” Cyn said. “She’s sick.” “She’s drunk,” Melissa said. “There’s a difference.” No there isn’t.
And the names were quite clever. My favorite was Harry Grossman. All around a great book showing the strength and weakness of a women who has dealt with living a real life, survived its ups and downs, and is still standing at the end.

I finished this several days ago and have been putting off writing a review because I wanted it to really sink in and see what I thought with some space. I loved it. I read it in a few sittings and couldn’t stop turning the pages. There’s trauma, triggering events but nothing too tough to bear, humor (going out in the pink wig 😂), so many moments where Cyn made me mad and want to just say, stop it, what are you doing?!
And ugh this stuck with me, “cut her some slack,” Cyn said. “She’s sick.” “She’s drunk,” Melissa said. “There’s a difference.” No there isn’t.
And the names were quite clever. My favorite was Harry Grossman. All around a great book showing the strength and weakness of a women who has dealt with living a real life, survived its ups and downs, and is still standing at the end.

☆☆☆☆☆

Life of Cyn gave me insight and empathy to victims of sexual abuse as well as alcoholics working to stay sober. The novel gave me new perspective on individuals battling with difficult situations. I more fully appreciate the pathos and everyday tribulations of individuals dealing with alcoholism or sexual abuse. Caitlin Avery, recounts the trials of a young mom, Cyn, as she battles the aftermath of a rape while in high school. You feel the pain of the woman that never seems to fully subside, and the angst of the alcoholism born from this difficult period. Caitlin made the characters come alive, especially the Cyn and her husband. I was rooting for both of them even when they made poor decisions. While it is an emotional read, it is also gripping. The short chapters and multiple perspectives made the book easy to read. I finished it in days--including several nights where I stayed up reading to see what would happen to Cyn.Finally, set in my hometown of Boston, I enjoyed the many local references.I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, insightful read but especially to readers who are supporting victims of sexual abuse. There are many books about Me Too on the market but I think that this one gives a unique, empathetic and captivating perspective.

☆☆☆☆☆ 

This is one of those books that I couldn't put down, anxiously turned each page, and then wanted more. If there was a fast-forward button I would have used it...just to make sure everything was going to go okay for Cyn.If this was a movie, of which - it would be a good one, it's one that I would have my hands over my eyes and peeking out. The realistic points of alcoholism hit home as well. A wonderfully written book that I highly recommend.

☆☆☆☆☆

As a survivor myself, I completely relate to this incredibly well written story. The author takes you in and shows you what it’s like to suffer through an assault and not receive justice. I felt this story deeply. While triggering, reading this story is also cathartic because the author is speaking up. Thank you for this amazing book!

☆☆☆☆☆

This was such an emotional read. The author tackles heavy and complex topics with compassionate wisdom with dashes of brutal honesty. Before reading this book, I'm not sure I knew both could coexist within a single narrative. At least not at this level. Powerful insight into what it's like to live as a sexual assault survivor. I felt Cyn's pain so deeply, and wanted to hug her. But this isn't just a book about a woman navigating life after an attack, and processing her trauma. Avery takes us deeper, showing us the difficult, and the ugly. So often with books tackling the troubling nature of alcoholic parents, we have a limited point of view. "Life of Cyn" showed multiple points of view, though only through two characters. We saw these characters (the alcoholic, and their partner) at their best, and their worst. This book will stick with me for a long time. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy. 

While I was reading this book I realized that the author was illustrating the lives of so many of us/women who struggle. I felt like I was walking in her shoes, cried when she cried, felt frustrated, scared all the feelings….in a very prominent way this book helped me see the light. Cyn was a light. I more than recommend this book to couples and to women on the whole. Thank you thank you Caitlin Avery—cannot wait to see what is next.

☆☆☆☆☆

I received this book as an ARC. This book is not my normal kind of read, but it has become one of my favorite of this year. Cyn was a very troubled women trying to move on after a rough few years. When confronted with someone for her past, she goes deep into a dark time. Over the next few years, she experiences some high highs and low lows. After the events of the #MeToo moment, I feel like Cyn shows the very real life effects than can plague a person even over 20 years later. 

☆☆☆☆

This book is so relatable, sexual assault effects 3 out 5 women, as women we blame ourselves. Why do we do that, men never blame themselves?? Why do we think that maybe it was our fault? We shouldn't have drunk that much or wore that outfit that made us feel beautiful till it didn't. I was sexually assaulted when I was in high school party, I had passed out in a bedroom and boy assaulted me. A lot of it is blur, comes in pieces, the pain will always be a part of me. I have learned to move through the pain, because what happen does not define me.I also turned to drinking like Cyn to cope, because alone with thoughts and anxiety was worse sober. With lots of therapy and support from family and friends I learned to move through the pain. This book needs to be added to every book club, women need to talk because we are stronger in numbers.Cyn was sexually assaulted with she was in high school; the worst part is the man who assaulted her is her husband's new boss. Everything she thought she put behind her comes rushing to the surface, anxiety, stress and loss of control of who she wants to be. She starts to drink again which starts this spiral. This time with her young son in danger and her husband threats to leave her. To save her marriage and her son she quits drinking, with a clear conscience she now needs justice for what happened to her.This book gives complexity that is life, marriage, family and the power to forgive.Thank you to NetGalley and Pond Press for copy of this book for my honest review. 

☆☆☆☆☆

“Every one of us got a hand in the beginning.”Cyn is trying to get her life back on track. Between recent changes and her drinking, things have been hard. And she is starting to feel isolated and worthless. When a series of bad decisions leads to her husband giving her an ultimatum, Cyn knows she has to make some changes. But can she outrun the shadows from her past before it’s too late?Wow. This book is heavy. It’s complex, vulnerable, sad, and at times infuriating. But it’s also beautiful. It is filled with hope, forgiveness, second chances, and recovery. I spent a lot of this book so angry at Cyn. She went through something horrific at 17, and it altered her. And alcohol became her coping mechanism. And she chose the bottle over and over again. She risked her life, marriage, career, and her son's life. The balance is Nick was also struggling. And not just with his wife and her addiction. He had his demons to battle, his webs to clear. I found the telling of their stories powerful. Mary was an incredible character. She spoke with compassion, empathy, and knowledge. She was a remarkable character. One of the most realistic portions of this book is the way Cyn’s addiction had a handle on her. That was so realistic. So heartbreaking. And, at times, so infuriating. But the path to redemption is rarely easy.When Cyn decided to take her power back and call her attacker out, she never expected the domino effect it would cause. She had no idea that this monster had brutalized so many other women. And for most of the book, her anger and fear motivated her. And kept her going back to the comfort of alcohol. But as Cyn starts to realize that the man that took so much from her is just a man, a broken, disgusting disgrace of a man- she realizes he is not worth the life she has to live. When Mary takes Cyn to a meeting, and she finds nothing but support- I lost it. This was a decisive moment. The realistic way addiction is portrayed is scary. It was honest, and it was profound. Cyn and Nick could be any of us. They are some of us. And this book does a phenomenal job of reminding us to be willing to forgive, understand, and practice patience. I asked Caitlin to join her review team after seeing a video she shared about making attackers afraid. About saying their name and refusing to be silent. This book isn’t at all what I expected. It was so much more. This was an incredible journey, and no amount of words will do this book justice. All I can say is read it.

☆☆☆☆☆

ARC provided by the author.I want to apologize to the author for taking so long to read this book. I received the ARC in November but as soon as I read that James wore Drakkar I had to stop. It triggered a memory from when I was 14, the year of my first assault, so I had to put the book away. Once I worked through that memory I was able to pick the book back up again.I identified with Cyn and her struggles with self medicating. I'm glad she had Nick in her life. People like James never change and eventually get what they deserve. The ending was fulfilling and needed after the roller coaster ride we were a part of.This book could be triggering to some folks, like it did me, even when I thought I had worked through it already. Cyn is a woman in a spiral trying to get her life together. Join Cyn on her journey of self discovery and empowerment.

☆☆☆☆☆

I had a hard time putting this book down. The long-term effects of sexual assault and the resulting trauma are heartbreakingly yet brilliantly expressed in this novel. The domino effect into addiction, the difficulties of intimacy and trust that can last for decades. Cyn is such a relatable character, one I both rooted for and got annoyed with, and then rooted for and got annoyed with all over again. It was these flip-flopping changes in my feelings for her that made me realize how well the author has portrayed the long term emotional effects of SA and addictions, none of which are easily or magically overcome. We can see the work, struggle, and the sometimes completely irrational behavior that is the roller coaster ride of recovery. We can see the toll it takes on family, especially as they deal with their own demons. Their wish to support often conflicts with their need to protect themselves and their loves ones, futher emphasizing the ripple effect of SA traumas This is the first book I've read by Caitlin Avery, but I doubt it will be the last. Very well done.

☆☆☆☆☆

Life of Cyn is an incredibly moving story about healing in every sense. The main character, Cyn, was raped, and this is about her life as a rape survivor and her spiral into alcoholism. It was heartbreaking to read about how she "ran into" her rapist again after many years and the resulting trauma it continued to cause. It brought sadness to my heart in so many ways. She felt her husband needed the job so badly that she had to put up with him, her rapist. The result was alcoholism, the destruction of her marriage, and suicidal ideation. This was a hard topic, but it was beautifully written, and though I cried at times, the ending was satisfying. 

☆☆☆☆☆

I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of this deeply moving novel. The story follows a woman on the brink of self-destruction as she navigates life after a sexual assault that occurred years prior. Her life is thrown into a tailspin when she discovers that her attacker is now her husband’s new boss who she outs on social media. This thought provoking novel covers one woman’s story of her triumph over the trauma that dimmed her light for so long. It’s a must-read!