Review: Unf;nished

Unf;nished by J.R. Barten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emotional, angsty, intense and wonderful. The chemistry between Garrett and Dev comes off the pages. And yet, this story is about introspection, dealing with past mistakes and the need for honest communication between partners. Warning, there may be a trigger for a past suicide attempt mentioned.

Garrett is introverted and working to get past his ex, who because of his bipolar disorder is in jail. He decides on a semicolon tattoo for its meaning and so that he can always remember his past. He hasn’t been with anyone since his ex and he’s okay with being alone.

Dev is outgoing and fun loving. He’s at the same tattoo shop for a semicolon tattoo also. But his is for the struggle he’s gone through with his illness and coming out on the other side. He sees Garrett and wants to get to know the cute nerd sitting in his friend’s tattoo chair.

Their relationship has many ups and downs along the way. But it makes this a beautiful story as you watch them grow individually, then together, then apart, then back together again.

This story worked on so many levels. The writing is phenomenal, the author masterfully walked that fine line while telling the story of a character with mental health issues. It never overpowers the story or the characters. It is just a part of who the character is. And I love how real the characters seem when dealing with it. The lack of knowledge about it and learning more, the fear of relapses. Or not understanding what it truly means, that it doesn’t define who someone is, it is just a part of them. Or how Garrett not dealing with it lead to Pierre being his ex.

There is so much more I’d like to say about this book, and how good it is, but for once, the right words aren’t coming to me. Read it, it is that worth it.


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