Book Review: The Gravity of Us
When Opposites Ignite
When Love Finds You at Your Lowest
If emotionally charged, slow-burn romances are your jam, then The Gravity of Us by Brittainy C. Cherry needs to be front and center on your TBR stack. This one’s got it all—grief, healing, forbidden love, and characters you’ll want to hug (and sometimes yell at). It’s the kind of story that pulls you in with its quiet intensity and doesn’t let go.
At the heart of this emotional rollercoaster are two opposites: Lucille Palmer, a free-spirited force of light, and Graham Russell, a bestselling author who’s emotionally frozen and fiercely guarded. Their unlikely meeting? At Graham’s father’s funeral. Talk about an unexpected start to a love story.
Love Begins at a Funeral: When Opposites Do More Than Attract
Lucy is all heart—vibrant, expressive, and unafraid to feel deeply. Graham is her mirror opposite—withdrawn, hardened by past wounds, and convinced that shutting out emotions is the safest way to survive. The tension between them is undeniable from the jump, and Cherry lets it simmer deliciously.
Watching Lucy slowly crack Graham’s emotional armor is just chef’s kiss. Every glance, every awkward silence, every word left unsaid—it all builds toward something tender and real. You’ll root for them, even when it’s messy.
“Even when you think you’re making the right decision, there’s always another side to the story.”
Secrets, Scars, and the Power of Feeling
What makes The Gravity of Us so powerful isn’t just the romance—it’s the emotional weight behind it. This book is drenched in vulnerability. Both Lucy and Graham are nursing invisible wounds, and Brittainy C. Cherry doesn’t shy away from the raw, messy parts of healing.
One of the story’s most beautiful threads is how Lucy teaches Graham to feel again. There’s no grand epiphany moment—just small, honest conversations, quiet breakdowns, and the kind of slow transformation that feels earned. It’s heavy, but in the best, soul-stirring way.
Forbidden and Fierce: Love With Complications
Oh, and did we mention the twist? Graham is still married… to Lucy’s estranged sister. Yep. Cue the drama. But instead of leaning into the scandal, Cherry handles this subplot with surprising softness. It’s not about betrayal—it’s about timing, pain, and the complicated ways love shows up when we least expect it.
If you’re into emotionally layered reads like It Ends with Us or Archer’s Voice, this one fits the vibe. Big feelings, tough choices, and that slow-burn chemistry that makes you hold your breath.
More Than Just the Main Romance
We can’t forget the supporting cast—especially Ollie, who brings some much-needed levity and heart. The side characters add depth and warmth, making this more than just a love story between two people. It’s about family, forgiveness, and the courage to let people in.
The Ending? All the Feels
Without spoiling too much, let’s just say the ending delivers. Big time. Graham’s transformation is satisfying and emotional, and Lucy remains the glowing heart of the story. It’s the kind of finale that makes you clutch the book to your chest and sit in your feelings for a while.
Brittainy C. Cherry’s writing is lyrical and lovely—like poetry with teeth. Her words sink in and stay with you.
Final Thoughts
The Gravity of Us is a beautifully messy, heartachingly hopeful story about learning to love again when you thought your heart was done. It’s poetic, emotional, and oh-so-worth your time. If you love romances that make you cry a little and believe in healing a lot, don’t sleep on this one.
Add it to your TBR, cozy up with a blanket and some tea, and prepare for an emotional journey that’ll leave you thinking about Lucy and Graham long after the final page.
Recommended for fans of: emotional slow-burn romance, opposites attract stories, and novels that explore the complexities of family and healing.
🛍️ Looking for more emotional reads like this one? Check out our latest blog post on 2025’s Must-Read Romance Novels or browse our handpicked bookish merch at Pinky Kim’s Store.