Book Review: Dandelion is Dead by Rosie Storey (Spoilers)

Dandelion is Dead by Rosie Storey immediately brought to mind the Mexican proverb of “Lo que mal empieza, mal acaba”, which translates to “bad beginnings make bad endings”. But, was that really the case here?

Disclaimer; This post contains spoilers about the plot and ending. Proceed accordingly.

Dandelion is Dead is NOT a bad book – the story just wasn’t for me. I actually considered DNF-ing this book around the 20% mark because, for me, the cheating trope is already a recipe for disaster. Add in a generous helping of gaslighting disguised as “I did it to protect you,” and I was already emotionally exhausted.

Jake gave me the ick from the start. His inappropriate behavior toward women is repeatedly brushed off as misunderstandings or circumstances beyond his control, while he positions himself as the victim. At some point, accountability matters and Jake spends most of the novel avoiding it.

Sam felt equally manipulative, creating a dynamic where nearly every interaction felt emotionally unstable or transactional.

Poppy and her sister Dandelion aren’t any better. Dandelion treats relationships like emotional experiments, repeatedly engaging in toxic behavior masked as self-sacrifice, often justified with the familiar refrain: “I did this to protect you”.

I’m still trying to understand how sleeping with your sister’s boyfriend counts as protection. Make it make sense.

And then there’s Poppy, who repeatedly ignores glaring red flags and toxic patterns, allowing herself to remain trapped in situations that are clearly unhealthy. Her refusal to confront reality becomes just as frustrating as Dandelion’s manipulation.

And yet… I couldn’t look away.

Reading this felt like watching a slow-motion train wreck. I kept going not because I loved the characters, but because I was curious to see where this story was headed and needed to know how it would end.

The moment Jake asked to move in with his pregnant ex-wife, their young son, and her new boyfriend, perfectly illustrated how emotionally unaware and unstable he was at that stage of his life.

Zoey, a secondary character in Jake’s storyline, became the only person who consistently demonstrated emotional intelligence and boundaries. especially when he couldn’t even recognize his own drunken state.She delivers what may be the most honest line in the entire book:

“Jake, I really can’t stand all this victim shit. Jist do better… Stop trying to diagnose yourself with labels you can use for acting like a shit.”

No notes.

Jetta and her husband Stefan were also somewhat likeable, though not without their own flaws.

My biggest struggle with the ending was Poppy choosing Jake. After everything, it felt frustrating rather than romantic, but perhaps that discomfort is intentional.

Nana’s Listening Notes: The Audiobook Experience

The audiobook narration was enjoyable and easy to listen to. While it didn’t feature standout character voices or particularly memorable performances, it was solid and consistent throughout. Nothing flashy, just a reliable narration that allowed the story itself to take center stage.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a book full of lovable characters, but it is undeniably compulsively readable. Messy, uncomfortable, and emotionally chaotic, it explores self-delusion, accountability, and the stories people tell themselves to justify bad behavior.

I didn’t always enjoy the journey… but I couldn’t stop reading it.

Rating: 3.75

Where to buy;
Amazon | LibroFM | Bookshop.org